Elkins Putting Their Quality of Place on Rails

With the American Mountain Theater and Scenic WV Rail Excursions, the Elkins area has experienced some exciting improvements in its "quality of place." The important point about these investments is not only how it draws in tourism dollars (over 300 buses full of tourists are projected for 2008), but how it builds Elkins into a more attractive community for new residents looking for an up-and-coming - yet still small and quaint - locale to build their own business.

The latest news? A rail-themed restaurant by developer Harold Elbon:

The two-story, 250-seat restaurant will have two kitchens, two patios, a gift shop and a lounge area to serve tour groups, train riders and locals, Elbon explained. And with more than 300 tour buses scheduled to stop in Elkins in 2008, according to Elbon, the restaurant should have a number of patrons.

It is exciting to watch the Elkins and Randolph County area embrace their railroad history while launching these entrepreneurial pursuits. We hope other West Virginia communities are watching closely and follow their example!