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

Vermont

Vintage card - Vermont in Early Fall

Vermont is one of the northernmost states in what is commonly called New England.  In each of the New England states you will find some kind of historical building or marker or museum recalling the colonial period and the Revolutionary War.  Vermont has its own place in our history although it was originally a sovereign state rather than one of the thirteen original colonies.  It was the first state to be added to the United States. 

Vermont is a small state with the smallest U.S. big city, Burlington (42,417), and the smallest U.S. state capitol, Montpelier (7,855).  It only measures 37 miles wide at the border with Massachusetts although it widens to about 89 miles at its widest.  From the Massachusetts border to the border with Quebec, Canada is only about 159 miles.  It is bordered on the east by the Connecticut River.  On the western border with New York State, Lake Champlain makes up about half of the border.

Harlow's Sugar House at the foothills of the Green Mountains

This is a state that we visited often when we lived in Massachusetts.  The fall leaf colors make it a wonderful afternoon drive on the weekends when our kids were not in school.   We often would take a picnic lunch and stop at one of the farmers market stands for fresh produce.  The kids always enjoyed the times when we would pick apples.  During the early spring, a trip to the sugar house at a maple farm was a treat.

The Creamery Covered Bridge in Brattleboro, Vermont

The covered bridges throughout the state are very picturesque.  They number only around 100 now; at one time there were almost 600.  A museum following their history is located in Bennington. 

There are a number of stores for those who enjoy finding unique items.  I always enjoyed Basketville, one of the many craft type stores, since a woman never has quite enough baskets.   During a more recent visit, my husband and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the Yankee Candle Store with all their special areas.  I love the Christmas ornaments and other decorations in the Christmas rooms.  The Vermont Country Store is another unique place where you can find Advent Calendars.

Basketville in Putney, Vermont

The Green Mountains offer camping, hiking or snowmobile trails depending upon the season.  Christmas Tree Farms are fun outings just before Christmas each year.   Open Studio, a weekend in May each year when art studios of all kinds in the state open their doors and allow visitors to watch.  Whatever you are most interested in, you can find it on their website at http://www.vermontvacation.com/

Utah

Early 1900s postcard of the Great Salt Lake

Utah is one of those states that I've technically been in but have not really seen at all.  When traveling I have landed or changed planes at the Salt Lake City airport.  That really isn't the same as seeing the state.  So this is one of those states that I would like to actually visit.  Flying across the state and landing in Salt Lake City you do get to see some interesting views.  From the air it is always so interesting to see the geological layers that have been formed over time.  

The Great Salt Lake looks like any other lake from the air, but I would like to experience the water myself.  Since I never learned to swim, it would be relaxing to know that I could float easily.  I’m sure the salt in the water would provide some healing properties so my skin would feel different after a dip, similar to the amazing feeling of ocean water.

Vintage postcard of the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the capital city of Utah and the Headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons).  Salt Lake City is where the Mormon pioneers settled.   I would love to tour Temple Square where the Temple, the Tabernacle, the Museum of History and Art and the Family History Library are all located.

The same type of erosion that formed the Grand Canyon has formed unique shapes from different types of rock to make cream, pink, gray, white, red and chocolate colors in the rock formations found in the five National Parks of Utah.  Shuttle buses are available in some of these parks along with camping, hiking and other active options.  I would love to see each of these parks.

The Narrows in Ogden Canyon
Vintage/Antique postcard

Arches National Park has the world’s largest number of arches in one area while Bryce Canyon National Park has hoodoos and many cliffs.  Canyonlands National Park is a desert area divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers.  The rivers have formed four distinct areas with mesas, buttes and canyons.  The white water of Cataract Canyon in a heavy snow year is the largest in North America.  Capitol Reef National Park has a 100 mile long monocline called the Waterpocket Fold.  Zion National Park is one of the best places to go canyoneering with many canyons including slot canyons which are sometimes just wide enough to squeeze through. 

Utah is famous for powder snow each winter.  Ski enthusiasts have more than a dozen world class ski resorts to choose from, most within an hour of travel time from the airport in Salt Lake City.  Snowboarding, mountaineering and many other outdoor sports are available to enjoy,  Lake Powell in the southwestern edge of the state is a large reservoir formed by the Glen Canyon Dam.  Houseboats are available to rent for those looking for a leisurely vacation.  The website for checking out all that Utah has to offer is http://www.utah.com/

Tennessee

Tennessee was supposed to be posted before Texas but I goofed!  My mistake – I’m sorry!  I prepared it first and then forgot that I did not actually post it!

Vintage Map Postcard of Tennessee

Tennessee is the state east of Arkansas where I live.  Our daughter lives in Chattanooga, one of the larger cities at the southeastern corner of Tennessee.  When we visit her, we drive through Memphis and almost all the way to Nashville before we turn south over the mountain to Chattanooga.

Driving through Memphis we drive by St. Jude’s Hospital for Children.  This is a wonderful place for children with devastating illnesses, especially cancer.  They provide free treatment and continue to seek cures for cancer, especially the cancers that attack children. 

Graceland, home of Elvis Presley in Memphis

Memphis is also where Elvis Presley made his home called Graceland.  Rock ‘n’ Roll and Jazz have both been part of the music scene in Memphis for more than 50 years.  Beale Street is the place for those who love night life, clubs and music. 

Nashville, the capital city, is the center for Country Music and a fun city to visit.  The Grand Ole Opry and The Country Music Hall of Fame are just two of the many sites to enjoy.  Southwest of Nashville in Johnson, Tennessee you can find Castle Gwenn, the location each May for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.   The castle was featured in Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video.

The Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee

Like most other states, Tennessee has a few large cities, some smaller ones and a multitude of little towns or villages.  Most of the land is forested or farm land.  The deciduous forests provide spectacular colors when the leaves begin to turn in the cooler weather of fall.  The Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee are often partially hidden by low clouds or fog that gives the mountains their name.  The streams running through the mountains provide interesting sounds and make for delightful hiking through the beautiful woods.  Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are popular destinations with many unique shops, hotels, restaurants and family oriented attractions such as Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s amusement park.

Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage, near Nashville

Knoxville is just west of the Smokey Mountains.   One of my favorite authors, Jefferson Bass, writes mysteries regarding The Body Farm, a forensic teaching area of the University of Tennessee.  The Mississippi River,  Jack Daniels whiskey, Tennessee walking horses, over 9,000 caves,  Rock City, Lookout Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, the Cherokee National  Forest, and  Oocee River white water canoeing are just a few of the many places to explore in Tennessee.  Visit their website at http://www.tnvacation.com/ to find the exciting places that speak to you.  

Texas

Big Tex - Dallas State Fairgrounds

How can I possibly tell you about Texas?  It is huge – the largest state except for Alaska.  Texas has so many different areas that it could easily be a country all by itself as it was in the early 1800s.   If you want variety, Texas certainly has it.  The southeast is on the Gulf of Mexico so you can find sandy beaches, barrier islands and plenty of water sports.  There are also swamps further in and gradually the land rises to the piney woods of east Texas.  There are rolling hills, grasslands and prairies in the center of the state.  You can find deserts, canyons, mountains and unbelievable amounts of open land as you travel west and southwest. 

 

The Astrodome in Houston

There are large cities, each with unique characteristics and many small towns, farms and ranches. Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and is a major seaport.  NASA headquarters are located here and tours are available to learn about the missions that resulted in the moon landing.  

The Alamo - San Antonio

San Antonio features both The Alamo and a lovely river walk in the downtown area.  Dallas/Fort Worth is another major metropolitan area and home to the Dallas Cowboys, a popular football team along with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.  El Paso is at the western border with New Mexico and borders Mexico along the Rio Grande River.  Austin is the capital city and hosts the SXSW (South by South West) musical festival each year.   Each of these cities have their own unique museums, art galleries and other interesting places to visit and of course, family oriented attractions for the youngsters.

The Devil's Tombstone-Palo Duro Canyon

Big Bend National Park is in the southwest area of Texas and has valleys, mountains, desert and canyons.  There are 13 National parks and over ninety State parks to choose from.

When I was a very little girl, several families from our neighborhood held an Easter picnic in Palo Duro Canyon which is located south of Amarillo.  It is an area that is similar to the Grand Canyon only much smaller with unusual formations of rock.  My older brother and his friends – all about 10 or 11 years old-went exploring and found a place called The Devil’s Slide.  They thought they would get back to the picnic area by going down the slide side which was shorter.  My brother was the first one to slip and then he tumbled with fallen branches and rocks.  The other boys helped him back to the top and the long way back.  He tore all the ligaments and tendons in his leg so his summer was on crutches that year.

Texas Longhorns

I lived in Amarillo, in the “Panhandle” area of north Texas, when I was a little girl and then in the large city of Houston when I was in high school.  I have traveled across the state many times to visit my grandparents who lived in Houston while I was growing up.  When we drove from California to be there for Christmas, I remember waking up at dawn in El Paso and my Dad driving all day long to reach Houston by Midnight.  It’s over 900 miles across the state so even with the modern interstate highways, it is still an all day drive.

Another unusual place west of Amarillo is the Cadillac Ranch.  There are 10 old Cadillac cars that were an Art project done by the Ant Farm group on the land of a wealthy Texan in the 1970s.  They have been repainted many times and covered over with graffiti from the visitors to the ranch.

To find your favorite place to see, check out the website at http://www.traveltex.com