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DAY 1 – DOWNTOWN GRAFTON

1:00 PM  - Check into A Cozy Cabin Rental or Campground

Check in at the cozy Gump’s Black Bear Cabin, Tygart Lake Woodland Cabin or Tygart Lake State Park Cabins. If camping is more your style Tygart Lake State Park campground, Grafton City Campground, Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area and Lakeside Resort & Campground are all located at Tygart Lake. A little further out you can find Hartland Lake Marie and Family Fishing and Camping.

1:30 PM - Enjoy Lunch At Either End of Town

Grab some lunch at Leonard’s Grill in Downtown Grafton. Their delicious and unique sandwiches and burgers are a local favorite.  They also offer healthy choices for adults, children, and gluten friendly options.

If pizza is more your forte at the other end of Downtown Grafton you can find Capri Pizza Parlor.  Their small-town vintage atmosphere takes you back in time.

2:30 PM - Explore Downtown Grafton

Walk the streets of Downtown Grafton exploring the rich history, beautiful architecture and unique shops while listening to the still active coal trains that run along Main Street. From one end of Downtown Grafton to the next is a short .4 mile walk.

At the International Mother’s Day Shrine, you can learn much of the history of Anna Jarvis who was the founder of Mother’s Day here in Grafton. (For the history buff’s the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum Welcome Center, located a few miles outside downtown, is a wonderful stop to add to your itinerary.) Across from the Anna Jarvis House is the B&O Railroad Depot and Hotel. Just around the hotel is the Barret Street Bridge that offers the perfect overlook of the active coal train yard. Just down from the B&O you will find the under-renovation The Manos Theater amidst many local shops.

Find a lost treasure at Freda’s Variety Shop  Arts & Treasures Maker’s Market beside Espresso Yourself Coffee House, showcases handmade products from local artisans. Somethin’ Country, The Flower Market and Carr China Treasures can all also be found along your walk of Downtown Grafton.

Downtown Grafton has beautiful murals painted throughout the town. If you want to take in some art Gallery 62 West showcases different exhibits regularly and also offers many fun classes and events. Across from the historic Taylor County Courthouse is the perfect photo op at the Railroad Car. End your walking tour at the beautiful historic United States Post Office.

Before leaving downtown be sure to venture across the Beech Street bridge where you can find the Grafton National Cemetery. Taylor County is also home to the West Virginia National Cemetery along Rt 50.

5:00 PM - Dinner @ Jerry’s Restaurant

Finish of your night with some good old home-style cooking at Jerry’s Restaurant,

Prefer to eat-in after a long day? Hometown Pizza offers delivery to most areas in Taylor County.

8:00 PM -Night on the Town

Take in some late-night entertainment at Strands Pool Room, Big Daddys Bar, or White Front Tavern. Check their Facebook Event tabs for upcoming events.

Photo Credit: Paula McFoy
Photo Credit: Paula McFoy

DAY 2 – LAKE DAY

8:00 AM – Start the Day with Breakfast at The Lodge

The Lodge Lakefront Dining overlooks Tygart Lake and provides the perfect back-drop to a good home-style breakfast.

9:00 am – Get Out on The Lake

Get out on Tygart Lake by renting a boat from Tygart Lake Marina. Bring your own rope and pull behind tubes for lots of family fun. Rent a kayak from the Tygart Lake State Park Beach Area, The Adventure Club, or Hardcore Hunters if adventure is what you seek. Attend a Historic Open Cruise at Tygart Lake Cruises for a relaxing history lesson about Tygart Lake.

Tygart Lake Marina offers fishing boat rentals for those who don’t have a boat of their own. Hardcore Hunters & Bite Me Bait and Tackle have all the equipment and tackle you may need for a good day of fishing out on Tygart Lake.

11:30 AM - Food On The Go

Grab a quick lunch at the Tygart Lake Marina. Fuel up your gas tank and belly at the same time. Hot dogs, pulled pork and pepperoni rolls are a huge hit. [full menu]

1:00 PM – Explore Tygart Lake

Tour the Tygart Lake Dam (reservation and background check required), enjoy the the Tygart Lake State Park Beach Area, or explore the Nature Center which offers many daily activities for children and families. Get out on one of the many hiking trails located throughout Tygart Lake State Park.

5:00 PM – Relax with a Game of Golf

Finish of your evening with a relaxing game of golf at Tygart Lake Public Golf Course. Enjoy a beer at the clubhouse and order some food to go with.

DAY 3 - EXPLORE THE OUTSKIRTS

9:00 AM - Enjoy Some Morning Coffee

Before heading out of town stop by Espresso Yourself Coffee House for some morning coffee and a sweet breakfast dessert.

11:30 AM - Grab Some Lunch Before Heading Out

Before heading out of town get a bite to eat along Rt 50. Enjoy some authentic Chinese food at Eastern Chinese Kitchen, an infamous burger from Biggies a delicious pulled pork sandwich from the Gourmet Express or some home style cooking at White Front Tavern & Grill.

1:00 PM - Take-In Some Last-Minute Shopping & History

If you enjoy hunting treasures stop by Haddix’s Bargain Barn along Rt 250 S. Roberts New & Used and Gypsy Wagon along Rt 50 also offer a little bit of everything for everyone.