West Virginia Bed and Breakfast Inns

West Virginia is a state in the central Appalachians and the only State totally in Appalachia, with two panhandles or long, narrow arms of territory which reach East almost to Washington DC and North between Ohio and Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, PA.

West Virginia was part of Virginia until 1863 when the inhabitants of the western counties petitioned the Federal government for Statehood.  Slavery was legal in WV, but it was not common.  Most West Virginians lived in small farms or industrial communities, and had no need for slaves.  Also, many of the inhabitants belonged to churches which opposed slavery, and thus abolitionism was strong. 

West Virginia is very different from Virginia.  While Virginia is the home of the planter aristocracy and very English in its customs, West Virginia was settled by the Scots-Irish (people born in Ireland but of Scottish descent) and thus the relationship between Virginia and West Virginia was analogous to the relationship between England and Scotland or Ireland.

After statehood, West Virginia boomed.  Coal was king.  Immigrants from Germany, Italy, Ireland, and all over the world moved to the area to work in the coal mines, logging, building railroads, potteries, and glass factories of the State.  The Organized Labor Movement has been strong in West Virginia ever since.

West Virginia is neither entirely southern nor entirely northern.  The speech inflections and attitudes are reminiscent of the south; the architecture and climate are reminiscent of the north.  It is true that West Virginia is a State of scenery, history, many outdoor activities, and the Arts with many museums, artists, artisans, and festivals state-wide.  Many West Virginians have left the state in search of jobs to become prominent in their new locales.  Presently, many are moving back in retirement and newcomers are choosing to come to West Virginia for the quality of living and the surge in the economy as it changes from coal to high tech.

Charleston is the capital and largest city of West Virginia.  It is located in the Kanawha (kah-NAW-ah) Valley, which is heavily industrialized and the home to numerous chemical plants, however, just 7 miles from the heart of the City is the Kanawha State Forest.  Healthcare is increasingly important in the city, with 5 major hospitals which serve the entire region. The city hosts the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, an impressive Capitol building and state museum, and a brand new Cultural Center.  It is located on Interstate Highways 64, 77, and 79.  Amtrak serves the city, as do several major airlines. Most major hotel chains have locations in Charleston, and there is a network of busses (KRT) for public transportation.  The shopping mall is located smack-dab in the middle of downtown, and Capitol Street is an area of Victorian Buildings experiencing an renaissance of commercial activity.

Huntington, 50 miles west of Charleston, was an important industrial center and Ohio River port during the early 1900s.  Today, the city is attempting to rebound from years of job losses and declining industry.  Today Huntington is probably best known as the home to Marshall University and the Thundering Herd, the Huntington Museum of Art, and the Heritage Farm Museum.  Interstate 64 serves Huntington, as do Amtrak and several airlines. 

Lodging is readily available throughout the State with major chains or bed and breakfasts.

Wheeling, in the Northern Panhandle (about 45 minutes from Pittsburgh, PA) is a small city rich in history.  Strategically located along the Ohio River, Wheeling was the terminus of the National Road in the old days, and retains a charm and character unparralled for a town its size.  The downtown area is simply georgeous, Wheeling Island in particular, and Oglebay Park is an impressive local getaway.  The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and the WWVA Jamboree have been icons in Wheeling for their respective diverse cultures for years. The Northern Panhandle is home to several Rail-Trails, Wheeling Downs, Mountaineer Park, Homer Laughlin China, and Patrick Gas, one of the few who made the entire Lewis and Clark Expedition, was from Wellsburg.

Other small cities dot the landscape.  Morgantown is the home of West Virginia University and retains the mantra of a college town.  Clarksburg is a fast-growing area and home to a large Italian-American community.  Fairmont is home to Fairmont State University, Town and Gown Players, pepperoni rolls, jazz musician Johnny Johnson, Max Malachowski of the racing Old Yellow fame, and Mary Lou Retton. Shinnston, pop 2250, has the only Chapel of Perpetual Adoration in West Virginia. The Chapel is open to all 24/7 and keeping the vigil in the Chapel are Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, a Lutheran minister, and a Methodist minister. Shinnston also has the Shinnston Community Band comprised of musicians from middle school age to folks in their 80s, Although there are several concerts performed each year, the July 1 Independence Concert followed by 45 minutes of fireworks is the highlight. Also located in this region Mountaineer Country are 8 Rail-Trails, 7 of the 17 remaining covered bridges in West Virginia including the Philippi Bridge which was the site of the first land battle of the Civil War, 7 State Parks, wineries, hand-blown glass, craft shops, drive-in theaters, and much more.

Beckley serves as a cross-roads and staging area for excursions to the scenic parks. Beckley's Exhibition Coal Mine and Tamarack should be on the Must Do list of travelers.

Natural scenery is the biggest draw to West Virginia. The high peaks of the Allegheny Mountains at Spruce Knob and Seneca rocks draw climbers, bikers, and frustrated city dwellers looking for some much needed relaxation.  The New River, an ancient waterway, has carved a great canyon into the landscape creating the New River Gorge National River in the southern part of the state. Not only good for hiking and breathtaking vistas, the rivers in this region are conducive to the best whitewater rafting east of the Rockies.  And many visitors take on the challenge of the rivers each fall.   The Gauley River is second only to the Colorado for its technical difficulty.  Winter brings ski season, and the hilltops get a lot of snow.  Numerous ski resorts are located in West Virginia, for anything from a day-trip on the slopes such as Snowshoe or Winterplace to a week of 5-star relaxation.

Speaking of 5-star, the cultured jetset crowd shouldn't miss the Greenbrier, a 5-star resort in White Sulphur Springs with world renowned accommodations, golf, cuisine, and activities. 

Historic battle sites in the eastern part of the state, such as Droop Mountain and Rich Mountain, afford gorgeous views in the fall when the trees turn colors. Fireflies abound in the summer. Pearl Buck's birthplace is available for viewing in Hillsboro. The Monongahela & George Washington National Forests in the Allegheny Mountains are beautiful, especially close to the Greenbrier River.

To get to West Virginia, you can come by car, train, or airplane.  Driving is the best option to see the sights; West Virginia has invested heavily in roads and bridges and now boasts one of the best highway networks in the country and the roads are rarely congested, making for great driving. 70 mph speed limits on the Interstates.  West Virginia also boasts the best motorcycling roads in the East (helmets required). Only the usual precautions are needed; crime is uncommon in West Virginia.