Life is a Song68856

Pricing and menu offerings may vary.

Located at the junction of US 60 and SR 16 on the Kanawha River, Gauley Bridge is a picture postcard in real life. Situated in the mountains, this small city is an open treasure chest for history buffs. You can fish or picnic at the park just down from the Glen Ferris Inn. The falls are just beautiful and the air is crisp and clean, often cool even in August. The drive over is part of the fun of visiting Gauley Bridge, following the twisty road from Fayetteville. Take advantage of the scenic view pull-offs, and bring plenty of film. On your return trip, stop in Ansted and visit Hawk's Nest State Park. The view is breathtaking and the hotel first class. I contend that there isn't a more peacefully beautiful spot in the South.

Speaking of scenery, the Glen Ferris Inn allows you to take it all in while in the Gauley Bridge area (15K map). And they serve up some mighty fine food as well. The crab cakes were exceptionally good, considering West Virginia is not the state that comes to mind when thinking seafood. The menu is eclectic, including a variety of steaks, seafood, and chicken dishes. Salads are fresh, topped with dressings made at the restaurant, and desserts are heavenly, especially the homemade butter pecan ice cream and the bread pudding, which can be ordered as a combo. Service is attentive and polite without being obtrusive, and ordered items come at appropriately spaced intervals to allow you to finish the previous selection, whether it be an appetizer or a salad.

During the summer months, lunch and dinner can be eaten outside under a beautiful veranda that looks out over the Kanawha River and its falls. A popular site for weddings, it is always wise to call the Glen Ferris Inn for reservations.

M. Lively is a college professor with a fondness for fine dining. He loves to seek out local places while on vacation, and enjoys trying different cuisines and wines. He is an continuing student of good food. He lives near the Outer Banks and enjoys cycling, traveling in comfort and healthy foods like acai and other tropical fruits.