10 June 2009

KC Jiggle Jam (belated) Road Trip Journal - West Virginia

...working backwards now, we spent our last two nights in Davis, WV at a charming B&B named The Meyer House. The building dates back to the late 19th century and much of the interior remains decidedly vintage-Victorian. We selected the Blue Room as it features, in addition to a queen bed, a day bed & trundle with enough space for 2 children. Yep, the place is kid-friendly although not kid-proof. Breakfasts were robust: warm fruit bowl with whipped cream and cinnamon crunchy/crumble ahead of egg/cheese/sausage/mushroom casserole. Way above restaurant quality.




We choose the town of Davis because it's the closest to Blackwater Falls State Park. Since we had only a couple days in the state and wanted to be out of the car more than in it, we pretty much had to pick one site in the state. Blackwater Falls won.

'Twas a good choice. With plenty of steps for climbing down to the Falls (there is also a handicap accessible platform on the other side that doesn't get you nearly as close but still affords a lovely view and photo op) and plenty 'a trail for walking, this scenic state park was the relief needed after 2000 miles of driving in 8 days.



It was recommended that we hike the Lindy Point trail that ends at the overlook of the same name. The drive from the Blackwater Falls Trading Post (free trail maps) to Lindy Point was a relaxing one with deer on the side of the road and the occasional scenic overlook.

The 1/3 mile (each way) walk is almost entirely flat. It's ideal for novices and children. The path's surroundings are hidden enough that you don't realize where exactly you are or where you will end up. That fact leads to...
The payoff. Which, as a result, is outstanding. It's a 270 degree view of mountains/valley/river/eagles/hawks, all enjoyed from a safe platform perfect for kids to enjoy such heights. Just beautiful.

The town of Davis is small, blink while driving through and you'll miss it. Davis does feature some decent dining options though, which surprised us. Sirianni's Pizza and Pasta joint on William Ave. (Davis' main drag) is cozy, in a ski lodge sort of way minus the clanking of boots, and serves up absolutely delicious pizza. Try the homemade sweet sausage too, yum! But bring cash, as that's the only way to pay 'em for the grub. Additionally, Nanny's Bakery, also on William Ave, serves up tasty pastry. They produced a delicious cake for the Mouse's Birthday. The actual day (May 28) came while in WV.

We drove home after leaving WV, with a stop in Winchester, VA (nice town) for lunch and a visit to their bi-level indie bookstore for a book on CD (Sammy the Seal) to be enjoyed on the ride home.

Great trip, from start to finish, but boy it was nice to see the Welcome to PA sign as we entered our home commonwealth.

In the coming days, I'll finally review the KC Jiggle Jam as event (not as music fest) along with the surrounding accommodations and such. Stay tuned, especially if you plan on going to KC for the 2010 Jiggle Jam.

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