Learn how top attractions and experiences are selected. When you emerge from the tunnels, explore the Coal Camp, with restored original buildings including the Pemberton Coal Camp Church and the Helen Coal Camp School, then stop by the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, which features a planetarium and a recreated homestead from the late 19th century. West Virginia State Penitentiary, Including Jefferson Rock, Tygart Lake , and Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Including Kenova's Pumpkin House, Mothman Statue , and Blennerhassett Island. The Palace of Gold was constructed between the 1970s and 1980s by a group of untrained devotee volunteers and cost approximately $600,000 in building material including onyx, teak, marble, and several 22-carat gold leaves. If you're passionate about hiking, then West Virginia is the perfect place for you. Home of a 28-foot tall stalagmite known as the War Club. During the time of its operation, the Penitentiary had witnessed a total of 92 executions 83 by hanging and 9 by electrocution. Recent guests have left positive reviews of the resort, commenting that it's both beautiful and clean. Address: 219 County Route 60/5, Lansing, WV 25862. However, within a short period of time, a little girl died due to a swing accident, and in another incident, a little boy drowned in the parks swimming pool. See where wines are made and try some samples before you buy. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Located in the Appalachian region of the United States of America, West Virginia is officially dubbed as the Mountain State. Neighboured by Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio Pennsylvania, and Maryland, it is the 10th smallest state in the nation which gained statehood in 1863. The destination resort offers a dizzying array of outdoor activities, the most popular of which is whitewater rafting. West Virginia: Lost Gold, Hidden Hoards, and Fantastic Fortunes - Commander Pulitzer This book contains ten legends of 14 trillion dollars of lost treasures in West Virginia. This red-eyed chrome beast pays homage to the popular modern myth of West Virginia's insectoid monster. Elk Springs Resort in Randolph County is the perfect spot to stay when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stefanos in Morgantown serves some delicious, gourmet food in a romantic setting. Address: 104 Main St., Glen Jean, WV 25846. All rights reserved. Today, the worlds largest teapot stands together with a small creamer and attracts visitors from all around. Wheeling in West Virginia is known to be super rich in mythology. As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore Americas wonders. Berkeley Hot Springs presents to you "the only outdoor monument to presidential bathing.". 84 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in West Virginia The Rockies may be bigger, but there's something specialand sometimes spookyabout the Appalachians. I am so glad that stumbled across this museum, they also have toys for sale in their. If you're feeling extra brave after mastering this walkway, you can even come back for Bridge Day, West Virginia's largest single-day festival, where thousands gather every October to watch daredevils jump off the bridge into the gorge below. Nicknamed the Mountain State, West Virginia is the only state situated entirely in the Appalachian Mountain region. But theres also a lot to be said for those hidden gems throughout our state. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. Several centuries later, in the 1920s, Conley T. Snidow, a businessman, purchased Clays land and built an amusement park. In 1966, two grave diggers in Clendenin, West Virginia, reported the sighting of a strange winged figure with red eyes. Researchers claim that the formation of the 69-foot-tall hill must have taken around 60,000 tons of earth! Whats your favorite hidden place in West Virginia? Ric Griffith, the former mayor, owns the Queen Ann style home on Beech Street, Kenova, and every year, he spends three weeks before Halloween to adorn his house with pumpkins. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is open from April to November, but bring a light jacket no matter when you visit as the mines can get chilly. During its 100-plus years in operation, the West Virginia Penitentiary saw riots, homicides and executions including public hangings. And, his property was donated to the City of Wheeling. was by far our favorite thing to do while staying at the Greenbrier. In West Virginia, the mountains and hills hold tales and myths, and a lot of places that were used and then abandoned. And this museum is dedicated to that Mothman. Get more stories delivered right to your email. West Virginia. Brown and his gang succeeded in their mission, however, they were discovered by the militia the next morning who surrounded the group and cut off their only escape route. He added a spout, lid and handle so he could use the newly revamped structure to promote the region's then-booming pottery industry, selling teapots and other souvenirs from its window. The brainchild of Eleanor Roosevelt, her "Little Village" was a collectivist dream. Inside the rooms things and water seem to roll uphill, humans stand at a slant too. The Hidden Park That's West Virginia's Best Kept Secret Tomlinson Run State Park Tomlinson Run State Park is the perfect place for a weekend away. The Van Gogh Bridge is one of the most beautiful photoshoot locations in Northern Virginia and is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Virginia. If you get excited about the feel of a shiver down your spine, you'll. The grist mill was truly iconic. Men and women had separate bath times and privacy was maintained. Parking is a challenge at some of the trail heads, we had to walk a little way down a road to actually start a hike. Nice challenging hike. This is a fascinating tour IF you're interest in history, especially mid-20th C and the Cold War. 6 surreal abandoned places you have to see to believe It is said that West Virginians are great at keeping secrets, so much so that for three decades they managed to hide a two-story bunker which can be used to hide and survive if there is ever a nuclear attack. Near-constant high winds deform the trees on Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. Lexies mission was to push herself to break beyond her normal surroundings, and to discover the vastness of the globe that could be accessible to a single female traveler. Source: Gregory M. Davis Jr / shutterstock, Archive of the Afterlife "the National Museum of the Paranormal" / Facebook, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA), Congressional Fallout Shelter at the Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, New Vrindaban Palace of Gold, Moundsville, Berkeley Springs Castle, Berkeley Springs, George Washington's Bathtub, Berkeley Springs, Green Bank: A Town for 'Wi-Fi Refugees', Green Bank, Birthplace of the Steamboat, Shepherdstown. Here are a few of our favorites. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. Nearly a ghost town, this little town has only 5 living residents today. Newspaper clippings from the time, toys, dummies, and other such artifacts are on display at the museum. He was patient, engaging, authentic, and provided an overflowing wealth of true stories and a lifetime of experiences. Take the Island In The Sky hike, which is just a short half mile hike, to reach this little pavilion with great views. On Summersville Lake (the largest in West Virginia), there's kayaking, standup paddle boarding and multi-sport excursions that include a little bit of everything. Today, the only inhabitants of the prison compound are the shadow man (a legendary apparition), a few spirits, and the ghost chasers who like exploring the century-old penitentiary. The sheer scale of this 9,300 acre recreation area means that to truly appreciate it you need to set apart the better part of a week to explore it. Visitors praise the park and surrounding town, noting that you can see the historic Berkeley Springs Castle (reserved for private events only) from here. However, by the time the lane was constructed, most of the population had moved out. 2. What most of us ignore is the fact that the abundance of coal and the trades involved with coal mining is what helped the United States of America to be built. The water is warm, but comfortable even for kiddos. Address: 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814 Website: www.senecacaverns.com Also Read: Top 10 Most Amazing Caves & Caverns in the USA 5: New River Gorge Bridge Adobe Stock/Patrick Jennings West Virginia has its share of famous spots that everyone visits, and for good reason these places are truly remarkable. 20 Places to Visit Along West Virginia's Country Roads One of the best parts of visiting a new area is finding all the surprisingly little spots that dont always make it into the guidebooks. A huge 100-foot radio tower installed approximately four miles away was connected to the bunker so that the congressmen could broadcast emergency messages. Bonus: As a state-operated attraction, the museum is free to enter. Formed over a century, the Grave Creek Mound dates back to between 250 to 150 BCE and holds the remnants of prehistoric residents of the state of West Virginia. The Bunker at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia : Almost Heaven In 1995, the US government ended the lease agreement with The Greenbrier, and later that year, the resort began offering tours of the historic facility. Some of the graves date as far back as to the 1700s. Stepping into these classic theaters is like a blast from the past. His first wife passed away during childbirth and the second wife left him after 20 years of marriage. Climb aboard a historic steam-driven locomotive (operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad) for a scenic ride to Bald Knob, the third-highest point in West Virginia. If you don't remember this one from history class, John Brown is the abolitionist credited with leading what's now known as the Harpers Ferry Raid, in which he attempted to start an armed revolt of enslaved people in 1859. The Shepherdstown Museum houses a half-built replica of Rumseys steamboat. Looking to explore more of the Mountain State? Thanks Google maps! Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. Offer subject to change without notice. The Mothman Statue stands 12 feet tall outside of the museum, and the Mothman Festival is hosted every September. The park also features a reconstructed pioneer homestead, where guests can learn about frontier life at the attraction's working farm and gardens. The process, as opposed to what people expected, worked. 25 Most Beautiful Hidden Gems in the USA - Attractions of America (In case you're wondering, the other three are "The West Virginia Hills," "This Is My West Virginia" and "West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home."). The Mothman Museum is a small storefront museum regarded as the only collection of its kind in the world to be dedicated to the namesake insect and the legendary Mothman. Tour is well organized and thorough. Today, the Grave Creek Mound has an adjacent museum and research center that is dedicated to the findings and study of the prehistoric burial site. Including Hippodrome Cinema, Tampa Theatre, and Kinema in the Woods, Including Huanglong Travertine Pools, Socotra Island, and Morin-ji Temple. Originally, I tried to visit an art gallery but they were nowhere to be found. Harpers Ferry is one of the most beautiful small towns in West Virginia. In 1778, it became "America's Resort," first hosting wealthy Southerners, then celebrities, U.S. presidents and even royalty. Blooming rhododendrons. Trails through the trees and over some tributaries lead you to smooth. 2023 Atlas Obscura. 16 Top Things to Do in West Virginia - US News & World Report Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Travelers rave about the half- and multi-day excursions for various skill levels, noting that the guides are friendly, helpful and all-around great. 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