‘55 Good Things’
Written by Jason Keeling on May 26, 2007
The State Journal, a weekly newspaper covering state business and government, released its annual “55 Good Things About West Virginia” report just before the Memorial Day weekend, and the contents are definitely worth noting. The publication’s intention is to demonstrate “that West Virginians are an inventive and creative people, and their stories are numerous and worth telling.” Kudos to The State Journal for this positive feature. Surprisingly, the contents haven’t been placed on the Web (as of today), and unless you’re a subscriber, you’d be missing out on this segment.
Phil Pfister, World’s Strongest Man - A Charleston fireman, Pfister became the 2006 Met-Rx World’s Strongest Man (first American winner since 1982) after fourteen grueling events. Since his success, he’s gained international attention, while remaining true to his West Virginia roots. From this experience, Pfister says he began to recognize West Virginia’s image is challenged, and he wants to “give a sense of encouragement that any person in West Virginia can acheive if they try to follow their dreams.”
New River Mountain Guides - This Fayetteville-based business provides guide services and a climbing school, “taking a mix of cowards, tough guys and rock-climbing enthusiasts up the world-famous climbing walls that surround the New River Gorge.” If you’re up to the challenge.
Bartum and Brown Football Camp - Former Marshall University standouts Mike Bartrum and Troy Brown, who each amassed impressive NFL careers, decided to give back by hosting this annual event (since 2001). Students from across the Tri-State area of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky are able to meet a few of their gridiron heroes, challenge themselves through various “no contact” drills, and learn from the pros more ins-and-outs of the game. MU football alums Chad Pennington and Carl Lee participated, along with several other NFL friends. For more on this year’s event, see The Herald-Dispatch’s report.
Blackhawk Grille - Located in Barboursville, this restaurant provides an elegant, yet unpretentious atmosphere. According to chef and owner Ian Patrick, who opened the venture in 2001, his “most popular menu item is the jumbo lump crab-stuffed fillet mignon with wild mushroom Madera sauce.” I can personally attest to the quality, and would highly recommend the Blackhawk. Make a reservation to experience contemporary American cuisine at it’s best.
If and when the “55 Good Things” are published online by The State Journal, I’ll be sure to update this post with a link.
Posted in Business, Culture, Economy, Media, Tourism, West Virginia
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May 30th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Well, I enjoyed the sample. I’ve always meant to eat at the Black Hawk and now I’ll be sure to! Makes me wonder what other sources might say are the good things about West Virginia. There are probably many more to be recognized. It’s a small thing, maybe, but I love Ritter Park in Huntington. We’ve attended many a tennis tournament there and the museum with it’s rain forest is a sunny spot on a wintry afternoon. And you can never go by without seeing runners, walkers, and mom’s with strollers. Kudos to whomever had the foresight to reserve this spot for everyone to enjoy!
June 5th, 2007 at 11:53 am
The Blackhawk Grille sounds fantastic. That is one of the places I have had on my list to visit and enjoy the delicacy of amazing food.
Another interesting little known restaurant I just had the pleasure of enjoying in Beckley is called Pasquele’s. It is a great family, owned restaurant, full of genuine Italian flair and even better Italian food. Just take I-77 south and take the Harbor Road exit, then veer to the right and turn right at the first stoplight (I think). If you go, you will not be disappointed.
Thanks Jason for getting this blog going. It will be a nice way to share what a beautiful place West Virginia is!
June 6th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Pasquale’s and PRSA|WV
For you fine diners, check out Pasquale’s in Beckley. Todd, learn to spell. Just kidding, I had to look it up.
Thanks also to Todd for his service as current president of PRSA|WV. For readers interested in developing your public relations skillset and network, there are numerous advantages to chapter membership. Todd and I welcome inquiries.
June 8th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
The New River Gorge climbing sounds fantastic! On a recent trip to Martinsburg, my traveling companion and I took at detour into southern WV simply to see the Gorge — and what a delicious sight it is…
June 11th, 2007 at 7:42 am
Summer: A Great Time to Visit W.Va.
Indeed, the New River Gorge National Park and greater Fayetteville areas are major tourism assets to the state, attracting visitors like Adrian on a regular basis.
The summer months provide an ideal time for outdoor recreation, whether you’d like to ascend a rock face with New River Mountain Guides or hit the rapids with The Rivermen. If you decide on the latter, consider requesting my brother Adam Keeling as your raft guide. A kindergarten teacher by trade, he also loves to lead folks on an enjoyable day down the New River, exploring numerous rapids, rocks, and sharing some fun “river stories” along the way.
June 12th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Thanks, Jason! I love your brotherly river-guide suggestion…