Spring 2016 Events in the New River Gorge
The New River Gorge is known for its breathtaking beauty, variety of outdoor activities, and of course, whitewater rafting. However, no weekend getaway to West Virginia would be complete without exploring some of the other activities and events that the region has to offer. Spring 2016 is no different from years past – the weather will still start to turn beautiful, and there will still be a variety of local and regional events – so you can be sure that whatever weekend that you visit the gorge will have something fun to do once it’s time for a little break from the whitewater.
Keep reading to see some of our suggested events to attend in the NRG in Spring 2016!
If theatre is your thing, the historic Fayette Theatre will be hosting a number of different plays throughout the spring. Many popular favorites will be returning, including adaptions of Cinderella and The Secret Garden. If you’re looking for a way to unwind after an exhilarating day on the water, this is a fantastic way to do so, while also supporting local theatre efforts. And hey, who does’t enjoy resting those tired rafting muscles while simultaneously being entertained? 😉
An annual event, the White Oak Rail Trail Expo is a local and regional favorite. On June 4th, over 180 food and craft vendors will line up along the length of the White Oak Rail Trail with a variety of different cuisines and products. This event is a great option for group trips because of the almost endless options of things to see and taste. Another great advantage of this event? Not only will you be able to go home with memories of your weekend on the water, you can also get something cool to bring back to remind you of the trip!
One of the best things about springtime is the variety of fresh and local produce available. West Virginia and the surrounding region are home to many different fruits and vegetables packed full of nutrition and taste. Local to the New River Gorge, you’ll find the Fayetteville Farmers Market and the Oak Hill Farmer’s Market. And guess what you can do once you’ve got all this delicious produce? You can grill it over an open flame, for a truly authentic and rich taste and experience.
In June, the annual Hometown Mountain Heritage Festival lands in Ansted, West Virginia. This event features tons of family friend favorites including a parade, car show, a variety of food and craft vendors, and more! If you’re looking for a taste of West Virginia tradition, don’t miss the coal shoveling contest or horseshoe tournament! The Hometown Mountain Heritage Festival is definitely a local favorite, and sure to become a favorite event for those who attend.
And we may be biased, but one of the definite best events of the springtime is the white water rafting season! The New River Gorge is gorge-ous (get it?) all spring and summer – making it one of the best rafting destination in the US with a variety of different rafting options, ranging from beginner to advanced. The New and Gauley Rivers are some of the best, so pack up some friends and family and get away for a long weekend.
Of course, there are tons of other local and regional events spread throughout West Virginia. For a more comprehensive list, the tourism board has created a comprehensive calendar – with events listed for practically every weekend in 2016, plus many weekday events too!
Do you have another favorite WV event that you think people should know about? Leave it in a comment below! Oh and don’t forget to sneak a weekend of whitewater rafting in there too 😉
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