Jodi Fouch, Grant County Press

I’ve been really lucky in my lifetime to be able to travel and see many wonderful things. I’ve been to several other states and as a matter of fact, several other countries. But never have I visited a place any more beautiful than the West Virginia hills. And if you don’t believe me or agree with that, you need to take a trip up to Wildernest Inn.

Let me begin at the beginning though. Last year at a golf tournament, Bill bid on a dinner for four at the Wildernest, and the two of us and J. and Sonnee Carter spent a recent Friday evening dining at the inn.

Wildernest Inn, owned and hosted by Stewart and Kathy Hornby, is located about 12 miles from Petersburg ; on a mountain ridge, overlooking South Mill Creek Lake. Beyond the lake are mountain ranges for as far as the eye can see. It is breathtaking.

But some of the greatest things you will discover are right there at the inn. As you sit on the deck, you can hear the frogs on the pond and enjoy the wildlife that comes close to the deck. (They seemed as curious about us as we were of them!)

The food, prepared by Kathy and served by Stewart, is absolutely delicious. Kathy told us some very funny stories about her cooking adventures, but whatever “misadventures” she encountered when learning to cook have certainly been taken care of. Wonderful food!

Kathy and Stewart, who came to the United States in 1995 from South Africa, seem to delight in sharing tales of their lives with their guests. They have traveled extensively and have lived in many interesting places before finding “home” at the Wildernest. And some of their greatest stories have taken place right here in beautiful West Virginia!

The inn itself has six rooms for guests. The four of us decided to go for a weekend there in mid-May – to enjoy the view, the hot tub and the hospitality. Not to mention the scrumptious food.

When you get a minute, look on their Web site – www.wildernestinn.com – and check out what they have to offer. I’ll bet you’ll look at the pictures and decide to have a closer, in-person look.

Believe me, in this little corner of “Almost Heaven,” there is warm hospitality waiting!

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