Today, while taking a Sunday drive up the Kanawha River towards Cedar Grove, we stopped in Belle,…read moreWV to visit the 1810 National Historic Home of Samuel Shrewsbury Sr. The Stone House is well built and preserved. Located along the Route 60 Mid-Land Trail, it is very easy to locate near the DuPont Plant. There is a private small parking lot. The 2 Story home is closed normally to the public and only opened on special occasions. There is plenty of signage available telling about Samuel Shrewsbury from Bedford VA and the Salt Industry that brought him to the Kanawha Valley. Please stop if you are in the area and appreciate the beauty of this well constructed 214 yr old home! I was able to enjoy with my husband, Tony Vanoy, Daughter in law Kayla and grandson, Deacon. Only wish we could have went inside!!!

There are actually two bridges here, carrying I-64 / I-77 across the Kanawha River just south of…read moreCharleston. They are unique, steel-through arches, with the first completed in 1954. The second, parallel, bridge was completed in 1983. Each is two lanes and there is no toll to cross the bridges. Named after the aviator who was the first to fly faster than sound, https://youtu.be/zgR-KadhgMI, US Air Force Brigadier General Charles "Chuck" Yeager. His birthplace of Myra WV is about 40 miles west of here. He is laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. The bridges are a very boring green, almost Army olive. They are scheduled to be repainted this year in the official colors of West Virginia, blue and gold. [Review 19618 overall - 92 in West Virginia - 589 of 2023.]

This is a cool breeze that I've traveled over numerous times man traveling through West Virginia on…read morethe way to Pittsburgh go Steelers can't go wrong with that this is a cooler bridge it's green text you over the water does what a bridge should do four out of five stars good for you bridge

As a city on a river, Charleston has a handful of bridges that ensure the two sides are able to…read moreconnect. While the upriver Chuck Yeager Bridge carries both I-77 and I-64 over the river, this one is downriver from the city and is simply named the South Side Bridge. Perhaps one day it will get named after a worthy West Virginian. In the meanwhile, the South Side Bridge was built in 1936 by the Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company and was updated in 1990. The bridge spans 1146 feet with a main span of 420 feet and is 38.7 feet wide. It is a Parker through truss bridge. It brings I-64 over not only the Kanawha River but also Kanawha Boulevard and MacCorkle Avenue and a railroad line. My two crossings of the bridge today were easy and smooth thanks to low weekend traffic. As there are signs on the bridge that note the "exit only" lanes, it is likely much more challenging during rush hour. There is no toll here which is a positive. [Review 566 of 2025 - 151 in West Virginia - 24127 overall]

The 1148-foot South Side Bridge opened in 1936 and carries Dickinson Street over the Kanahwa River…read morein the middle of Charleston WV. It is a through truss bridge with clearance enough for a Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star doing 500mph to miss the water and the deck. According to an April 2010 item in the Charleston Gazette this is the bridge Chuck Yeager famously flew under in 1948 - a year after breaking the sound barrier: one pass, heading west, to impress/scare the locals and then back to work. No more, no less, the general was just having a little too much fun. Yea Chuck!

If you're cruising through South Charleston and spot a big grassy hill tucked between antique shops…read moreand quiet streets, that's the Criel Mound. It's worth a stop. It's not flashy, but there's something grounding about standing next to a structure built over 2,000 years ago by the aboriginal people. The steps leading up are wide and gentle, and once you reach the top, you get a surprisingly peaceful view of the neighborhood. It's a quick visit. The mound itself is steeped in mystery and history. Archaeologists found 13 skeletons inside, including a central figure surrounded by others. There's a small park around the mound with interpretive signs that give you just enough context to spark curiosity. Some locals say horse races were once held around it, and there's even talk of burials that might represent alliances between different tribes. It's wild to think about how much has happened on that patch of earth, and how little we still know. The Criel Mound stands to quietly anchor the town. Kids run up the steps, people are walking dogs, and there's me, pausing to read the plaques. There is a sense of reverence here if you feel it. It's not at all a playground. [Review 569 of 2025 - 154 in West Virginia - 24130 overall]

The Criel Mound is a historic and cultural gem nestled in South Charleston, WV…read more The small park which houses it has plenty of street parking available and several interpretive signs around the mound explaining its history, importance, and what archaeologists discovered inside the mound when excavating. The mound is the second largest Adena mound in West Virginia and is believed to have been developed between 250 and 150 B.C. The Criel Mound was originally one of 50 mounds and prehistoric earthworks located in WV but unfortunately most have since been destroyed due to industrialization. It's definitely worth a visit (plan on about 30 minutes) if you're in the area.

This lovely old Mansion is the residence of the Governor of West Virginia. Many great men and their…read morefamilies have lived in this home. Located on the grounds of the West Virginia Capitol Complex at 1716 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305 The West Virginia Governor's Mansion (or West Virginia Executive Mansion) is a historic residence located next to the Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia and is the official residence of the Governor of West Virginia. The Colonial Revival (Georgian Revival) building was completed in 1925 by Charleston architect Walter F. Martens and is part of the West Virginia Capitol Complex, which also includes the West Virginia State Capitol. The building itself has a red brick exterior, with a columned portico at the entrance. The foyer was inspired by the White House, with checkered black-and-white marble flooring and dual staircases. The first floor of the mansion includes the drawing room, ballroom, state dining room, library, and a sitting room. The second floor houses the governor's own rooms, as well as those of his family, while additional bedrooms are on the third floor.[2] In all, the structure has 30 rooms.[3] The mansion also features walled gardens, a separate garage, and servant quarters.[2] The total cost of the mansion, including land, construction, and furnishings, was approximately $203,000 at the time of its construction.[

A wonderful old house, fitting for the responsible officer of the state government…read more When I was a child, my parents would take me trick-or-treating, and we always stopped by the Governor's Mansion. At the time, Arch Moore was governor. He and Mrs. Moore would actually greet you at the door themselves, and give candy. How awesome is that?

The view is amazing. It's really something when you really read about the facts of it. People drive…read moreover it every day without ever realizing what a feet it really is. Below in the photos are some of the facts as well as a link to website other places. https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/nrgbridge.htm

A local Princeton friend decided to take 2 days off work and drive me around to show me the local…read morearea. One of the stops we got to see is the New River Gorge and the bridge that crossed over it. I didn't realize that the New River Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in West Virginia. It's featured in various top tourist attractions to visit in southern West Virginia. The bridge is a working bridge that connects people from point A to point B. I also didn't realize that the New River Gorge is operated by the National Park Service. I assumed it was maintained by the local West Virginia county. With that said, my friend and I arrived here around 10am. We thought that the visitors center would be closed during the government shutdown of 2025, but it was not. We browsed through the visitor center and took in the short 10 minute visitor video that they had. It was cool to learn about the area and what conservation efforts are currently being done for the area. They had a small little area theater that they used to show this 10 minute video. It was comfortable and very much cute and enjoyable. After browsing the exhibits that they had to offer, they had a small gift shop area, where I browsed a minute or two before leaving the visitor center. There was a nice place to view the gorge and the bridge that allowed vehicle traffic to flow constantly every day and that. It was just a beautiful thing to see on a November 2025 morning. I was glad to be here to witness West Virginia's pride and joy. It was definitely a highlight of the day for me and I'm sure that my friend was happy to take me here to see such a natural splendor. The over experience here at the new River Gorge here in West Virginia was very beautiful and mesmerizing. It was definitely one of West Virginia's top tourist, destinations, and the most scenic. I always wondered if you could go to the bottom of the bridge gorge area, and we actually did that during my stay here. Although it was about an hour or so visiting, we did just that. We drove down as far as we can go and took a break at the Waters edge. We had to walk a few just to get to where we needed to go and we saw a river. It was nice to see all the forest the area down by the water edge and to see the natural surroundings that make up the gorge so many years ago. I think how the water carved out this beautiful landscape probably did the same with the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Natural forces that work here people. And so, after we head down to the waters edge, we looked at the bridge which was towering over us. It was cool to be here on a random workday, but I was on vacation. To be able to see such wonder and compare to other wonders of the world is interesting. Traveling makes it so much more fun and rewarding when you are doing with friends. We spent about 15 to 20 minutes, exploring the bottom of the gorge. It was nice to have available walking trails to explore and not have it closed off to people. As always is at your own risk if you injured yourself or whatever. For the most part though, it was a very enjoyable trip to see the gorge and the new River Bridge. Definitely recommend coming here if you're in the area and I would like to see the number one West Virginia tourist attraction. Not much in terms of choice attractions in the state, but if you're in the south side of the state, you'll be wow'ed beyond your wildest dreams. The New River Gorge is located in south West Virginia. The closest town is Fayetteville. The visitor center has limited amenities, but they do have knowledgeable national Park service staff that can assist you in anyway possible about the Gorge and the area in general. As far as food and concessions are concerned, your best bet would be to find something along the way in or out of the area because there is not much around. As far as parking goes, they have a generous parking lot situation at the visitor center. When I got there there was plenty of parking spaces at 9 AM in the morning. Best bet would be to have your own vehicle or rent one because I'm not sure if there is actual regional public transportation options to get here for cheap. You can luck out with something, but I don't know. There's always Uber or Lyft if you need them, but it can't get very pricey if you do it that way. And so, best thing to do is to make a friend or drive yourself because the new river Gorge is outside of any major town in West Virginia so it's quite a drive to get there. Along the way you'll see many beautiful things so enjoy the ride and the journey because that's life for you. It's true what they say about the area though. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of the area and still not be bored with it. 5.0 stars for the overall experience Support local! A+

Tony, Kayla, Deacon & I went on a Sunday drive up river towards Hawk's Nest stopping st several…read moreother locations along the way. We stopped at Catheral Falls and the parking lot was full. We took a walk to the base of the falls. Deacon was so brave. He said "Come on Maw Maw YoYo let's go" he says he's braver when I hold his hand. I love it that he has adventure in him. He loves to pose for pics! Reminds me of my Poppie McCormick, except Poppie never made faces or stuck out his tongue Great time! Great Memories!

Sadly falls were completely dry. It's late October and we have had a drought all yr but this is…read morequick and easy to visit. It's riright on the way home.

The Marmet locks are the busiest on the Ohio River System in terms of commercial tonnage - about…read more10,000,000 tons in 2012. When they were opened in 1933 (the dam was completed in 1934?) the two original 55' x 360' locks provided 24' of lift at the dam, a recent expansion project added a 110' x 800' lock to better handle modern barge traffic which can be watched comfortably from benches in Bill Wells park. Five 100' roller type gates maintain the pond height and a three unit hydroelectric plant in the dam is capable of generating 144,000 kilowatts. According to local fishermen there's plenty of fish to be had from two platforms which is attested by the many pole holders on the railings.

My daughter Noel and I opted to go take some photos at the Haymond Mansion located on the opposite…read moreside of the Elk River from the main section of town. There was a lady outside gardening, so I went down a few clicks and turned around. I parked across the street along the Elk River from the home. I rolled down my window and yelled to her, if you don't mind I would like to take some photos and yo out surprise, she stopped and yelled back Sure go ahead, would you ladies like to look inside. We readily agreed! To our surprise she turned us loose to explore and she was off to go back outside. We went into every room except basement. She gave us permission to take pictures. It was a lovely surprise. House was built in 1894 for the late family of William Edgar Haymond and his family. On the National Historical list and absolutely gorgeous!!!

Had a great time investigating with the Tennessee Wraith Chasers! Owners & staff were very good…read morehosts. Beautiful old mansion. Will go back for a private investigation and follow up on some names we got thru the spirit box.

With signs along the way clearly pointing out that the bridge has only nine feet of clearance and…read moremy Sprinter van is ten feet tall with the solar panels on the roof, I was hoping that there would be a spot nearby that I could stop and u-turn. There was and I was able to walk the bridge that is open to vehicular traffic. The Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge, also known as the Sandyville Covered Bridge, is a beautifully preserved Long Truss structure that was completed in 1890. It first spanned John Carnahan's Fork, a branch of Mill Creek. When a newer modern bridge was completed, the covered bridge was relocated here in 1924 and rebuilt in 2000 with the original timber decking and siding. This is one of two remaining covered bridges in Jackson County (the other is the Staats Mill Covered Bridge). It measures 101 feet 3.5 inches long and 11 feet 8 inches wide with 13 Long Truss panels, reinforced with steel stringers and a dual-bent support system, allowing it to carry modern traffic. [Review 581 of 2025 - 165 in West Virginia - 24142 overall]

Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge Sandyville, WV - Jackson Co., WV…read more Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge built in 1890, originally spanned over John Carnahan's Branch of Mill Creek. 101 feet Bridge was moved and rebuilt in 2000 and is opened to public traffic still today. The Bridge is located not to far off the main highway leading to Parkersburg from Ripley. Easy to locate.