Welcome to Logan County
This Saturday, the hills of Logan, West Virginia will play host to something we believe is deeply needed in our time: the Re-enchanting the World Conference. And from the looks of it, many of you are already on your way.
We’ve received messages from folks across state lines, some making long treks to join us. So I wanted to take a moment to offer you a guide to the conference, not just for the logistics, but for the feel of the place.
The event takes place at The Chief Logan Lodge & Conference Center, perched on a ridge inside the state park, surrounded by forest and fog in the mornings. You can book a room right there at the Lodge, or, if you’d rather something a bit more tucked away, there are also cottages on the property that are perfect for conversations that carry long into the night.
Other options nearby include the Holiday Inn at Fountain Place, just a few minutes down the road, or the Best Western in Chapmanville, on the opposite side of town.
If you’re flying, you’ll want to arrive at Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV. From there, you’ll have about an hour’s drive into the mountains. Uber, Lyft, or a rental car will do just fine. Rideshare tends to be the more affordable option, but be sure to plan ahead.
Where to Eat (And Drink Coffee and Throw an Axe)
Logan may be a small town, but it doesn’t lack flavor.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican, Hacienda at Fountain Place or Minas Mexican Grill in Chapmanville won’t disappoint. For Italian, Chirico’s Ristorante is an old-school favorite with candlelit charm. If steak is your language, make time for 317 Steak House in downtown Logan, a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
For those wanting a more immersive Appalachian experience full of food, history, and maybe a little adrenaline check out McCoy Station (yes, it involves axe throwing) or The Broken Axle at the Appalachian Outpost. These spots lean into the history of the Hatfields and McCoys and will give you a taste of the storytelling spirit that animates this region.
Coffee? Head downtown to Main Street Co. for a cup of something warm and locally roasted.
And if you want to say you really visited West Virginia, you’ll need to try one of our famous hot dogs loaded with chili (not sauce), slaw, mustard, and onions. Morrison’s Drive-Inn and Parkway Drive-In are the two places to go.
Things to See (If You Arrive Early or Stay Late)
When you visit Logan County, you need to know that you’re stepping into a region thick with history.
The Chief Logan State Park, where the conference is being held, is a great place to take a slow walk or go for a scenic drive. There’s also a museum on site that’s worth visiting. It features props from the movie We Are Marshall, displays of Blenko Glass, and exhibits on coal mining and Native American history.
There are lots of sites with historical interest in the Logan County area. Go check out the Princess Aracoma Memorial in downtown Logan at the courthouse. Princess Aracoma was the daughter of Chief Cornstalk who cursed Point Pleasant and has connections to the Mothman of Point Pleasant (talk about re-enchantment). Actually, downtown Logan is somewhat historic in and of itself because it was built on top of an Indian village.
Also go check out “The Island” where Logan High School is located. It’s the place where Devil Anse Hatfield and his militia known as the Logan Wildcats were located. Take a trip to Sarah Ann and visit the Hatfield Memorial Cemetery to see the hand carved, life-size marble statue of Devil Anse Hatfield at his resting place.
For those interested in more recent history, a visit to Buffalo Creek offers a sobering perspective. In 1972, a coal slurry dam failure there destroyed entire communities. It remains one of the most tragic events in West Virginia’s history and a painful chapter, but an important one to remember.
Worship on the Lord’s Day
If you’re staying through Sunday and looking for a place to worship, we’d love to welcome you to New Haven Church. We’re a Southern Presbyterian congregation culturally. That said, we know our tradition may not be the best fit for everyone. Wherever you go, we hope your time in West Virginia ends with a rich and joyful Lord’s Day.
Conference Schedule
10:00 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:05 AM – Josh Robinson – Re-enchanting the Church
11:05 AM – S.D. Smith – Christian Storytelling: An Escape Into Reality
12:05 PM – Lunch Break (on-site and local dining options available)
1:30 PM – Afternoon Session Begins
1:35 PM – C.R. Wiley – Re-enchanting the Cosmos
2:35 PM – Panel Discussion – Robinson, Smith, and Wiley in conversation, with audience Q&A
Final Call to Register
If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so through our Eventbrite page.
And if finances are an issue but you’d really like to attend, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I’d love to help make it possible for you to be there.
Looking forward to seeing y’all this weekend!
Wish I could make it!