A John Denver song from the seventies refers to West Virginia as "almost heaven." Many residents and visitors to the area would definitely agree. Select a spot along the Appalachian Trail or the other mountain ranges that run through the state and be prepared for some impressive views. If you enjoy sports and outdoor activities, check out the skiing, whitewater rafting, and exhilarating hiking that the 35th state to enter the Union has to offer.
If history is a topic of interest, there are a number of things to do and places to see in West Virginia for the history buff. The state has been in the center of some very historical milestones including the Civil War, pioneer trails, exploration of new lands, and much more. Many people researching things to do in West Virginia are surprised at just how much of a part in American history this area actually played.
Starting with the capital of the state, Charleston, an informative and fun stop is the Avampato Discovery Musuem. If you have visited Charleston in the past, this museum relocated and changed its name in 2003. It was known as the Sunrise Museum before the relocation. Find the museum in the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences. Planetarium shows are given here as well as interactive exhibits, and an extensive art gallery.
The sights visitors see when choosing to drive or hike part of Route 60's 180 miles can not be described sufficiently in words. Imagine magnificent waterfalls, mountain vista views, and a river gorge and you will know part of the things that Route 60 offers. This stretch is called the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway. If you wish to get a bit more involved than driving or hiking, you can find some excellent rafting and rock climbing in the area of New River Gorge. These things are found near the center of the Midland Trail. There are also superb biking trails near Route 60.
If you are in the Berkeley Springs area of the state, or perhaps visiting Berkeley Springs State Park (famous for its mineral springs) you may wish to treat yourself to some pampering at Atasia Spa. Prices are comparative to other top spas. Some of the services available include massage (Thai, Swedish/Therapeutic); Reflexology; herbal wrap; facial; and mud treatment. The usual spa offerings of manicure, pedicure, whirlpool, etc. are also found at Atasia. For something unique and very relaxing, try the Raindrop Therapy or Aroma Stone Massage.
Other activities to do in Berkeley include the 1885-built Berkeley Castle, Prospect Peak (glorious view high above the Potomac), antiques shopping, or you may enjoy checking to see what is being shown at the Star Theater. The prices, the movies, and even the building itself are all retro. There aren't many places remaining in the country to gain admission into a movie theater for the low prices you will find at the Star.
There are many towns and cities in West Virginia that offer excellent skiing. With so many mountains all over the state, researching a ski area to fit your family's needs isn't difficult. Decide which amenities you need and what other points of interest you want to have in the same area, and ski buffs will most likely find a perfect location.
If history in general or the Civil War in particular is an interest, many tourists enjoy spending some time at Harpers Ferry. The Harpers Ferry National Park is located where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers come together. It is maintained by the National Park Service. It is here where John Brown conducted his attack on slavery and there is much more Civil War history that came about in and near Harpers Ferry.
A few of the activities offered at the National Park are fishing, rafting, hiking, and climbing. Points of interest to be sure to see include the lower town historic district, Maryland Heights (nearly 1500 feet above the rivers), John Brown's fort and other remnants of fortifications, exhibits, museums, and Virginius Island.
As the name suggests, but possibly so subtly that many visitors would miss the connection, Moundsville, West Virginia is home to Grave Creek Mound Historical Site. It is a Native American burial mound of the ancient Adena people (Mound Builders) that is more than two thousand years old. The Delf Norona Museum is next to the mound and definitely worth a visit if you are stopping by this attraction. The mound itself is 69 feet high.
If visiting an amusement park is on your agenda, try Camden Park in Huntington, West Virginia. The park has more than 25 rides, a few of them specifically for younger guests, and those are found in the Kiddieland area of the park. The major rides include water rides, wooden roller coasters, a haunted house, bumper cars, and many more. Guests will not need to worry about getting hungry because the midway offers all the foods that are traditionally found in an amusement park or carnival atmosphere. There are also many games on the midway as well as an arcade.
