For five weeks every July and August the town of Elkins hosts the popular Augusta Festival, at which visitors can sign up for courses in blacksmithing, Appalachian literature, autoharp playing, weaving, herb gardening, and log-house construction, among other topics. For accommodations while visiting the festival there’s no better place than the Warfield House (formerly the Wayside Inn), which sits close to the grounds of thelocal college, where the festival takes place. The white Queen Anne cottage was built in 1901 and is operated by Paul and Connie Garnett, a friendly couple who are restoring the property. Known as the Wayside during Elkins’s boom days ofcoal, timber, and the railroad, the inn has a sunporch, two parlors, a library, and a formal dining room. Its glowing stained glass, intricately detailed terra-cotta fireplace, and grand front porch are typical of the town’s turn-of-the-century architecture. One small, white-washed room, hidden above the kitchen, is especially romantic.
Across the street there’s an inviting park with a playground and picnic tables. The college has tennis courts, and downtown the combined Starr Café and Augusta Books is a good idling spot. In October you can view the changing leaves or stop in on the week long Mountain State Forest Festival. Nearby are skiing, rock climbing, and kayaking.
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