Adaland Mansion in Barbour County.
My novels are set in West Virginia and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. I’m the seventh generation of my family to have lived on the WV farm where I grew up. I treasure my heritage and consider myself a West Virginian even though I now live in the mountains of NC (hey, it’s still Appalachia!).
Each year, The State Journal, publishes a list of 55 Good Things About West Virginia. Of course, there are way more than 55, but it’s a good list. There’s a fantastic sounding chocolate shop–DeFleuris Fine Chocolates. There’s Adaland Mansion where I’ve enjoyed brunch on several occasions. There’s Morgan Chapel with its walls covered in Civil War graffiti. There’s the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg–a place I’d very much like to stay one of these days. And there’s my friend Dale Hawkins, who grew up just up the road from my family, and who is now a key voice in community supported agriculture. His Fish Hawk Acres is just one more reason I sometimes think seriously about moving home again one of these days.
Click here to learn more about why I LOVE my home state. And where I get much of the inspiration for my novels.
This is wonderful! I have never been to West Virginia, but it looks beautiful. I am a native North Carolinian – grew up in Hendersonville and now live in Raleigh.
Hey, I had McFarland’s cinnamon rolls or breakfast last week! NC is an incredibly rich state, too. Even if it’s not ALL Appalachia ; )
Your state has such a rich history, Sarah! And I think it’s so neat that you have so many generations there. I think the history of how Virginia divided into WV happened not so long ago and is also very interesting. Beautiful mansion pic. Want to go there. Now:)
There’s a family cemetery near our farm. Some stones say , “French Creek, WV” and some say, “French Creek, VA.” Pretty cool. And I wish we could meet at Adaland for tea this very afternoon! You would love it from the history to the charming folks who run it. Oh, and the food. The food is great!
It’s an awesome state for sure–with some major mountains that are NOT conducive to getting electricity up quickly! Grin. After 10 days with no power, I’m most thankful for the mountaineer spirit that kept us West Virginians going. For the most part, we did band together and support one another. And God definitely protected SO many people in the unexpected derecho storm. I’m glad I’ve moved back to the place I came from, even despite the rough week!