Google Mannington and this is what you will find: Mannington is a city in Marion County located in the hills of North-Central West Virginia in the United States. Known as Mannington since 1856, the town is rich with history and heritage – from Native American relics to frontiersmen and their settlements to Civil War legends. Perhaps what makes Mannington most unusual is the impact of the oil and gas boom in 1890 that literally changed the shape of the town.

What Google does not tell you is why to should visit our quaint little town this Saturday. So we’ll give you five reasons why you should.

 

Back Roads & BBQ

Back by popular demand, this local favorite band will be performing at the Hamilton Round Barn from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Talk about great acoustics! For $5 you’ll hear a little bluegrass, a little country, a little gospel and lots of good ol’ rock & roll. You’ll know the words and singing along is encouraged.

While you are at the barn, you can enjoy a home-style meal. Hence, the BBQ part of the evening. Saturday’s menu includes BBQ chicken, sloppy Joes, French fries, coleslaw and homemade cookies.

 

 

 

Fright Barn

This time of the year, there are plenty of Halloween parties and even a few haunted houses around the county. But when is the last time you had a Halloween party in a barn – a round barn to boot.

The bottom floor of the Hamilton Round Barn will be set up for a spooktacular afternoon from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. I think toilet paper might somehow be involved!

 

 

 

 

Halloween Town

Between noon and 2:00 pm, the streets of Mannington will come alive with lots of little ghosts and goblins. Pumpkins will be placed in front of the area business that will be passing out candy (to children 12 and under).

At 2:15-ish kids will gather on Citizen’s Square for refreshments and games.

 

 

 

 

Pumpkin Chunkin’

Bring out your muscles, style and aim. There will be dozens of pumpkins you can have for a donation of $5+. Prizes for winners in the categories of height, distance, splatter, and style. Come out to Citizen’s Square at 1:30 pm during Halloween Town and compete with the best chunkers around!

 

 

 

Ready to Fly

Nativibes Studio & Art Gallery will host ‘Ready to Fly”. Models from Seeking Stars Arts have taken photos with some of West Virginia’s most majestic birds of prey (pretty appropriate for Halloween, don’t you think?). These birds are being cared for by the West Virginia Raptor Rehabilitation Center.

This event will provide information about the WVRRC and allow guests to meet the birds that starred in the photo shoot including: Vader, a turkey vulture, Shadow, a swallow-tailed kite, Hootie, a great horned owl with a possible surprise appearance by Annie, a red-tailed hawk. This event is open to the public to learn more about the Seeking Stars Art and WVRRC’s teams, while enjoying live musical performances, light snacks and drinks, with wonderful knowledge-sharing and photographic opportunities. Seeking Stars Art will also premiere their first promotional film project from a recent art gallery and runway show.
Admission cost for this special event is a donation to the WVRRC.
Doors open at 4:00 pm at Nativibes Studio & Art Gallery with semi-formal to formal festive attire requested. Win prizes for wearing feather or bird-inspired accessories such as feather boas, masks and hats.

 

Just don’t leave town without doing a little shopping. . . . and eating.

 

Something Special sells new and gently used furniture, home decor, primitives, antiques, collectibles and more.

 

 

Crystal’s Custom Creations offers a great selection of primitives, antiques, rugs, candles and painted furniture. They also carry Miss Lillian’s Chock paint to make your own creations. You can also find a full line of handmade soaps and lotions; Bee Happy Snaps, Mona B handbags, and Boutique Clothing.

 

 

Red Dot Pharmacy & Gifts has a great assortment of Mountaineer gifts,t-shirts, giftware and flags. They also carry Melissa & Doug Toys, candles, cards, candy, purses, jewelry . . . the list goes on!

 

 

In addition to being a traditional florist, Mountaineer Florist & Gifts, has an extensive line of giftware as well as seasonal plants.

 

 

Hero’s Corner Cafe is a classic café and pizzeria. They feature daily home-cooked specials and great desserts. Think soup beans and cornbread, liver and onions or better yet, creamed chicken with mashed potatoes. Or maybe you would rather have a hot roast beef sandwich with extra gravy and mashed potatoes.

 

 

Mario’s New York Style Pizza & Pasta specializes in pizza, ‘roni rolls (their version of a pepperoni roll), sandwiches, hoagies and salads. But they also have daily meal specials as well as daily dessert specials. Or if you want to get an early start to your day in Mannington, start with a big breakfast.

 

 

Baby B’s BBQ specializes in fresh smoked meat and BBQ along with hoagies, sandwiches, pepperoni rolls, salads and desserts. Did you catch Baby B’s BBQ on this week’s WBOY Restaurant Road Trip?

 

 

What started out as a simple ice cream parlor has grown into so much more. Sure, Our Back Porch & More has traditional ice cream treats, but now they also serve up freshly made donuts, coffee drinks and other decadent desserts in their indoor parlor.

 

 

The Custard Stand,  another Mannington favorite, serves authentic WV chili dogs (as seen on Shark Tank). You will also find burgers, fries and 50+ flavors of soft serve ice cream.

 

 

Mild, medium or hot? That’s the decision you need to make when you order hot dogs from T&L Hot Dogs. Or would you rather have your pepperoni roll with the works? How about a baked potato with sauce and cheese or cheese and broccoli? Dessert? And you probably thought you were just going in to order a couple hot dogs!

 

 

Better come early, there’s lots to do and see in Mannington on Saturday! What are you most looking forward to?