The Mothman Museum is a small storefront museum regarded as the only collection of its kind in the world to be dedicated to the namesake insect and the legendary Mothman. A two-hour-long hike takes you to the Curious Rock, in the middle of nowhere, looking like a God meditating on a mountaintop with a large stone cap. WVU Jackson's Mill Farmstead Another great hidden gem in Morgantown, the West Virginia Botanic Garden is secluded enough that you'll feel as though you've found your own secret garden. Other highlights in Harper's Ferry include The Point, where you can see the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers; crossing the Potomac on a pedestrian bridge to access the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath; and, better still, getting out on the waters in a river tube, cold drink in hand. Offer subject to change without notice. Tags: Travel, US Vacations, Mid-Atlantic Vacations. So it's no surprise that when the storied prison decommissioned in 1995, former prison guards began offering tours to the public. After you explore this eerie museum, spend some time in Point Pleasant, an attraction in itself with great restaurants, shopping, seasonal events and the historic (and supposedly haunted) Lowe Hotel. The shelter included standard bunk-style beds, furniture, TV, an incinerator, and a special room for distressed personnel. 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. 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. The Greenbrier, or Americas Resort, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Visitors praise the park and surrounding town, noting that you can see the historic Berkeley Springs Castle (reserved for private events only) from here. The area which spans more than 70,000 acres has long been a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. 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. (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."). It was so lovely. Thanks Google maps! Rumsey invented and designed the technology behind the steamboat in 1787, approximately two decades before Fulton demonstrated his Steamboat in 1807. Trails through the trees and over some tributaries lead you to smooth. Nearly a ghost town, this little town has only 5 living residents today. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall. Reportedly, the mountaintop is submerged in 180 inches of snow and makes the approaching roads almost impossible to access from autumn till spring. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Completed in 1958, the shelter is no. Did you know that May 10th is celebrated as Mothers Day in the whole world? Green Bank, West Virginia is a rustic town perched on the rolling hills of Appalachia which is designed for those who suffer from Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity. In other words, the town provides respite to all those who wish to stay away from the all-consuming social world that surrounds us all day, every day. Berkeley Springs State Park 549 State Parks By Bboston8 Today, the Bridge day is an annual event that sees a group of selected 450 BASE jumpers from all around the nation and the world gather here and jump from the bridge. You'd never guess that such a gorgeous restaurant is hiding underneath a bowling alley! Machine Shop Coalwood Coalwood bears several tributes to "Rocket Boys" (made into the movie "October Sky") author and West Virginia native Homer Hickam, including a road sign marking Homer Hickam Lane and a rocket on display at a roadside park. 11. This wonderful construction is open to the public since 1973 and the owner boasts that inside this Mystery hole works against gravity. 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. Powered by Mai Theme, 14 Best Resorts in Georgia You Must Visit. In West Virginia, the mountains and hills hold tales and myths, and a lot of places that were used and then abandoned. Spruce Knob is also the highest tip in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. I recommend the self guided walking tour to see the massive Green Bank Telescope. You'll find picnic areas, hiking trails, a pretty lake and cozy cabins to stay the night. And, his property was donated to the City of Wheeling. 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. 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. The "mysteries" of this quintessential roadside oddity were almost destroyed by neglect but were saved by fans of kitschy wonder. No purchase necessary. Blackwater Falls is a unique and beautiful park. From the top of the Mountain, you can observe the picturesque vistas of the Germany Valley and North Fork Mountain in the east and the Allegheny Plateau in the west. Today, the only inhabitants of the prison compound are the shadow man (a legendary apparition), a few spirits, and the ghost chasers who like exploring the century-old penitentiary. The term knob is primarily used to denote the highest point on a ridge in the southern Appalachians. Kerry Sanders and Today Show crews were granted access to portions of the bunker where no other cameras have gone! However, in 1980, the teapot was shut down for business and after a decade later, it was moved to its current location. Bring lots of water and a ready attitude. 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. A particularly creepy abandoned hospital that sparks interest for lovers of the supernatural. Samuel Taylor Suit was lucky in a lot of things (politics, business, whiskey distillery), but love wasnt one of them. Have been twice now and both times when we first get in I'm sorry that I booked only 30 minutes, but after 25 minutes I realize that I need to get out. The 22-acre fishing resort will reconnect you to nature and leave you refreshed and relaxed. This 22 acre resort along the Elk River has some of the best fishing in West Virginia. The Rock and the surrounding area is open to the public, however, the current landowner is still trying to get definitive information on the rocks age and history. In 1938, a man named William "Babe" Devon brought it to Chester, West Virginia. Suit laid the first stone of his dream castle in 1885, unfortunately, however, he passed away in 1888, before the construction of the castle could be completed. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Apr 21, 2021 - Explore freaking travel's board "Secret Places In West Virginia" on Pinterest. Located in the charming state capital of Charleston, the West Virginia State Museum features informative and interactive exhibits that pay homage to the culture and history of the Mountain State. 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. For the price of admission this place is a must if in the area. At 876 feet above the rapids and 3,030 feet-long, the staggering Gorge Bridge became a hotspot for BASE jumpers within just two years after it was opened to the public. You will receive your first email soon. 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. It is also called the Palace of Gold. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Thus it becomes one of the best secret places that you can find in West Virginia. Previous patrons of the museum say it's fun and interesting, and that admission less than $5 for adults is cheap. A 20-feet table rock formation in Spencer, West Virginia has been confusing onlookers for ages some say it is a geological formation while others claim that it could be an ancient Native American totem. (304) 558-3500. The area is full of history, festivals and fun activities to enjoy. However, the town is remarkably well preserved by the National Park Service, and you can visit. Opened in 1901 for the very first time, the Alderson Academy serves as a private school for the young children of the town. 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'. 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. Every year, mid-March there is a celebration marking the day the first president of the United States of America first visited in 1748. It turned out that she hadnt anticipated that money could run out, which it did, and in 1913, the Berkeley Springs Castle was publicly auctioned. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Surprisingly, the shelter was only meant to house the Congressmen and their aids while their family was supposed to find shelter elsewhere. This former fire tower found new life as a communications hub complete with a scenic overlook. However, the room is not the only attraction in the area. But did you know that there is also an Indian burial mound here? Yet it isn't at the top of many travelers' bucket lists (if it even has a place on those lists at all). Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. A National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and World War II. Unfortunately, in 1953, the mine shut down for business and was purchased by the City of Beckley. I am so glad that stumbled across this museum, they also have toys for sale in their. But theres also a lot to be said for those hidden gems throughout our state. Also known as the Good Counsel Friary, this historic home looks like something from a fairy tale. Unfortunately, the poor doctor got caught up in drug trafficking and was sent out to prison before his project could ever be completed. Constructed in 1977, the passageway connects either side of the West Virginia Gorge, and for several years, it was the longest of its kind in the world. Ford expanded the mine to a great length, unfortunately, however, in 1928 the operation had to be shut down, most likely due to railroad guidelines. Established in 1936, the 12,747-acre park extends through Monongalia and Preston counties. 1. In a period where education was limited to a privileged few, the school was a huge success but only for a short period of time since free public schools soon began to emerge. It's been the subject of both true and fictional adventure stories in West Virginia. Travel the open country roads and discover more of West Virginia's most unique hidden gems, here. Kanawha State Forest. Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. However, that is not correct. One of West Virginia's most intriguing attractions is also a little-known, almost secret place located in Moundsville. However, it still struggled to function. Graham Hamrick spent several years practicing his embalming techniques on fruits and vegetables before he was certain that he could try it on real corpses. This secluded forest lake looks like a place in a storybook. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Two years later in 1961, Civil War began and till date, Browns act is regarded as quite the stepping stone for the historic war. Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, New Vrindaban is a religious community and an unincorporated village owned and managed by the Hare Krishna group. Stefanos in Morgantown serves some delicious, gourmet food in a romantic setting. 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. Address: 513 Ewart Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. This tour is a must see! The destination resort offers a dizzying array of outdoor activities, the most popular of which is whitewater rafting. Burton Ervin was the first man to discover the possibility and make the first BASE jump. Built in an octagonal shape, the store was operational until 1954. Lovely drives through the park, and nice to park and hike along the way. 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. Our favorite secret place is Fayetteville perched in the rim of the 800 foot deep New River Gorge and next the second longest steel arch bridge in the world. 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. 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. Hidden in West Virginia's Greenbrier Resort was a massive bomb shelter stocked with supplies for members of Congress in . Sponsored by West Virginia Department of Tourism. After a treacherous fight between the two sides, Brown was finally captured and executed in 1859. The steamboat that was apparently demonstrated by Fulton was built on the foundations of a technology invented by James Rumsey. His first wife passed away during childbirth and the second wife left him after 20 years of marriage. It's a slower-paced adventure - which gives people ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Even if you don't fish, there are plenty of ways to relax in nature. Take a steam-powered ride straight out of the past on this Appalachian rail line. We did several of the easy trails and all of them were beautiful! A lighthouse on this West Virginia lake started as a joke, then the forces of nature helped make it a reality. 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. 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. Lake Anne Van Gogh Bridge, Reston. Experience a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes tour of the bunker that walks you through a fascinating period in the resorts history. Here are 25 places to see yetis, sea monsters, Sasquatch, and other cryptids. The campsites are very nice, big enough for 2 large tents & the bathrooms are clean. West Virginia has lots of popular outdoor spots that draw crowds, but we also have some amazing play spots off-the-beaten-track. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Recent Lists 12 Places to Enjoy a Retro Movie Experience Stepping into these classic. The process, as opposed to what people expected, worked. It's no secret that West Virginia is one of the best places to go white water rafting. Throughout the vast national forest there are ample hiking and biking trails, scenic driving routes and places to stop for a picnic lunch. This secluded restaurant gets most of their customers from ski resorts in the winter, but they also have farm-to-table dinners throughout the year. During the time of its operation, the Penitentiary had witnessed a total of 92 executions 83 by hanging and 9 by electrocution. Parking is a challenge at some of the trail heads, we had to walk a little way down a road to actually start a hike. Notable artifacts on display include a pair of Billy the Kid's leather chaps and the telescope George Washington used to survey the state's lands. This fine dining restaurant is surprisingly hidden under a bowling alley. But those who love adventure and spooky things can always visit this secret place of West Virginia. Escape to Twin Falls Resort State Park, a destination resort with more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails (where you can see the park's namesake waterfalls), an indoor swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course, a restaurant, and overnight lodging options that include camping (tents or RVs), cabins and hotel rooms. Sponsored by West Virginia Department of Tourism. And it is one of the most beautiful romantic places to visit in the area. But some deaths occurred again in this park. 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. It works on buildings too. He was patient, engaging, authentic, and provided an overflowing wealth of true stories and a lifetime of experiences. Located in the Appalachian region of the United States of America, West Virginia is officially dubbed as the Mountain State. Neighboured by Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio Pennsylvania, and Maryland, it is the 10th smallest state in the nation which gained statehood in 1863. The owner of the museum hasnt only dedicated a book to the alleged Mothman but now also conducts a yearly Mothman festival. This post is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Tourism. Spend a day at the waterpark, and don't forget to enjoy the Nature Zone, miniature golf and go-karts. It's also recognized because of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. As such, it offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, ATV riding, zip lining, hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling at state parks and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the country's newest national park. Previous visitors say this Charleston museum is truly impressive, with some advising you'll need a few hours to see everything it has to offer. Rushing waterfalls. 2. Read more here. The morning show broadcasted live from the112,544-square-foot bunker. See national parks, caves, museums and even the "World's Largest Teapot" on your next West Virginia vacation. 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, 6 More Gorgeous Beaches In West Virginia That You Must Check Out This Summer, 7 Amazing Treetop Adventures You Can Only Have In West Virginia, Everyone From West Virginia Should Take These 6 More Awesome Vacations, 7 Hidden Gems You Have To See In West Virginia Before You Die. 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. Well worth the time to stop. 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. My husband, son, and I love the Old Roman Baths an try to visit every year! If you want to see the whole version of blog related to this topic then click here https://freakingtravel.com/top-rated-secret-places-in-west . Our knowledgeable locals know how and where to hike, bird watch, swim, fish and golf. In 1883, he married Rosa Pelham and decided to build his beloved wife a castle. Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. This must-see experience is open to all! 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. It has consisted of standard bunk-style beds, furniture, TV, an incinerator, and a special room for distressed personnel too. You can find it in western VA near Shenandoah National Park. Love West Virginia? To seek revenge, Clay killed several Native Americans. Produced only in these mountains, it's regularly named best in the world. If you get excited about the feel of a shiver down your spine, you'll. 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. Including Hippodrome Cinema, Tampa Theatre, and Kinema in the Woods, Including Huanglong Travertine Pools, Socotra Island, and Morin-ji Temple. At its peak, the community was home to over 400 permanent residents, though only 100 occupy the village now. Just down the road from the castle is this stunning garden and natural area. The park is just beautiful! From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. The ultimate experience in West Virginia, Adventures on the Gorge, is an award-winning adventure outfitter and resort on the rim of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. After almost 50 years, the teapot has been opened once again to sell refreshments to visitors. Source: Gregory M. Davis Jr / shutterstock, Archive of the Afterlife "the National Museum of the Paranormal" / Facebook, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA), Congressional Fallout Shelter at the Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, New Vrindaban Palace of Gold, Moundsville, Berkeley Springs Castle, Berkeley Springs, George Washington's Bathtub, Berkeley Springs, Green Bank: A Town for 'Wi-Fi Refugees', Green Bank, Birthplace of the Steamboat, Shepherdstown. I took a Developmentally Disabled adult there for a fun experience and they were great with him. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr. Charleston, WV 25314. Though the two inventors had around 20 years in between them, needless to say, that they were equally talented, and both men contributed heavily to the American innovation. The first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in literature came from the foothills of Appalachia. Wow. A new spout and a new flooring were added and the glass ball knob atop the teapot was replaced by a gold-colored basketball. These cabins allow you to bask in the beauty of West Virginia's nature, while still enjoying all the modern amenities. However, every year, on the third Saturday of October, it is legal for anyone and everyone to jump off of the bridge! Now, two female corpses of the lot rest at the Mummies of Philippi, though there is no certainty that they are the original mummies hand-crafted by Hamrick. 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. Inside the rooms things and water seem to roll uphill, humans stand at a slant too. Here are a few of our favorites. Speaking of secrets West Virginia comes to our mind nonchalantly due to several reasons. 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 14-feet-high and 14-feet in diameter teapot was installed sometime in the 1900s as an advertisement for Hires Root Beer in Pennsylvania and housed a small souvenir shop that also sold refreshments to visitors. On May 31, 1992, The Washington Post published an article, The Last Resort, which exposed the facility. 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. From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Located in Anaheim, California, Club 33 is a secret place inside Disneyland for the exclusive elitewith no kids allowed. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. wants to go to The Mothman Statue stands 12 feet tall outside of the museum, and the Mothman Festival is hosted every September. There had been a prison that had 4 different sections ranging from well behaved prisoners to ruthless criminals. The world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. Funnily, West Virginia is the southernmost state in the northern part of America and the northernmost state in the southern part so you could never tell up from down! Once connected to the outside world by a single train track, this ghost town is looked after by the National Park Service. Time travel with sweets across history at this research-based candy store. Both areas offer some of the best views in the state according to local Reddit users. whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours, The Top Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Print and Pack: The Ultimate Camping Checklist. The Adena culture was a Native American culture that thrived in 1000 to 200 BC. Perhaps the most well-known destination in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is more than a quaint 19th-century town. Watch the Today Shows visit to the Greenbrier to learn more. West Virginia has plenty of cool hidden places and surprises. Once Hamrick completed mummifying the corpses, they traveled as a part of P.T Barnums circus. All rights reserved. Nestled in among the many attractions for the New River Gorge national park, this state park was actually my favorite part of our trip. This abandoned amusement park was built on a site with a dark history. Visit Country Road Cabins in Hico, where you'll find 18 luxury cabins. During its 100-plus years in operation, the West Virginia Penitentiary saw riots, homicides and executions including public hangings. But, did you know that the occasion was first observed in West Virginia on May 10th, 1908? 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. And there had been many executions of the prisoners. It was made in case of a nuclear attack. Dendrochronology doesn't just work on forests. This Fallout Shelter has been a secret to the public until 1992 and this shelter is located underneath the Greenbrier Resort. On Summersville Lake (the largest in West Virginia), there's kayaking, standup paddle boarding and multi-sport excursions that include a little bit of everything. A behind the scenes look at the bunker beneath the Greenbrier Resort with The Today Show on NBC. Dorsal, our tour guide, is a gifted story teller and knowledgeable coal mining expert. Reachable via hike, Blackwater Falls is one of West Virginia's most photographed destinations, as are other park highlights including Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook. During its Eisenhower-Era use, the bunker provided the following: Over the 30 years that it was an active facility, technology was constantly updated so that the bunker was always ready in case of emergency. What most of us ignore is the fact that the abundance of coal and the trades involved with coal mining is what helped the United States of America to be built. Speaking of secrets West Virginia comes to our mind nonchalantly due to several reasons. A historic coal mine that doubles as a museum and tourist attraction. The West Virginia Penitentiary is so spooky that it's been featured in Netflix's "Mindhunter" (along with the town of Moundsville) and Hulu's "Castle Rock," among other TV shows and movies.

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