Big-Hearted Birds & One Rugged Mountain Road
- Ingrid Lemme
- 24 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 58 minutes ago
Escape from Paradise with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
"Lucky River Cafe, Rindercella’s Heart & Big-Hearted Birds"
in "Wild and Wonderful West Virginia"
We’d only just visited Hinton, WV a couple of weeks ago, but something about this small West Virginia town lingered with us—its slow rhythm, the warmth of its people, and the sense that we hadn’t quite finished exploring. So we found ourselves back again. This time, our purpose was a little different: we came to meet some extraordinary locals with feathers and fierce eyes.
Our plan was simple. Start with a slow walk through downtown, grab lunch at a favorite local café, do a bit of browsing… and then, head up the mountain for a wild ride to one of the region’s best-kept secrets: the Three Rivers Avian Center.
Lined with American flags, vintage brick storefronts, and cheerful shop windows, Hinton feels like it’s holding on to all the right parts of the past. There’s an old clock on the corner that seems to tick a little slower, matching the easy rhythm of life here.
We had our sights (and appetites) set on The Lucky River Café, a quaint little spot that came highly recommended by our chicken-lady friend from Rainbow Farm at the Lewisburg Farmers Market. It’s tucked into a whimsical white building with a black awning and a bold message painted on the side: Practice Random Acts of Kindness. Already our kind of place.
A Lucky Lunch
Inside, The Lucky River Café felt like a cross between a vintage parlor and an artist’s nook—string lights, mismatched frames, and a laid-back vibe that wraps around you like a favorite sweater.
Marcus ordered a salad that was so crisp and colorful it looked like something dreamed up by a chef with a garden out back. Every bite was bright and fresh—maybe a little mysterious, since we couldn’t find anything quite like it on the menu, but hey, sometimes the best things are off-script. Our waitress just smiled when we asked about it, as if she knew all the secrets of the kitchen and was happy to share them with the regulars and newcomers alike. She had that easygoing confidence that makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Next Door Surprise: Rindercella’s
Just next door, we stumbled into a newly opened shop called Rindercella’s (named after the owner's mother), which had just opened the week before at 215 2nd Avenue. It’s the kind of place where antiques, Americana, and whimsy collide. Every corner had something to smile at—vintage finds, handcrafted decor, clever up-cycled pieces, and plenty of red, white, and blue.
I couldn’t resist buying a handcrafted red wooden heart with a vintage key attached—something about it just spoke to me. Terri Martin, the shopkeeper was as lovely as her collection, offering stories, laughs, and that kind of genuine friendliness you wish you could bottle.
Up the Mountain to the Birds
With hearts (and hands) full, we finally pointed the car toward the highlight of the day: the Three Rivers Avian Center. But getting there was no small feat—it involved driving three miles up a rugged dirt road, uphill all the way, hugging tight corners and hoping no one would come the other way. Let’s just say it was thrilling—equal parts nerve-wracking and exhilarating. At the summit, tucked into a forest clearing, we found the log cabin headquarters of the Avian Center. This nonprofit sanctuary rehabilitates injured birds of prey and provides a permanent home for those that cannot return to the wild.
We were warmly welcomed by Executive Director Wendy Perrone and her husband, Ron Perrone, the Center’s Education Director, who gave us a fantastic guided tour. They introduced us to the center’s avian ambassadors—each one with a name, a story, and a second chance.
We met a barn owl, ghost like and gentle… a bold red-tailed hawk standing proud in a nest of sticks… a striking peregrine falcon with a stare that could pierce steel… and a curious turkey vulture, often misunderstood but crucial to the ecosystem. And of course, the owl and the bald eagle—stately, fierce, and watching us with quiet command.
Some of the birds we met can never return to the wild. Many have suffered wing injuries or vision loss, but others have survived something far more insidious: lead poisoning. We learned that raptors—especially scavengers like eagles and vultures—often ingest fragments of lead ammunition or fishing tackle when feeding on the remains of hunted animals. Even microscopic bits of lead can be fatal, attacking the nervous system and causing irreversible damage. It’s a heartbreaking and preventable issue, and centers like this are on the front lines—treating, educating, and advocating for safer alternatives.
We also had the pleasure of meeting Caleb Keneipp, their Mews Technician. Caleb is not only responsible for maintaining the aviaries but also gives his own insightful tours. He’s a kind, passionate young man who connected beautifully with the crowd—especially the kids in his group.
Together, this small but mighty team is doing big-hearted work—rescuing, rehabilitating, and reminding us just how vital these raptors are to the natural world.
If You Go:
🦅 Public tours at the Three Rivers Avian Center are held only on the first Saturday of each month (May–October) from 1–5 PM. All other visits are by appointment.
📍 2583 Brooks Mountain Road, Hinton, WV 25951
The Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
While visiting the Three Rivers Avian Center, we also learned about another powerful site for raptor education and conservation—the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Monroe County, West Virginia. Perched atop Peters Mountain, the historic fire tower has become a beloved raptor-watching destination for birders, hikers, and nature lovers alike. But this mountaintop gem is now in urgent need of restoration.
The Friends of Monroe County are working to rebuild and preserve the Hanging Rock Fire Tower, ensuring future generations can continue to marvel at the annual hawk migrations and panoramic Appalachian views from this breathtaking spot.
If you’ve ever stood on a ridge and watched a hawk soar—or simply believe in protecting access to wild, wonder-filled places—consider donating to the cause.
🔗 Donate online at: FriendsofMonroe.org
From small-town treasures to soaring inspiration on a mountaintop, our Saturday in Hinton reminded us how rich a day can be when it’s rooted in heart, history, and a touch of wild wonder.-- Interestingly, lately, more and more younger adults are searching for their version of the perfect small town—a place where life slows down just enough to savor it. Hinton is one of those rare gems that still has it all: natural beauty, a walk-able downtown, deep roots and community spirit:
Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
Escape From Paradise, Travel-writer & Blogger
Publisher, Travel Writer – www.MontaukSun.com
Ambassador for Seven-Stars.com & Emmy-winning TV show aTasteofHistory.org