Things To Do in and around Kingwood
Kingwood was described by 2010 Citizen of the Year Neil Reed as a real-life Norman Rockwell community. Picturesque store fronts, historic markers, and small-town neighborliness beckon visitors to walk our streets and enjoy our hospitality. While in Kingwood, you may wish to visit the Kingwood Public Library www.kingwood.lib.wv.us
Across Preston County are other sites and events, too, that can be combined with a visit to the McGrew House. We invite you to come to our corner of West Virginia and stay a while.
The Preston County Buckwheat Festival is a four-day event that begins on the last Thursday in September and is a classic harvest celebration with parades, carnival rides, arts and crafts, royalty court, agricultural exhibits, and, of course, the signature buckwheat cakes--a hearty stack of sour dough pancakes, served with whole hog sausage. Conveniently, the McGrew House is located only two blocks from the Festival's grounds and affords paid parking for visitors. For more information, check www.buckwheatfest.com.
Any time is a fine time to enjoy a Tour of Kingwood's Historic District. Coupled with an event at the McGrew House or a delicious meal at a local restaurant, a leisurely walk through downtown Kingwood will take visitors past churches, stores, businesses, art studios, and historic markers from the late 1800's and early 1900's. For more, see www.visitmountaineercountry.com.
A short drive from the McGrew House is the Arthurdale Heritage Center, which celebrates and preserves First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's "little village." Founded in the Depression, Arthurdale, WV, has its own singular and respected history. To learn more and plan a visit there, see their website www.arthurdaleheritage.org
The World War II Museum and Cannon Hill Tour in nearby Rowlesburg, WV, have history lessons from two different eras. The Museum has artifacts of all kinds from World War II; the tour of Cannon Hill looks back to the Civil War. Rowlesburg also offers a lovely river-side park and vibrant Cultural Arts Center, which features special programs periodically . For more information, check www.rowlesburg.org and www.museumusa.org.
Also nearby, the Tunnelton Train Station and local tunnels have historic significance of their own and offer unique appeal to history buffs and railroad enthusiasts.
Standing alone along Route 26, approximately 2 1/2 miles north of Albright , WV, is the Old Virginia Iron Furnace, which has a definite connection to the McGrew family. It was originally constructed and operated by Harrison Hagans, father of Persis Hagans McGrew. Years after Hagans' death, his sons and later son-in-law James C. McGrew purchased and leased it to others to operate. It sits quietly removed, almost forgotten, next to rushing waters that flow into Cheat River, but is a delightful spot to enjoy a picnic lunch.
History House, the museum maintained by the Preston County Historical Association, is located in Terra Alta, a mere 8 miles east of the McGrew House, along WV Route 7. Among the artifacts there is the original key to the 1870 Court House, for which Mr. McGrew served as Construction Supervisor. Three stories of history--room upon room--of pictures, uniforms, newspapers, and more can be found there. Hours vary during their spring and summer season.
Another historic site within a scenic drive of Kingwood is the Aurora General Store, located along Route 50, in Aurora, WV. It is maintained by the Aurora Area Historical Society. For more information, see auroraareahistoricalsociety.com.
Even more activities can be planned by checking the Preston County Chamber of Commerce website www.prestonchamber.com.
Across Preston County are other sites and events, too, that can be combined with a visit to the McGrew House. We invite you to come to our corner of West Virginia and stay a while.
The Preston County Buckwheat Festival is a four-day event that begins on the last Thursday in September and is a classic harvest celebration with parades, carnival rides, arts and crafts, royalty court, agricultural exhibits, and, of course, the signature buckwheat cakes--a hearty stack of sour dough pancakes, served with whole hog sausage. Conveniently, the McGrew House is located only two blocks from the Festival's grounds and affords paid parking for visitors. For more information, check www.buckwheatfest.com.
Any time is a fine time to enjoy a Tour of Kingwood's Historic District. Coupled with an event at the McGrew House or a delicious meal at a local restaurant, a leisurely walk through downtown Kingwood will take visitors past churches, stores, businesses, art studios, and historic markers from the late 1800's and early 1900's. For more, see www.visitmountaineercountry.com.
A short drive from the McGrew House is the Arthurdale Heritage Center, which celebrates and preserves First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's "little village." Founded in the Depression, Arthurdale, WV, has its own singular and respected history. To learn more and plan a visit there, see their website www.arthurdaleheritage.org
The World War II Museum and Cannon Hill Tour in nearby Rowlesburg, WV, have history lessons from two different eras. The Museum has artifacts of all kinds from World War II; the tour of Cannon Hill looks back to the Civil War. Rowlesburg also offers a lovely river-side park and vibrant Cultural Arts Center, which features special programs periodically . For more information, check www.rowlesburg.org and www.museumusa.org.
Also nearby, the Tunnelton Train Station and local tunnels have historic significance of their own and offer unique appeal to history buffs and railroad enthusiasts.
Standing alone along Route 26, approximately 2 1/2 miles north of Albright , WV, is the Old Virginia Iron Furnace, which has a definite connection to the McGrew family. It was originally constructed and operated by Harrison Hagans, father of Persis Hagans McGrew. Years after Hagans' death, his sons and later son-in-law James C. McGrew purchased and leased it to others to operate. It sits quietly removed, almost forgotten, next to rushing waters that flow into Cheat River, but is a delightful spot to enjoy a picnic lunch.
History House, the museum maintained by the Preston County Historical Association, is located in Terra Alta, a mere 8 miles east of the McGrew House, along WV Route 7. Among the artifacts there is the original key to the 1870 Court House, for which Mr. McGrew served as Construction Supervisor. Three stories of history--room upon room--of pictures, uniforms, newspapers, and more can be found there. Hours vary during their spring and summer season.
Another historic site within a scenic drive of Kingwood is the Aurora General Store, located along Route 50, in Aurora, WV. It is maintained by the Aurora Area Historical Society. For more information, see auroraareahistoricalsociety.com.
Even more activities can be planned by checking the Preston County Chamber of Commerce website www.prestonchamber.com.
 Old Virginia Iron Furnace |
 Westbrook's Esso, just one block from McGrew House |