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Secrets to Having the Best Bridge Day in the History of the Earth

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

Bridge Day is one of the coolest events out there (and yes, we’re biased). But where else are you going to be able to hang out with thousands of people on one of the world’s largest structures and take in some of the most beautiful scenery and craziest people on the planet?

With more food than a fair and vendors selling everything from New River Pet Rocks to hand knit wool socks, Bridge Day is a unique event that showcases our wonderful fall scenery and our very own engineering marvel.

Here are some of the secrets to making your Bridge Day the best Bridge Day ever.

Family Fun on Bridge Day

Lodging 

Choosing where to stay can make a huge difference in how you’ll access the bridge. There are many options that are in close proximity to the Bridge and require either a short walk or shuttle ride to get to the event. Close options are:

Planning

The best way to make the most of the day is to plan, plan, plan. Take a look at the Schedule of Events to help you figure out how to take advantage of all of the activities taking place. Allowing yourself extra time to travel and planning for all the activities in advance is key to having the best Bridge Day in history.

After the Bridge

In order to get traffic moving again and clean up after the fun, the Bridge will start being cleared at 3:00 pm. But that doesn’t mean the fun is over.

There is a car show at the Quality Inn until 4:00 pm.  In downtown Fayetteville, you can check out the Mountain State Cornhole Tournament, Chili and Cornbread Cook-off and live music by local bands.  There’s free parking in Fayetteville for these events, so you should have no problem getting around.  If you opt to walk into Fayetteville from the Bridge, you’ll be able to catch a free shuttle from there to all of the designated Bridge Day shuttle parking lots until 7:00 pm.

And many of the local bars, restaurants and outfitters also have live music to take you late into the night.

Bridge Day Possibilities

Here’s an example of what an ideal Bridge Day Itinerary might look like:

  • Taste of Bridge Day- Adventures on the Gorge Friday, October 14, 5-9pm.
  • Pancake Breakfast – 7:30am at the American Legion Fayetteville.
  • Fayetteville Farmers Market – 8:30am
  • On the Bridge – 9:00am. Walk across bridge, see jumpers, visit vendors, and take in scenery.
  • Shuttle to the Bottom -12:30pm. Go check out the event from a entirely different perspective.
  • Car show – 3:00 pm Quality Inn
  • Downtown Fayetteville – 4-6:30pm Music, food, and fun.
  • Live Band, The Wild Rumpus – 8:00pm Rendezvous Lodge, Adventures on the Gorge

 

This is just one way to spend your Bridge Day. No matter what you want to do, remember to plan as early as you can for lodging and shuttles.

What is your idea of the best Bridge Day ever?

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Bring Your Appetite to Bridge Day

Friday, August 5th, 2011

When you think of Bridge Day, the images that might come to mind are of colorful parachutes, rappelers dangling precariously below the New River Gorge Bridge, and the iconic arch itself.

Bridge Day celebrates an engineering marvel and the spirit of adventure.  But it is also a celebration of food.  Yes, you heard that right.  Food plays a big role in the event.

Three Ways to Get in Touch with Your Inner Foodie at Bridge Day

Local Fare

Fayetteville, West Virginia can tickle your tastebuds like no other small town.  With a population of only 2.500, this place packs a serious culinary-punch.  It’s just down the road from the Bridge, so you can’t miss it.  Here are a few options:

  • Pies & Pints Pizzeria – Unique pizza that’s been recognized by the Food Network as the Best in West Virginia.  Great local brews on tap as well.
  • Diogi’s – Authentic Mexcian/Central American food in a really cool atmosphere.  Be sure to try the carnitas!
  • The Vandalian – Contemporary American fare with a twist.  Keep an eye out for the availability of Burger & Sushi night.  It’s become a local favorite.
  • Cathedral Cafe – Hearty, breakfast awesomeness served up in what was once a church.  Great array of craft items too.
  • Gumbo’s – Cajun Food. Real Cajun Food!

 

Taste of Bridge Day

Think the list above sounds good?  Imagine most of them (plus more) all in one place at a competition to serve up the best dish.  It’s like a foodie fantasy come true.

Oh yeah…and you get to taste them!  The evening before Bridge Day, you can join us for the annual Taste of Bridge Day presented by WOAY at Smokey’s on the Gorge.  There, restaurants will be showcasing signature dishes in tasting portions.

Simply show up, buy some tickets (from $1-$5 each) and enjoy.

Funnel Cake = Deliciousness

 

On the Bridge

If we could make Bridge Day scratch and sniff stickers they’d sell like funnel cakes.

You’ll find decadence in the carnival fare on the Bridge, like deep fried Oreos, Twinkies and yes, everyone’s favorite – funnel cake!

Event staples like hot dogs, pizza and burgers?  Check.  Unique vegetarian options?  Check.

You’ll also have no problem finding delicious slow-cooked barbecue; simply follow the scent of the sweet smoke.  Or perhaps fajitas or gyros are your thing.  They’ll be there too.

See, Bridge Day is a celebration of food (and oh yeah, people parachuting off a Bridge).  Better bring your appetite.

What’s your favorite Bridge Day food?  Tell us in the comments.

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4th Annual West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program Bridge Day Ride

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

On October 15, 2011, the West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program will sponsor the 4th Annual crossing of the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day.   This ride is to promote awareness of motorcycles, safe riding and safe interaction with other motor vehicles while traveling West Virginia highways.

4th Annual Bridge Day Safety Ride

4th Annual Bridge Day Safety Ride

The ride has been approved by the Bridge Day Commission for 50 motorcycles. The ride will meet at the former Songer Whitewater location at 3069 Miller Ridge Road in Hico, WV at 9am for registration confirmation. Arrive early for check –in.  The ride will leave at 10am (sharp) and cross the New River Gorge Bridge, turn on Rt. 16 North to Rt. 60 East, then back to Rt. 19. We will have a police escort across the bridge and law enforcement help at all major intersections to facilitate our ride. Once riders reach Rt. 19, they may return to the starting point or turn south to enjoy the festivities at the bridge. Designated motorcycle parking will be available near the bridge.

Due to safety concerns, prior registration is required and background checks will be done on all riders and passengers. No riders or passengers will be allowed on the ride without prior registration.

Registration is now open and closes on August 31, 2011. No registrations after the deadline will be accepted.

More information is available by calling 304-640-2461 or email at wvmotorcycles@gmail.com.

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How to Plan Your Bridge Day Stay

Friday, July 15th, 2011

It’s only July, but believe it or not, people are already planning their Bridge Day trips.  That’s because lodging and activities tend to book up quickly for that weekend.  Have you started to plan?  If not, here are some tips for planning the best Bridge Day vacation ever.

New River Gorge Lodging

We’ve got it all here in the New River Gorge.  You just have to decide what kind of accommodations you want.  From luxurious cabins to rustic camping, you can make the outdoors part of your stay.  If that’s not quite your style, there are some great hotels in the area.

Taste of Bridge Day

Looking for something more quaint? Choose one of our area Bed and Breakfasts.  The Historic Morris Harvey House in Fayetteville is a local favorite.

New River Gorge Dining

You might be surprised by the diverse dining choices available in the Gorge.  There is something for everyone.

Do some homework and scope out locals’ favorite haunts.  Fayetteville, Hico, and Oak Hill have an awesome variety of options – hand-crafted pizza, American cuisine, unique Mexican food, cajun-style fare.  If you stop by Swirl, be sure to try the Blueberry Pie ice cream.

Since it’s nearly impossible to try all of our local restaurants when you’re here, think about coming to the Taste of Bridge Day.  Sponsored by our local Fayetteville and Oak Hill Rotary clubs, it’s on Friday, October 14 at Adventures on the Gorge.  You’ll have the chance to sample a signature item from several local eateries.  And you can bet you’ll run into some local rafting and Bridge Day pioneers.

Plan An Adventure

Bridge Day coincides with the end of Gauley Season.  If you’re thinking of rafting the Gauley, make sure that you’re experienced enough to handle the class IV, class V, and class V+ rapids that you’ll be facing.  And if the Gauley’s not for you, rafting the New is a great option.  This is a really busy weekend for outfitters, so be sure to book your trip in advance.

If you don’t want to get on the water, try a canopy tour or zip line.  These trips have quickly become a favorite adventure for locals and visitors alike.  Autumn is a pretty spectacular time to soar through the trees.

And why not go for the ultimate adventure – tandem jump off of the New River Gorge Bridge! Only 10 spots are available for a brave and lucky few, so you should make the call quickly if you’re up for jumping.

So go ahead and start making your Bridge Day plans.  It’s never too soon.  Besides, who doesn’t like looking forward to a vacation?

See you there!

 

 

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31st Annual Bridge Day is a Wrap

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

It was an adrenaline and funnel-cake filled day for the 363 jumpers and more than 100,000+ (very conservative estimate) spectators who lined the New River Gorge Bridge on Saturday.

Bridge Day Subaru

Bridge Day Presented by Subaru

Temperatures brought a morning chill to the parachutists lining up as early as 6am, but that didn’t stop them from making more than 1,030 jumps by day’s end. The “Easter Pigs” once again joined the group of 363 jumpers as they launched occasional half-gainer into the morning fog that made spectators ooh and ahh.

Others tested their nerves a bit differently with rappelling 876 feet to the river below or taking to the highline to zip from the bridge. And for the first time more spots were available to take in the action below the bridge for a completely different perspective. And what a perspective that was. The Hometown Subaru shuttles were a hit, watch for them again next year.

The “Pick Up Guys“, our river and rescue experts, had a busy day with helping some 102 free-fallers out of the water but overall the day was full of standing ovations as many started off their jumps with craziness but ended perfectly with landings squarely on the Landing Zone.

On the bridge, spectators picked up WV made items, learned more about WV Tourism, got free stuff from Subaru (the festival’s main sponsor) and gorged on fajitas to funnel cakes. (No pun intended. Well…maybe a little.)

If you missed Bridge Day or missed bringing your camera, check out all the images from your fellow bridge goers on Flickr. And stay tuned. We’re already dreaming up ideas for Bridge Day 2011…

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Ever Wonder What Happens Under the Bridge?

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

Ever live in an apartment where you can hear the folks which live down below? You can often hear them, but you have no idea what they are doing down there. Same thing happens right here on the Bridge.

Benjy Simpson

Benjy Simpson

Most associate Bridge Day with the vendors, the views and of course the jumpers.

However, there is an entire army of rappellers under the Bridge, doing some very exciting things.

Thursday
For Benjy Simpson, entering his 19th year as Bridge Day Rappel co-coordinator, the preparation for Bridge Day begins on Thursday. Known, respectfully as the “Troll Beneath the Bridge”, Benjy organizes and manages nearly all aspects of the “under the bridge” portion of Bridge Day. It’s quite the responsibility and there is no one better for the job.

Carefully he and his team (holla’ XTR!) rig ropes and braces using knowledge, surgical precision and a variety of knots and attachments.

They prepare the locations for the teams to skillfully slide down rope more than 800 feet.

Friday

On Rope

On Rope

Continued rigging and preparation of Bridge Day highline. Checking, double checking and checking again.
It’s an amazing site to watch this aspect of preparation and watching the team maneuver across beams and perched precariously some 850′ above the river below is enough to make you dizzy. Really dizzy.

Saturday
It’s time to play. Safe. The legions of rappellers, comprising the teams selected via lottery, scurry below the deck of the bridge to prepare for the day. Most try to make as many trips as possible. It is a unique opportunity.

On Saturday at 8:30 am, before the Bridge is open to the general public, a series of flags is raised by a team ascending one of the lines. An United States Flag, a West Virginia flag and a National Park Service Flag all are raised to celebrate the start of the day. At 3 pm, they are lowered signifying the conclusion of another Bridge Day.

While all the action above and on the Bridge is fun and exciting, there is also plenty going on below.

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Welcome to Bridge Day 2010

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

We’re ready.

The ongoing process of planning Bridge Day is time-consuming, detailed and yes, stressful. Watching it all set into motion on the morning of the event, is well…priceless.

Sites:

Bridge Day 2010

Bridge Day Vendors Heading to the Bridge

The security personnel and vendors are lined up ready to head to the bridge. Flashing lights, fog, and a stream of headlights. Trailers painted with words like “Funnel Cake”, and other phrases beginning with “fried”.

Off in the distance. Fog. It’s a fall morning in the New River Gorge, that’s just the way it is.

Walking onto the bridge, you can only see the rails of each side disappear into the fog. In the center a team of BASE jumpers hurriedly arrange, organize and assemble the jump platform.

The rappel teams make their way down below. Covered in carabineers, straps, helmets and packs.

The Sounds
The dull hum of engines, generators and clanging of aluminum as tents go up.

Walking onto the bridge, you can hear the BASE team giving instruction on setting up the platform. You can hear them but not see. The fog has seemingly eaten them.

Down below, the sound of the “Pick-Up Guys” firing their engines. It’s almost time.

The “Feel”

Jump Platform

Assembling the Jump Platform

It’s fall. Cool, crisp air, fog, the “smell” of fall. The excitement is palpable.

As the vendors begin set up, the smell of barbecue immediately fills the air. If they made a car air freshener that smelled like this, we want a case.

This however, is the one part, we simply cannot adequately describe. You need to come and experience it for yourself. People are excited, happy and ready to have fun.

The weather forecast says mid-60′s and sunshine. Repeat. Sunshine.

The line to enter has formed, the shuttles are running, the flag is being raised. It’s time.

Welcome to Bridge Day 2010.

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Twas the Night Before Bridge Day

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Twas the night before Bridge Day, and all through the land,
Hearts started racing thinking of the event at hand

Santa at Bridge Day

Twas the Night Before Bridge Day

Excitement, it flowed through valley and ‘cross ridge,
Soon it will be time, to play on our bridge

Whether you slide down a rope, are a vendor or jumper,
Don’t be surprised by what you see… was that a pig-nosed, pink thumper?

Base jumpers they arrive from many parts of the world,
Some tumble and twist from platform and dive board,

Setting fly from the Bridge they cover 8 seven 6 so fast,
Some deploy late and make it by the hide on their &#!

For those that have trouble, there are boats down below,
The “Pick-Up Guys” as we call them, they have great seats for the show.

Plucking wet, cold, jumpers creates tales of which some may scoff,
Just ask Tom about the jumper whose prosthetic arm he pulled off.

Under the bridge there is plenty of action too,
On-rope and highline, it’s quite amazing what they do.

Rappellers under the bridge, on the cat-walk they stroll,
Sliding down rope, directed by a man respectfully called “The Troll”

Take pictures and video, tweet while you play.
We hope you will share by tagging your content with #bridgeday.

The food will be fresh, as vendors fry, grill and bake.
Serious question folks: is there anything better than a giant funnel cake?

Say hello to the vendors they enjoy visiting with you,
And be sure to say thanks to our presenting sponsor, Subaru.

Before you drive please take note of the parking, and shuttles,
It will get you in quicker so you can enjoy cakes made with funnels.

Leave your backpack in the car, also your stroller and chairs,
Did you know there is a man that uses a chainsaw to carve bears?

Please leave your drugs at home, weapons, fireworks and booze too,
You can leave it with me, and there might be some left when your day’s through.

Eat barbecue and grilled chicken, sausage and fajitas,
Try kettle corn, a turkey leg, fried Twinkies and peanuts,

We are working to make the day more “green”,
Please use the recycling bins and let’s keep our Bridge clean.

Enjoy your day and have lots of fun,
Keep your fingers crossed, WOAY’s weatherman says we will see the sun!

As soon as the day ends we will start planning again,
But let’s have some fun out there. Welcome to Bridge Day 2010.

Have fun!

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The Greening of Bridge Day

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

It’s that time of year again. Leaves are turning from green to red and yellow in the New River Gorge and preparations are in full swing for West Virginia’s largest single day event as Bridge Day 2010 is just a few days away.

Bridge Day Vendors

Bridge Day Vendors


Hundreds of BASE jumpers and nearly 80,000 spectators are expected to attend this year’s Bridge Day. Yes, 80,000 spectators!

That means our town is about to go from a population of 2,800 to 80,000! That’s a big change.

Most people here love the fact that this many people are coming to experience our community, the New River Gorge National River, and catch a glimpse of some people hucking themselves off a really big, high bridge. That many people in one place can have a considerable impact on our local environment and the lives of people who live here too.

The Bridge Day Planning Committee, Travel Green Appalachia and the Fayette County Green Team are interested in doing what they can to make the event greener. Here are a few things you can do to help.

Some Helpful Information

Sustain U

Sustain U

  • Friday night head to Taste of Bridge Day. All proceeds support local charities and you’ll get to sample spectacular cuisine from some of our best local restaurants.
  • Recycling – look for recycling bins to recycle your plastic and cans. The Green Team will be gathering cardboard from vendors.
  • For just the second year, you can take home an Official Bridge Day shirt made of 100% recycled materials. The shirts are produced by the West Virginia-based company SustainU. This shirt, using the “Green Bridge Day Label,” consists of 100% recycled material, all made in the USA.

Some of Our Green Vendors

    Stanley Legendary Vacuum Bottles

    Stanley Legendary Vacuum Bottles

  • Garden Sass – south booth 154 using recycled and compostable products,
  • Stanley Legendary Vacuum Bottles – south booth 139 & 140 selling reusable bottles that will come with a coupon for free coffee
  • The Fayette County Green Advisory Team – south booth 60
  • Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition – south booth 61
  • Others I’ve missed? Quite possibly. Look for recycled, organic, and compostable products and ask about their sustainability policy

What You Can Do

  • Getting here produces a lot of CO2. Low-impact travel options include hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling, Amtrak (the Thurmond depot is ~15 miles from Fayetteville), and carbon offsets. Check out the Getting There Greener report.
  • Buy local. Come on into Fayetteville to sample some of our awesome local restaurants and buy a locally made souvenir before, during, or after the event. According the the 350 Project, for every $100 spent in locally owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the local economy through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures, if you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays in the local economy.
  • Bring a mug – cut down on waste by bringing your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug. If you forget yours, buy a Kleen Kanteen at Waterstone and a coffee mug at Wildflour Bakery or Cathedral Cafe
  • Give back – donate to local organizations that are working to improve their community. Look for the Green Advisory Team, New River Gorge Learning Coop, and Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition booths
  • Ask service providers about their sustainability policy.

Most of all enjoy your experience in this wonderful part of the world. For more on Green Travel, please visitTravel Green Appalachia. If you want to learn more about the greening of Bridge Day or have ideas for next year, please leave a comment or stop by the Fayette County Green Advisory Team booth.

Special Guest Post By:

Doug Arbogast of Travel Green Appalachia

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What is Taste of Bridge Day?

Friday, October 8th, 2010

When you think of Bridge Day, what comes to mind? The Bridge? B.A.S.E. jumpers? ….Funnel cakes?

Taste of Bridge Day

Taste of Bridge Day

Fact is, there are all kinds of things happening on Bridge Day. Above, below, around. The action is non-stop.

What many don’t realize, is what happens the day before. One our favorite parts of the festival – The Taste of Bridge Day.

This gathering officially kicks off Bridge Day and is our favorite type of challenge – one that involves food.

This year 13 local and regional restaurants will participate in the event, presented by WOAY television, and offer tastings of their fabulous foods for tickets ranging in value from $1-$5.

This year you can expect everything from the award-winning ethnic dishes of Diogi’s or Gumbo’s to the swanky sandwiches from the area’s newest restaurant – The Secret Sandwich Society.

And if the food isn’t reason enough to attend – the setting will blow you away. The event will once again take place in the open-air pavilion of Smokey’s on the Gorge.

Here’s a tip to the wise — don’t feel guilty about overeating before the big event on Saturday– all proceeds go to support the local Rotary Clubs and their charitable causes. So we say – ‘Let them eat cake!’ and sliders, and ribs, and gumbo and….well you get the picture.

Only a few more days to wait. Will we see you there?

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