Exploring West Virginia

By Lori Ferguson on Thursday, November 14, 2013

My husband, Robert, and I were born and raised in Canada. We currently live in the United States, but return frequently to visit our parents. Driving may take a day or two, but the time spent together in the vehicle is priceless.

We refer to each other as a “captive audience” on these long drives. It’s awesome. 

This drive up to Canada took us through West Virginia on Highway 19.

That is Highway 19

It was just the perfect autumn time to view the wild wonder found in this state.

Did you know…

The world’s 4th longest steel arch bridge is in West Virginia. The New River Gorge is 876 feet below, and a long wooden walkway descending into the gorge allows views that are breathtaking. Next time we drive through WV I’d like to take the quarter-mile guided “Bridgewalk Tour” on the catwalk just underneath the bridge – it’s handicapped accessible. 

New River Gorge collage sm

State Parks provide romantic side-trips. Instead of eating a sub sandwich at a rest stop, we pulled off the road at Camp Creek State Park. We were the only ones in the park at the time… it was a walk through a wonderland of colors. Silence and beauty – a romantic combination.

Camp Creek State Park

West Virginia artists share their talent housed in one building. For those who admire and value artisans and their work, the “best of West Virginia” can be seen and experienced at Tamarack. Resident Artisans, gourmet food, baskets, pottery, glass, books, jewelry, apparel, a conference center and even a theater – all available in one spot. A shoppers paradise! 

Tamarack collage

 

And much more. 

We only drove through West Virginia, so I’m sure there are many more sights to see, places to explore and experiences to add to our bucket list!

What’s your favorite part of West Virginia?

Leave a comment – share!

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Lori Ferguson

Lori Ferguson is a writer with a passion to encourage. She’s a Christ follower, wife of 30 years, and mom to grown kids. You can find her online at EncourageYourSpouse.com where she blogs somewhat regularly about encouragement in marriage. Lori and her husband work with couples who lead - in business, ministry & non-profit. Check out LeadershipCouples.com for more information.

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  • Stephanie F

    Heeey I’m from Canada too :) Still here though. I remember driving through a bunch of States on our way to Disney World when I was a teenager, and one of the things I remember to this day is how BEAUTIFUL and breathtaking Virginia is. I loved everything about it. Even the weather was awesome.

  • http://www.happywivesclub.com/ Fawn @ Happy Wives Club

    This is beautiful, Lori! When I was young, I went to Alexandria, Virginia and experienced Christmas. I knew for sure I’d move there when I became an adult. Alas, I haven’t left the sunshine of Southern California but I go to Virginia every chance I get (and there are few things as beautiful as the fall season in VA.

  • nicole

    I lived in west Virginia for 23 years and can’t think of any better place to live or grow up.

  • suzi

    Um, I believe she is dicussing WEST Virginia which has not been part of Virginia since 1863!

  • MrsH

    WV native here.. camping, fishing, scenic beauty, and a hard working history, you can be in the city or way out on a farm, it provides connecting with nature and family or couple time.. I’ve been many other places but I never take a breath as deep as when I see those hills I call home