The Best to See and Do in Southern WV

   Southern West Virginia is home to some of the best historical, educational and recreational sites on the East coast. Whether you are vacationing for a couple weeks or even just a couple days you are sure to find an adventure the whole family can enjoy. From white-water rafting, hiking or skiing to water and amusement parks, historical buildings and museums to festivals and outdoor markets, southern West Virginia has it all.

   Nestled along the Kanawha River in Charleston, the West Virginia State Capitol Building is an amazing sight to see. The building was designed by architect Cass Gilbert, who also designed the U.S. Treasury Building and the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. The exterior is beautiful Indian limestone and the 293 foot, 14 karat gold dome makes it the tallest building in WV. Also located at the State Capitol Complex is the West Virginia Veterans Memorial honoring over 10,000 West Virginians who lost their lives during WWI & II, Korea and Vietnam. The two-story oval-shaped monument has four limestone monoliths and an oval reflection pool that is just breathtaking. The 30-roomed West Virginia Governor's Mansion is another outstanding building that overlooks the Kanawha River. The Georgian-styled structure was designed by Charleston architect Walter F. Martens in 1925. Some of the key features include duel Georgian staircases in the Reception Hall, carved mahogeny clock from over 275 years ago displayed in the luscious Drawing Room, a 14 foot banquet table that seats 22 guests in the Dinning Room and even a beautiful mantel from an Irish castle in the large Ballroom.

   Looking for a shopping extravaganza in the Capitol city? Capitol Market has everything you need. There's fresh produce, holiday trees, a wine shop, fresh seafood, hot lunches, a cafe, beautiful plants, a butcher, a bakery and also a full scale restaurant. It is a very important retail outlet for the local West Virginia farmers and merchants. Or if your looking for something a little fresher head over to Morgan Orchard located in Sinks Grove. You can harvest your own fruits and veggies from apples, peaches, corn, pumkins, blackberries, squash, raspberries, plums and nectarines. They also make and sell their own fresh apple butter, jam and pies.

   Did you promise the kids a fun vacation this year? In Charleston there's The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of WV where they have visual arts, performing arts and sciences. The 240,000 square foot building houses the WV Symphony Orestra and Avampato Discovery Museum where there are interactive sciense exhibits, an art gallery and the ElectricSky Theater that has planetarium shows. There is also the Intermezzo Cafe, a gift shop, the Maier Foundation Performance Hall and Walker Theater. Waves of Fun is another great treasure here. It is a fun and exciting water park in Hurricane, WV. They have 3 slides, including an Aqua Tube, and a wave pool. Still not good enough? Then try taking the family to Camden Park, West Virginia's only amusement park, located on Route 60 in Huntington. This historical site from 1903 has 24 rides including a Kiddieland, roller coasters and even a log flume. Kids of all ages are bound to have a good time.

   For those daredevils and thrillseekers out there WV also has an array of adventurous and recreational must sees. The New River Gorge offers plenty of fun activities such as hiking and white water rafting just to name a couple. The New River Gorge Bridge is also an adventure of it's own. The 1700 foot bridge is 875 feet above the bottom of the gorge and is twice the height of the Statue of Liberty plus the Washington Memorial. It is the second longest single arch steel span in the world and the second highest bridge in this country. Now that's something to see! The mountain state also offers The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. In 2008 Dirt Wheels Magazine rated The Hatfield-McCoy Trails 'Top ATV Trail System on the East Coast'. It is one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world offering six individual systems. The over 500+ miles of trails range from beautiful sceneic mountain views to twisted and extreme trails. The trails are open 365 days a year for hikers, mountain bikers, four-wheelers, dirt bikes and vehicles.

   If there are any history buffs visiting the Tri-State Area they should know about some of the wonderful historical sites it has to offer. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine has a mine museum, a gift shop, a visitor's center and even underground tours given by experienced coal miners. Also in Beckley is the "Wildwood" House Museum which is open for tours on weekends. It was the home of General Alfred Beckley who was the founder of Beckley. There's also The Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park in Summersville near the Summersville Dam & Lake. It has 156 beautiful acres of picnicking, hiking trails, a museum, gamecourts, playgrounds and history in every inch. Moving towards Huntington, we have the magnificent Heritage Farm, Museum & Village. This museum is made up of more than 12 buildings, including four restored log cabins. There are collections of antique washing machines, farm implements, cooking, weaving, woodworking and spinning. The Village displays antique cars, a blacksmith shop, an old meeting house, a steam engine, petting zoo and guided tours. The Heritage Farm, Museum & Village really promotes and recreates the Appalachian heritage and culture for everyone to relish in. The historical home of Brigadier General Albert Gallatin Jenkins C.S.A. was the Jenkins Plantation on Route 2 also in Huntington. It is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and housed a very large number of African-Americans before the Civil War. On Memorial Blvd. in Huntington is Memorial Park and Arch, which is dedicated to WWI veterans. It is a beautiful arch and adjacent tree line park that offers playgrounds, picnic shelters and a jogging track.

    So whether your preference in educational, exciting, thrilling, historical, magical or just plain fun for a vacation, we are sure that southern West Virginia has something that you and your family will never forget.