West Virginia Journals

Quote: West Virginia offers a rich cultural heritage and spectacular natural beauty. This journal provides glimpses into life in the Mountain State by a long-time resident.

Quote: More gems in this county of note: The National Radio Telescope Observatory, West Virginian and Irish hospitality at an Inn in Mingo...

Quote: A wind of change blows through the New River Gorge, once the home of miners and railroad worker it is now a nature lovers haven.

Quote: If hiking to old abandoned coalmines and ghost towns appeals to you, then the New River Gorge will charm and will also offer superb scenery.

Quote: We tour Stonewall Jackson’s boyhood home, two mills, and log cabins and learn about flax near Jane Lew; walk the historic district and battlefield at Bulltown; and hear stories of Indian massacres, Confederate mistakes, and recent preservation projects of the Army Corps of Engineers in West Virginia.

Quote: Courthouse Square, antebellum mansions, old graveyards, and an excellent genealogy expert all point to the importance of land and family in what was a frontier county in Virginia. We explore similarities and differences that caused the state’s psychic split and learn about its greatest Civil War hero.

Quote: During “those . . . crazy days of summer,” some folks head for the beach. I stay in the cool car, drive shady Mountain State roads, and tour museums on the new West Virgina Civil War Heritage Trail. First outing: Philippi, site of the first land battle.

Quote: With its casual, carefree attitude, downtown Morgantown is a great weekend destination, but an extended trip into the area is even better. Relatively unknown, but significant historic sites are within a half-hour drive, and for playing and relaxing on the Fourth, I sure love the backyard!

Quote: Browsing away an afternoon in the antiques shops of Buckhannon is one of my favorite escapist tactics, but even the antiques are just an excuse for visiting Main Street. And Main Street is an excuse for reverting back to my childhood psyche, which tells me that wasting time is a life-enhancing art.

Quote: For hikers, rafters, kayakers, mountain bikers, campers, rock climbers, anglers, spelunkers, and nature lovers in general, West Virginia can’t be beat.