Posts Tagged ‘West Virginia Camping’

Grilling 101: How To Chow Down With The Big Dogs

Monday, June 14th, 2010

What is summer without a hot dog?  Call them what you will: wieners, franks, dawgs, or sausages.  At Songer, hot dogs will always remind us of summer vacations in West Virginia.

Cooking Hot Dogs on the Campfire by Jason Pratt

A bunch of dogs on the grill.

We don’t serve them on white water rafting trips (yet!), but I’m thinking it would be a welcome addition.

In a lot of households, it’s women in the kitchen doing dinner.  Then, when it comes to grilling, it’s all of a sudden the man’s job. Not here. Anyone can grill here at Songer (except for little kids, who we think should just stay away from the matches, huh?)

Now, just for the sake of clarity, there are as many ways to fix hot dogs as there are people.  We’re just going with the simple “stick-in-fire” method.  So don’t be a hater.

Here’s what you’ll need:
Charcoal
Newspaper
Lighter fluid (not gas)
Hot dogs
Condiments
Buns

Get your fire started. Charcoal, newspaper, lighter fluid.  Add fire.  Stand back.  Take it slow and allow the charcoal to burn for around 30 minutes until you have some nice orange coals. While it’s warming go to the nearby woods and find you a good stick to put your dog on. Free sticks, y’all.

Time to cook. Spread out the coals, watch your dogs carefully, and don’t forget to turn that dog frequently. Think of your dog as a square turn it four times letting it cook around a minute or two on each side. Unless you’re one of those people that like it charred beyond recognition (and that’s okay, I guess).

Time to dress that dog. Options are endless for this: chili, cheese, sauerkraut, onions, relish, slaw, ketchup, mustard, jalapenos, and bananas (just seeing if you’re paying attention).  A true West Virginia hot dog has ketchup, mustard, chili, coleslaw, and onions.

Save some space on the grill for your bun.  It won’t take long at all to toast, and it’s much better if you spread a little butter on that sucker before you throw it on.

Simple.  Have a good old fashioned cookout, and know that you’ll fit right in in our campground.  Because, y’know, it’s the simple things in life that are so… simple.

So that’s the easy way.  Hot dog. Stick. Fire.  What about you?  Got any good hot dog recipes for us out there?

Lodging Options for You

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Want a large porch to sit and enjoy the evening?  Need a soft pillow for your head? Want someone to cook breakfast for you? There are many options in the New River Gorge in which to choose.

Let’s look at these options and see what might work for you.

Hemlock House

Hemlock House

Cabins on Miller Ridge, locationed on the property adjacent to Songer Whitewater, is convienent for all the activities that your group may be enjoying in our area. With screened-in porches, BBQ grills and hot tubs, these cabins are a good choice for friends and families of up to 10 per unit.

The Confluence Resort, located on 300 acres bordering the Gauley & the Meadow Rivers has remote hiking trails, access to the rivers, waterfalls and historic landmarks.  With several different floor plans, this facility is an excellent choice for family reunions or a wedding. Spacious rooms and open meadows make this a pleasant place to stay.

Wilderness Lake Chalets, located near Summersville Lake, has several cabins of different styles.  With economical rates, hot tubs & full kitchens, the chalets are great for the family on a budget. Swimming and boating activities are easily arranged at the lake.

Songer Whitewater Campground

Songer Whitewater Campground

Want to rough it instead, the camping options is always open. The Songer Whitewater campground has 50 acres of camping split into the Party Field and the Family Area which include fire rings & trash can. Remember, bring your own tents & sleeping bags and the grill.

The Quality Inn New River Gorge, located in Fayetteville, is your nice option for a hotel.  Outdoor inground pool, restaurant/bar, affordable rates, gives you lots of options for the entire group. With this facility being close to downtown Fayetteville, you will have easy access to great shops and resturants.  Only 10 miles from Songer, this property has been an adventure partner with Songer for over 20 years.

Hemlock Haven Rental Cabin

Hemlock Haven Rental Cabin

Need to bring your pet? Hemlock Haven Cabins are the ticket. Each cabin is sited on 2 acres surrounded by a lush forest. Hiking trails and picnic areas are also available. Full kitchens, washer & dryer and fenced yards complete the picture.

There are many other options from which to choose. One phone call arranges it all.  Let us do the leg work on what’s available & which places will best suit your needs.

Where do want to stay?