Chef Carla Hall’s Flavorful Road Trip To West Virginia

By Amanda Barber

Carla Hall, a well-known chef, television personality, and author, recently visited the Mountain State. She and her team planned a week-long American road trip from Washington, DC, through West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. 

While in West Virginia, Hall and her crew hit some of the state’s tourism gems. They recorded the experience via online videos. 

“When my team and I planned this great American road trip adventure, I had no idea how amazing it would be!” Hall says in a caption about the journey. 

(Photo from Hall’s Facebook page)

One of the destinations was the Secret Sandwich Society (SSS) in Fayetteville, which serves an assortment of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, dessert, and drinks. In a review of the experience, Hall says she and her crew tried several sandwiches, a Brussels sprouts starter with feta, balsamic reduction, and hot honey, as well as pimento cheese fries. 

“So much variety with the sandwiches,” Hall states in a video. “ … If it sounds good, it really is good. … Everybody’s loving their sandwiches. It’s really busy, so be prepared to wait, but it is worth it!” 

SSS, located at 103 Keller Avenue in Fayetteville, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday. 

(Photo from Hall’s Facebook page)

Hall and her team also took an excursion via rail cars in Clay County. According to the Rail Explorers USA’s website, the historical route goes along the Buffalo Creek via Gauley Railroad, which originally opened in 1904 and serviced the Elk River and Lumber Company until 1965. 

(Photo from Hall’s Facebook page)

The forested, 12-mile round-trip passes sites such as Devils Sawmill waterfall, a wrecked train car, and tall cliffs, as well as crosses the rebuilt Sandfork Bridge. The route’s turnaround is at a creekbank picnic area where visitors can enjoy a snack or drink. The rail cars are equipped with an electric motor if guests get tired of pedaling along the ride. 

Hall recorded the Rail Explorers experience, reflecting, “​​The 12-mile journey was a beautiful way to start the day, and we even saw one of West Virginia’s many waterfalls along the way. … They have locations all across the US, but the Elk River destination nestled in the Appalachian Mountains will always be near and dear to my heart.”  

(Photo from Hall’s Facebook page)

About Carla Hall: 

Chef Carla Hall, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: All Stars.” For seven years, she co-hosted ABC’s Emmy Award-winning series, “The Chew.” Viewers can also find Hall on Food Network shows such as “Thanksgiving, Holiday and Halloween Baking Championships” and “Worst Cooks in America.” 

Her 2018 cookbook, “Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration,” appeared on yearly “Best Cookbook” lists and earned a NAACP Image Awards nomination. Hall is actively involved in several charitable causes and serves on the board of 4-H, Pajama Program, GenYouth, and Helen Keller International. 

Hall’s website states she “believes food connects us all, and she strives to communicate this through her work, her cooking, and in her daily interactions with others.” Hall regularly uploads recipes and life journeys on social media. She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. 

Hall recently uploaded her take on the West Virginia slaw dog, also commonly known as a “hillbilly hot dog,” which has toppings of chili, cole slaw, onions and mustard. To watch Hall’s West Virginia hot dog video, click here.