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.

Pennsylvania

 It has been a long six weeks since I had my foot surgery.  It was both better and worse than I thought.  I don’t know when I will be able to wear real shoes again or drive or walk normal.  I am a little old lady but it is not nice to actually walk like a little old lady.  I’m sorry it has been such a long time that I have not posted anything.   My husband has also had health issues contributing to the delay.  Hopefully I can get back on schedule and post about once every week to ten days.

Multi view card from 1980s

Pennsylvania is one of the larger states in the eastern part of the United States.   Harrisburg is the Capitol city and other large cities include Allentown, Erie, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.  The state has a border of about 50 miles of coast on Lake Erie and about 50 miles on the Delaware Estuary.   Although there are several large cities, the majority of the state is farmland and smaller towns. 

I remember Pennsylvania as green – lots of fields of green crops, green trees lining the residential streets in the cities and green forests in the mountainous areas. The Appalachian Mountains run through the middle of the state and provide hikers and outdoor lovers with a wonderful experience. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of the oldest toll roads in the US streamlining travel across the state. It was originally opened in the 1930s, featured seven tunnels, and is a part of the Interstate Transit System now with only four remaining tunnels. 

1960s card from "The Pennsylvania Dutch Country"

One of the largest areas of Amish settlements is found in the southern part of the state.   Lancaster is a town where you can explore this alternate culture.  In Lancaster County,  the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau provides information and arranges tours of the Amish farmlands nearby.

Independence Hall

Philadelphia is the largest Pennsylvania city with a history going back to colonial times.  Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are just two of the many interesting sites there.  If you are a “Rocky” fan, you will want to view the famous statue and the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  The Reading Terminal Market is the oldest farmers market in the United States.  In Philadelphia your lunch should be an authentic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich which consists of thinly sliced roasted beef, topped with melted cheese on a long crusty roll.

Lincoln Gettysburg Address Memorial

Gettysburg and the Underground Railway were important during our Civil War and their history provides more interesting places to visit.  The Johnstown Flood Museum chronicles the famous devastating flood of 1899.  These and many other attractions are just waiting for you to discover.   Websites for Pennsylvania and Philadelphia are found at http://www.visitpa.com/ and http://www.visitphilly.com/