Bruceton Mills, Preston's little hidden getaway

Many articles highlight beautiful destinations from around the state, rarely does one feature Preston County.  So we are starting a series to uncover what is special about some of our wonderful little towns.  We are starting in the Northern end of the County, right off of I68.  Some may see this little town as nothing more than a gas stop on their way up the interstate, but if you dive a little deeper, you will find a quaint little waterfront town, with tons of attractions and activities for everyone in the family.

Nestled just east of Morgantown, WV, Bruceton Mills, sits along the Big Sandy Creek.  The creek provides the opportunity to fish, or paddle.  You can rent a kayak or canoe at Padlz for a few hours, or launch your own,  Above the dam is a quiet easy float, below, to the Cheat is a ride for avid paddlers and a trip over Wonder Falls!  The stream is stocked with trout numerous times a year and also has other local fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and more.  So whatever water fun you choose, it's here.

Just a hop on old Rt 73 and you can enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing and more, including the WVU canopy tour, swimming and more trout fishing!  Between Chestnut Ridge Park, Sand Springs Campground and Cooper's Rock State forest, you can tent camp, bring the camper, or rent a cabin.  There are numerous trails to hike or bike, great rock climbing, (classes available) and if scheduled you can go to the WVU canopy tour for a tree top adventure.

Just down the interstate the other direction from Bruceton, at the Hazelton Exit, you can find Big Bear Lake Campground.  As a private community, they offer a water park, 2 lakes, trails that host national bike events, miniature golf and more.  Be sure to contact them for details.  There is also a Microtel Inn if you prefer roughing it in the hotel.  Or for a more personal touch check out the Maple Leaf Motel right in Bruceton.

Now while in town, you are going to need a good place to eat.  Now Pizza is always a favorite and Pizza Pro has been making some delicious pies since 1993!  There is also the Millstone, if you want some delicious ice cream, the Millplace, and Little Sandy's for some home cooking.  There is also a subway, and in Hazelton, a new restaurant service up delicious home cooked meals where the DairyKing use to be.

A few more reasons to visit Bruceton......Throughout the summer there is a free concert series at the dam.  Thursdays evenings throughout the summer, from 6:30-8:30 bring a blanket, lawn chair, or boat, and enjoy some great local musicians and a relaxing evening.  And Don't forget Good Neighbors Day, in July, there will be a parade, carnival, live music, fireworks and more.  The most important reason to visit Bruceton, the people!  The locals are friendly, warm and inviting.  Come play, stay a while, and make some lifelong memories and most possibly new lifelong friends.

September In Preston County

Around these parts, some people wait all summer for September to arrive.  Here in Preston County, September is a big deal!!  Starting in late August you can see the sports fields start to come alive as the fall leagues start soccer, baseball, track and cross country, and of course football.  It's starting to get a bit of a chill to the air, the leaves start changing colors, the pumpkins and mums start popping up on neighborhood porches, the Friday Night Lights kick on at Knights Stadium, and Buckwheat Festival banners get hung up on Main Street!

Last Friday was the home opener for the Preston High Knights Football Team.  It was youth/super hero night and many of the PCYFL players and cheerleaders formed a tunnel for their older role models to run through and welcome in the 2017 season.  Although they walked away with a loss, the Knights played hard and with heart and had the crowd on the edge of their seats!  There was a seriously Rockin' performance at halftime by the Marching Knight too!!!

DO NOT miss your chance to support this team this month. They are hosting Military Appreciation Night 9/15 All current and former military get free admission.  (wear camo or red, white and blue).  They are also having an Alumni Night 9/22 and will be honoring the 1st ever PHS football and cheer teams, the 1992 Team.  All alumni players/cheerleaders will get free admission for them and 1 guest and be honored at halftime.  While you are checking out a game, be sure to check out the new and approved facilities that have been made possible by numerous local businesses and individuals!  We have a feeling the tide is turning with PHS football and it will be these students and this community that supports them, that will make this to happen.

Some other exciting things coming up......

9/15 Paint N Sip at the PCAC  Harvest  Moon Over the Cheat
9/16 Oktoberfest at Alpine
9/16 Car and Bike Show for Aurora Project at the Aurora School 9-3pm
9/16  Teen Dance Open to ALL TEENAGERS!!  PCAC 7-10 pm
9/20 Sprout Meeting PCAC 7pm
9/23 Open Mic PCAC 6pm
9/30 Blue's Concert @ Russ's Ribs 3-9pm


There are also plenty of Preston County Youth Football games, little league baseball, soccer, cross country, track, and other youth sport activities that love to see community support.

The Last weekend in September Most of Preston County is craving Buckwheat cakes and are able to find their fill at the Buckwheat Festival in Kingwood!  There are plenty of activities from 9/27-10/1. Lots of good food, games, rides, parades, coronation of royalty, hard working 4-H & FFA kids with their animals, and much much more!!!

As we welcome back sweater weather and all that pumpkin spice goodness, let's also welcome back that sense of community that also seems to strengthen this time of year.  There are many working to make the most of our community.  If you are interested in helping, or joining forces, contact us for more information!