Event Planning
What’s New in
West Virginia
written by olivia miller
exploring the state’s
latest attractions
Photo by Leah Vance
Photography.
Photo by Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
Appalachian Outpost
West Virginia entrepreneurs Ronnie and Diana Barnette
are giving new life to an abandoned strip mall in the heart
of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in order to meet the
lodging and dining needs of trail enthusiasts. The former
Rita Mall, located in Logan County, WV, is now home to
the Appalachian Outpost, which will serve as a one-stop
shop for those wishing to explore the backcountry of West
Virginia by ATV.
T
he Mountain State has a wealth of history, scenic
beauty and outdoor adventures to explore, and in
2020, there’s even more available to experience.
From new accommodations on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail
System, which will make ATV adventures a weekend
getaway, and the opening of Snowshoe Highlands, one
of only 40 International Mountain Bicycling Association
(IMBA) ride centers in the world, to Charleston Coliseum &
Convention Center’s $100 million renovation and expansion,
the Aquatic Center at Mylan Park’s construction and
Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour, Adventure Lake and Splash
Park’s grand opening, this year promises new adventures
for all ages in West Virginia.
Upon completion, the outpost will feature 35 fully furnished
cabins, retail space, restaurants, a gas station, convenience
store, car wash and laundromat. The idea behind the project
is to provide a full-service destination where guests can
relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Twenty-five cabins are already under roof, and 10 additional
cabins will be completed within the next year. The three-
bedroom cabins will be equipped to sleep up to eight
people. Due to its convenient location along the Hatfield-
McCoy Trail System, ATV enthusiasts will be able to unhook
their vehicles at the outpost and have direct access to the
700 miles of trails.
www.wve xe c uti v e.com
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