Glade Springs is a great fall getaway

Now that the fall issue is out, I've hit the road. In the next week I'll be traveling in the southern part of the state. From Beckley to White Sulphur Springs to Marlinton (where I'm judging the Road Kill Cook-off) to Snowshoe for the Governor's Conference on Tourism, I'll be covering quite a bit of territory. 

        My first stop is The Resort at Glade Springs--a fabulous four-season destination.  If you've never visited the 4,000 acre resort, fall is the perfect time. I felt like I'd stepped back in time to a slower pace of life. The grounds are beautiful and wildlife is evident at every turn. Located outside of Beckley, the state's most treasured autumn attractions like whitewater rafting, trout fishing, and hiking are right around the corner. But with incredible on-site recreational options, like the Equestrian Center, two breathtaking golf courses, and the Leisure Center, which houses a 10-lane bowling center, movie theater, and arcade, you don't have to leave the grounds.  Take a scenic trail ride, pitch horseshoes, or hit the courts. Visit Spa Orange -- the resort's full service spa -- and you won't want to leave, period.  (The Glade Springs Real Estate Co. will make the choice to stay an easy option!)

    I've heard wonderful reviews of the upscale Glade's Grill and Bar, but I was in the mood for more casual fare and chose to eat outside overlooking the golf course at Bunkers Sports Bar, the resort's newest restaurant. And I was not disappointed! I've added a new favorite to my dining repertoire -- the Bunkers Salad!  This salad of mixed field greens with sundried fruits, sprinkled with candied walnuts, goat cheese and "tear drop" tomatoes was wonderful! I also couldn't pass up the Duck and Wild Mushroom Pizza.  (I don't believe I've ever seen duck on a pizza...)  It was also quite tasty.

      Whether you are looking for a family-friendly getaway or a couple's escape or a corporate retreat, The Resort at Glade Springs has what you are looking for.  

Generosity Knows No Borders--Building Schools in Afghanistan

 Since returning to West Virginia to launch WV LIVING, I've met some amazing people doing extraordinary things.  One of those people is Parween Mascari, an attorney at Jackson & Kelley in Morgantown. I swear Parween must have super powers--not only is she one of the state's leading attorneys (just look in her car--boxes of briefs are stacked to the ceiling), she co-founded Generation Morgantown, serves on numerous boards and committees--and is the mother of four children.  Parween is also an Afghan-American born in Parkersburg. She jokingly calls herself a "halfghan."  And she is one of the proudest and vocal West Virginians I know!

Parween recently met with some Afghan judges and lawyers in D.C., who spoke about the need for chairs in Afghan schools. Chairs.  The schools have no chairs so the children stand the entire day, making learning difficult. How can a child concentrate on learning when her legs are tired and aching? And even more amazing is the fact that these schools are open air schools held under trees, which makes it difficult in even the best circumstances, but impossible in inclement weather. 

Parween was so moved by the experience that in response she created a company called Sultan's Daughters, and she has been selling beautiful pashmina shawls to benefit the construction and furnishing of schools in Afghanistan through the Nooristan Foundation. She has already raised enough money to build 20% of a school in a village called Pagisam. This past Friday, she held a fundraiser in conjunction with Generation Morgantown at Cafe Bacchus and raised $2,200 to further her efforts. It only takes $16,000 USD to get a school up and running!

I am never more proud to be a West Virginian than when I'm in the company of good people doing great things. Because it isn't easy. Inertia is a powerful thing. There are so many demands on our time, it is easy to say, "I wish I could..."  It is a different story to say, "I will do." For those of you who read the magazine, you know that my favorite quote is from Ghandi--"Be the change you wish to see in the world." And my friend Parween exemplifies that. It makes me so proud when I meet "Do-ers" that I want to scream from the top of a mountain, "LOOK at what West Virginians are doing!  We are changing the WORLD!" 

To help Parween build schools in Afghanistan, please visit please visit www.sultansdaughters.com or email sultansdaughters@hotmail.com.

Beautiful Bethany, WV

My summer of "stay-cations" has officially begun (even though it is still spring)!  And I can't wait to tell you about Bethany, WV!  

In the magazine world, we often work on stories a year in advance. For example, we go to press in February on our spring issue, so for our articles to accurately represent the season, we have to photograph them the year before.  So, I'm working on a story about the lovely town of Bethany for spring 2010. But I'm going to give you a sneak peak, because I feel like I've discovered a hidden gem. 

Bethany has five sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places, two of which -- Old Main and the Campbell Mansion -- are also National Historic Landmarks, but it is best known as the location of Bethany College.  Now, I've been out of school for a long time, and quite honestly, I've not missed it -- that is, until my visit to Bethany College.  To call Bethany's campus picturesque doesn't do it justice. The gothic architecture of Old Main and the surrounding buildings is breathtaking--it conjures up images of European universities. The campus is one of the most serene college campuses I've ever visited--it reminded me of the St. Andrews University in Scotland. I felt smarter just walking through the courtyards!

Founded in 1840 by Alexander Campbell, an innovative educator, debater, and Christian reformer, it is the birthplace of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and it has become one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the nation.

This summer (or spring) take a drive to the Northern Panhandle. Bethany is just a short distance from Wheeling.  If you drive through the town of Bethany, past the soccer fields, you'll come to the visitor's center at the Campbell Mansion.  You'll meet Felicity Ruggiero, who is a delightful tour guide.  For larger groups, call in advance, and Felicity can organize a luncheon for your group in a private dining room at the college. Or you can grab a sandwich at Chambers General Store or head to nearby West Liberty and eat at Road Worthy Restaurant and Tavern. If you spend the night, stay at the 40-room Gresham House Inn.