BY CLAY LARROY
The preparation for a vacation is almost as
exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and
confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I
enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my
destination. When you want to plan a
vacation contact me!
Surrounded by the Appalachians, the mountain state of West Virginia has a history of coal
mining, poverty and physical isolation. Today, however, tourists flock to this beautiful region to enjoy historic sightseeing,
Appalachian music and crafts, and an abundance of recreational sports,
including skiing and other winter sports,
mountain-biking, white-water rafting, hiking and fishing. The mining culture is still very prominent in the state and
is honored throughout with coal exhibitions. Civil War re-enactments are also
very popular, as many visitors come to see period battles brought to life. Blue
grass music is a big part of the West Virginia culture and is celebrated
year-round in local music festivals.
Things
to see and do in West Virginia
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Chug through West
Virginia's steep forested mountains on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad steam
train. Take the scenic fall foliage tour, or choose from a variety of rail
adventures such as the Mystery Theatre or Bluegrass Music train.
Harper's Ferry
Tour the historic town of
Harper's Ferry, the site of John Brown's rebellion in 1859. See Civil War
reenactments or visit numerous museums dedicated to the era. Alternatively,
delve into West Virginia's heritage at any of the 200 festivals, fairs, special
events, tournaments and races.
Monongahela National Forest
Go camping or hiking in
the Monongahela National Forest and Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National
Recreation Area in the eastern part of the state. Home to bears and deer,
Monongahela offers over 500 campsites and miles of hiking trails.
State Capitol
Tour the State Capitol in
Charleston (www.charlestonwv.com), one of the finest Italian
Renaissance buildings in the USA.
State parks
Visit one of four resort
state parks (www.wvparks.com), complete with lodges, cabins,
swimming pools, championship golf courses and restaurants. All have excellent
naturalist programs and recreational facilities for all ages.
White-water rafting
Shoot the rapids on a
white-water rafting trip down the New River Gorge National River (www.nps.gov/neri),
which winds its way through the Appalachians.
Nightlife
in West Virginia
Wild club nights may not
be liberally offered, but West Virginia's residents do love their music, and
there are many concert halls, coliseums, auditoriums and amphitheater in which
to listen and bop to your favorite genre. West Virginia's calendar also
features numerous music festivals, including the Vandalia Gathering, and the
Augusta Festival.
Where
to stay in West Virginia
Hotels
West Virginia's hotels and
accommodation ranges from luxury resorts, complete with spas, shopping and golf
facilities, to inviting cabins set amid green woodland, and campsites on
sweeping valleys and pretty glades. West Virginia's state parks also offer a
range of accommodation, including rustic lodges, campsites, alongside an array
of outdoor activities.
REFERENCE
SITES:
Come to West Virginia and we'll show you how to live... how
to treat people. We're open for business. West Virginia is truly on the move.
Joe Manchin
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