West Virginia Vacations

West Virginia, the Mountain State, entered the Union on June 20, 1863. Many interesting people have called West Virginia home, including test pilot Chuck Yeager, actor Don Knotts, Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, and author Pearl S. Buck. Covering over 24,000 square miles, West Virginia’s highest point is Spruce Knob at 4,862 feet and lowest point is Harpers Ferry at 247 feet above sea level. The Appalachian Mountains run through West Virginia, as well as thick forests and sparkling lakes and rivers. West Virginia’s industries include agriculture and steel production. This state also produces about 15% of the United State’s coal. Average temperatures in West Virginia run from almost 86° in the summer to about 24° in the winter. West Virginia has exciting activities for visitors and residents alike.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park – Harpers Ferry

Walk along the Appalachian Trail, visit museums, or take a guided ranger tour at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Harpers Ferry is the location where John Brown tried to raid a federal armory in 1859 in order to arm slaves with weapons. Harpers Ferry was a Civil War battlefield, changing between the North and the South eight times. Today, Harpers Ferry is also the location of the Peregrine Falcon Restoration Project.

Admissions vary. Please see website for more information. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days.

For more information, please see:http://www.nps.gov/hafe/

Fenton Art Glass Company – Williamstown

Fenton is one of the most famous art glass manufacturers in the world. The West Virginia location first produced glass in 1907. You can take a guided tour of the facility to learn about the history of Fenton Glass, to learn the history of glass making, and to learn how art glass is blown and pressed. You will also discover “signature” features of Fenton Art Glass.

Admissions are free. Tours are available on weekdays only. For the schedule of tours and information about tour availability, please see the website.

For more information, please see:http://www.fentongiftshop.com/tours/

Valley Worlds of Fun – Fairmont

Valley Worlds of Fun offers acres of family entertainment. Activities include miniature golf, bowling, bumper cars, and tea cups. You can try the 32’ climbing wall or try to find your way out of a 5,000 square foot maze. There is a monster mansion to explore and arcades galore.

Rates vary. See website for more information. Hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10A to 10P. Fridays and Saturdays, Valley View Worlds of Fun is open from 10A to 11P.

For more information, please see:http://www.valleyworldsoffun.com/

Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum – Wheeling

Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum has toys and trains that will entrance your whole family. Housed in an old school building, Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum includes an operating HO gauge train that fills up an entire room. You will see lots of Marx toys, will enjoy interactive displays, and can take a guided tour if you choose. Some of the many toys you find are doll houses, toy soldiers, planes, and cars.

Admissions are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens, and $5.00 for students. Children under ten are admitted for free. Hours vary. Please see website for more information.

For more information, please see:http://www.toyandtrain.com/index.htm

Heritage Farm and Village – Huntington

Visit the Appalachian past at the Heritage Farm Museum and Village. Take a peek at the farm zoo, explore a blacksmith shop, and learn about teaching in a one room schoolhouse. A restored barn has three floors of exhibits including farm implements, antique washing machines, and old cooking utensils. You will be able to see dental and medical offices from the late 1800s and wonder at spinning and weaving exhibits. You can even stay overnight in a log home.

Admissions vary. Please see website for more information. Hours vary. Please see website for more information.

For more information, please see: http://www.heritagefarmmuseum.com/index.htm

~Laura Evans Staff Editor

Laura Evans is a freelance writer living in Southern California.