Celebrate West Virginia’s 157th Birthday With a Road Trip
June 16, 2020Take Me Home, Down Country Roads
For the 157th birthday of wild and wonderful West Virginia, we are going to take a look at touring the mountain state and showcase all we have to offer. I get it, why go anywhere other than Tucker County when getting away for the weekend or a long week. We have it pretty darn good! That being said, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not immersing into a weeks’ worth of West Virginia culture.
The best way, not like you have a choice, to navigate and relate is to embark on a road trip on legendary country roads. You know, the ones country singer John Denver sings about. West Virginia is the perfect road trip state because you do not need to travel hours for the next destination. Less time in the car and more time spent exploring trails or getting to know the friendliest locals in the world.
We will start your virtual road trip in our backyard, the eastern flank of the state and heart of West Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob are two of the best natural stops for overlooks and natural beauty. Along the way you will find the world largest telescope at the Green Bank Radio Observatory and Cass Scenic Railroad takes you back to open car steam engine rides up Bald Knob.
A marvelous part of West Virginia lies within the Greenbrier and New River Valleys. The quaint town of Lewisburg and its brick sidewalks are lined with distinct dining and contemporary art galleries. The historic Greenbrier Resort is also located near Lewisburg. A grand experience, top notch, and be ready for a top notch price tag as well. Only 77 miles away is the hard core adventure town of Fayetteville, West Virginia. From mild to wild, whitewater enthusiasts and river lovers flock to the New and Gauley rivers for a wide variety of river trips. Maybe the most iconic structure in West Virginia is the New River Gorge Bridge. Towering almost a thousand feet over the New River, the world longest single span arch bridge is home to Bridge Day and guided tours on the catwalk.
City time is reserved for two of West Virginia’s largest cities that are only 45 minutes apart. Charleston, the state capital, is a vibrant city situated along the Kanawha River. Outdoor concerts and performing arts are a staple. As is some of the best Vietnamese food around, found in South Charleston. Huntington is a similar city with a great nightlife, beer festivals, and fascinating museums. The third largest city worth mentioning is Morgantown. Foodie heaven with farm to table and micro-breweries dominating the home to West Virginia University.
Four wheel thrills and motorized heaven is what a lot of people desire when thinking about rural America. Southern West Virginia hits a home run here with reclaimed abandoned mine lands, gas lines, and logging roads. The Hatfield and McCoy Trails is a linked system containing 100’s of miles of maintained trails interconnected by towns for fuel and food. Another area of interest for off road adventure is Mercer County and the area around Bluefield, West Virginia. Rentals and guided tours are available for those who do not own such vehicles.
History takes front seat at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. A visit to this quaint, historic community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is like stepping into the past. Stroll the picturesque streets, visit exhibits and museums, or hike our trails and Civil War battlefields.
Yes, there is a need to explore and dive into the threads that have made and continue to make West Virginia a bucket list destination. If you have never been, then I must recommend starting with a visit to our home, Tucker County. Outdoor paradise and lively-hip small mountain towns pump regenerating vibes into anyone’s spirit. Cozy cabins to grand lodges offer overnight stays for either a day of a week. Let me tell you, you are going to need that week. Between relaxing, exploring, and getting tuckered, times flies when visiting Tucker County. Get planning that West Virginia road trip or vacation today.
Cheers!
Brian
