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West Virginia

Overview of West Virginia

Dirt Road Hills, West Virginia
Photo credit: Mike Norton
As the only state contained entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range, West Virginia is as beautiful as it is secluded. Its solitary steep wooded mountains, hidden valleys and solitary rivers transform a scenic drive into a balm for the soul. In the past, this rugged terrain tended to isolate West Virginians, who were forced to rely on small subsistence farms and cottage industries. Aspects of this lifestyle have been exaggerated in pop culture and are often the subject of jokes involving moonshine and backwoodsmen.

But the West Virginian way of life has produced countless cultural gems, including a mastery of Appalachian folk music, particularly bluegrass; unparalleled craftsmanship in furniture making, quilting, and glass-blowing; and inventive culinary treats such as the famous West Virginia sausage roll. These features, combined with its slower pace of life and small-town hospitality, make the Mountain State an inviting and restorative getaway.

West Virginia's Hatfield-McCoy (two feuding clans intrinsic to American folklore) stereotype has not deterred wealthy urban professionals from buying up property in resort areas such as Canaan Valley. But this ski destination, along with others such as Snowshoe Mountain and Timberline, has not undergone a glitzy transformation with increased tourism. On the contrary, visitors to West Virginia tend to be those in search of escape and simplicity, who are content with evenings in front of fireplaces, enjoying the arts in restored country playhouses and shopping at local farmers markets.

It's a haven for outdoorsmen, who often head straight for the Potomac Highlands in the east, which are covered by the Monongahela National Forest and popular with skiers, hikers, hunters and mountain bikers. In the south, the New and Gauley Rivers offer unmatched white-water rafting and the area's extensive cave system attracts the most intrepid spelunkers. Geocaching, an adventure sport in which GPS users hunt down hidden caches, is increasingly popular.

In this region, the profound impact of the state's controversial coal mining industry, on both West Virginia's heritage and its environment, is evident. Visitors may tour coal mines with former miners, and witness the effects of mountaintop removal, a method of mining in which hundreds of vertical feet are literally blasted away. Fortunately, West Virginia's natural beauty seems incapable of being quashed, as illustrated by the serenity of the central mountain lakes region and the rolling country of the eastern panhandle.

For those visitors who might grow weary of one scenic vista after another, West Virginia does have its busier spots, including the state capital of Charleston in the south, a heavily industrialised city that also hosts the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. But the best of West Virginia's cosmopolitan life lies in the many unique towns found throughout its mountains. There is Berkeley Springs, with its calming mineral baths and rows of antique shops; Shepherdstown, with its university scene and creative buzz; Hinton, a quintessential rail town with a collection of historic buildings; and Harpers Ferry, a must for history buffs. Situated along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry, which played a pivotal role during the Civil War, is the most visited tourist destination in West Virginia.

map of West Virginia


Key Facts

Language:
English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
Passport/Visa:

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Travel Advisories

Travel to West Virginia

Climate

Officially classified as humid subtropical, West Virginia has four distinct seasons. In the low-lying areas and valleys, summers, between June and August, can be quite hot and humid, particularly in the southwestern and eastern panhandle areas; average summer temperatures are around 67F (19C) along the North Branch Potomac River and 76F (24C) in the western part of the state. These two areas often experience milder winters, though throughout the rest of the state, winters are cold. Average winter temperatures in West Virginia, between December and February, range from 26F (−4C) near the Cheat River, to 41F (5C) along sections of the border with Kentucky. In areas of higher elevation, snowfalls are significant, which makes this season popular with skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts. Autumn is a pleasant time of year, and West Virginia boasts spectacular fall foliage. West Virginia can be cloudy and rainy at any time of the year, with heavy fog in the valleys. However, severe weather such as tornadoes is uncommon.

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:

The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
0.00 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
0.93 EUR
Euro
0.80 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
152.99 JPY
Japanese Yen
1.37 CAD
Canadian Dollar
0.91 CHF
Swiss Franc
1.52 AUD
Australian Dollar
39.40 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
443.91 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
93,075.00 LBP
Lebanese Pound
4.86 LYD
Libyan Dinar
6.86 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
0.00 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
0.00 OMR
Omani Rial
0.00 QAR
Qatari Rial
1.35 SGD
Singapore Dollar
10.82 SEK
Swedish Krona
0.00 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
58.11 DOP
Dominican Peso
0.00 HRK
Croatian Kuna
16.95 MXN
Mexican Peso
610.53 XOF
West African CFA Franc
0.00 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
0.00 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
0.00 FJD
Fiji Dollar
0.00 HNL
Honduran Lempira
133.87 DZD
Algerian Dinar
0.00 MMK
Myanma Kyat
0.00 BWP
Botswana Pula
3.72 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
938.44 CLP
Chilean Peso
386.84 AMD
Armenia Dram
23.29 CZK
Czech Koruna
17.63 MDL
Moldova Lei
139.89 ISK
Icelandic Krona
12,582.40 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
3.72 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
0.71 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
0.00 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
38.15 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
0.00 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
0.00 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
10.88 NOK
Norwegian Krone
4.03 PLN
Polish Zloty
3.75 SAR
Saudi Riyal
0.00 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
36.79 THB
Thai Baht
3.66 AED
U.A.E Dirham
5.09 BRL
Brazilian Real
4.63 RON
Romanian New Leu
7.81 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
610.53 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
25,405.70 VND
Vietnamese Dong
878.36 ARS
Argentine Peso
0.00 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
0.00 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
10.06 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
0.00 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
1.00 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
1.70 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
3,920.00 COP
Colombian Peso
88.42 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
362.00 HUF
Hungarian Forint
10.89 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
16,073.70 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
47.95 EGP
Egyptian Pound
1,358.84 KRW
South Korean Won
7,456.52 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
4.74 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
508.31 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
1.67 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
277.87 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
91.39 RUB
Russian Rouble
18.51 ZAR
South African Rand
3.13 TND
Tunisian Dinar
0.00 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
1.82 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
32.33 TRY
Turkish Lira
57.28 PHP
Philippine Peso
32.31 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
1,164.84 NGN
Nigerian Naira
0.00 XPF
CFP Franc
0.00 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
0.00 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
0.00 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.00 BND
Brunei Dollar
108.90 RSD
Serbian Dinar
7.24 CNY
Chinese Yuan
6.94 DKK
Danish Krone
3.49 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
83.42 INR
Indian Rupee
       
Exchange Rate for
Euro to U.S. Dollar

1 EUR = 1.07 USD

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 CAD = 0.73 USD

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

1 GBP = 1.26 USD

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 AUD = 0.66 USD

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 NZD = 0.60 USD

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar

1 ZAR = 0.05 USD

Airports in West Virginia

Yeager Airport (CRW)
Yeager Airport
http://www.yeagerairport.com

Location: Charleston West Virginia The airport is located four miles (6km) from downtown Charleston.

map of Yeager Airport

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 304 344 8033

Getting to the city: There is no bus or train service to Yeager Airport. Many local hotels provide free shuttle services to and from the airport, and taxis and rental cars are available.

Car rental: Car rental companies at the airport include Avis, Enterprise, Hertz and Budget. Rental counters are located in the baggage claim area.

Airport Taxis: Taxis provides service to the airport, as well as ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include a gift shop, ATMs, restaurants, a bar, a cafe, lounge areas, charging stations at each gate, shoe-shine service and a games room.

Parking: Short-term parking is free for the first hour, and costs rise by about $1 every four hours up to a daily maximum of $10. The daily rate for long-term parking is $10 for as many days as needed. There is a free lot with a 20-minute time limit located across the street from the main terminal.

Charleston West Virginia

Charleston State Capitol, West Virginia
Photo credit: Richie Diesterheft
Charleston is the capital and largest city in West Virginia, exuding small town charm and friendliness. Located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, many pioneers made their way to Charleston from their early settlements after the American Revolutionary War, migrating towards the western part of Virginia to capitalise on its resources.

Charleston is brimming with plenty of urban attractions and amenities to cater to travellers' every need. It's conveniently located just a short drive from spectacular mountain scenery, making it a great travel base. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the water's edge past Capital Complex on the Kanawha River, expand their mind at the Clay Center, head to the Cultural Center to check out live performances or admire the Georgian, Queen Anne and Greek Revival architecture in the East End Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one of Charleston's most popular sights.

Nature lovers should visit the Kanawha State Forest, explore the trails peppered across the Greenbrier River Trail or take a drive along the Midland Scenic Trail where the 120 miles (193km) of breath-taking scenery provides plenty of photo opportunities. The New River Gorge Bridge area features a few great state parks where visitors can immerse themselves in activities such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing and mountain biking.

map of Charleston West Virginia

Getting around in Charleston West Virginia

Kanawha Valley Regional Transport Authority operates around 24 fixed bus routes seven days a week, though some of these routes do not run on public holidays and Sundays. Schedules vary, but the system runs from about 4.30am to 1am. Visitors can also use the Amtrak Railway to get in and around Charleston. Taxis are available in Charleston but must be booked by phone as they are difficult to find on the street. Uber and Lyft both operate in the city; hiring a car is a good idea for those planning to explore outside of the city centre.

Climate in Charleston West Virginia

Charleston has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Its elevation means its temperatures tend to be slightly warmer than the rest of West Virginia. Summers are hot and humid, with average highs of 85F (29C) in July. Winters are cool, with average temperatures dropping to 23F (-5C) in the depths of the season and regular snowfall in January and February (though it can occur any time between November and April). Spring weather is often unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and large swings in temperature. Autumns are pleasant with cool and crisp evenings and mild afternoons. Summer is arguably the best time to visit as the weather is warmest, despite being rainy.

Airports in Charleston West Virginia

Yeager Airport (CRW)
Yeager Airport
http://www.yeagerairport.com

Location: Charleston West Virginia The airport is located four miles (6km) from downtown Charleston.

map of Yeager Airport

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 304 344 8033

Getting to the city: There is no bus or train service to Yeager Airport. Many local hotels provide free shuttle services to and from the airport, and taxis and rental cars are available.

Car rental: Car rental companies at the airport include Avis, Enterprise, Hertz and Budget. Rental counters are located in the baggage claim area.

Airport Taxis: Taxis provides service to the airport, as well as ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include a gift shop, ATMs, restaurants, a bar, a cafe, lounge areas, charging stations at each gate, shoe-shine service and a games room.

Parking: Short-term parking is free for the first hour, and costs rise by about $1 every four hours up to a daily maximum of $10. The daily rate for long-term parking is $10 for as many days as needed. There is a free lot with a 20-minute time limit located across the street from the main terminal.

Harpers Ferry

Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
Photo credit: Jacob Fincher
The historic Harpers Ferry is the most visited tourist town in West Virginia, welcoming thousands of travellers each year. Located at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, the town is named after the ferry that landowner Robert Harper established across the Potomac Rover in 1761. The ferry became the marker of the starting point for settlers traversing the Shenandoah Valley and western United States.

Harpers Ferry is best known for abolitionist John Brown's raid on the Armory in 1859, when he started a liberation movement among enslaved African Americans at a time when assisting fugitive slaves was illegal. He was eventually tried for treason against the state of Virginia, as well as the murder of five proslavery Southerners, and was hanged.

During the early 1900s, Harpers Ferry was a fashionable weekend getaway destination for high society who came by train from Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Socialites enjoyed lazy days bowling, picnicking and relaxing in the scenic country town, while lovers frequently eloped here to be married at the Ferry by the toll-taker, who happened to be a retired parson. Newlyweds traditionally enjoyed their first few days of matrimony in the Hilltop House Hotel, where famous guests such as Mark Twain, Carl Sandburg and Alexander Graham Bell stayed. But after the depression, the tourist trade in Harpers Ferry faded and by 1944 most of the town became part of the National Park Service.

Today, Harper's Ferry is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise famed for its national park, which makes up the southern portion of the town, and marks the start or end of many travellers' hikes on the Appalachian Trail, one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. Travellers can enjoy the dramatic scenery while white-water rafting, canoeing or inner-tubing along the rivers in the Harpers Ferry National Park. They can also hook a smallmouth bass on a fly on the Potomac or Shenandoah River, or even trout while fishing in the streams of the nearby George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

map of Harpers Ferry

West Virginia Attractions

Overview

News about West Virginia

West Virginia Becomes a State
"Voices from the mountains are loyal and true" - those were the words of President Abraham Lincoln on this day in 1863 when West Virginia seceded not from the Union, but from Virginia. Sentiment against leaving the
Travel Research Online
Thursday June 20, 2024
Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road
On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland Road became one of
Travel Research Online
Friday March 29, 2024
Best travel destinations in 2024: National Geographic's new list
Kenya, Kyoto, and Paris, West Virginia, Alaska, and Niagara Falls all landed on National Geographic's list of best places to travel to in 2024. But this year there's a fun new twist
USA Today
Wednesday January 31, 2024
These Scenic Train Trips Through West Virginia Have Spectacular Mountain Views and Fine Dining on the Rails
I’ve been looking forward to a glass of wine in an elegant train car. I’ve even brought along a bottle of wine in my knapsack, just in case you have to bring your own. Unfortunately, at the last minute, I discover that West Virginia's Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad serves no alcohol on its cocktail-hour
Travel+Leisure
Friday October 06, 2023
West Virginia Becomes a State
"Voices from the mountains are loyal and true" - those were the words of President Abraham Lincoln on this day in 1863 when West Virginia seceded not from the Union, but from Virginia. Sentiment against leaving the
Travel Research Online
Tuesday June 20, 2023
Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road
On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland Road became one of
Travel Research Online
Wednesday March 29, 2023
11 US Destinations Land On Forbes List Of Top Travel Spots In 2023
A riverside city in West Virginia, a wildlife refuge in Georgia, and a Utah national park hotspot have made it onto Forbes Advisor’s list of “Best Places to Travel In 2023.” Forbes Advisor editors and writers compiled the list of 50 hot global destinations to be intentionally eclectic. “Destinations
The Hill
Tuesday January 31, 2023
The forgotten history of the US' African American coal towns
The story of West Virginia's past often goes something like this: in the late 1800s, blue-collar workers came from Wales, Eastern Europe and other far-flung corners of the world to mine coal that ultimately built the cities that fired America to global superpower status. But
BBC Travel
Monday October 24, 2022
Travel to the Newest U.S. National Park and Other West Virginia Wonders on This Road Trip of a Lifetime
I knew from some short visits from my home in D.C. that West Virginia is a state of immense natural beauty—with more parks than I could keep straight (including the country’s newest national park, New River Gorge). It’s also a state of contradictions—of coal mines and verdant parks, of
AFAR
Monday September 12, 2022
West Virginia Becomes a State
"Voices from the mountains are loyal and true" - those were the words of President Abraham Lincoln on this day in 1863 when West Virginia seceded not from the Union, but from Virginia
Travel Research Online
Monday June 20, 2022
Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road
On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to
Travel Research Online
Tuesday March 29, 2022
West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle rewards weekend visitors
Cozy fireplaces, quiet walks in the woods, good food and historic streets were what we had in mind. We quickly homed in on West Virginia as the perfect destination.
Washington Post
Monday March 14, 2022
The 10 best places to go with kids in 2022: Mexico, Aruba, West Virginia, Orlando, more
The best places to go with kids in 2022 include all-inclusive resorts, family beach destinations, national parks and the country's top theme parks
USA Today
Tuesday January 04, 2022
Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road
On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland Road became one of the catalysts for westward expansion, the route making it possible for pioneers to move from the Eastern Seabord to the Western
Travel Research Online
Monday March 29, 2021
10 of the best road trips to take … by audiobook
Least Heat-Moon dodges America’s freeways and cities in his van, known as Ghost Dancing, in favour of back roads and one-horse towns, deliberately making detours to places such as Love Joy, Tennessee; Gassaway, West Virginia; and Intercourse, Pennsylvania, to discover how they got their names. Actor Joe Barrett provides the perfect narrator’s voice, encapsulating the inquisitiveness, humour and, at times
The Guardian
Monday April 27, 2020
West Virginia Becomes a State
"Voices from the mountains are loyal and true" - those were the words of President Abraham Lincoln on this day in 1863 when West Virginia seceded not from the Union, but from Virginia. Sentiment against leaving the Union ran high in West Virginia, and by a narrow vote, become
Travel Research Online
Thursday June 20, 2019
Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road
On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland.
Travel Research Online
Friday March 29, 2019
Five historic hotels with guided tours that bring the past to life
For travelers who seek out historic hotels, learning about a property firsthand and from an expert is a lovely perk. No brochure or website can make history come alive — or indulge questions — the way a human guide can. In fact, for many travelers, guided tours are the highlight of trips to such iconic properties as the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, which served as a
The Washington Post
Friday February 08, 2019
West Virginia Becomes a State
"Voices from the mountains are loyal and true" - those were the words of President Abraham Lincoln on this day in 1863 when West Virginia seceded not from the Union, but from Virginia. Sentiment against leaving the Union ran high in West Virginia, and by a narrow vote, become the only state to form by breaking away from a Confederate state.
Travel Research Online
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Mid-Atlantic Bucket List: Must-see Places in Maryland, D.C, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
Every week for a year, from May 2017 to April 2018, The Baltimore Sun's Travel Unraveled newsletter shared a new must-visit destination in the Mid-Atlantic region. Boardwalks, caverns, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and more are are collected from weeks passed.
The Baltimore Sun
Friday May 04, 2018
Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road
On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland.
Travel Research Online
Thursday March 29, 2018
Why You Should Visit Charleston, West Virginia
A city that has time for you is a win. In Charleston, W.Va., you can park your car all day for $3, catch free live music almost every night and be seated right away — sans reservations — at the city’s best restaurant
The Washington Post
Thursday July 06, 2017
Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road
On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland Road became one of the catalysts for westward expansion
Travel Research Online
Wednesday March 29, 2017
Overlooked by guidebooks, Slovakia is a worthy European destination without the crowds
Once dismissed as “the West Virginia of Europe,” the country is poised to come into its own
The Washington Post
Thursday March 16, 2017
The 14-Room Presidential Suite Is the Greenbrier Resort's Best Kept Secret
At The Greenbrier, West Virginia's 238-year-old grande dame resort, the rarely photographed Presidential Suite (designed by Dorothy Draper) hides a few Cold War secrets behind all that chintz
Condé Nast Traveler
Wednesday November 30, 2016
10 Best Croatia Experiences
For a country a tad smaller than West Virginia, Croatia packs a mighty punch of gorgeous scenery, rich history and flavorful cuisine
IndependentTraveler.com
Wednesday November 04, 2015
12 Best Costa Rica Experiences
For such a tiny country, Costa Rica sure crams in a lot. Equivalent in size to West Virginia, this rain forest-swaddled Central American country is home to more than 500,000 different species -- about 4 percent of all plant, insect and wildlife species on Earth. Check out 12 unforgettable ways to explore this lush, friendly republic.