West Virginia

Vintage card - Oglebay Park Swimming Pool, Wheeling

West Virginia is another state that I have traveled through many times but never toured for pleasure.      I really don’t have any “memories” although there are places I would really like to see.   It is a mountainous state with many beautiful forests and lakes.  The Appalachian Mountains which cover much of the state are “old” mountains with top elevations around 5,000 feet.  Outdoor activities of all kinds are available including white water rafting, rock climbing, spelunking, golf, hiking and skiing. 

Kanawha City Motor Lodge

The coal mines and railroads were important to the Industrial Revolution.  The glass industry grew in West Virginia as well and there are still many factories with gift shops, tours and demonstrations.  Trains were vital to the coal and lumber industries also.  Today there are several museums to showcase the old steam engines.  

Historical Harper's Ferry

Excursion trains continue to use these older models and provide interesting views along each tour.  In Wheeling I would like to visit the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum, an interesting place for the entire family.  I would also enjoy watching glass blowing at one of the factory museums.

Other interesting places would be the Harper's Ferry area and a trip to the Spa in Berkeley Springs State Park.  The five hot springs there are the oldest Spa in the nation.  Located only a little over 100 miles from Washington, D.C. it was established in 1756 while the area was still part of Virginia and is now a National Park.

West Virginia Capitol on the Great Kanawha River

The Capitol City of Charleston is located in the western side of the state.   Special events are held throughout the year.  One that I would particularly enjoy is called the Vandalia Gathering held at the end of May each year.  Fiddlers, story tellers and banjo pickers come together for a fun weekend of entertainment.  Each town or city has their own special places, events and charm.  Check out the website at http://www.wvtourism.com.

Washington

Mount Hood with Rhododendrons in foreground

Washington is usually referred to as Washington State to avoid confusion with Washington, D. C.   This is the northwestern most state except for Alaska.  North of Oregon and west of Idaho, Western Washington has a mild climate.  Moisture is plentiful and often takes the form of fog or mist.  This almost constant gentle Pacific moisture results in an abundance of plant life.  Much of the Olympic peninsula is rainforest.  Cascade Mountains split the state and the eastern side is much drier with some almost desert like land.  Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens are the most well known of the volcanic mountains in the Cascade Range.

Seattle view of Mt. Rainier and the Space Needle 

Seattle is the largest city and a delightful place to find all kinds of tourist destinations.  At one time the city was flooded and when it was rebuilt the streets were raised to prevent future flooding.  Portions of this older underground city with abandoned stores may be seen on a tour.    Pike Place is a market near the docks and provides a fun stroll to find just the right produce or fish for your next meal.  A trip to the top of the Space Needle is required for a complete tour.  There are many other interesting places to explore in Seattle whether you are looking for art, theater, children’s activities or night life after dark.

Antique card of Wind River Falls

We took the ferry from Seattle across to Victoria, British Columbia to visit my husband’s sister who was in a Poor Clare Monastery nearby.  The boat ride was delightful and gives you a view of Puget Sound and The Islands.  Other boat tours are available for sightseeing or whale watching.

Washington apples are some of the best.  The Hood River Valley is where cousins of my Dad lived.  When they came to visit us they would bring at least one bushel of apples from their orchards.  This valley area is primarily farmland for fruits, vegetables and vineyards.
  

Antique card on Columbia River

The Columbia River is the border between Oregon and Washington.  Where the river reaches the Pacific Ocean was the final destination for the Lewis and Clark expedition after their long trek from St. Louis, Missouri.  The river produces a large amount of electricity from the dams along its path.  The Columbia River Gorge runs for 80 miles along the southern border of Washington, cutting across the Cascade Mountain Range, and is up to 4,000 feet deep.

Olympia Brewing Company in Turnwater, Washington

Both State and National Parks provide an abundance of outdoor enjoyment.  Beaches, rain forest, mountains, volcanoes, desert, gardens, valleys, wine country, cities and towns, Washington offers many different types of vacation ideas.  Their website is at http://www.experiencewa.com. Find what speaks to you.

Virginia

Vintage postcard map of Virginia

When I was about four years old, our family lived in Arlington, Virginia.  I was too young to remember much except the house we lived in.  Family photos from that time include some from Skyline Drive.  Years later I insisted my husband take that drive since I did not remember the childhood trip.  The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive are two very scenic byways with areas to stop to enjoy the views. 

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

Virginia is a large state with everything from mountains to beaches.  The Appalachian Mountains, The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau are in western Virginia while beaches can be found on the Atlantic Ocean.  Chesapeake Bay is popular for water sports.  There are a few large cities but the majority of Virginia is rural with smaller cities and towns along with farmland and forests.

Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway

A few years ago we spent a week in Arlington, a city adjacent to Washington D. C.   We found it convenient as a place to stay while touring Washington D. C. since the Metro was only a short walk from our hotel and allowed us to see everything in D.C. without having to rely on an automobile, get lost or stuck in traffic. The highlights of Washington D. C. will be in a separate post. 

Iwo Jima Statue

While in Virginia we visited Arlington National Cemetery, spending a few moments at the grave of John F. Kennedy and then at the memorials to those fallen in battle.  We watched the ritual of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.    We also toured George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, which is nearby.  Other places I would like to have seen if we had a few more days of vacation were the Marine Corp Museum in Prince William and the Air Force Memorial which is adjacent to the Arlington National Cemetery.

The Flower Garden at Mount Vernon

Luray Caverns, National Bridge, Natural Tunnel and the Great Dismal Swamp are all interesting natural places to see.  Jamestown was the original settlement in Virginia and Williamsburg was the capitol city in the 18^th century.  Both have outdoor interactive exhibit museums.  Jamestown shows life as it was for those first settlers while Williamsburg features life in the 18^th century.  Find your “must see” places by visiting their website at http://www.virginia.org

Amphitheater at Luray Caverns