Beckley makes Smithsonian's small town list (Oak Hill: best town, apartments, motels)

[mattec]

Smithsonian Magazine has named Beckley the 19th best small town in the country, largely because of its opportunities for cultural enrichment.

In the article by Susan Spano, which is currently posted online but will also be printed in the Smithsonian’s May issue, Spano explained that there are “best town” lists for retirement, skiing and many other areas of criteria.

But the best places to travel always have cultural offerings, she said.

The best small towns were chosen among locations with populations of less than 25,000, particularly those in the southern United States, and those that have a good opportunity for visitors to see theater, art, music, dance and museums.

Beckley was noted for both the Exhibition Coal Mine and Tamarack, a location lauded for hosting artisan demostrations, lectures, music and theater events.

Theatre West Virginia and the Appalachian Festival were also mentioned by name in the article.

Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh commented, “I think the people who live here, we know how good the city is. And when I say city, I mean the urban area of the city. ... there are a lot of positive things here.

Beckley makes Smithsonian's small town list » Today's Front Page » The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

[Chriscross309]

I saw this, I'm happy for them and agree.

[Bartleby00]

That list is a disgrace. I notice they didn't mention that half the storefronts in downtown Beckley are boarded up.

[mattec]

Originally Posted by Bartleby00

That list is a disgrace. I notice they didn't mention that half the storefronts in downtown Beckley are boarded up.

While there are several empty storefronts, its not 50%. And there is somewhat of a downtown renaissance going on. A new theater is set to open soon to go along with several new restaurants and refurbished apartments.

And for its size, Beckley does have a lot of cultural amenities.

[cry_havoc]

Im a little surprised myself.

I dont know Beckley real well and havent been there in years, but the few times I was there, for snowboarding/biking accidents at the hospital, and driving through the town it seemed small and didnt seem to have a lot going on.

[CTMountaineer]

It really isn't a bad tourist destination, and Tamarac is nice. We need the state to put one of those in NCWV on I79.

[mattec]

Originally Posted by CTMountaineer

It really isn't a bad tourist destination, and Tamarac is nice. We need the state to put one of those in NCWV on I79.

Considering that it has never made a profit, don't hold your breath...

Its a nice showcase, but many of the goods it sells are not practical for the average traveler to buy.

[cry_havoc]

Originally Posted by mattec

Considering that it has never made a profit, don't hold your breath...

Its a nice showcase, but many of the goods it sells are not practical for the average traveler to buy.

I have to agree. One is enough, unless it can turn out a profit. Although even if it was profitable to build one in NCWV the state wouldn't fund it since they hate spending here.

[tbailey1138]

Congrats to Beckley! Having been born there, it makes me proud to see this. Hopefully the growth and revitalization there will continue on for years to come.

[David Kennedy]

I agree with Bailey. Beckley could not have a brighter future.

With the huge $400,000,000 Summit Boy Scout Camp near Oak Hill, Beckley and its motels and resturants will be full...and I'm sure several more are under construction as we speak.

That Boy Scout camp will mean over 200,000 tourists into the Beckley area each year...families who will come with little Johnny and Jake as they use the camp.

Those families will tour the area and spend money.
(Expect about 75,000 scouts and their families for one week in July)

200,000 tourists mean about 20 million to the economy.

Later, many will come from other countries as this facility is an international facility.

It was a great thing for the Boy Scouts to choose Wv...she won out of 32 competing states.

A 400 million dollar investment in Wv shows the attitude and intentions of great planners and leaders.

We should rise to their level....it's time.

In the future, other things just as great, could be done as well.