7/15/2011
ANSTED, W.Va. – R.A. “Pete” Hobbs is mayor of the Town of Ansted, W.Va. He is also a historian and “a really good sport,” according to Megan Flinn, programmer at
Hawks Nest State Park. Last May, Hawks Nest asked Mayor Hobbs to lead walking tours of Ansted to create interest in the Fayette county community, including the park. Three dates were picked and the special event package was dubbed “Hobb Nobbin’ at Hawks Nest.” Hobb Nobbin’ was so successful it is scheduled for an additional three days: August 23, 24 and 25.
Hobbs wasn’t sure what to expect, but it sounded interesting and it was an opportunity to talk about subjects he holds dear: Ansted, history, and the town hall museum that houses the Hawks Nest museum inventory. He agreed to lead the tours to help Flinn develop an overnight park package.
Hobb Nobbin’ at Hawks Nest includes an overnight stay at Hawks Nest Lodge, a welcome gift of Blue Smoke Salsa, and a walking tour of Ansted led by the town’s mayor the afternoon of the guest stay. The cost for the overnight package for two people is $70. The goal is to introduce guests to the history of the town, business locations, and to encourage shopping and exploration. Several folks thought it was unusual, but gratifying to have a mayor engaged on such an activity.
“Most expressed some surprise at the depth of pioneer and civil war history of the area,” Hobbs said. “All were intrigued by the ghost stories related to the Tyree Tavern and with the Page-Vawter House, the home of William Nelson Page, a major coal industry figure in the mid-19th Century.”
The tour begins at Town Hall with a meet and greet. The Hawks Nest collection, which is on permanent display, is located in the town hall museum. The tour continues by foot and stops include civil war heritage sites, the Page-Vawter house, and the Veteran's Memorial. The tour features lively discussion about area history, businesses, and the Hawks Nest Rail Trail. Allow one to one-and-a-half hours for the tour. Guests meet at 4 p.m. at the Ansted Town Hall.
“We introduce overnight guests to the history and businesses in Ansted in addition to our park’s history,” said Flinn. “To have the mayor lead the interpretative walk just illustrates how West Virginians work together to make things happen to promote our parks and our communities. We appreciate Mayor Hobbs involvement.”
For more information about Hawks Nest State Park, Hawks Nest Restaurant, or special events, visit,
www.hawksnestsp.com or call 304-658-5212 for reservations or information.
Contact Information
Megan Flinn, Programmer, Hawks Nest State Park
304-658-5212
Megan.L.Flinn@wv.gov