Escape to the Southeast - 2009-10 Edition

WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Byways Driving Tour

Harpers Ferry is in 2009. The National Bus Association has named the October 2009 Commemoration one of the Top 100 Events in North America. For more information visit www.johnbrownraid.org.

In southern West Virginia, the Midland Trail rolls through the farm country of Greenbrier County and then into the mountains overlooking the New River Gorge. You’ll pass by waterfalls near Gauley Bridge as you make your descent toward the capitol city of Charleston where you can visit the State Capitol and the new West

Virginia State Museum.

Historic Scott’s Pharmacy replica from the Civil Rights Movement, located in Charleston at the State Museum.

West Virginia has long been synony- mous with scenic beauty and adven- ture. Historically, visitors traveled several days over rugged terrain to reach the mineral springs and spas of the region that promised youthful vitality and reju-venation. Today, traveling through West Virginia to find these scenic, stress-free destinations is easier than ever. Interstates make regions of the state easily accessible. West Virginia is within a four hour drive of about half of the United States population. Once you’re here, you’ll find that it’s the paths less traveled that offer the best of what West Virginia has to offer.

West Virginia is home to nine designated scenic by ways that provide a keen insight into the sights, sounds, and tastes of life on the early frontier. These byways were chosen because they offer a unique and picturesque glimpse into the Mountain State’s history and natural beauty. These roadways are a slower-paced alternative to Interstate traffic. Visit www.wvbyways.com to find historic and captivating sights along these byways.

Along the Washington Heritage Trail, you can trace the footsteps of George Washington to his spa getaway in Bath, now known as Berkeley Springs State Park. You’ll drive through the eclectic towns of Shepherdstown, Charles Town and Berkeley Springs which are full of Civil War sites, restaurants and unique artisan shops. The 150th Anniversary of John Brown’s raid on

Entirely surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest, the Highland Scenic Highway makes its way through some of the most breathtaking and unique scenery on the continent. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, this byway rises as high as 4,500 feet and is home to some of the most unusual plant life found in the United States.