Editor's Note: This Department of Tourism road trip report was from last weekend so the colors may not be as vibrant., but there is plenty of things to do beyond taking in the treeline colors. However, there is still some time to enjoy some of West Virginia's fall beauty and this trip starts in Marion County.

 

This week, the foliage in Marion County is bursting with stunning hues of yellow and red. If you’ve been longing to go leaf peeing, W.Va. 310 from Grafton to Fairmont is the perfect place to do just that.

 

Begin your road trip at Tygart Lake State Park. This park is known for its 10-mile long, 1,750-acre lake and beautiful mountain views. Take a kayak or canoe out onto the lake and get an amazing view of all the changing leaves, then make your way to Espresso Yourself Coffee House in Grafton and warm up with a hot drink.

 

Head north on 310, stopping at  Valley Falls State Park. A series of four picturesque falls created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River distinguish this 1,145-acre park. In addition to its scenic charm, Valley Falls State Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails and fishing.

 

A 25 minute drive will bring you to the town of Fairmont. This town offers fun coffee shops and restaurants, rich 18th century history and heritage and unique recreational opportunities. This area is affectionately described as being in the “middle of everywhere,” meaning you won’t have to travel far to make special memories.

 

Grab a bite to eat at Muriale’s Italian Restaurant & Catering, a tried and true staple in the community. Or try out Colasessano’s, another mainstay that boasts thick-crusted pizzas. No trip to Fairmont is complete without a pitstop at Country Club Bakery, “Home of the Original Pepperoni Roll.” Snack on a true West Virginia classic, hot from the oven. Top it all off with Poky Dot’s famous 9-pound banana splits. Don’t worry they have malts, ice cream sundaes and pies, too.

 

A coffee café/pottery studio hybrid, Joe N’ Throw roasts its own beans and serves drinks in hand-thrown mugs crafted in-house. (So if you’re particularly fond of your mug, odds are you can buy it.) By night, the shop turns into a bar pouring 6 West Virginia draft beers along with other adult beverages.

 

Fairmont has several chain hotels, but if you want to experience local character, cozy up in the farmhouse at A Nature’s Song B&B, overlooking 140 rolling acres. They’ll cook up a delicious breakfast, served with pure mountain-fresh spring water from right on the property.

 

Travelers visiting West Virginia to see fall color are encouraged to check the status of individual businesses before taking a trip. A statewide indoor face covering requirement remains in effect, and visitors are encouraged to maintain a safe social distance when traveling the state.