Hometown Highlights: Swimming Holes and Pizza Pies in Wild, Wonderful WV
If you know Andrew and I, you know we’ve spent most of summer 2020 in our home state: wild, wonderful West Virginia. Since this summer hasn’t been conducive to our usual international travel plans (thanks, COVID-19), we’ve spent a lot more time soaking in the beauty all around us in our home state, from scenic Summersville Lake to beautiful Babcock State Park and beyond. Oh, and the local swimming holes that make WV a truly unique, summer sanctuary for adventurous types. Let’s dive in—
‘Bubbie Hole’ Swimming Hole: A Meadow River Hidden Gem
Andrew and I recently took our friends Nina and Chelsea (outdoor hangs FTW!) to one of our favorite swimming holes in WV— the infamous ‘Bubbie Hole’ in Nicholas County. Just past Fayette County into Nicholas (and not quite to Summersville Lake), this swimming hole nestles perfectly on the side of RT-41 on the banks of Meadow River.
Once you emerge from the brush on the side of RT-41 and come into the forest clearing, you’re immediately immersed in a world of big boulders on the side of a peaceful river sanctuary. That may seem dramatic, but seriously; this place is its own little slice of Almost Heaven, and hardly anyone knows about it. Every time Andrew and I go to this particular swimming hole, so few people are around, it’s sort of incredible. It’s like a little secret— and a good one, at that.
Our favorite swimming hole— our own slice of Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
From swinging and climbing ropes on the side of boulders, to a sandy beach area and some of the most calm river swimming you can find, this spot is truly a hidden gem. Our friends definitely agreed, and we enjoyed a lovely evening of listening to Glass Animals’ latest album Dreamland on top of the swimming hole’s largest rock, which provided great views for sipping brews and just spending some quality time together.
I think we enjoyed our time at Bubbie Hole, don’t you? ;)
After a day of swimming, we all had quite the hankering for a good meal. The nearby town of Fayetteville, WV is full of locally-owned eateries (all of them incredible, might I add), and one of our personal favorites is the small chain-operations Pies & Pints. Known to locals as the best pizza in the New River Gorge area, Pies & Pints provided us with a delicious meal of Rosemary & Garlic flatbread with a goat cheese and balsamic spread, as well as a gourmet pizza topped with roast grapes (yes, grapes) and creamy gorgonzola cheese. After a day of swimming in the sun, it definitely hit the spot. Learn more about Pies & Pints Pizzeria here: https://piesandpints.net/
West Virginia is one of my favorite tourist destinations since I’ve moved away— from the lakes, rivers, scenic swimming holes and beautiful hikes to some of the best food (and greatest people) in the world, West Virginia is truly Almost Heaven.
Xoxo, MM.