1. How much should I donate for my stay; what do guests usually give?
2. When are meals available at AHH; are there other places to eat in Alderson?
3. Do I need to bring my own bed linens, pillows & towels?
4. Are the guest rooms heated and air-conditioned?
5. Are guest rooms secure?
6. May I bring something else to give to the house?
7. What clothes should I wear to the prison camp?
8. Do you have a specific check-in/check-out time?
9. What is there to see and do in the area?
10. Did Martha Stewart or her family visit AHH?
1. How much should I donate for my stay; what do guests usually give? Top
We do not charge a fee for staying at AHH. The ability of our guests to make a donation varies widely. We recognize that, for some, gas money to and from Alderson alone is tough to come up with. Please do not stay away because you are unable to leave a donation! In reality, previous guests and the many friends who support AHH have already paid for your stay. We encourage guests not to “repay” for their stay, but to “pay forward” as they are able so that we can continue to serve prison visitors. This has been our guideline for more than thirty years.
2. When are meals available at AHH; are there other places to eat in Alderson? Top
We serve a continental breakfast every morning and an evening meal on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
In Alderson the Big Wheel Family Restaurant offers affordable country-style meals. There is also a Subway sandwich shop and two gas stations that have hot pizza. In Lewisburg, about 20 miles away, there is a wider selection of fast-food and other restaurants. If you bring food back to AHH, we ask that you eat only in the dining areas on the first floor and not in bedrooms.
3. Do I need to bring my own bed linens, pillows & towels? Top
No, we have everything you need, including a supply of soap, shampoo and toothpaste. During your stay we do not make beds or replace towels.
4. Are the guest rooms heated and air-conditioned? Top
We do not have A/C but have ceiling fans in each room and supplemental free standing fans available. This old house does stay relatively cool; though, if you are coming mid-summer and are used to AC, it may be warmer in the Hospitality House than what you are used to.
We recently installed electric baseboard heaters with individual temperature controls in all guest rooms so on cold winter nights you and your family can stay toasty warm.
5. Are guest rooms secure? Top
We do not have any keyed locks on guest rooms. However, each room has a latch or slide bolt to secure the door from the inside. Most guests choose to leave their belongings in their room while they are at the FPC for visitation. Although we have had very few problems, you may choose to store your belongings in your vehicle.
6. May I bring something else to give to the house? Top
See Wish List
7. What clothes should I wear to the prison camp? Top
See FPC Visiting Regulations
Page 9 covers visitor clothing, as follows:
“Visitors are permitted to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts, however the shorts at a minimum must touch the top of the knee, and the shirt must not be revealing of any undergarments. Tube tops, tank tops, hats, caps, sunglasses (unless prescribed), doo-rags and muscle shirts are not permitted. Female visitors must wear a bra, and may not wear miniskirts, halter-tops or see through clothing of any kind. Sun dresses are permitted providing they are not revealing. No visitor, male or female, will wear open toed shoes. Any clothing that is considered to be revealing or possibly offensive to other visitors, will not be allowed into the Visiting Room.”
FPC Alderson recommends not wearing gray shirts/tops or khaki pants, as this may be confused with inmate clothing. Hats and gloves are usually not allowed, except during bad weather.
8. Do you have a specific check-in/check-out time? Top
No. Please come and leave when it is convenient for you. If you have not arrived by 10 PM, we will leave a note on the door with your room assignment. We will also leave the light on in your room so that it is easy to find. If you do arrive late please be considerate of our other guests who will be sleeping and keep all noise to a minimum. Most of our guests check out in the morning and leave for home directly after visitation.
If your travel plans change or if you have car trouble on the way, please call us as soon as possible. We understand that things do happen outside of your control, but please do call and keep us up to date. If a party has a reservation for multiple nights and does not show on the first without calling, we will often give their room for the remaining nights to a group on our waiting list.
9. What is there to see and do in the area? Top
There are two natural caverns in the Lewisburg area that are open for public tours. (Lost World Caverns and Organ Cave) Lewisburg has a 2-screen cinema, and a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries, live music and theater venues. Learn more about Lewisburg, WV. During the spring and summer, there are raft and canoe rentals on the Greenbrier River.
10. Did Martha Stewart or her family visit AHH? Top
Yes, her mother and brother-in-law did visit the house. While she was at FPC Alderson with the help of her brother-in-law, the Martha Stewart company did arrange to donate bed linens, towels and drapes for our guest rooms. This is why our rooms have so much color.
With constant use and laundering for several years, many of the sheets, comforters and pillowcases have become threadbare. If you would like to help us with replacements, by “sponsoring” a bed or even a room, call us and we will provide you with complete details.