Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Coal Hollow Amphitheater & Motor Sports Complex


Here's a gem of a place located just minutes from downtown Wellsville. Until last spring I never knew it existed. There's 250 acres nestled on top of a hill overlooking the Ohio Valley that once I found it was surprised. I tried to find it last spring when they were hosting a motor cross event but I couldn't find Coal Hollow Road. In the advertisement for that event they said something about following the signs off Hibbetts Mill Road. I went out Hibbetts Mill and wound up on 10th Street Extension. Then I came home & Googled Coal Hollow and the map didn't show it. I think it's actually Hibbetts Mill Road but don't ask me to explain it.

It took a while but we finally found it. They are having an "End of Summer Bash 2009" with three musical acts this coming Saturday. It sounded interesting. So the missus & I went visiting this past Sunday and W O W!

First off, to find Coal Hollow Road you have to go north on Route 45 out of the ville and make a left onto Crawford Road just before you leave the Hillcrest area. There's a hand made sign there that says Coal Hollow but the street sign says Crawford. Once on Crawford keep going straight for maybe two or three miles. It's not clear where Crawford leaves off and Coal Hollow begins but it's the same road. It's also an old, winding, narrow, country road that's mostly unpaved. At points you're parallel to a creek. Just keep on that road until you come to the signs next to the red gate. Then you make another left onto the grounds. There are other ways to get there but I'd probably get you lost trying to explain it.

About a mile back the dirt road, through wooded areas and past corn fields, sits a natural made amphitheater with a man made stage. From what we saw there isn't a bad place to sit to watch the entertainment. You have to bring your own blankets & lawn chairs if you don't want to sit on the ground. The grass is all closely & newly mowned and the inclined seating area allows for unobstructed viewing of the stage. I have never been to a performance out there but I can just imagine the music rolling off those speakers up the hillside.

In addition to the amphitheater there are miles and miles of trails for four wheeling or riding dirt bikes up and down hills and some through wooded areas. Then there acres of level land for setting up camp sites or campers. Coal Hollow has been host to many dirt bike racing and four wheeler events in the last few years in addition to having concerts. Most of them are benefit concerts.

It's a beautiful, serene place in a rustic setting that seems like it's out in the middle of nowhere but is really in our back yard - just minutes away. It's an ideal spot to get away from it all and enjoy the clean country air. There's Porta Johns available for nature calls. There's even a beautiful waterfall on the property. The best part of it all is that it won't break the bank to take advantage of the place. All events only cost $10/head with children under 12 admitted free. There's a spot for vendors and they have electric power for the stage. If you want to camp and need power you'll have to provide you own generator. Other than a creek down over the hill there's no running water. Other than that there's all the comforts of home!

If you want to go off road riding during any week-end it's still only $10/head. Motor sports riders must have a photo identification and sign a liability waiver. As I mentioned this Saturday, August 29, is the "Bash" featuring three acts. The Borderline Band will be performing along with Nashville artist Rorey Wesney. Wesney performed at the Jamboree In The Hills this year. He started in the music profession at the age of 13 playing guitar for Johnny Paycheck. They say he has a style all his own that has been described as a blend between Merle Haggard and George Straight. The third group to perform Saturday is Wellsville's Route 45 band which need no build up from us. They're good & very entertaining as you well know. Karen & Tim can probably walk there.

Gates open at 3 P.M. Saturday. The music will start at 5 P.M. The End of Summer Bash 2009 will go on come rain or shine. Camping is free the night before & the night of the show. With just a slight chance of rain it should be a beautiful day to spend at a beautiful location.

Mike & Sherry Kazee say come on out and enjoy yourselves. Everybody is welcome. I bet on a clear night you can see just about every star in the universe out there.


ole nib



2 comments:

jobob said...

Husband and I went out there last summer for that bike thing and, WOW was that a hairy ride on a Harley....that's one whopper of a windy road! But you're right, the site is gorgeous!
My grandsons raced out there for the AWRKs race earlier this year and although it was a muddy mess, it was a lot of fun!
They have a great piece of property.
Wish I could go to concert but will be attending the Rogers Elementary Reunion in Lisbon! Maybe can make it for Tim's band if it's going on stage last.

************* said...

Ran into the Kellys yesterday evening. The Kellys are two members of the Route 45 Band - Tim handles the drums & Karen does lead vocals.

The Borderline Band is first up & are scheduled to get the show started at 5 P.M. Next up is Rorey Wesney at 7:30. Wesney is going to be accompanied with his own muscians. Route 45 Band is lined up to take the stage at 9:30.

There's suppose to be a surprise finale to wrap up the evening. Sounds like a good time to kick back & relax and enjoy the exciting & entertaining shows.

nib