Dine, explore, and spend the night in this central West Virginia destination.
photographed by CARLA WITT FORD
LOCATED JUST OFF OF I-79 at the geographic center of the state, Sutton is convenient from anywhere. This former transportation and timber hub on the Elk River is now perfect for a quiet getaway. Stop in to browse the shops and museums and grab lunch, fish and camp on the lake, or book an overnight or weekend for a special occasion. And save the first weekend in October for the annual Sutton Festival. visitsutton.org
Sutton Lake
Rent a boat at the Sutton Lake Marina and explore 40 miles of wooded shoreline. Fish for bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish in the lake, or visit the Bee Run Recreation Area for free swimming, picnic shelters, camping, and a playground. suttonlakemarina.com
Mountain Laurel Country Store
A country store and artisan shop showcasing nearly 100 makers, most from West Virginia. Mountain Laurel Country Store also hosts the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum, including a display with bigfoot print casts made in West Virginia, exclusive bigfoot apparel, and more. Don’t miss the West Virginia Bigfoot Festival in June. @mountainlaurelcountrystore on FB
Garnet Moon Boutique
Unique, handmade jewelry and other beautiful gifts in a small storefront on Main Street. “Garnet Moon Boutique” on FB
Bad Axe Bistro
Offering an all-day menu of hearty, housemade diner meals plus axe-throwing, right on Main Street. @badaxebistro on FB
Flatwoods Monster Museum
Double your cryptid fun—after visiting the Bigfoot Museum, check out this one-of-a-kind collection of artifacts, costumes, media coverage, and other memorabilia related to the mysterious Flatwoods Monster. The 10-foot-tall figure in the pointed hood has not been seen since 1952, but it only grows in legend and affection. Complete the town’s scavenger hunt—find five huge monster-themed chairs around town to get a sticker.
Elk Theatre
This 1930s one-screen theater shows current films and occasional classics most Fridays and Saturdays, with matinees on Sundays. The Elk offers fresh hot buttered popcorn and other refreshments.
Elk River Hotel & Cafe
Located at the edge of downtown and directly on the Elk River, this gracious boutique hotel and restaurant gets high praise for its lodging and dining alike. For something different, try the glamping domes.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SUMMER 2023 ISSUE
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