FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WOAY) – The designation of the New River Gorge National Park has had a massive impact on Southern West Virginia tourism, especially Bridge Day.
Airbnbs benefit from the influx of visitors. The Barn Loft in Fayetteville is one of them.
“We have folks who are flocking from the south to our region because of the devastation from the hurricanes. We also have people here for Bridge Day and all of them are descending (probably between 40,000 and 250,000),” said owner, Holly K. Clark. “We’re always ready for it, folks in the hospitality business. We try to arm these guests and these visitors with all the tools they will need.”
The more than 100-year-old Barn Loft has a rustic wooded setting, a peaceful respite off the beaten path to get away.
“Unlike traditional camping, The Barn Loft has electricity and a heated blanket,” Clark said. “There are slats in the barn walls, so you are experiencing the wind, the air. This is an experience unlike any other.”
According to Clark, not everyone is aware of this stunning region of the country or even Bridge Day. But when they find out there’s such a response.
“There’s so much to do here, it is so beautiful (they say). And in a lot of ways, West Virginia as a whole has been a secret to a lot of folks,” she said. “But they’re discovering it and they love it and we love it. We love having them.”
Clark gets guests from all over the United States and even the world who stay at The Barn Loft. At this point, she’s fully booked. But if you decide last minute to attend Bridge Day, she recommends looking for a vacancy at another local vacation rental or outfitter’s cabin.
“All vacation rentals in the Gorge for Bridge Day book well in advance, typically,” she said. “I had a cancellation so I was able to get someone last minute and that’s always a possibility.”
You are much more likely to get a reservation when it’s not Bridge Day. The thing about staying in the New River Gorge and the Barn Loft…
“Serenity and peace that it brings to my guests,” said Clark. “We’re in an idyllic setting, really, the canopy of the trees, the birds are amazing and I even have some hound dogs down the way. You get the true West Virginia experience, which is really special.”
