Harley Davidson Travel Blog . . . and thoughts along the journey

Just before I arrived in Point Pleasant, it started to rain heavy and so I took a break at the local McDonald's in Point Pleasant. I could not have asked for nicer personal. As they saw me all wet, they asked if I would stay overnight and they referred me to a local Hotel:

The Historic Lowe Hotel
They told me that this hotel had been bought several years ago and that it is 'sort' of a historic landmark for downtown.

Never did I think that I would discover the wonderful past of the Hotel and meet such nice people.

Upon arriving of at the Hotel I was greeted by the owner "Ruth Finley" and her daughter. The charge for the room was about $50.00 and the room was more then comfortable.

Before you visit this landmark Hotel you have to know that each room is decorated personally by Ruth and the idea was to maintain the style of the Hotel just as it once was. Beware, this is NOT some multi Million Dollar renovation . . . this Hotel is the outcome of a way of living since 1990. The Finely family lives and breathes "hotel" night and day. If you stand outside and you look at the facade of the hotel you firmly believe that the Hotel was just built . . . (it was actually built in 1901) . Can you imagine that this hotel has been in continued operation since 1901?
. . . Stories to tell and stories forgotten . . .


The lobby of these old hotels is what makes them so great. Every time I am in one of these lobbies I imagine the people who once sat here, exchanged business cards, made "big deals", experienced romances nobody should know about, etc. If you stay into a modern hotel, you will not sit in the lobby and start conversations . . . but when you come here you will.




Melinda's Restaurant
Because the newly build restaurant of the Hotel was closed (Sunday) I decided to visit Melinda's restaurant downtown. I was in the mood for some really fatty foods anyway . . . (don't tell my cardiologist). Let me assure you they had a plan and a meal for us. It was great and plenty.







Back to the Hotel
Mary and I met Gene Hembrew in the lobby after I returned from the local diner Melinda's. Gene was about 54 years old and he sat in one of the old, large leather couches. I sat down and I started a conversation that would last until late in the evening. Gene had been a very successful businessman and his dream had always to run away with the circus. Late in his life as personal circumstances changed, as a friend had a heart attack, Gene thought:"Now or Never.' So he applied at Carson & Barnes, the largest tent Circus in the US. And the Circus hired him. Gene now sells the Circus to communities like Point Pleasant. If you ever need the circus to come to your town, call Gene on his cell phone 580.743.2104.

If you are really interested what went through my head that evening please click here and find out

The next morning Ruth gave me one more tour of her beautiful hotel:

This glorious ballroom awaits the cigar smoke that shall rise from the parlors below. It awaits the dancing mood of its time and the food of indulgence. "Come, Come . . . I am ready for all of you" it seems to say and I can detect the aged smile of his shiny floor.

The Hotel may not be for everyone, but it was for me and Mary. It was a treat to be here, with real people and in a real Hotel.

Fourth and Main Street - Point Pleasant, WV 25550 -
304.675.2260

Here is our rating of the Hotel: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)
Food quality and value: N/A (restaurant was closed on Sunday)
Location: ●
Service: ●●●●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●●
Our Rating: ●●● 3/4

This entry was posted on Monday, July 18, 2005 at Monday, July 18, 2005. You can skip to the end and leave a response.