The Philippi Covered Bridge in Barbour County, West Virginia

The Philippi Covered Bridge is the oldest and longest (285 1/2 feet long) covered bridge in West Virginia. It was built in 1852 by Eli and Lemuel Chenoweth and spans the Tygart Valley River. The bridge was originally part of the Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The structure was constructed by Lemuel Chenoweth and was built in the "Long" Burr Arch Truss style. As you can see from the photograph it has two lanes and is one of only a few surviving two-lane covered bridges in the nation. It's certainly unique and the first one that we've documented here on the blog.

According to some of the history that we've located online the covered bridge was used by Union and Confederate Troops during the Civil War and was almost burned down in 1863. Over the years it has undergone numerous renovations to repair and maintain it.

You'll find it located on U.S. 250 at jct. with U.S. 119 in Philippi, West Virginia. It's now part of the Federal Highway System and is still in use today. If you would like to learn more about the bridge and Barbour County we recommend that you visit the Barbour County Historical Museum on 13 Museum Street (right off Main Street) in Philippi.

Indian Creek Covered Bridge in Monroe County

The historic Indian Creek Covered Bridge is located in Monroe County, West Virginia. Built in 1898 by 16 and 18 year old brothers Ray and Oscar Weikel, it's one of two remaining covered bridges in the county. It's currently owned and maintained by the Monroe County Historical Society.

Official Statistics:

11 1/2 feet wide by 49 feet long.

Architectural style - Howe Truss.

Open to pedestrian traffic only.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 1st, 1975. It's one of the most photographed and beloved covered bridges in the state. Inside the bridge you'll find antique vehicles from the 1900's which adds to the bridge's history.

The perfect little stop-off while on a road trip through the great state of West Virginia. Open to the public and free to visit.

Sharp's Kissing Covered Bridge in West Virginia

A few months ago we took a road trip that took us through the great state of West Virginia. One of the things that West Virginia is known for is their windy back roads and beautiful countryside. The state is a nature lover's paradise.

Sharp's Kissing Bridge is a small covered bridge built in 2005 by Ken Gibson to honor his great uncle, Dave Sharp. His uncle had told the family stories for many years of how he used to steal kisses while on a bridge. Dave always wanted to own his own red covered bridge, so this one was built to honor him.  The bridge spans Big Spring Fork of Elk River.

There is a sign that sits near the upper portion of the roof that says "SHARP'S Kissing Bridge - Bridges Don't Talk" which I think is really cute! It was built in 2005 so basically it's like a replica of one of those old, red, covered bridges you see out in the back country.

The bridge is not for vehicular traffic and its solely for pedestrians to use and visit. It's a great stop-off during your road trip if you want to grab some photographs and to steal a kiss from a loved one. If you want to visit the bridge and/or Sharp's Country Store you can find them located off of U.S. Route 219, near Slatyfork in West Virginia.

Fall Events in Beautiful Tucker County, West Virginia

We love the Autumn season with its cooler temperatures, sunshine-filled days and the changing of the leaves. Fall is just around the corner and if you're looking for a fall vacation or weekend getaway, add West Virginia to your travel list. We love W. VA. and we think you will too!

The West Virginia mountains and Canaan Valley will soon show the brilliant autumn hues of reds, golds, oranges, and browns. Make plans to enjoy a getaway that includes star gazing, a leaf peeper’s festival, scenic chair lift rides, fishing, and much more in Tucker County, West Virginia.

Dark Sky Treasures – Take advantage of the dark skies shortly after a new moon and experience the 29th Annual Astronomy Weekend on September 7-9! The dark skies of Blackwater Falls State Park amaze visitors with the striking beauty of the night sky, often displaying the milky way from horizon to horizon. The weekend is free and open to everyone, from novice to the advanced amateurs. The weekend includes: daytime workshops, nighttime star parties, guest speakers and more. Bring the family to enjoy a treasured resource—dark skies! Blackwater Falls State Park offers overnight lodging accommodations. Reservations may be made by calling: 304-259-5216 or visiting www.blackwaterfalls.com.

Scenic Autumn Chair Lifts – Ride the ski lift at Canaan Valley Resort during the fall months for a breathtaking scenic view of the valley and surrounding Allegheny Mountains from 4,280′. You can ride the lift back down or hike the two miles to base camp. Either way, it’s an unforgettable experience. Open Daily: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Last ride ticket sold at 3:45 p.m. www.canaanresort.com.

Leaf Peeper’s Festival – This is the ultimate festival of autumn colors. The event takes place Sept. 28-30, 2018 in Davis, W.Va. and celebrates autumn in the Appalachian Mountains with outdoor events such as a golf tournament, inflatable amusement rides, 5K race/walk, bike tours, live music, talent show, and the Appalachian Craft & Food Fair, not to mention a car show, Oktoberfest and Live Music! Grab the info at www.canaanvalley.org/leaf-peepers-festival.html.

Fishing – You’ll have lots of fish stories to tell when you cast your line from the Thomas River Front Park in Thomas, W.Va. This ADA compliant fishing pier is the perfect spot for everyone to enjoy West Virginia’s natural beauty while catching “the big one.”

Fields of Fire Tour – On Sept. 29 Canaan Valley Resort State Park will offer a tour of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area during the peak of fall foliage. View vibrant autumn colors, see live bird banding and take advantage of breathtaking photographic scenery throughout your journey in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. The event has been planned so that families, groups, and individuals may enjoy outdoor, nature-oriented activities. This will be a leisurely, casual tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early registration is recommended. Cost is $25 for adults; $15 for children (ages 6-12). Grab the info at www.canaanresort.com.

West Virginia’s Cheat River Water Trail Offers the Perfect Summer Adventure

Whether your passion requires a paddle, pole, or swimsuit, Tucker County, West Virginia’s waterways will quench your thirst for outdoor adventure.

The Cheat River Water Trail is an ideal place for some rest and relaxation. Tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains of northern West Virginia the Cheat River is a scenic escape within a day’s reach for much of the eastern United States.

“The Cheat River is one of the largest un-dammed watersheds east of the Mississippi River, making for a natural aquatic playground for fishing, boating, swimming and other paddle sports,” Brian Sarfino, Tucker County CVB Marketing Manager, said. “It provides some of the most fun white water runs in West Virginia to some of the best trout fishing throughout Appalachia.”

The formation of the Cheat River’s main stem marks the start of the Upper Cheat River Water Trail with several access points near Parsons and Hendricks. The trail covers nearly 40 miles of beautiful water through calm, flat pools and wide, shallow riffles. Currently, nine existing access points allow for human-powered watercraft trips of various lengths and scenic opportunities.

Visitors may expect to see a brilliant display of the region’s flora and fauna as you meander through the water trail’s scenic valleys, open pastures, and forested mountainsides.

For guided trips on the Cheat River Water Trail, boat rentals, and shuttle service contact Blackwater Outdoor Adventures or Patriots 4 General Store and Outfitter.

Blackwater Outdoor Adventures provides guided whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, standup paddle boarding, ducking and camping trips. Patriots 4 offers cabin rentals, as well as kayak, canoe and tubing rentals.

While in the area, don’t miss seeing on land is Blackwater Falls State Park. Within the park visitors will find Blackwater Falls, one of nature’s crowning achievements and West Virginia's most visited park. While its 2,358 acres of rugged natural beauty and towering hardwoods certainly don’t lack standout, jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy features, the iconic Falls themselves are indisputably the park’s crown jewel. Tucker County is also home to Elakala Falls, Douglass Falls, and Pendleton Falls. Seeing, hearing and feeling the water crash over each falls is a rush all its own.

To download a water trail map or learn more, visit http://cheatriverwatertrail.org/.

The West Virginia State Facts and Travel Tips

West Virginia is one of our favorite states to visit during the Fall season. Every couple of years we pack up the car and head down there to see some of the prettiest Fall Foliage that the east coast has to offer. As you drive through...you'll drive up the Appalachian mountains and down into beautiful valleys along the way. The state has a very unique country vibe and should be on every traveler's bucket list.

Here are the official West Virginia State Facts and some Travel Tips.

West Virginia joined the union in June 1863. It's ranked #38 in population and is the 41st largest state in the U.S.A. It's known for it's coal mining industries (one of the top coal producers in the United States), logging and manufacturing.

Five largest cities in the state: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg and Wheeling.

Capital: Charleston
Bordering States: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky
Nickname: Mountain State
Motto: Wild and Wonderful
Bird: Northern Cardinal
Butterfly: Monarch Butterfly
Reptile: Timber Rattlesnake
Mammal: Black Bear
Fish: Brook Trout
Insect: Western Honey Bee
Tree: Sugar Maple
Flower: Rhododendron
Fruit: Golden Delicious Apple
Rock: Coal
Professional Sport's Teams: None
Counties: 55

The eastern mountain areas in the state draw in a lot of tourists who enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities such as: hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, biking, backpacking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, etc. The Appalachian Trail runs through the state and attracts thousands of visitors yearly.

Top Tourist Attractions: New River Gorge Bridge, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia State Museum, Lost World Caverns, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Appalachian Trail, Seneca Rocks State Park, Cacapon State Park and Coopers Rock State Forest.

West Virginia’s Canaan Valley State Park Resort Features Fun Summer Activities

Heading to West Virginia for your summer vacation? Looking for a great place that welcomes families and has a ton of family activities for you to enjoy? If so, you'll want to consider visiting and staying at the Canaan Valley State Park Resort in West Virginia. This year, they have some great summer programs available to families and kids! Canaan Valley Resort is located in north central West Virginia approximately three hours from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, 2½ hours from Washington, D.C. and 2¾ hours from Charleston, W.Va.

West Virginia’s Canaan Valley State Park Resort Features Fun Summer Activities and Discounts for Good Students!

Parents looking to take their kids to a place to reconnect with nature while enjoying comfortable accommodations, modern amenities and plenty of activities need to look no farther than West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort State Park.

And if those offspring happen to be good students, they can help with the cause by receiving discounts for A’s on their report cards.

To start with the discount, Canaan Resort offers its Stays for A’s promotion which rewards students and families with a $10 discount off published room rate for every “A” a student receives on his or her report card, up to five A’s. This offer is subject to availability and only one report card per room may be applied for discount. Report card must be presented at check-in, and some restrictions apply.

“It is as satisfying for the staff as it is for the parents when we are presented with a stellar report card,” said Steve Drumheller, general manager of Canaan Valley Resort. “We love being part of something so rewarding and positive, and the visit should only get better from there.”

Canaan Valley Resort has a wide range of activities and facilities for families this summer.

Trails for Hiking and Biking
Canaan Valley Resort State Park features 18 miles of marked trails through woodlands, meadows, hills and streams. Many trails are linked with hundreds of miles of marked trails in the million-acre Monongahela National Forest. Most trails are open to mountain-bikers as well. A new regional hiking/mountain- biking trail guide shows 150 miles of trails. Touring bikes can be rented at the resort, and guests staying in the lodge or renting a cabin or cottage may borrow a bike for up to two hours at no charge.

Scenic Chairlift Ride
Even though the ski hill is closed for the season, the views from the top of the mountain are still spectacular. Guests can ride the ski lift for scenic views of the valley and surrounding Allegheny Mountains. Families can then ride the lift back down or hike the two miles to base camp.

Turtle Slide Tube Ride
Similar to winter’s snow tubing, the Turtle Slide Tube Ride is a fun downhill experience with an uphill tow rope that pulls guests back to the top of the hill. Located at the ski area, this attraction provides entertainment for all ages in two-hour sessions.

Outdoor Pool
The resort’s outdoor pool is located next to the lodge and features mountain vistas, pool slide, lifeguards and other amenities. The pool is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day (May 28 – September 5, 2016).

Geocaching
Geocaching is always fun for a group to work together to find a “treasure.” The resort rents GPS units and provides coordinates to find five hidden cache sites located on park grounds.

Climbing Wall and “Eurobungy”
Located at the recreation center, the 25-foot climbing wall and Eurobungy are fun gravity-defying activities.

Other On-Site Activities
Included are whirlpool, sauna, tennis court, miniature golf, horseshoe pits, playground, sand volleyball court, soccer field, crafts, softball diamond, basketball arena, corn-hole toss, kite making, guided walks and wagon rides.

Canaan Valley Resort in Canaan Valley Resort State Park is a four-season destination resort situated in a 15-mile-long valley in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains. The resort features 160 new lodge rooms as well as 23 cabins and cottages, 34 campsites, three restaurants, 25,000 square feet of meeting space, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, full-service ski area with features for families as well as advanced skiers, 18-hole championship golf course, arcade, spa, kids camp, sporting clays, climbing wall, hiking and biking trails and an array of other recreational offerings. For more information, visit the website or call 1-800-622-4121.

Michael Franti with Spearhead & Slightly Stoopid at Snowshoe's 2nd Annual FreeFall Festival

It has been a few years since I have had to the pleasure of visiting the great state of West Virginia but I can tell you this...if you have never visited, you really should! Our favorite time of the year to visit is during the Fall season when all of the fall foliage is in full swing. Next year we will be heading back to West Virginia but in the meantime, I was asked to share the following information with all of my travel blog readers. Enjoy!

MICHAEL FRANTI WITH SPEARHEAD AND SLIGHTLY STOOPID TO PERFORM AT SNOWSHOE’S 2ND ANNUAL FREEFALL FESTIVAL OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE, YOGA & MUSIC FESTIVAL CELEBRATION SEPTEMBER 26-28TH, 2014.

Snowshoe Mountain, the #1 mountain resort in the Mid-Atlantic region, announced along with live performances at The Mountaintop Village by Michael Franti with Spearhead (Friday) and Slightly Stoopid (Saturday) the resort has also added a hour long Yoga session with Franti. This unique experience requires a separate purchased ticket. The experience will include Michael Franti and Friends performing acoustic with a yoga class taught by great yogis. Classes are designed for people of all levels of experience and ability. Also slated to perform is G. Love and Special Sauce. Additional opening acts will be announced soon.

Snowshoe Mountain launched the FreeFall Weekend event last year as annual celebration of the area’s stunning fall colors, and the transition from summer mountain activities to the focus on the upcoming winter.

This year’s FreeFall concerts will be moved to the larger west view lot adjacent to the village. The new venue will provide guests with 180-degree sunset and fall foliage views, guaranteed to deliver dramatic evening and daytime backdrops to the festivities. Friday afternoon, this energetic site will be where a soulful flow class will be held for yogis of all experience levels, ages, shapes and sizes, led by Michael Franti.

Along with the concerts, the FreeFall weekend event will bring downhill and cross-country mountain bike races, a mountaintop brew fest celebration with a vast assortment of the nation’s finest craft beers and local BBQ, a Dock Dogs competition, a mountain bike movie premiere and a Saturday night fireworks display above the resort’s village. Guests can also participate in the Lifestyle Camp, which includes outdoor adventure activities and sporting events. The 2014 FreeFall Festival is open to the public, and will be the perfect weekend to take in the fall colors in West Virginia’s beautiful mountains.

The weekend schedule includes:

Thursday, September 25:
7 PM: Teton Gravity Research Premiere: Higher


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26:
12 – 5 PM DockDogs Competition on Skidder Slope
1 - 5 PM Interactive Outdoor Lifestyle Park in the Village
2 – 3 PM Yoga with Michael Franti on Mountain Lodge Lawn
5 – 6 PM Yoga- Slow Dynamic Flow on Mountain Lodge Lawn
6:00PM Gates Open For Concerts at Rimfire Lot
6:30 - 7:30 PM Opening act
8 – 10 PM Michael Franti & Spearhead at Rimfire Lot
10:00 PM After party at the Connection Nightclub


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27:
ALL DAY: Interactive Outdoor Lifestyle Park
ALL DAY: Snowshoe Bike Park Presents: Gravity Series Race #3
9 AM – 2:30PM DockDogs Competition on Skidder Slope
10:00 AM - Guided Hike Meeting at Shavers Lake Outpost
11 - 2 PM Registration for Microbrew Bonanza in the Village
12 - 4 PM Microbrew Bonanza
1 - 2 PM Yoga Is For Everyone on Mountain Lodge Lawn
6:00 PM Gates Open For Concerts at Rimfire Lot
7:00 PM G. Love & Special Sauce at Rimfire Lot
8:30 PM Slightly Stoopid at Rimfire Lot
10:00 PM After party at the Connection Nightclub
10:00 PM Mountaintop Fireworks Display on Skidder Slope


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28:
8 -11 AM Rise & Shine Pancake Breakfast at The Junction
ALL DAY: WVMBA XC Mountain Bike Championships
9 – 10 AM Yoga Rise & Shine on Mountain Lodge Lawn
9 – 4 PM Dock Dogs Competition on Skidder Slope
12 - 4 PM Interactive Outdoor Lifestyle Park in the Village
1 - 2 PM Yoga Is For Everyone on Mountain Lodge Lawn

PRICING:
Tickets are now on sale for this year’s headlining acts for the 2nd annual FreeFall Festival. For a single-day ticket if purchased prior to September 15 the price will be $25, and $35 if purchased after September 15. Tickets are $40 for the two-day event if purchased prior to September 15, and $60 if purchased after September 15. Two-day ticket purchases made before September 15 will also include a free single day adult lift ticket valid from opening day of the winter ski and snowboard season to December 25, 2014. There will also be a Franti yoga experience, which includes Michael Franti and Friends performing acoustic with a yoga class taught by great yogis. Classes are designed for people of all levels of experience and ability. Bring a mat, towel, sunscreen, and good vibes. Tickets for this experience will be sold for $20. A wide range of lodging options including first-time ever tent camping on the slopes at Snowshoe, will be available.

Visiting the Great State of West Virginia

The United States is truly an awesome country, as there are all kinds of folks, the diversity of people, culture, and scenery is superb in every way, how lucky we all are. Not long ago, someone contacted me from West Virginia, and I couldn't help but allow that famous song to run through my head; "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver.

The mountains in West Virginia are spectacular, I've been to every city in the country, and can't tell you how many times I've just turned off the Freeway in West Virginia to take a long scenic route, and often got more than I bargained for, but loved the adventures just the same. I've often wanted to stay longer. I've past roads in the middle of nowhere, not knowing where they went, but longing to take a chance, take a turn, and go exploring - it's as if the road was calling me forth.

Well, I guess if I'd been on a Honda Goldwing instead of a motor coach, I just might have. Someday, I'd like to do that (Spring or Summer of course), just take one of those roads, just to see where it goes, such curiosity you'd share if you were in the same position there. Perhaps, you'd take the chance, and with fate you'd dance. Yes, that old country road, John Denver got it right, he captured the essence in fact. You see, if you'd have seen what I've seen, you'd agree too.

Yes, that old road, where on Earth does it go, someone knows, someone in W. Virginia, were life is simple, and resources abundant. I'd like to take everyone one of those roads, spend a year, and see it all. "Take me home, country road" - well, for me, I'd like to do this in more states than just W. Virginia, I've experienced the same sensation in Montana, Wyoming New Mexico, California, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, and in the New England states too. It's amazing, what a beautiful country we live in.

Still, W. Virginia is so beautiful, so mysterious, so inviting, so interesting, it's simply amazing. Yes, sometimes the weather is treacherous, but when it's a clear day, there is so much to see, it's so beautiful. Many folks in the city never get the chance to see it, but they should. They really should. Perhaps, you will consider visiting W. Virginia, meeting some of the folks, and I am sure you'll understand too.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank.