The Inter-Mountain photos by Shannon Bennett Campbell The local area offers multiple fishing locations for anglers.

How many West Virginia residents have felt the urge to travel and get away from the routine grind? Often, have we heard them say, “Let’s load the car and go to the mountains.”

And, where do they aim their vehicles? The quickest way to Corridor H and headed for Elkins, where they know every road beyond leads them up a tremendous hillside to a wild, wonderful world.

Sparse are the numbers of people — surprising are the wildlife. It is just God, nature and a wandering soul looking for beauty and peace, and being able to find both.

Now, one must ask themselves what activities they are going to be able to discover in the very rural parts of our state. Usually, the unusual.

For instance, who would ever imagine a narrow, green, hillside plant popping-out of the soil each spring would supply plates of bacon, fried potatoes and cornbread with dinners named for them in so many communities who sponsor annual “Ramp Feeds” — and have hundreds in attendance?

While these are not favorites of everyone, look a little further beyond the ramp patches and see flashing streams falling forth from the mountain-tops and be fortunate to get two or three trout to test your bait. Take these to the frying pan and enjoy a mouthful of delicious fish with baked potatoes and cole slaw for sides. Why, famous restaurants cannot even offer such a feast. 

Now, one will begin to remember why they returned to the mountains. And, it is not just an eating frenzy. Many love to do the hiking routine where trails can be followed for miles. Wandering past blossoming rhododendrons or lovely dogwood can be relaxing, and many other flowering shrubs will be appearing, as well, like redbud and honeysuckle.

As I have journeyed through the mountain passes, of course, I have always had my camera ready to capture any beautiful scene that came into my vision. No road has ever been too small for me to find a pullover spot to get a perfect picture. And, I have always found people willing to slow down and let me have room to take another photo I need. If one engages a West Virginian, they can generally expect courtesy.

Those who do tourism for a living will convey the popularity of mountain sight-seeing on motorcycles and insist the numbers have increased the hotel/motel businesses, accordingly. 

Others, like the Magees, who manage a restaurant on nearby-Elkins properties and prepare meals at their establishment, Smoke on the Water, just over one-and-a half miles East of Elkins on Rt. 33, concur that their business has accelerated with cycle traffic. Their barbecue, unique salads and special desserts have become an evening destination for many travelers returning from day-long mountain adventures.

So, consider yourself very lucky to have this playground in your backyard. As we often hear about metropolitan areas and recognize that they sponsor professional sports, high drama and classy clothing, we must know they are jealous of our freedom, scenic beauty and ability to entertain ourselves at bargain rates.   

When those in Elkins are asked where they come from, maybe they should just reveal they live at “Allegheny’s Edge” and keep their town a best-kept secret.

Long, long ago, even William Shakespeare once proclaimed, “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” As time goes on, we will observe whether our lifestyle will influence visitors, or whether others will influence us. My hunch is that our mountaineers will remain firm in many of their customs and beliefs, and be among those most victorious.  

Rhododendron plants in bloom.

The local area has a plethora of scenery for photography.