The soul is not the flashy “attractions” that first draw you in; it’s that part that brings you back.
You may not be able to put your finger on it or see it. Sometimes you can tell just driving by, sometimes within a few minutes of being somewhere, and sometimes it just grows on you. You know it
The constant is there is just something about it that you like. Something that makes the little oddities and imperfections feel right; it speaks to you. Without these, there is no soul.
Sometimes soul is built in from the original vision, or what that has morphed into. The big souls are contagious because everyone gets it: the staff is infected, and carrying that feeling on to you. When you get it, you can’t help but share with friends and family.
So enjoy the snapshots and jingles. Let them work their magic. Just know that some places have more— a whole lot more— than first meets the eye.
The New River Gorge has soul, one as old as time itself. Come feel it.