These nine stops on West Virginia’s Mountain Music Trail feature traditional music, art and delicious cuisine
West Virginia’s Mountain Music Trail is decorated with the culture, art and community of the Appalachian Mountains. Appalachian music is known throughout the world as a unique form of American music and is often referred to as “old-time music.” With its style and influence on music and the arts, the trail has become a popular trip destination. Here are nine stops where your group can enjoy the trail and its many offerings.
The Allegheny Mountain Radio Station is a network of three community stations which are public and non-commercial.
They are a volunteer-based operation (along with a small paid staff) that provides incredible music and content through its various hosts and programs.
Allegheny Mountain Radio exists to provide reports of local and state events, provide a forum to all residents of the area to discuss public issues, provide music and entertainment and train local residents to use the medium of radio to express their thoughts, feelings and talents. While traveling through Pocahontas County, don’t forget to find your local station and tune in. (alleghenymountainradio.org)
With the financial donations and generosity of steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg was built in 1902. Carnegie Hall is one of four locations with the Carnegie name and it serves as a hall of education and entertainment. Carnegie Hall is host to a series of classrooms and workspaces for its community members and features an auditorium fit for performances and musical events. (carnegiehallwv.org)
Groups will love the live theater and dining entertainment experience of the Gandy Dance Theatre in Elkins. With a Branson, Missouri style of entertainment guests can expect comedy, theatrical performances and music they’ll be singing all the way home. Guests can plan their trip around whichever show they wish to attend, and tickets are available through Gandy Dance Theatre’s website. (gandydancertheatre.com/wp)
Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg
The Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, in Maxwelton, is open for taproom visits Thursdays through Saturdays for guests wishing to taste or purchase a brew from one of its craft beer selections.
The Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company is also sponsor to a long list of events encompassing music, adventure and its craft brews. One of the events that guests should look for is the annual Mountain Music Festival, which features a multitude of bands, fabulous tastes and is a treat every traveler should attend. (gvbc.beer)
With its assortment of neutral woods decorating the walls, tables lined with chairs and high-beamed ceilings, Hill and Holler Pizza Restaurant in Lewisburg is waiting with a warm welcome for every traveler and pizza lover. Live performances are sure to excite all music lovers while this comfortable and homey atmosphere provides the perfect ambiance for dancing and laughter. (hillandhollerpizza.com/events)
Mountain Stage with Larry Groce offers visitors live musical performances that are recorded for its radio show presence in several cities and on one of 243 stations throughout the United States. Watch live performances from bands and artists throughout the year and be sure to check the website to see which radio station plays the Mountain Stage performances while you’re traveling through West Virginia. Many, but not all, of the shows are at the Culture Center Theater, on the grounds of the West Virginia State Capitol complex, located in Charleston. (mountainstage.org/Pages/default.aspx)
Built in 1910 and opened for performances and community involvement in 1999, the historic and elaborately structured interior of the Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton is a must-see on the Mountain Music Trail.
Drawing audiences in through its music and vaudeville architectural influence, the opera house exemplifies its importance within the county through its place on the National Register of Historic Places. With a variety of musical genres and performers, there will be a concert everyone will love. (pocahontasoperahouse.org/about)
The Purple Fiddle in Thomas was constructed to be a family-friendly, music-filled atmosphere. The Purple Fiddle provides a deli-style dining experience with a selection of over 50 beers to choose from, dietary-friendly selections and scheduled performances from musicians and artists. With a wide variety of music genres, the Purple Fiddle is a welcoming beacon to all travelers with something for guests of all tastes and interests. (purplefiddle.com)
Standing as a charming old-country photograph, the Pretty Penny Café, an authentic general store turned restaurant and event venue, serves locals and travelers alike. With bands and events stocking its calendar, the Pretty Penny Café features authentic white tin ceilings, shelves lining every wall with wood carved ladders and homey country-style wooden tables and chairs. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming to all who wish to have a meal and some fun.
By MiKayla Hahnfeld
