ANSTED, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Not only did Fayetteville and the New River Gorge Bridge see an influx of visitors, but the quaint little town of Ansted also saw its fair share on Saturday.
U.S. Route 60 was considerably busier than usual due to the detour in effect for Bridge Day, and the town of Ansted which is usually bypassed by U.S. Route 19 was in the center of it all.
The fall colors were near peak along the detour route at Cotton Hill on West Virginia Route 16 and at Chimney Corner and Ansted along U.S. 60, giving motorists a scenic drive.
Not only were detouring motorists driving through, but they were stopping as well. Hawks Nest State Park in Ansted is home to multiple scenic vistas, which travelers took advantage of on Saturday.
Those escaping the crowds of Bridge Day or just simply trying to make their way north and south had a chance to experience the beauty and small town that is mostly overlooked due to its distance from U.S. 19.
The Ansted Events Committee planned an event in coordination with the detour, hosting the aptly named “Detour Delight” event in town on Saturday.
It was the second such event held in town, and it was quite a success. Along with food and craft vendors, local shops were also open for visitors.
Gran Robbie’s and J&J’s Main Street were open, and vendors such as Cherry On Top Ice Cream and Jeb’s Merchandise were set up along with multiple people participating in the community yard sale.
Many out-of-state visitors stopped to take in the grandeur along the old Midland Trail and made a detour into a memorable drive through Fayette County.
For more Bridge Day coverage from LOOTPRESS, click here.