The castle property overlooked the famous Berkeley Springs spa town and was, in fact, the place where the couple first met. We had a good guide but I forget his name (sorry). A National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and World War II. Even if you don't fish, there are plenty of ways to relax in nature. Current tour options include a Public Ghost Hunt and Private Paranormal Investigations, as the prison is said to be haunted by former inmates. In 1942, the mill and the town were sold to Mower Lumber Company, however, in 1960, both were shut down for business as a result of a rapid decline in the timber industry in the area. The teapot went out of business around 1980, was restored by the Chester City Council in 1990, and has sat at the junction of U.S. Route 30 and State Route 2 ever since. America's post-nuclear-attack chambers of Congress. You'll find picnic areas, hiking trails, a pretty lake and cozy cabins to stay the night. Address: 2 S. Washington St., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, (Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism). The first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in literature came from the foothills of Appalachia. And, The Greenbrier, whichhas been welcoming guests from around the world since 1778, including26 presidents and countless celebrities,recently welcomed a new guest to check out this bunker: The Today Show. Can you help further? When George Washington was only 16, he worked as a surveyors assistant and paid frequent visits to the spa town of Berkeley Springs in West Virginia. 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. Wow. Nicknamed the Mountain State, West Virginia is the only state situated entirely in the Appalachian Mountain region. Some of the graves date as far back as to the 1700s. Dendrochronology doesn't just work on forests. This Fallout Shelter has been a secret to the public until 1992 and this shelter is located underneath the Greenbrier Resort. Other highlights in Harper's Ferry include The Point, where you can see the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers; crossing the Potomac on a pedestrian bridge to access the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath; and, better still, getting out on the waters in a river tube, cold drink in hand. Researchers claim that the formation of the 69-foot-tall hill must have taken around 60,000 tons of earth! Several centuries later, in the 1920s, Conley T. Snidow, a businessman, purchased Clays land and built an amusement park. One day a year it is legal to jump off of this astoundingly tall bridge that spans an Appalachian gorge. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Other objects on exhibit at the Archive of the Afterlife include embalming tables, service display caskets, and a range of signposts and promotional pamphlets of various funeral homes in the area. One day a year it is legal to jump off of this astoundingly tall bridge that spans an Appalachian gorge. However, it still struggled to function. Hiking the Kaymoor Mine and Stairs These steps are the locals' favorite cardio workout. He was patient, engaging, authentic, and provided an overflowing wealth of true stories and a lifetime of experiences. The steamboat that was apparently demonstrated by Fulton was built on the foundations of a technology invented by James Rumsey. Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, Rock Source: Forsaken Fotos / Flickr Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, Rock As the story goes, up until 1783, Mercer County was inhabited by Native Americans, however, an attempt by a European family to settle in the area caused disturbances. 3. Today, the site is frequented by several paranormal investigators and the ghosts of the little children. West Virginia has plenty of cool hidden places and surprises. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Burton Ervin was the first man to discover the possibility and make the first BASE jump. During its 100-plus years in operation, the West Virginia Penitentiary saw riots, homicides and executions including public hangings. This red-eyed chrome beast pays homage to the popular modern myth of West Virginia's insectoid monster. From the pretty to the paranormal, these are the top things to do in West Virginia. West Virginia has its share of quirky attractions as well, including the "World's Largest Teapot" and the Mothman Museum, which tells the story of the local legend that inspired "The Mothman Prophecies," both a book and a film starring Richard Gere. The staff are very helpful and nice, the baths are easily big enough for 2 adults and 1 child, could comfortably fit 2 adults and 2 children. Located aptly in the town of Moundsville, West Virginia Grave Creek Mound may seem like an unremarkable grass hill, but in reality, it is a prehistoric burial site which is regarded as the largest of its kind in the United States of America. Several rivers offer world-class rapids for experts, and others are well-suited to less experienced and learning rafters. Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Stefanos in Morgantown serves some delicious, gourmet food in a romantic setting. An an "Invitation Only private club" you need someone inside the club to get you an inviteoh and then I forgot to mention you have to pay $100,000! 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. 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. As the museum claims, some of the haunted items on display are more charged than others, for instance, the execution cap, the Annie portrait, and the defaced effigy doll. Previous visitors say both kids and adults enjoy exploring the former coal mines with veteran miners, who lead guided tours in authentic "man trips," the cars used in mining operations. Until 1992, the Congressional Fallout Shelter, formerly known as Project X, Project Casper and lastly Project Greek Island, remained a secret to the common public. The water is warm, but comfortable even for kiddos. Speaking of secrets, let us explore some of the hidden gems in 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. We will certainly be back. The Greenbrier, or Americas Resort, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. If you're road-tripping through West Virginia, consider making a stop at this quirky attraction, which measures 12 feet high and 44 feet wide. Get credit for your contribution by submitting a complete place entry with photos. A small, family-operated coal mine and camp from roughly 1890 to 1910 that later became a commercial endeavor until it closed in 1953, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is now a highly rated attraction in West Virginia. Their culture was notable for their pottery, agriculture, art. 1. Even though the stone structure isnt the same one from George Washingtons time, today, the bathtub attracts tourists, hikers, and locals alike. Spruce Knob, the peak of Spruce Mountain, at 4,863 feet is the highest point in West Virginia and is enclosed by a thick, spruce forest, hence the name. As the second-largest coal-producing U.S. state, West Virginia is also home to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where curious travelers can ride through the passages of a former coal mine. Address: 818 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville, WV 26041, [Read: Hauntingly Abandoned Places You Can Still Visit]. As the story goes, up until 1783, Mercer County was inhabited by Native Americans, however, an attempt by a European family to settle in the area caused disturbances. Until 1921, there were no roads in and out of Thurmond, but only a single rail line that connected the outside world to the thriving coal depot of Thurmond. Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260. The "mysteries" of this quintessential roadside oddity were almost destroyed by neglect but were saved by fans of kitschy wonder. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall. An abandoned coal mine reached by a steep hike. Once Hamrick completed mummifying the corpses, they traveled as a part of P.T Barnums circus. Whether you splurge for an overnight stay or not, don't miss the Bunker Tour, where you'll discover a former emergency fallout shelter and top-secret government relocation facility for Congress from the Cold War period. See national parks, caves, museums and even the "World's Largest Teapot" on your next West Virginia vacation. Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything youve ever seen before. Though the two inventors had around 20 years in between them, needless to say, that they were equally talented, and both men contributed heavily to the American innovation. It was so lovely. See. The 57-foot waterfall has an amber color to its water due to the tannic acid from hemlock and red spruce leaves. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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 springs date back centuries, first flourishing as a health mecca for Native Americans, then drawing European settlers beginning in 1730. I'm cold blooded but I think a hour would be too much! Spruce Knob is also the highest tip in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Did you know that May 10th is celebrated as Mothers Day in the whole world? The Mothman Statue stands 12 feet tall outside of the museum, and the Mothman Festival is hosted every September. On October 16th, 1859, John Brown gathered 22 men, including his three sons and five black men, and declared war on the Harpers Ferry federal complex as a way of retaliating against the practice of slavery. 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. However, by the time the lane was constructed, most of the population had moved out. Love West Virginia? The museum calls itself the "National Museum of the Paranormal" and is full of eerie oddities. West Virginia has its share of famous spots that everyone visits, and for good reason these places are truly remarkable. Originally discovered in the late 1700s by Joseph Tomlinson, an English Immigrant who built his home just opposite the mound, the human remains buried in the mound were actually discovered by his descendant Jesse, who dug tunnels into the mound and found two burial chambers. Thank you! Tomlinson Run State Park is the perfect place for a weekend away. The creature distinctively resembled a moth, and hence, came to be known as the Mothman.. Newspaper clippings from the time, toys, dummies, and other such artifacts are on display at the museum. and it was AMAZING!!!! The most famous waters are in the Gauley River, between Summersville and Fayetteville, in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. It's a National Historic Park with Civil War sites including battlefields, remnants of campsites and, most notably, John Brown's Fort and the John Brown Museum. Another nationally protected region in West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest spans more than 919,000 acres in 10 counties over elevations that range from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The prison compound was divided into four sections the Alamo for the most ruthless inmates, the mainline for everyday assortments of prisoners, the Rat Row for the heightened protection of the snitches, and the Honor Hall for the well-behaved trustees.. 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. In 1778, it became "America's Resort," first hosting wealthy Southerners, then celebrities, U.S. presidents and even royalty. Experience a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes tour of the bunker that walks you through a fascinating period in the resorts history. For those visiting Cass Scenic Railroad State Park with kids, previous visitors recommend the two-hour round trip to Whittaker Station, a former logging camp. If there's only one place you can visit in West Virginia, let it be New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Read more here. Kerry Sanders and Today Show crews were granted access to portions of the bunker where no other cameras have gone! From family-friendly paths to long, scenic overnight camp-and-hike trails, come see why West Virginia is called the Mountain State. Ohio (full day, your group of 1-13), Historic Sites Military Bases & Facilities, Points of Interest & Landmarks Science Museums, Architectural Buildings Religious Sites. That's how John Denver referred to the state in his American classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads," one of West Virginia's four state songs. It works on buildings too. See where wines are made and try some samples before you buy. Now, two female corpses of the lot rest at the Mummies of Philippi, though there is no certainty that they are the original mummies hand-crafted by Hamrick. These cabins allow you to bask in the beauty of West Virginia's nature, while still enjoying all the modern amenities. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Eventually, he purchased a property in the town and kept frequenting the bath for a relaxing bathing experience. They were able to capture on video for the first time that shows the bunker in its original state and all the elements that made it possible for hundreds of people to live and work here. So its a wonderful secret place in West Virginia. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. Get more stories delivered right to your email. However, he wasnt one to give up. Play on the beach of the little lake here, and have fun on the inflatables on the water. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. A particularly creepy abandoned hospital that sparks interest for lovers of the supernatural. Self-guided tour was very easy to do and all formations were marked good with excellent information. Thus it becomes one of the best secret places that you can find in West Virginia. and overlooks, but only when the river is wonderful and the prices are reasonable for everyone.This was a very informative visit to a beautifu day we had a bottle of Cab Sauv on the patio after the. You can spend the night in a treehouse in this forested campground in the small community of Bluewell. The Today Show crew chatted with Greenbrier Ambassador Frank Mosley, who has been with at the resort for about 60 years, to see how the place has evolved over time. It's a slower-paced adventure - which gives people ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The museum features original newspaper clippings, handwritten police reports, props used in the 2002 film and more. I am so glad that stumbled across this museum, they also have toys for sale in their. Thanks Google maps! birthdays and to support small, hometown businesses! Machine Shop Coalwood Coalwood bears several tributes to "Rocket Boys" (made into the movie "October Sky") author and West Virginia native Homer Hickam, including a road sign marking Homer Hickam Lane and a rocket on display at a roadside park. Apparently, the tradition started here at the pharmacy with just four pumpkins at first. Theres a reason that John Denver described West Virginia as almost heaven. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachianssome of the oldest mountains on the planetthe state is filled with rocky peaks, deep cave systems, and rolling hills. The morning show broadcasted live from the112,544-square-foot bunker. The Rockies may be bigger, but there's something specialand sometimes spookyabout the Appalachians. But did you know that there is also an Indian burial mound here? 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. Powered by Mai Theme, 14 Best Resorts in Georgia You Must Visit. The other half of the book is a customizable personal logbook where you can list all the places where you hunt for treasures and what treasures you found in them. You'd never guess that such a gorgeous restaurant is hiding underneath a bowling alley! Lake Anne Van Gogh Bridge, Reston. But, did you know that the occasion was first observed in West Virginia on May 10th, 1908? 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. 15. Previous visitors say the Bridge Walk is a must in West Virginia, with some calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Admission $22 for adults and $12.50 for those younger than 18 includes the tour and access to the camp and museum. 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. At its peak, the community was home to over 400 permanent residents, though only 100 occupy the village now. Here are a few of our favorites. Have been twice now and both times when we first get in I'm sorry that I booked only 30 minutes, but after 25 minutes I realize that I need to get out. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). (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."). Perhaps the most well-known destination in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is more than a quaint 19th-century town. The hike is steep, but well worth your effort. It's time to change your mind about West Virginia, and if you've found yourself on this page, chances are you're ready for the challenge and a memorable experience. It's one of the unique things to do in West Virginia, full with fun, excitement, and plenty of activities. From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. . Opened in 1901 for the very first time, the Alderson Academy serves as a private school for the young children of the town. After almost 50 years, the teapot has been opened once again to sell refreshments to visitors. 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. 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. Tags: Travel, US Vacations, Mid-Atlantic Vacations. Once upon a time, the mill was regarded as the largest of its kind in the world. We meet our grown children at this park and camped at one of the rugged campsites for 2 nights. Dine At The Historic Spot In West Virginia Where Two Presidents Headquartered In The Civil War, Not Many People Know That You Can Take A Ride On A Historically Unique Rapid Transit System In West Virginia, This Fascinating West Virginia Hotel Has Been Abandoned And Reclaimed By Nature For Decades Now, This Quirky Vault In West Virginia Holds One Of The States Most Closely-Guarded Secrets, 10 Perfect Places In West Virginia For People Who Hate Crowds, This Hidden Destination In West Virginia Is A Secret Only Locals Know About, 12 Secret Spots In West Virginia Where Nature Will Completely Relax You, 5 Little Known Beaches In West Virginia Thatll Make Your Summer Even Better. Here is the most interesting part - the stalactites used by the organ are spread over 3.5 acres, and due to the enclosed nature of the location, the music can be heard all around the caves - all 64 acres of it. This short hike in Babcock State Park will lead you to a hidden pavilion that looks out over a cliff. This is literally in our backyard and I cannot wait for the. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd. This red-eyed chrome beast pays homage to the popular modern myth of West Virginia's insectoid monster. Greenbrier Historian Bob Conte described to Today Show producers how the bunker was able to stay a secret for so long and how effective it could be at holding all of Congress. Sponsored by West Virginia Department of Tourism. Secret places in West Virginia-The wonderful Mountain State or West Virginia is a state where there are lots of hidden gems throughout the state. and there are multiple overlooks with panoramic views of the bridge, river and gorge. See more ideas about secret places, west virginia, virginia. Whats your favorite hidden place in West Virginia? There are lots of trails to hike and the views are amazing! This beautiful winery is surrounded by gardens and places to relax and enjoy the scenery. 1. Today, the worlds largest teapot stands together with a small creamer and attracts visitors from all around. However, its a secret place that arouses our curiosity a lot. West Virginia has lots of popular outdoor spots that draw crowds, but we also have some amazing play spots off-the-beaten-track. A 20-feet table rock formation in Spencer, West Virginia has been confusing onlookers for ages some say it is a geological formation while others claim that it could be an ancient Native American totem. Between 1966 and 1967, the inhabitants of Point Pleasant, West Virginia reported spotting a mysterious, man-like creature with red eyes and massive wings. Address: 57 County Route 85/9, Lansing, WV 25862. 7 Secret Places in Washington State-Must Visit Before End. 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. Recent Lists 12 Places to Enjoy a Retro Movie Experience Stepping into these classic. Seeming mostly wooden and with no hair, one of the women (according to a letter from her brother) is a former resident of the Weston insane asylum. But that's not all. Trails through the trees and over some tributaries lead you to smooth. With these 33 'gotta-do' stops along the way, you'll create memories for a lifetime. 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. Tour is well organized and thorough. Go 120 feet underground to explore stalagmites (some of which measure up to 80 feet tall) and stalactites at Lost World Caverns, one of the top things to do in West Virginia. Speaking of secrets West Virginia comes to our mind nonchalantly due to several reasons. Established in 1936, the 12,747-acre park extends through Monongalia and Preston counties. But theres also a lot to be said for those hidden gems throughout our state. Escape to Twin Falls Resort State Park, a destination resort with more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails (where you can see the park's namesake waterfalls), an indoor swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course, a restaurant, and overnight lodging options that include camping (tents or RVs), cabins and hotel rooms. With no other choice left, Brown took nine hostages from the federal complex heist and held them at a smaller engine house within the building.