The area is full of history, festivals and fun activities to enjoy. If there's only one place you can visit in West Virginia, let it be New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Get credit for your contribution by submitting a complete place entry with photos. The Shepherdstown Museum houses a half-built replica of Rumseys steamboat. Before achieving fame, the "World's Largest Teapot" was created as a giant keg for Hires Root Beer and then installed as a snack stand at a mini-golf course in Pennsylvania. If you get excited about the feel of a shiver down your spine, you'll find a lot to love. See national parks, caves, museums and even the "World's Largest Teapot" on your next West Virginia vacation. Samuel Taylor Suit was lucky in a lot of things (politics, business, whiskey distillery), but love wasnt one of them. (Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism), Almost heaven, West Virginia. Wheeling in West Virginia is known to be super rich in mythology. Speaking of secrets, let us explore some of the hidden gems in West Virginia. 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. Visitors can stop by The Greenbrier, a luxury resort whose guests have ranged from presidents to injured soldiers. Visit a replica of the estate where Aaron Burr allegedly plotted a treasonous scheme against the United States. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Once upon a time, the mill was regarded as the largest of its kind in the world. Once connected to the outside world by a single train track, this ghost town is looked after by the National Park Service. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. 1. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. more, THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in West Virginia. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Areas of interest include Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, which features the highest peak in West Virginia, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness, notably the Bear Rocks trail. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. Apr 21, 2021 - Explore freaking travel's board "Secret Places In West Virginia" on Pinterest. Admission $22 for adults and $12.50 for those younger than 18 includes the tour and access to the camp and museum. Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away. You will receive your first email soon. The castle property overlooked the famous Berkeley Springs spa town and was, in fact, the place where the couple first met. 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. Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Charleston WV by Zombie Scavengers, Space and Flight Tour in NE Ohio (full day, your group of 1-13), A Native Ancient Journey Across S.E. Self-guided tour was very easy to do and all formations were marked good with excellent information. This fine dining restaurant is surprisingly hidden under a bowling alley. February 1, 2022 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. Burton Ervin was the first man to discover the possibility and make the first BASE jump. 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. However, it still struggled to function. A particularly creepy abandoned hospital that sparks interest for lovers of the supernatural. After an action-packed day, visitors can grab a bite to eat at any of the three on-site restaurants and retreat to their choice of accommodations, which include everything from cozy cabins to glamping tents with views of the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding forest. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. And, the Whipple Company Store is dedicated towards the role of coal in the transformation of the nations history and the men and their families involved in the trade. Located in Cass, West Virginia Cass Scenic Railroad is a state park that comprises an 11-mile-long railroad, the former Cass company town, and a section of Bald Knob, the highest point of Back Allegheny Mountain. Several years later, George Washington discovered the healing powers of the springs and began visiting them regularly. 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. A new spout and a new flooring were added and the glass ball knob atop the teapot was replaced by a gold-colored basketball. Bring lots of water and a ready attitude. Tours provide a unique and in-depth look behind the hidden doors including dormitories, meeting areas and more. Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, New Vrindaban is a religious community and an unincorporated village owned and managed by the Hare Krishna group. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. 11. Overnight cabin accommodations are also available. The Adena culture was a Native American culture that thrived in 1000 to 200 BC. Kerry Sanders and Today Show crews were granted access to portions of the bunker where no other cameras have gone! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988, the exhibition coal mine offers daily tours of the area and a history lesson on Appalachian coal mining. During its 100-plus years in operation, the West Virginia Penitentiary saw riots, homicides and executions including public hangings. (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."). It's no secret that West Virginia is one of the best places to go white water rafting. It is located right at the crossroads of two mighty rivers- the Shenandoah and Potomac, and there is a large overlook that you can see Virginia and Maryland from known as 'The Point'. Rachel is proud to live in wild and wonderful West Virginia. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Including Hippodrome Cinema, Tampa Theatre, and Kinema in the Woods, Including Huanglong Travertine Pools, Socotra Island, and Morin-ji Temple. Address: 101 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986. 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. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam. and it was AMAZING!!!! U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. In 1883, he married Rosa Pelham and decided to build his beloved wife a castle. The morning show broadcasted live from the112,544-square-foot bunker. Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260. 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. Looking for a great staycation? Spruce Knob is also the highest tip in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd. You can also go swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding and, if you'd like to stay a few days, camping in tents, RVs or on-site cabins. If you want to see the whole version of blog related to this topic then click here https://freakingtravel.com/top-rated-secret-places-in-west . Apparently, the town was once home to more millionaires than anywhere else in America traders, tycoons, and gangsters. A remote destination in Pocahontas County, Cass was once a company town for loggers, who transported lumber via what's now known as the Cass Scenic Railroad. Eventually, he purchased a property in the town and kept frequenting the bath for a relaxing bathing experience. 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. West Virginia has lots of popular outdoor spots that draw crowds, but we also have some amazing play spots off-the-beaten-track. Harpers Ferry is one of the most beautiful small towns in West Virginia. Surprisingly, the shelter was only meant to house the Congressmen and their aids while their family was supposed to find shelter elsewhere. Accommodation options inside the park are limited to camping, but there are plenty of hotels and resorts within a short drive. Though most of the castle and the cemetery is sitting dilapidated now, it is still a beautiful sight to explore, especially for ghost chasers and urban explorers. I am so glad that stumbled across this museum, they also have toys for sale in their. See why the food and atmosphere is an unexpected delight. I spent hours here. But that's not all. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One day a year it is legal to jump off of this astoundingly tall bridge that spans an Appalachian gorge. However, its a secret place that arouses our curiosity a lot. Previous visitors highly recommend Lost World Caverns, cautioning that the caves can be slippery and difficult to traverse in some areas, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket. You can take a two-hour round trip to Whittaker station, a five-hour round trip to Bald Knob, or a five-hour round trip to Spruce Ghost Town. This red-eyed chrome beast pays homage to the popular modern myth of West Virginia's insectoid monster. Graham Hamrick spent several years practicing his embalming techniques on fruits and vegetables before he was certain that he could try it on real corpses. Hubby & I really enjoyed it! birthdays and to support small, hometown businesses! 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. The process, as opposed to what people expected, worked. I'm cold blooded but I think a hour would be too much! The most famous waters are in the Gauley River, between Summersville and Fayetteville, in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Once Hamrick completed mummifying the corpses, they traveled as a part of P.T Barnums circus. The Exhibition Coal Mine was founded in 1962 and it was the first sight to be dedicated completely to the study of coal mining. If you do choose to venture out, please follow all guidelines, maintain social distance, and wear a mask. Here are a few of our favorites. State.]. rock formations are some of the most unusual and unique geological structures I have ever seen. But theres also a lot to be said for those hidden gems throughout our state. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. However, in 1980, the teapot was shut down for business and after a decade later, it was moved to its current location. 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. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. 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. Hard to access and hemmed in by explosive activity, these graveyards are stuck in limbo. The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe. The Mothman Statue stands 12 feet tall outside of the museum, and the Mothman Festival is hosted every September. Click here to read our full article. 2022 9. Participants must be at least 8 years old, and tours start at $72. Located in Anaheim, California, Club 33 is a secret place inside Disneyland for the exclusive elitewith no kids allowed. Theres a gift shop in this place where you can buy wonderful artworks. 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. The residents of the town are not only bothered but physically pained due to all the electromagnetic activities that are found otherwise outside of the town. The best West Virginia oddities and offbeat attractions, road trip and vacation recommendations from Roadside America's writers and experts -- museums, statues, roadside stops, odd buildings, weird folk art. Home of a 28-foot tall stalagmite known as the War Club. Shortly after the incident, local residents began to make similar claims, with many blaming the massive creature, nicknamed the Mothman, for the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse and subsequent death of 46 people. 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. Completed in 1958, the shelter is no. Funnily, West Virginia is the southernmost state in the northern part of America and the northernmost state in the southern part so you could never tell up from down! Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. The 57-foot waterfall has an amber color to its water due to the tannic acid from hemlock and red spruce leaves. Moderate hike with various overlooks prior to Diamond Point, Boat Tours & Water Sports in West Virginia, Military Bases & Facilities in West Virginia, Observatories & Planetariums in West Virginia, Game & Entertainment Centers in West Virginia, Fishing Charters & Tours in West Virginia, Things to do near Monongahela National Forest, Things to do near Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park, Hiking and Swimming in Gers National Park, Ocean Wildlife Expedition; Swim With Whales, Sharks, & Rays Half-Day Boat Tour, Walking Brewery Tour Downtown Arts District Las Vegas, The Last Ride Private Golf Cart Ghost Tour, Review of: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Review of: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Review of: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum, Review of: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Review of: Greenbrier Government Relocation Facility. An interesting learning experience about telescopes of all kinds and their uses and users. This secluded restaurant gets most of their customers from ski resorts in the winter, but they also have farm-to-table dinners throughout the year. The museum calls itself the "National Museum of the Paranormal" and is full of eerie oddities. These are just a few of the marvels you can find while exploring the hidden corners of the Mountain State. 1. Among the museums collection are the lost execution cap of Old Sparky, the execution chair used by West Virginia State Penitentiary, battle-damaged relics from World War II, and a huge room filled with items that are allegedly haunted or cursed. The museum is looking a little bit dated, but still well maintained and informative. Also known as the Good Counsel Friary, this historic home looks like something from a fairy tale. Through her travels she was greeted with kindness, generosity, but many difficult circumstances, in some of the less known areas of the world. 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. Housed under the West Virginia Wing ofThe Greenbrier Resort,the top-secret, super-sized bunker was built for all 535 members of Congress during the Eisenhower era. After you explore this eerie museum, spend some time in Point Pleasant, an attraction in itself with great restaurants, shopping, seasonal events and the historic (and supposedly haunted) Lowe Hotel. From the top of the Mountain, you can observe the picturesque vistas of the Germany Valley and North Fork Mountain in the east and the Allegheny Plateau in the west. 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr. Charleston, WV 25314. Today, the Bridge day is an annual event that sees a group of selected 450 BASE jumpers from all around the nation and the world gather here and jump from the bridge. 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. 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. In 1938, a man named William "Babe" Devon brought it to Chester, West Virginia. The destination resort offers a dizzying array of outdoor activities, the most popular of which is whitewater rafting. This lookout tower built in the 1930s is now an in-demand cabin with what might be the best view of the Seneca State Forest. At some point during that time, someone suggested that it be changed to a junior college offering two-year college level programs. Apparently, the tradition started here at the pharmacy with just four pumpkins at first. Ohio (full day, your group of 1-13), Historic Sites Military Bases & Facilities, Points of Interest & Landmarks Science Museums, Architectural Buildings Religious Sites. Lake Anne Van Gogh Bridge, Reston. Even if you don't fish, there are plenty of ways to relax in nature. Every year, mid-March there is a celebration marking the day the first president of the United States of America first visited in 1748. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. 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. 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. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. [Read: The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. A sacred site for Native Americans surveyed by George Washington and owned by both King George III and Thomas Jefferson. 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. However, the room is not the only attraction in the area. Address: 104 Main St., Glen Jean, WV 25846. This is literally in our backyard and I cannot wait for the. 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. Nice challenging hike. Men and women had separate bath times and privacy was maintained. Coopers Rock State Forest - a hidden wonder of the West Virginia state forests. Perhaps the most well-known destination in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is more than a quaint 19th-century town. Several centuries later, in the 1920s, Conley T. Snidow, a businessman, purchased Clays land and built an amusement park. 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.