Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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March 8, 2010

Hatfield-McCoy Trail routing business to Bramwell

By GREG JORDAN Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BRAMWELL — All terrain vehicle enthusiasts spend a lot of their time roaming byways such as the Hatfield-McCoy Trail in West Virginia or the upcoming Spearhead Trail in Virginia, but there comes a time when they have to stop and sleep, eat or seek another form of entertainment. Communities such as Bramwell and nearby Pocahontas, Va., are looking to fill those needs. Located near the boundary dividing West Virginia and Virginia, Bramwell will be among the communities that could benefit from a planned extension of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail into Mercer County. Mapping work is currently underway. Meanwhile, some projects designed to serve the new visitors are underway as well. “I can tell you some of the things that are going on,” said Mayor Louise Stoker of Bramwell. Work is underway on a new enterprise called the Bramwell ATV Resort. Located near the intersection of Route 52 and Route 120, the lodgings would have two units with kitchenettes and other amenities, Stoker said. Other plans call for an ATV campground. Meanwhile, plans are being made to welcome ATV travelers into Bramwell itself. “Signs have been made, but haven’t been put up yet,” Stoker said. “They will direct riders on streets where they may or may not travel and on which streets they may park. There will also be a parking area for them.” In Pocahontas, Va., an area where the Hatfield-McCoy Trail could connect with the Spearhead Trail, the town is making preparations, too, to accommodate the needs of ATV riders and other visitors. “The town has been working on a downtown revitalization plan,” said Greg Jones, town treasurer. “Part of it will be funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The scope of it is that we’re realigning ourselves to the ATV industry and also the tourism market.” A restaurant, an antique store and a bed and breakfast are in Phase I of the revitalization plan, Jones said. Phase II will focus more on the arts and culture; revitalizing the town’s Opera House, building campgrounds, and creating an amphitheater are part of this plan. “It will boost our economy,” said Pocahontas resident Amy Flick, who is helping coordinate plans. “We will benefit tremendously. They’re going to need food, gas, a place to stay, they’re going to need parts if they break down. And not only is it going to benefit Pocahontas, it’s going to benefit Bluefield, Tazewell and every place around here, and I’m excited about that.”

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