Roadtrip to Spruce Knob
With the peak autumn season in West Virginia on the horizon, I knew I had to make time in my schedule to head down south to Tucker County to see the leaves in their prime beauty. As most people can assume, weekends book up the fastest for photographers. This October is my first time experiencing the “busy season.” To keep myself sane (amidst being a dog-owner, full-time college student, & photographer), I made the weekend of October 8 my weekend solely to myself.
My dear friend and fellow nature-enthusiast, Caden Suplita, agreed to tag along. We loaded up the MINI Cooper and began our journey. A stop at The Joe for breakfast sandwiches and drinks was mandatory. I always volunteer to drive when going on trips because: 1. I love my green MINI and 2. I love listening to my own music. But, I will ceremoniously hand over the Bluetooth to a select few that I trust to queue music that will fit the vibe. Caden is definitely one of these people. The drive to the Thomas/Davis area is a cinematic one. It makes you feel like you’ve been transported into a movie scene, seeing the rural homes, appreciating Appalachia, and not missing a single opportunity to yell out “COW!”
Our first stop was at the tiny, but charming “Smallest Church in 48 States” AKA “Our Lady of the Pines." I saw the sign and immediately realized Caden HAD to see this wonder. To be honest, I think I’d very much enjoy going every Sunday to sit in the tiny pews and admire the stained glass windows.
After admiring the unforgettable church and tiny adjacent post office, we headed back on our way. You can never NOT stop at Thomas if you’re driving through. It’s sacrilegious. Caden and I strolled through the shops, which were the busiest I had ever seen them. Caden managed to snag a dope vintage L.L. Bean zip up and I picked up a periwinkle vintage leather jacket (are we surprised?).
Next stop—Spruce Knob. But first—bathroom and scenery appreciation stop.
So, Spruce Knob. I will never forget the first time I saw the wonder that it is. My dad, my little sis, and my stepmom took a road trip to Seneca and Spruce Knob when I was little. Yes, the main overlook is cool but where the MAGIC lives is on the field halfway through the circular path. You find yourself at an opening looking down a cascade of rocks. It doesn’t seem like you’d be allowed to venture down them, but alas! My dad led us down and when you finally see the opening, your breath is absolutely taken away. Stonehenge-esque rocks litter the landscape and the grass is long and flowing like unruly hair. You almost expect yourself to transport back 200 years if you’d dare to lay your hand on one of the towering stones. I didn’t hear any humming though. Bummer. (IYKYK) All I have to say is I can’t fathom a more otherworldly spot in West Virginia that I’ve witnessed. It stands as my favorite wonder of WV. Of course—tons of pics were taken. I’m not sure if you can tell but the wind was fierce! My whole face felt on the verge of windburn and I almost lost my hat over the edge twice. It was such a good memory to expose Caden to this place that I feel such nostalgia and love towards.
After drooling over the views, the flora, and especially the moss—we started our long trek down the mountain. Sunset was approaching and we hadn’t eaten barely anything since breakfast. Where did we have to go? Hellbenders. The legendary burrito shack in Davis that serves up warm hugs wrapped in foil. Bad thing—50 minute take-out wait. We decided to go to Blackwater Falls during our wait since Caden hadn’t ever laid eyes on the falls. The sun was making its last appearance in the sky as we pulled in the parking lot. We ended up walking down the steps (which are much more intimidating in the dark) and viewing the grandeur in basically pitch black. But now I can say I’ve seen the falls during nighttime! By the time both of our stomachs were audibly collectively growling, we had the burritos in our hands. My all-time fav is the classic Hellbender burrito. We parked the MINI next to the tiny laundromat and stuffed our faces whilst listening to Faye Webster. Yes, the vibe was “immaculate.” The burritos are not pictured because they only lasted a short second before they ceased to exist. With that being said, enjoy the view from the Coop and the moon rising over the horizon. See you soon for my next rant. Stay groovy!
