Since Gov. Justice recently signed a bill designating Summersville Lake to become West Virginia’s newest state park, Craft King’s owner and executive chef says it’s an opportunity to showcase what Summersville and West Virginia as a whole have to offer.
“The more concrete and metal that they place elsewhere outside West Virginia the more valuable that our lakes, rivers, streams, mountains, trees, fresh air — all those things become,” said Clint Jones.
Jones says we are a destination to visit for one day, a weekend, or full week and a footstep into the New River Gorge area, which last year became a national park.
“The following year they’ll announce that they’re going to put a state park here beside Summersville Lake and close proximity to Craft Kings is just wonderful news,” he said.
There will be easy access to the state park on a heavily traveled main thoroughfare (Route 19).
“Fifteen minutes or so proximity to that state park there is an amazing abundance of outdoor adventures that you can enjoy,” said the executive chef. “There is hiking, backpacking, bicycling, rock climbing, white water rafting, hunting, fishing — paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and boating on the lake.”
Craft Kings — in their seventh year — is also on Route 19, approximately two miles away from where the state park will be. And that will increase traffic to Jones’ business. He welcomes locals and tourists alike to his chill environment.
“Have a nice, cold craft bear and something really delicious to eat,” he said.
Jones calls himself a people person and a foodie who likes to eat, drink and be merry. He says there are some wonderful local people who promote tourism and the lake and all gladly welcome the new state park.
“It’s always a gorgeous day out on the lake and I just want to see how this area can continue to grow and blossom,” said Jones. “Bring people from all over to come and just have a good time here in West Virginia.”
