WVL Fall 2021

WVL Fall 2021

ABCs of Apple Butter

Wild, Warped West Virginia

Majestic Peaks

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ROCK THE STATE WHO WOMEN 50 +

VOLUME 14 ◆ ISSUE 3

Fall 2021 features

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Wild,WarpedWestVirginia Strange and stupendous stories with staying power.

WestVirginiaWonderWomen Meet 50 women from around the state who are making our communities better.

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discover 14 Events Enjoy the Mountain State with this regional calendar of events. 16 Five Things These five towns know how to do fall in West Virginia the right way. 17 Town This Northern Panhandle community has plenty to offer visitors any time of the year. 18 Sound Celebrate the most colorful season in the Mountain State with live music this fall. 20 History The Bott family made history as the first family to cross the New River Gorge Bridge. 21 Tasty Check out these six restaurants that are plating up out-of-this-world global cuisine. 23 Artist This West Virginia musician is taking some rockin’ photos of space. 25 Something New West Virginia’s community foundations have blossomed over the past 20 years. 27 Shop Emerald Tree Boutique in Davis fosters connections while offering unique items that give back. 28 Shop Online retailer Loving WV is finding fans well beyond the state’s borders. 29 Innovation Manufacturing maven Mary Anne Ketelsen brings new tech and good jobs to the state.

46 Vittles Grab something tasty for your furry friend from one of these purveyors of homemade dog treats. 47 This Fall’s favorite butter has become the stuff traditions are made of. live 54 Outdoors Explore the geological backbone of the Mountain State, starting with a few of her most famous rocky outcroppings. 56 Away The Corduroy Inn and Lodge in Snowshoe expands opportunities for a comfortable stay on the mountain. 58 Out Loud Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-chair Gayle Manchin has a lot to say, and very important people are listening. 62 Local Check out the one and only Briergarten on your next trip to Lewisburg.

30 Lessons How businesswoman and entrepreneur Cheri Satterfield remains resilient. 32 Country Roads Hit the state’s country roads during the spookiest time of the year for one of these frightening adventures. 34 Mentors Ellen Cappellanti places a high priority on raising others up. 36 Living Loves Treats are in order, and WV Living spotted some exceptional ones for this issue. 38 Reads A new memoir on discrimination, ethics, and empathy in the world of journalism. taste 40 Maker How Rock City Cake Company is changing what it means to be a bakery. 42 Libations Bridgeport’s Koin Coffee Roasters specializes in roasted beans full of unique flavors. 44 Restaurant The Urbanics are happy to be back on the farm, cooking the things they love to cook for the people who love to eat them.

ON THE COVER Morgan Morrison may make great cakes at Rock City Cake Co. but she’s also a refreshing reminder to all of us to love the skin you’re in. Check out her #bodypositivity photo shoots on social media. Photo by Carla Witt Ford

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editor’s letter W hy is it so hard to be a woman? I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like there’s a party going on in my head— and the real, authentic me wasn’t invited. Who are all these other voices taking up residence in my brain? There’s the cowering child in the corner who feels she’s not good enough or smart enough. The drill sergeant telling me if I rest, I’m lazy. The mean beauty queen snickering every time I eat mashed potatoes, who whispers, “This is why you are chunky.” And then there are the imagined voices of those I know. Surely, you do this, too? Made-up conversations of people judging you. You can hear them as if they are standing beside you. “Did you see what she is wearing?” “What kind of mom does that?” “Doesn’t she look like she’s put on weight?” “Who does she think she is?” And all of that before 9 a.m. Why do we do this? Do men? (Insert long sigh.) We think we aren’t pretty enough, thin enough, smart enough, or just simply enough. We doubt ourselves. We compare ourselves to others, when, in fact, we are incomparable. Sometimes we even see other women who we think have it all together, and we roll our eyes, secretly wanting them to fail—maybe just a little—so they can join us in the insecure club. And yet, we get up every day and build businesses that make the state a better place. We run organizations that change lives. We color our communities with creativity. We fight frightening foes. We make a million decisions that send ripples through the universe. We do the best we can with what we have and where we are. We are wonder women—wonderful just as we are. And more than ever, we need to be wonderful to each other and to ourselves. “I know my worth. I embrace my power. I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story. I will.” AMY SCHUMER I look forward to our annual West Virginia Wonder Woman issue every year because it is a much-needed dose of inspiration. As I enjoyed some of these stories, tears pooled in my eyes. Mackenzie New Walker’s quote 8 wvliving.com • fall 2021

I’m so blessed to get the opportunity to be surrounded by sensational women. Carla Witt Ford, our art director and photographer extraordinaire, and I have covered a lot of territory together. After a full day of photo shoots, we ended the evening

in Chloe with the incomparable Urbanics, who created and, until recently, owned Cafe Cimino. Tim and Melody are two of West Virginia’s finest treasures and a wonderful love story. Make sure you read about their new (ad)venture on page 44.

about carrying on her family’s legacy while changing perceptions choked me up. This young lady is going to move mountains. Or Romelia Hodges’ determination to be an agent of change for her community. Or Sharon Anderson’s ascent from receptionist to bank CEO. I wish we could give more space for each of their stories, because I know we are barely scratching the surface. I’m so proud of this year’s class, and I’m looking forward to celebrating them at our annual Wonder Women Luncheon on September 28 at Holiday Inn and Suites in South Charleston. I hope you will join us by registering at wvliving.com/wwevent . We are also introducing something new. We’ve created a handful of additional awards to honor a few women who continue to light a path, make a difference, and inspire us. Women like Morgan Morrison, who co-owns Rock City Cake Company and appears on this issue’s cover. Morgan’s energy and sense of humor are contagious. She embraces her power. If you’ve not visited Rock City in Charleston, then as soon as you are finished reading this magazine, do so. Just go hungry (and leave the low-carb diet at home). I remember the first time I met her in Logan, about eight years ago. I was so impressed that this little southern town had two amazing bakeries, plus a killer coffee shop, Hot Cup. Since then, she’s made the move to Charleston, and look at her—she’s a freakin’

rock star! But what I love most about Morgan is that, on the surface, one would think she’s got all the confident juju that one would ever need, but there’s a vulnerable and wide-eyed soft side to her that I adore. When we showed up to photograph her for the cover, she walked into the bakery sporting a septum piercing. She stopped the photo shoot and urgently pulled the ring out of her nose. “I can’t have that in my nose! My grandmother doesn’t know I got another piercing!” I think we all can put on an armor of confidence and have an air about us that makes people think we’ve got it all figured out, but then on the inside be that insecure little girl stepping out on a stage fearing judgment from a harsh audience. And that’s why each year we honor 50 of you as West Virginia Wonder Women. We and your fellow Wonder Women want you to know, we see you. We embrace you. You are beautiful. You are strong. And your story matters. Let’s be wonderful to each other,

NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS, Editor

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letters to the editor

Blooming Gorgeous Beautiful story (“Coming up Roses,” Summer 2021) . Creative and inspiring. Leave it to a West Virginian—and I’m one originally! You are super, Mr. Foley. deanna maria pierpont-botts , Oviedo, Florida , via Facebook

Pleasing Petersburg Our online June 20 21 Wild & Wonderful Getaway Giveaway to the Potomac Highlands sponsored by Explore Petersburg and related posts inspired comment: My dad’s family was from that area, and I must say that some of my earliest memories of fishing were from the Petersburg, West Virginia, area. I still remember the state fish hatchery that was there over 60 years ago. We stayed in cabins that were called the Nelson’s Cabins and toured the entire area, i.e. Smoke Hole Caverns, Seneca Rocks, Capon Bridge (where he grew up), Blackwater Falls, and other amazing places. Would like to go back there someday now that I am retired. jas lewis, via Instagram Poor Dave’s would like to personally thank you for recognizing our establishment in WV Living magazine’s post. We sincerely appreciate your support, and we are very grateful to the community for your continued business! THANK YOU! poor dave’s restaurant, via Facebook

Let's CHAT

A Delightful Discovery (“The Corner Shop,” Summer 2021)

Came upon this interesting little town. Spent some time walking on a self-guided tour and had lunch here at The Corner Shop. Was a highlight of our vacation! jebra dean, via Instagram Best food and ice cream. Always have to stop when visiting! amy ostrowski, Buffalo, New York, via Facebook We were just there this past weekend! Lovely restaurant, town and people! rae ann gibson vandyke, via Facebook

Let us hear from you. We want to know what you think about the magazine, and we’d love to hear your suggestions. Email: [email protected] Call: 304.413.0104 Mail: 1135 Main Street, P.O. Box 279 Granville WV 26534 Take WV Living with you:

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letters to the editor

“ WV Living magazine was just what my soul needed.” debbie minor wilson via Facebook

Kudos to Us Our May 11 post about our New South Square ribbon cutting in Granville drew congratulations: Awesome! We love the Turn This Town Around approach! So much opportunity in Granville! Keep up the great work! citizens bank of morgantown , via Facebook And we got some love for our May 31 Women’s History Month post about the women at New South Media: You all do an amazing job! Thank you for all of your hard work! You make West Virginia proud!!!!! linda graham , via Instagram

Twin Hollow Campground and Hatfield-McCoy Trails Fanfare (“Blazing a Trail,” Summer 2021) The Ellises are phenomenal people. We look forward to a trip there every year. rob tefft via Facebook Wayne, Donna, Cameron, and Karie are some of the best people I’ve ever met! They won’t let ya down! angie maher tefft via Facebook Enormous economic impact. I’ve lived in southern West Virginia my whole life, and I haven’t seen nothing compared to the effect from these trails. timothy estep, Iaeger, via Facebook

Love for Lot 12 PublicHouse (“Doing What Comes Naturally,” Summer 2021) Great experience every time! honey hives dehaven , Surfside Beach, South Carolina, via Facebook

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VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3

PUBLISHED BY

NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS The Goddess [email protected] CARLA WITT FORD Queen of Everything [email protected] PAM KASEY The Oracle [email protected] HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON Countess of Clever [email protected] HAYLEY RICHARD The Quiet Creator [email protected] MEGGAN HOYMAN Maven of Marketing [email protected] BUDDY BUTLER Geriatric Guru [email protected] DEVIN LACY & GRACE CAMPBELL Savvy Sidekicks [email protected] STORYTELLERS

PRINCESSES OF PICTURES Carla Witt Ford and Nikki Bowman Mills BRYSON TAYLOR The Peddler of Print [email protected] KELLEY WOOD The Hustler [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscription rate is $20 for 4 issues. Subscribe at wvliving.com or call 304.413.0104. BACK ISSUES Back issues may be purchased online at wvliving.com or by calling 304.413.0104. EDITORIAL INQUIRIES Unsolicited manuscripts are not accepted. Please send queries by email to [email protected] . ADVERTISING WV Living offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach West Virginia’s upscale consumers. Information about advertising is available on the web at wvliving.com . Call 304.413.0104 to request a printed media kit.

Rachelle Leigh Beckner, Aldona Bird, Stephen Keith, Devin Lacy, Amanda Larch, Taylor Maple, Maralisa Marra, Jordyn Truax, Marly Ynigues

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

The mission of New South Media is to change perceptions of West Virginia—not just outside the borders but, more importantly, how West Virginians look at themselves—by telling positive stories about the people and places that make West Virginia a great place to live. Our goal is to be the region ’s premier storytelling and content development company creating products that serve as an economic engine for Appalachia. We are driven by collaboration, creativity, and courage. We are possibilitarians who see possibilities where others do not. We value responsible, accurate, and inspiring storytelling delivered in high-quality products that showcase great design and photography. We make a difference, one story at a time.

wvliving.com New South Media, Inc. | newsouthmedia.com 1135 Main Street, P.O. Box 279, Granville WV 26534 304.413.0104

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WV Living is published by New South Media, Inc. Frequency: Quarterly. Copyright: New South Media, Inc. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher. © 2021 New South Media, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Discover WEST VIRGINIA IS A PLACE OF BOUNDLESS DISCOVERY. HERE’S YOUR GUIDE.

Everything is Better in the Fall It’s the most colorful time of year in the Mountain State. Spend it exploring quaint communities, experiencing the thrill of local haunts, or learning about the people working to make it even more wild and wonderful.

PICTURED: TRANS-ALLEGHENY LUNATIC ASYLUM , WESTON , PAGE 32.

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your region

EVENTS W STATEWIDE Regional Calendar

Enjoy the Mountain State with this regional calendar of events.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

BERKELEY SPRINGS Apple Butter Festival OCTOBER 9-10

The Apple Butter Festival has taken place in Berkeley Springs every year since 1974. Head to the Eastern Panhandle for this year ’ s local foods, crafts, entertainment, contests, and plenty of apple butter. MARTINSBURG Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival OCTOBER 15-17 The first carnival to celebrate the apple harvest in Martinsburg took place back in 1896. The community has been celebrating apples in some way each year since, including with the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival since 1979. Check out this historic festival this fall. HATFIELD—McCOY MOUNTAINS

about foraging for and cooking with wild foods, hear from experts, and enjoy the wild foods banquet on Saturday night. MINERAL WELLS RaceFest Fall Classic OCTOBER 8-9 Floor it all the way to the West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells—the fastest dirt race track in the world—for the fall finale of the Mountain State racing scene. Find the schedule of events online, and be sure to buy tickets in advance. MOUNTAIN LAKES

METRO VALLEY

CLENDENIN Chili’N on the Elk—Chili Cook-off & Beer/Wine Festival OCTOBER 2

Plan for the whole family to head down to Clendenin 3–8 p.m. for the community’s inaugural Chili’N on the Elk, featuring a chili cook-off along with booths by local breweries and wineries. All proceeds from the event will benefit the area’s rail-trail program along the Elk River. CHARLESTON West Virginia Book Festival OCTOBER 22 Enjoy free admission to the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center for the West Virginia Book Festival, featuring a slate of 18 contemporary authors—12 of whom reside in the Mountain State. The schedule includes writing workshops, presentations, a festival marketplace, and even an on-site used book sale. MID-OHIO VALLEY

RICHWOOD Mountain Color Fine Art Festival OCTOBER 3-9

GILBERT National TrailFest OCTOBER 7-11

Enjoy fine art during the Mountain Color Fine Art Festival in Richwood. Fine art, live music, poetry, book readings, booksellers, and a sidewalk art competition are just a few features of this creative event. WESTON The 14th Annual Fall Festival OCTOBER 2 Venture to the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum for this annual festival offering food, crafts, costume contests, and more. The event includes plenty of spooky activities, too, from flashlight tours to paranormal investigations and even a haunted house.

Join other riders for the premier off-road event in the state. You ’ll enjoy exploring some of the best ATV trails in the country and plenty of festival fun in the small town of Gilbert. WILLIAMSON Williamson Spookfest OCTOBER 30 Head to Mingo County for the spookiest event of the year. This annual Halloween festival includes vendors, haunted walks, a spirited costume contest, candy, entertainment, and more.

CAIRO Nature Wonder Weekend at North Bend State Park SEPTEMBER 21-23

Head to North Bend State Park for the longest- running wild food event in the U.S. Learn more

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LEWISBURG Taste of Our Towns OCTOBER 9

Thousands of residents and visitors will gather on the streets of historic Lewisburg for this year ’s 36th annual TOOT festival to sample delicious food from local eateries, civic clubs, and volunteer organizations. NORTHERN PANHANDLE

WHEELING 88th Annual Wheeling Jamboree SEPTEMBER 25

Head to Wheeling for live music during the 88th annual Wheeling Jamboree—the second oldest live radio broadcast in the country. This year ’s show starts at 7 p.m. and will feature performances by Steve Wariner, The Larry Stephenson Band, Andrea Call, and Tim Norman. WHEELING Christmas in November Craft Show NOVEMBER 19–21 More than 175 vendors will be on hand at the Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling for this popular annual craft show held the weekend before Thanksgiving. Plan a visit and get a jump on your Christmas shopping with unique and handmade finds. POTOMAC HIGHLANDS

MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY

FAIRMONT Pricketts Fort State Park Christmas in October OCTOBER 8-10

Head down to this historic state park for a unique holiday shopping experience at the Fort ’s Visitor’s Center. Talented artisans and makers will showcase their work, with demonstrations through the weekend. MORGANTOWN Hops on the Mon Craft Beer and Food Festival OCTOBER 16 Sample beer from all over the world this fall at the 4th annual Hops on the Mon in downtown Morgantown. The event includes live music, delicious food and drink, and friendly competitions like the “Super Slider Shootout.” NEW RIVER/GREENBRIER VALLEY

DAVIS Leaf Peeper’s Festival SEPTEMBER 24–26

Head to the tiny town of Davis for the return of this year ’s Leaf Peeper’s Festival during the last weekend of September. Enjoy music, crafts, and a slate of events scheduled to honor the season in one of the state’s best fall mountain towns.

BURLINGTON 48th Annual Burlington Apple Harvest Festival OCTOBER 1–3

THURMOND Thurmond Ghost Hunt SEPTEMBER 25

Travel to Burlington for this annual affair celebrating the apple harvest, organized by the Apple Harvest Auxiliary. The three-day festival features food competitions, car shows, live music, arts and crafts, and an all-day flea market on Sunday.

Head to ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill for a night of paranormal fun during the Thurmond Ghost Hunt. Spend several hours exploring the remains of the old railroad town with investigators and experience the serious ghostly activity. Limited tickets available.

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Falling for the View These five towns know how to do fall in West Virginia the right way. FIVE THINGS fall in west virginia is an event in itself. From the stellar views to the sense of camaraderie that we feel at the festivals, our state was made for this time of year. written by devin lacy Cass What better way to take in the fall foliage than a trek through the mountains? Journey out on the Allegheny Trail for some of the best scenery the state has to offer. Not a fan of hiking? Jump on one of Cass’s trains for a relaxing and colorful ride through Bald Knob. Davis As home to some of the most photographed locations in the state, Blackwater Falls State Park is the perfect addition to that fall theme you have going on your Instagram feed. Then, celebrate the gorgeous change of season in the mountains of Tucker County, home of the annual Leaf Peeper’s Festival, September 24–26. Elkins The Mountain State Forest Festival is one of the largest festivals in West Virginia, and October 2–10, you can experience this spectacular celebration of a West Virginia fall. Make the most of your trip by visiting the Monongahela National Forest to experience the season through hiking, biking, or Enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the New River Gorge while watching people throw themselves off the bridge—with parachutes, of course. October 16 is Bridge Day this year and promises to deliver a day full of daring feats of fun, along with a few tamer activities for those not so inclined to enjoy the wildest aspects of West Virginia. Ceredo and Kenova The Pumpkin House has become a fall staple for West Virginia and, with more than 3,000 carved and glowing pumpkins each October, it’s not a mystery why. October 29–30 will be filled with fall festivities and treats as the communities of Ceredo and Kenova come together to celebrate the changing of the season. horseback riding. Fayetteville

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TOWN W WE IRTON

Waiting for You in Weirton This Northern Panhandle community has plenty to offer visitors any time of the year.

headnorthtothemountain state’s northernpanhandle foraday, or a weekend, inWeirton. It’s a town of superlatives, as one of just three places in the U.S. that lie completely in one state while bordering two others—Ohio and Pennsylvania—and one of seven inWest Virginia to straddle two counties: Brooke and Hancock. While there, the place might seem a bit familiar. Perhaps you’ve seen it before on the big screen in Robert DeNiro’s The Deer Hunter or the 2011 J.J. Abrams film Super 8 . Or maybe it’s entirely new to you—in which case, welcome to Weirton. It’s the perfect place to slow down and stroll Main Street or explore the surrounding area without fear of getting lost. There are quaint shops and local eateries to explore and outdoor opportunities aplenty along the banks of the Ohio River. This weekend would be the perfect time to find out what’s waiting for you inWeirton. written by holly leleux-thubron

play Learn all about the area at the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center . Visit Summit Art Gallery to see the latest exhibit of local artwork, then knock over some pins at Steel Valley Bowling Center or Holiday Lanes . Schedule a round of golf—mini, disc, or regular—at the 750-acre Brooke Hills Park . Shop for the latest Fiestaware color nearby at The Homer Laughlin China Company in Newell and, before you head home, be sure to stop for a selfie with the World’s Largest Teapot in Chester.

stay It’s a good bet you’ll find the accommodations at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort perfect for a weekend stay. The resort offers suites and standard rooms located about 20 minutes from Weirton in New Cumberland. If you’re looking for a bed and breakfast experience, book your stay at Barn With Inn at Highland Springs Farm in Wellsburg. Choose between the renovated barn loft or the barn stall room or choose a well- appointed room in the farm house, all situated in an idyllic rural setting.

eat Stop in for a pile of pasta or pizza—by the slice or the pan—at a spot that’s popular with locals: Mario’s Restaurant and Lounge . Or dine on authentic Greek/American cuisine at Theo Yannie’s Greek Restaurant . For barbecue, hit Dee Jay’s BBQ Ribs and Grill, a local favorite since opening its doors in 1980. Order the ribs—you won’t be sorry. Stop in at EJ’s Family Restaurant in Chester for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any of a whole bunch of sweets. Or for a peek into the area’s past, visit the historic Drover’s Inn Restaurant & Tavern .

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123 Pleasant Street in Morgantown is back in action. CatchThe Wooks with special guest Chris Kasper September 17 and ZAO with Vulgar Royalty and Genosha on September 19. Travel down to Lewisburg for the Healing Appalachia concert weekend September 24–25. Tyler Childers is the headliner, and several more acts will take the stage. Visit The Loud —formerly The V Club—in Huntington. CatchThe Menzingers in an 8 p.m. show October 30 or Willie Watson’s performance scheduled for 9 p.m. November 13. Head to The Purple Fiddle inThomas this fall for a free afternoon show withThe Wild Hymns November 6 or the November 26 performance by The Hillbilly Gypsies. written by holly leleux-thubron SOUND W STATEWIDE Mountain Music Celebrate the most colorful season in the Mountain State with live music this fall.

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intoday’sworldof influencers andfomo (fear of missing out), my grandparents, Flora Belle and Leonard S. Bott, would be considered trendsetters. After all, they made history on October 22, 1977. Leonard Bott, who was 55 at the time, with wife Flora Jane, then 54, and their teenage daughters, Barbara and Jane, traversed at a snail’s pace the 3,030-foot concrete deck in their green 1972 Dodge Coronet on the New River Gorge Bridge opening day. 43 years ago, after a state trooper began the procession, followed by dignitaries and politicians, the Botts undertook that historic crossing. Leonard Bott understood they were making history as the first family to cross the arch bridge. It’s why he called on a friend to arrange for them to be first in line. “My parents were amazed at the scope of the bridge. They were hardcore citizens followed the Bott family, who led a steady stream of vehicles across the bridge that crisp fall day. They were all commemorating the public opening of what at that time was the world’s longest steel arch span. It cost $37 million and took three years to complete. Years later, Fayette County and local vendors came up with an idea for an annual celebration of that marvel of engineering: Bridge Day. It is the state’s largest single-day festival and one of the biggest extreme sports events in the world. Not only do hundreds of BASE jumpers leap off the bridge, but hundreds more rappel from the 876-foot structure into the New River Gorge. The entire area, encompassing 70,000 square miles—with the bridge as its centerpiece— and fans of West Virginia. We spent many weekends exploring all over the state,” Jane Bott says. “Visiting Fayette County was always a treat because of the nearby attractions and the ability to see close family friends.” About 40,000 people First Family Over The Bott family made history as the first family to cross the New River Gorge Bridge. HISTORY W FAYET TEV I LLE

became the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in 2020. The first Bridge Day took place on November 8, 1980. Two parachutists jumped from a plane onto the bridge itself, while five leapt from the bridge that day. Organizers distributed 5,500 certificates to people who walked its 3,000-foot length. The annual celebration has grown exponentially, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors, vendors, and extreme sports enthusiasts from around the world. Each year, my grandparents traveled fromMorgantown to Fayetteville to celebrate Bridge Day—often with my sister, Sara Bott, and me in tow as my parents, David and Donna Bott, enjoyed a weekend without the kids at a West Virginia University football game. As young children, my sister and I didn’t comprehend the significance of the bridge or the festival. We lamented making the 3,000-foot

walk. Today, those childhood memories and the hundreds of others my grandparents created in Fayette and Pocahontas counties are the foundation of our love for the state and for our grandparents. The New River Gorge Bridge is an iconic symbol for the state of

West Virginia and a cherished memory for the Bott family. I treasure my 1991 Bridge Day T-shirt—by far the best design, in my opinion—and wear it every fall. Now that I live in South Carolina, it’s more difficult

to make the annual celebration, but I still don my tee and celebrate with my fellowWest Virginians by watching via livestream. That’s

where I’ll be on October 16, regrettably. But you should be there in person—and make it part of your family tradition. written by rachelle leigh beckner

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TAST Y W STATEWIDE Why Go?

we are always onthe lookout fornewplaces that fly under the radar to share with our readers—and we never pass up an opportunity to eat. This fall, expand your culinary and cultural horizons with a visit to these restaurants that are plating up out-of-this-world global cuisine. written by nikki bowman mills

Looking for?

Try

Miskycha in Bridgeport is beloved by locals. This low-key spot near the Bridgeport Conference Center brings authentic Peruvian cuisine like lomo saltado, arroz chaufa, yucca, plantains, and tequeños to north central West Virginia. @miskychausa on FB Saigon Pho Kitchen in Morgantown truly feels like it’ s in another country. Order at the kiosk. The pho comes with lots of fresh, crispy, and spicy stir-in options, and the banh mi sandwich is like nothing else in the state. @saigonphokitchen on FB Kelly’s Persian Food in Lewisburg will ship traditional Iranian food to your doorstep through Turnrow. Enjoy Eggplant Kofta, Persian Tarragon Soup, or falafel at the convenience of your own table. kellypersianfood.com El Gran Sabor in Elkins is the cachapa capital of West Virginia. These sweet corn pancakes are filled with your choice of tender beef, shredded chicken, perfectly seasoned pork, or seafood. Don ’ t leave without trying the plantains. e lgransabor.com Parkersburg’s Cham’s Lebanese Cuisine has developed a statewide following. Maybe it ’ s Cham ’ s Special or fried k ibbe balls or Fatayer that keeps folks returning or maybe it’ s the b aklava. @ chamslebanesecuisine on FB Food truck out front, mercado inside—La Tapatia Market and Tacos in Morgantown is a trip south of the border. Guacamole is served en molcajete, and don’t miss the carnitas and the self-serve fresh salsa bar. @latapatia26508 on FB

PERUVIAN

VIETNAMESE

PERSIAN

VENEZUELAN

LEBANESE

MEXICAN

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Space and Sound This West Virginia musician is taking some rockin’ photos of space. ART IST W BUCKHANNON warrenkellerwas achildof the space age: shuttle launches, moon landings, and groundbreaking images of the celestial bodies in our orbit. It was an interest that grew with him, like his love of photography. But as often happens, his interest in both waned as he grew older. Years later, he was given a star chart that reignited his love of space, and he quickly fell back into it. Keller combined his shared interest in space and photography into what is known as astrophotography. It is an extensive process in which a digital tool such as a DSLR or monochrome camera is used to take a series of images that capture the light coming from different points in space. The multiple exposures are passed through filters of red, blue, and green. The photographer digitally stacks the exposures into trichromic images. With an artist’s eye, the photographer then adjusts color levels to create the bright, colorful image that you see. It’s not a quick or easy activity, but Keller enjoys the artistic process. “I can’t sit down and sketch,” he says, “but I can do astrophotography.” Astrophotography is an older hobby, but it is slowly growing and becoming more diverse. “Anything you’re personally absorbed in, you feel like everyone is involved. When you back away, you realize it’s very niche,” Keller says. Online resources like Youtube are now making it more accessible to anyone who’s interested. Keller didn’t start out in photography. His primary creative love is music. A child of talented musicians and performers, he has played music most of his life. It hasn’t always been easy—a period he spent writing and performing in Nashville never quite turned out the way he hoped, and music fell away for a while. A decade passed before he found inspiration in a group of young jazz players and started writing and recording as Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion, his current musical passion. Don’t worry, though—he’s still

taking those stunning photos of space when he’s not jamming out. See Keller’s unique photography and learn about his tutorials at billionsandbillions.com , and follow his music, Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion, on Facebook and Spotify. written by devin lacy

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Locals Helping Locals West Virginia’s community foundations have blossomed over the past 20 years. SOMETHING GOOD W STATEWIDE in the late 1990s , West Virginia’s small communities were suffering from the decline of the state’s extraction economies. And yet, residents who wanted to support charitable funds for future good works in their own communities had few options—only 12 community foundations operated in the state, serving just 30 counties. It was like that in small communities around the region and across the nation, too. Recognizing the untapped potential, in 2000, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation launched a Promotion of Philanthropy Initiative to build up community foundations in its service territory and return power to people in their own communities. In the 20 years since, through the hard work of organizers, philanthropists, national foundations, and others, the size and reach of community foundations inWest Virginia has grown tremendously. Their ranks multiplied from 12 in 2000 to nearly 30, including affiliates, in 2020. Their service area expanded from 30 of the state’s 55 counties to 52, with the remaining three soon to be covered. And their combined asset value quadrupled, from $125 million to over $500 million. According to 2019 >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108

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