Read more about the article Blackwater Falls State Park – Davis, WV

Blackwater Falls State Park – Davis, WV

Just about 20 miles shy of the Maryland border, Blackwater Falls lies in the northern end of West Virginia. Passing the ski resorts of Canaan Valley and Timberline Four Seasons, we drove through Davis and into the state park.

An easy 1/4- mile trail to the falls

I had read this was one of the top 10 places to visit in West Virginia and we had driven two hours out of the way for this. It did not disappoint. Walking down a 1/4 mile path, we soon heard the rush of the falls. They roared magnificently. (more…)

Read more about the article Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks, WV
A view from West Virginia's tallest peak

Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks, WV

Right after Circleville, we turned onto a windy road for about 12 miles to reach the summit of Spruce Knob. At over 4,000 feet, it is the highest peak in West Virginia. From the parking lot, a sign directed us 900 feet to the observation deck where a marvelous view greeted us.img_3006

However, the fun was on the rock outcrops nearby. Shortly afterward, we drove to Seneca Rocks where a large granite outcrop stands next to the road. Had there not been a visitor center, we may have admired it from the road and drove on. (more…)

Read more about the article The Greenbrier Resort – White Sulpur Springs, WV
The Greenbrier Resort

The Greenbrier Resort – White Sulpur Springs, WV

Just before White Sulphur Springs lies the cute town of Lewisburg. Cute shops and restaurants line the street and a Carnegie library, North House and former college stand erect. Had it not been for the signs “Jim Justice for Coal Miners” and signs that said “Pray for West VA” and “W Virginia Strong” you would think you were in Virginia. It didn’t seem like a coal town. In front of the North House was a wood two-story house that housed a covered wagon.

Downtown Lewisburg
Downtown Lewisburg

White two-story houses and a golf course marked our approach to the Greenbrier Resort. Turning into the gate house, we were instructed to park across the street at the train depot and walk a small path to get to the hotel. A large car carrying truck was unloading fancy cars – probably shipped here for wealthy guests. Pink and white impatiens surrounded the white brick guard house. As we entered the grounds and rounded a corner, the sprawling, almost White House looking structure rose seemingly out of nowhere. Large white columns flanked the front entrance. (more…)

Read more about the article Quaint Town – Abingdon, VA

Quaint Town – Abingdon, VA

Normally most people driving to Beckley, West Virginia from Atlanta would take I-85 Northeast to Charlotte, NC and then I-77 north to Beckley, WV, passing through Southwestern Virginia. Because of that, I’d researched a few towns in the Blueridge section of VA with towns such as Wytheville and state parks called Hungry Mother and Grayson Highlands. I figured if time permitted in either direction, we’d explore or have lunch in one of these spots.

Plans changed when Hurricane Matthew made landfall in North Carolina on the day we left Atlanta. While halfway to Charlotte on a cloudy day, wind gusts picked up considerable. Weather radar indicated that Matthew’s outer bands were pounding Charlotte with lots of rainfall.img_2791

We detoured by heading north from Greenville, SC to I-26 in Asheville, NC. I’ll say the drive was pleasant. But once we went on I-26 north from Asheville to Johnson City, TN. The car climbed up the mountain and at the top of the peak we were totally fogged in. Making the descent towards Tennessee, the fog lifted and we saw the most beautiful scenery.

We then hooked onto I-81 northeast to Virginia through Bristol and Abingdon. My guidebook mentioned Abingdon as the “first English speaking settlement west of the Blue Ridge.” We needed lunch too so we stopped off at the Pepper Mill.

img_2792 (more…)