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 Mount Wood Cemetery is located next to the property and is the final resting place of several first settlers of the city. After a few more attempts throughout the 1900s, the academy served as a rental apartment space till 1990s, however, the structure today stands in a dilapidated state with floors collapsing and certain areas completely inaccessible. These 8 Hidden Places Are Virginia's Best Kept Secrets Virginia is a state full of hidden gems and secret places to discover. 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. Looking to explore more of the Mountain State? (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."). 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. We will certainly be back. Best West Virginia Hidden Gem Attractions, Thanks to a combo of a great location, great history, and a. guide, I'll always remember our visit very fon We learned so much about John Brown and the raid on the. Several rivers offer world-class rapids for experts, and others are well-suited to less experienced and learning rafters. Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260. A lighthouse on this West Virginia lake started as a joke, then the forces of nature helped make it a reality. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. Tomlinson Run State Park is the perfect place for a weekend away. This beautiful winery is surrounded by gardens and places to relax and enjoy the scenery. This short hike in Babcock State Park will lead you to a hidden pavilion that looks out over a cliff. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Home Travel Guides United States West Virginia (WV) 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in West Virginia. We had a good guide but I forget his name (sorry). The most famous waters are in the Gauley River, between Summersville and Fayetteville, in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. 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. There had been a prison that had 4 different sections ranging from well behaved prisoners to ruthless criminals. 8. West Virginia has its share of famous spots that everyone visits, and for good reason these places are truly remarkable. We did several of the easy trails and all of them were beautiful! If you don't remember this one from history class, John Brown is the abolitionist credited with leading what's now known as the Harpers Ferry Raid, in which he attempted to start an armed revolt of enslaved people in 1859. The museum calls itself the "National Museum of the Paranormal" and is full of eerie oddities. whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours, The Top Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Print and Pack: The Ultimate Camping Checklist. 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. birthdays and to support small, hometown businesses! This has been a thriving mining city at the outset but by 1920 it had turned out to be a failure and was shut down. 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. This former fire tower found new life as a communications hub complete with a scenic overlook. Take the Island In The Sky hike, which is just a short half mile hike, to reach this little pavilion with great views. This 22 acre resort along the Elk River has some of the best fishing in West Virginia. The park also features a reconstructed pioneer homestead, where guests can learn about frontier life at the attraction's working farm and gardens. I took a Developmentally Disabled adult there for a fun experience and they were great with him. 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. Here are 25 places to see yetis, sea monsters, Sasquatch, and other cryptids. The hike is steep, but well worth your effort. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation. Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginias Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway. Probably you do. Overnight cabin accommodations are also available. Today, the castle is available to rent as an event space. Tasting notes include flabby, flinty, and wet dog. 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. This amusement park in Huntington is a great place to spend the day on rides with the family. As the story goes, in 1925, the Mount Wood Castle property belonged to a doctor who wanted to transform into a dream project for his wife. It's a slower-paced adventure - which gives people ample time to enjoy the beautiful, Videos and audio explanations supplement the excellent visual display of. 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. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away. Spruce Knob is also the highest tip in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 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. Offer subject to change without notice. Dubbed as the National Museum of the Paranormal, Archive of the Afterlife is filled with artifacts related to history, and in certain cases, paranormal or the afterlife (of course!). Researchers claim that the formation of the 69-foot-tall hill must have taken around 60,000 tons of earth! JayDee's is off the beaten path in Inwood. During its 100-plus years in operation, the West Virginia Penitentiary saw riots, homicides and executions including public hangings. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. State.]. Harpers Ferry is one of the most beautiful small towns in West Virginia. 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'. See. 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. The Exhibition Coal Mine was founded in 1962 and it was the first sight to be dedicated completely to the study of coal mining. However, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia Rumsey is still regarded and revered as the creator of the steamboat. Built in an octagonal shape, the store was operational until 1954. The shelter included standard bunk-style beds, furniture, TV, an incinerator, and a special room for distressed personnel. (304) 558-3500. The springs date back centuries, first flourishing as a health mecca for Native Americans, then drawing European settlers beginning in 1730. Once connected to the outside world by a single train track, this ghost town is looked after by the National Park Service. Once Hamrick completed mummifying the corpses, they traveled as a part of P.T Barnums circus. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. The first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in literature came from the foothills of Appalachia. Samuel Taylor Suit was lucky in a lot of things (politics, business, whiskey distillery), but love wasnt one of them. Nearly a ghost town, this little town has only 5 living residents today. We drove here on a rainy/foggy day from New River Gorge and the, The long drive up the forest roads is well worth it when arriving at, happy that just a very short walkway took us over a wooden bridge over a cleft in the. Once connected to the outside world by a single train track, this ghost town is looked after by the National Park Service. Unfortunately, the poor doctor got caught up in drug trafficking and was sent out to prison before his project could ever be completed. A particularly creepy abandoned hospital that sparks interest for lovers of the supernatural. Learn how top attractions and experiences are selected. A sacred site for Native Americans surveyed by George Washington and owned by both King George III and Thomas Jefferson. Speaking of secrets West Virginia comes to our mind nonchalantly due to several reasons. It is also called the Palace of Gold. Apparently, the tradition started here at the pharmacy with just four pumpkins at first. Get credit for your contribution by submitting a complete place entry with photos. 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. We arrived late on a Friday and were told no worries, just stop at the camp office the next day. From family-friendly paths to long, scenic overnight camp-and-hike trails, come see why West Virginia is called the Mountain State. Every year, mid-March there is a celebration marking the day the first president of the United States of America first visited in 1748. 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. If you get excited about the feel of a shiver down your spine, you'll find a lot to love. In 1966, two grave diggers in Clendenin, West Virginia, reported the sighting of a strange winged figure with red eyes. The exhibition comprises 1,500 feet of restored walkways and 3,000 feet of historic tracks. Love West Virginia? Loved and maintained by the residents of Chester, West Virginia the structure has gained the respected title of the largest teapot in the world since 2015. However, it still struggled to function. Some travelers also suggest a visit in the fall to enjoy the colorful foliage. For a brief period in late 1966 and early 1967, the West Virginia Ordnance Works, better known to locals as the TNT Area, was home to one of the United States' most famous mythical creatures:. Previous visitors confirm the prison tours, which start at $14 per adult and $8 per child aged 6 to 16, are all at once creepy, informative and enjoyable. and there are multiple overlooks with panoramic views of the bridge, river and gorge. and it was AMAZING!!!! Hermosilla's Deli Market in Fairmont is the place to go when you're looking for a tasty deli sandwich stacked high with delicious meats and cheeses. You can get your very ownGreenbrier bunker tour just like the Today Show! Thurmond Ghost Town is an abandoned town for several years. Located in the far west of West Virginia, Kenova is a town of 3,000 residents, but come Halloween each year, the town also becomes home to 3,000 pumpkins, all used to decorate the former mayors historic home into a grand Halloween extravaganza. You don't have to be a guest of the luxury resort (or an A-lister) to get a glimpse of it guided hotel tours are offered but overnight guests enjoy upscale accommodations ranging from signature guest rooms to estate homes, a roster of activities for all ages, golf, a spa, restaurants, a casino, retail shops, seasonal events and more. Attracted by the embalming procedure, the Smithsonian Institution offered to put his mummies on display, on the condition that Hamrick will have to share his secret procedure with the institution. The Endless Wall Trail to Diamond point is a must do hike with amazing views. A huge 100-foot radio tower installed approximately four miles away was connected to the bunker so that the congressmen could broadcast emergency messages. The Fine Dining Restaurant Hidden Under A Bowling Alley These are just a few of the marvels you can find while exploring the hidden corners of the Mountain State. Visitors can stop by The Greenbrier, a luxury resort whose guests have ranged from presidents to injured soldiers. However, it had been a secret place in West Virginia for more than 30 years. Uncover the Past in West Virginia's Newest National Park January 9th, 2023 New River Gorge has silently witnessed centuries of change. 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. Now its known as a ghost town where some people come to enjoy hiking in the beautiful trails. Lake Anne Van Gogh Bridge, Reston. Founded in 1968 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, creator of International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the inhabitants of the community aim at practicing and preserving the teachings of Hindu Lord, Sri Krishna. Travelers rave about the half- and multi-day excursions for various skill levels, noting that the guides are friendly, helpful and all-around great. 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. 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. See national parks, caves, museums and even the "World's Largest Teapot" on your next West Virginia vacation. Sponsored by West Virginia Department of Tourism. See national parks, caves, museums and even the "World's Largest Teapot" on your next West Virginia vacation. 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. (Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism), Almost heaven, West Virginia. It has consisted of standard bunk-style beds, furniture, TV, an incinerator, and a special room for distressed personnel too. The tour, available for visitors aged 10 and older, starts at $40 for adults and $20 for ages 10 to 18. Speaking of secrets, let us explore some of the hidden gems in West Virginia. The 22-acre fishing resort will reconnect you to nature and leave you refreshed and relaxed. Stepping into these classic theaters is like a blast from the past. Shenandoah National Park is an extremely popular National Park in VA that makes up part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. 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. 22, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. The steamboat that was apparently demonstrated by Fulton was built on the foundations of a technology invented by James Rumsey. Thank you. Previous visitors say the Bridge Walk is a must in West Virginia, with some calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is situated within the Appalachian region. Visit Country Road Cabins in Hico, where you'll find 18 luxury cabins. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall. But, did you know that the occasion was first observed in West Virginia on May 10th, 1908? Whatever you do in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, don't miss the one-of-a-kind Bridge Walk, where guided tours are offered on a catwalk beneath the famous New River Gorge Bridge. In West Virginia, the mountains and hills hold tales and myths, and a lot of places that were used and then abandoned. 20 Places to Visit Along West Virginia's Country Roads The Mountain State is filled with surprises, from giant telescopes to elusive cryptids. My husband, son, and I love the Old Roman Baths an try to visit every year! This secluded forest lake looks like a place in a storybook. of the distillery Very informative Cheryl was amazing! Bluefield: School with Most Multi-Level Entrances Bramwell: Home of the Millionaires Bridgeport: Front Lawn Giraffe Buckhannon: Tiny Church Bunker Hill: Silo Missile Cameron: Archive of the Afterlife Charleston: Shoney's Big Boy Museum Charleston: West Virginia Lincoln Melancholia Chester: Mini-B-52 on a Pole Chester: World's Largest Teapot We meet our grown children at this park and camped at one of the rugged campsites for 2 nights. Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. Elk Springs Resort, Monterville Elk Springs Resort This 22 acre resort along the Elk River has some of the best fishing in West Virginia. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. 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. 1. West Virginia State Museum 408 History Museums By 291genej Videos and audio explanations supplement the excellent visual display of artifacts, making this a 1st class museum an. You can even try your hand at an escape room game. Reportedly, the mountaintop is submerged in 180 inches of snow and makes the approaching roads almost impossible to access from autumn till spring. It was made in case of a nuclear attack. 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. Thousands of jack o'lanterns light up Halloween at this historic West Virginia home. 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. Participants must be at least 8 years old, and tours start at $72. Read more here. A National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and World War II. 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. The bridge towers 876 feet above the New River, but don't worry guests are securely fastened to a cable, and tours move at a relaxed pace so you can feel comfortable (and stop for scenic views and photo ops along the way). Even if you don't fish, there are plenty of ways to relax in nature. She communicates her passion for traveling and discovering new cultures with an engaged public through her public speaking, photography and writing that has appeared in magazines all over the globe. Rushing waterfalls. If you're passionate about hiking, then West Virginia is the perfect place for you. Experience a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes tour of the bunker that walks you through a fascinating period in the resorts history. Nice challenging hike. Dorsal, our tour guide, is a gifted story teller and knowledgeable coal mining expert. With these 33 'gotta-do' stops along the way, you'll create memories for a lifetime. And there had been many executions of the prisoners. But some deaths occurred again in this park. Wildflower hikes. Nestled in among the many attractions for the New River Gorge national park, this state park was actually my favorite part of our trip. He lived at the top of the drugstore at the time. 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. 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. Of course, the park also offers other ways to take in its otherworldly landscape think scenic driving routes, hiking, biking, climbing, fishing and free, ranger-led activities including junior ranger programs. 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. 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 development of the mine started in 1905 and it was first put to use in 1906 for shipping coal. 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. 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! seeing the river for the first time in real life it was super fun experience to see for your self it, I liked hearing the stories that the guide told about the prison.The tour was not too long or too short. The largest piece of cut lead crystal adorned a grave for 75 years and is now the shining star of a glass museum. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is open from April to November, but bring a light jacket no matter when you visit as the mines can get chilly. 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. In 1911, the school was given to West Virginia Baptist General and was renamed as the Alderson Baptist Academy. 9. Real buffalo roam the campground, and you can get a taste of the meat in the restaurant. In the 1920s, the thriving mining town was acquired by Ford Motor Company who used the complete output of the mine to provide power to their automotive facility in Michigan. Today, the old mining facility and its surrounding ghost town remain abandoned at large except for a few curious urban explorers who like hiking around the area every now and then. 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. 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. 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. Blooming rhododendrons. Nicknamed the Mountain State, West Virginia is the only state situated entirely in the Appalachian Mountain region. Click here to read our full article. 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. Thus it becomes one of the best secret places that you can find in West Virginia. The sheer scale of this 9,300 acre recreation area means that to truly appreciate it you need to set apart the better part of a week to explore it. 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. Tags: Travel, US Vacations, Mid-Atlantic Vacations. Just down the road from the castle is this stunning garden and natural area. However, the town is remarkably well preserved by the National Park Service, and you can visit. 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. More recent, human-made wonders are scattered throughout the rugged landscape, from the smallest church in the contiguous United States to a telescope that is a massive feat of engineering. While there isnt any certainty as to when these rocks were formed, there is, at least, a definitive name for this kind of rock formation, a table rock formation, as opposed to Turnip Rock or Jug Rock.. It works on buildings too. Elk Springs Resort in Randolph County is the perfect spot to stay when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, the room is not the only attraction in the area. This is actually a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and there are many residents around this place that are dedicated to this place and protecting their Hindu culture.