West Virginia Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T11:13:18-05:00
LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR WEST VIRGINIA VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together a West Virginia Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide three options for every state in the USA. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
Alabama Military: Alabama is a southeastern U.S. state that’s home to significant military landmarks and events from the Civil War, World War I and World War II, all the way through history to space travel.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum: This Museum is operated by the Alabama Center of Military History and is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women. The emphasis is on participants of World War I and subsequent conflicts. The survivors and families can use the Museum facilities to reminisce on their own experiences and those of parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. There are displays – more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War. Supporting organizations include the 19th Alabama Infantry which sponsors exhibits from 18th and 19th Century conflicts, and the 8th Air Force Historical Society, which sponsors a Bomb Group briefing room. Both organizations support ‘living history’ presentations on many Saturdays. At the Museum is a reference library, in addition to published material such as the Seventh Army After Action Report from World War II. The library offers written and oral reminiscences of Alabama veterans. In this vein, veterans and their families are invited to send written material or audio cassette tapes to the Museum for inclusion in the library. A narrative by the veteran, or an interview by a relative, will provide a legacy of the contribution. The Museum welcomes the participation of military and veterans’ groups and individuals in making this a valued educational piece of history in Huntsville.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park: At this Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well. Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more. Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore the oldest Submarine on display, the USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. A few in the collection include a A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, and B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self-guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours to really see what it was like to be on this battleship when on active duty in Mobile.
United States Army Aviation Museum: The U.S. Army Aviation Museum maintains a collection of over 160 military aircraft, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Approximately 50 beautifully restored, historic, and one-of-a-kind aircraft are proudly displayed both inside the Museum exhibit space and outside on the grounds. The collection includes many significant examples of early research efforts and developments in rotary wing technology and the evolution of the helicopter. Represented is the Army’s involvement in military aviation from the Wright brothers, the early combat aircraft of WW I, and today’s technological machines such as the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Blackhawk. You’ll find this in Ft Rucker.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC): This is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. On Display, they have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world. Guests journey through America’s Space Race and NASA’s plan to put man on the moon. Witness the development of the space shuttle program and the International Space Station, get a glimpse of the future in commercial space ventures, and the latest technological innovations. The Rocket Center regularly features traveling exhibits from around the world. Also, enjoy daily films on the 67-foot screen in Huntsville’s only full-dome IMAX® Theater or in the 52-foot, high-definition screen in the National Geographic Theater. Finally, plan a ride on the motorcoach tour of Redstone Arsenal, headquarters to the Army Material Command and home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Travel to Huntsville to enjoy.
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum: This is a must see if you are a Civil War buff. It’s small but it makes this time in our history come alive in Vinemont.
Travelkatz is waiting to hear from you so we can make the history of our country come alive. Call us at 352-277-7300.
GARDENS
West Virginia Gardens
West Virginia Gardens – This state left the confines of Virginia because the residents had a different point of view. Now we see that this state has developed into a thriving, coal producing, friendly, hard-working state with various landscapes and landmarks all of their own. The botanical gardens are beautiful. Let’s see what they have to offer…
West Virginia Botanic Garden: Admission to the Garden is free, but donations are welcome. Donations can be made on-site at the kiosk near the lower parking lot, or online. The West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve is a non-profit organization. Help them continue to provide programs and free access to the community. In 2017, the Board of Directors voted to add the phrase “at Tibbs Run Preserve” to the Garden’s name. This is significant for several reasons. Almost half of the Garden’s property is comprised of a mixed deciduous, hemlock and rhododendron forest. Trees as old as 250 years can be found growing here. As many of you know, Hemlocks are under threat from the hemlock woolly adelgid, an introduced insect that has laid waste to most northern Hemlock forests. They have a very significant and healthy population of the species and have chosen to treat them and will continue. The Tibbs Run Preserve is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and plants. Walking in this forest is a special experience. You will always find something new to discover and explore in Morgantown.
Brooks Memorial Arboretum: Located in the 10,100-acre Watonga State Park, this arboretum covers the drainage of Two-Mile Run, has trails up the hollow and on both ridges surrounding it. It contains mature yellow poplars, Ohio buckeyes, cottonwoods, and other native species. The Arboretum was established in the 1930s as an “Outdoor Classroom” by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was dedicated to Fred Brooks, a native of French Creek in Upshur County, who wrote many books about nature. Brooks came from a family who loved the outdoors, and he worked for the Department of Agriculture from 1911 to 1932..Stay in Hillsboro to enjoy this Arboretum and Outdoor Classroom.
Core Arboretum: This 91-acre arboretum is owned by West Virginia University. It is open to the public daily without charge. The Arboretum’s history began in 1948 when the University acquired its site. Professor Earl Lemley Core (1902-1984), chairman of the Biology Department, then convinced President Irvin Stewart to set the property aside for the study of biology and botany. In 1975 the Arboretum was named in Core’s honor.
The Arboretum is now managed by the WVU Department of Biology and consists of mostly old-growth forest on steep hillside and Monongahela River flood plain. It includes densely wooded areas with 3.5 miles of walking trails, as well as 3 acres of lawn planted with specimen trees. The Arboretum has a variety of natural habitats in which several hundred species of native WV trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants may be found. Some of the large trees are likely over 200 years old. The Arboretum is well known as a superb site to see spring ephemeral wildflowers from late March to early May. Varied habitats and riverside location also make the area an excellent site to observe birds and animals. Visit the University in in Morgantown.
Sunshine Farm and Gardens: This is a 60-acre Arboretum, Botanic Garden, garden center, retail and wholesale nursery located at 3,650 feet altitude. The public is welcome to tour the gardens with prior reservation. Reservations can be made by calling 304-497-2208. The gardens contain over 10,000 different varieties of perennials, bulbs, trees, and shrubs. One of the main focuses is a breeding program, breeding new varieties in the genus Helleborus, with 6 acres of the nursery devoted to more than 168,000 hellebores. The other main focus is on the cultivation and propagation of east coast native plants with several acres dedicated to woodland perennials and wildflowers in Renick.
Cranberry Glades— Also known simply as The Glades—are a cluster of five small bogs in Southwestern West Virginia. This area, high in the Allegheny Mountains at about 3,400 feet, is protected as the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest. This site is the headwaters of the Cranberry River, a popular trout stream, and is adjacent to the nearly 50,000-acre Cranberry Wilderness. The Glades are a 750-acre grouping of peat bogs. The gladed land is highly acidic and supports plants commonly found at higher latitudes, including cranberries, moss, skunk cabbage, and two carnivorous plants. The Glades serve as the southernmost home of many of the plant species found there. The Glades have been the subject of much scientific study, especially during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Professor Maurice Brooks conducted several studies in the 1930s and in 1945. The work of other scientists followed. In 1974, the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area was designated a National Natural Landmark. The natural history of the Glades has been traced back at least 12,000 years. Apparently, a forest of conifer-northern hardwoods replaced tundra with the end of the last Ice Age. Over time the Glades formed into what they are today. Now, most of the bog is underlain by peat that is up to 10 feet thick. Since a limestone source in the surrounding rocks is indicated, an ample source appears to be present in the underlying Hinton Formation, a circumstance that also has significant implications for the Glades’ flora. The area is not entirely a glade, but a bog or wetland covered with all sorts of decaying vegetation. The peat and decaying organic matter is more than ten feet thick under the dense plant cover. The ground is not as much as quicksand or swampy, but spongy. It is in a high valley, about 3,300 to 3,400 feet above sea level, surrounded by the Cranberry, Kennison, and Black Mountains. Five separate glades were identified and named in 1911. The water from the Glades drains to form the headwaters of the Cranberry River, a popular trout stream joined by the Yew and Charles Creeks. Flora included are many of the plants that resemble those in the northern region of North America. They are descendants of seeds that took root. Trees in the Glades floodplain, occur in the “bog forest” habitat, which is composed primarily of a mixture of red spruce, eastern (or Canada) hemlock, yellow birch and red maple. The Glades shrub layer, unlike the tree layer, is relatively species-rich. This is a consequence of the widespread presence of low- to medium-height woody plants throughout. Many herbs with primarily northern distributions occur here, including oak fern and pod grass, Jacob’s ladder is at its southernmost location. Grasses and sedges are found here, wild lilies, and orchids also grow here. Many animals that live in the Glades are at their southernmost breeding grounds, including birds, deer, black bear, and beavers. Visit Cranberry Glades in Mill Point
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you and yours have a special vacation in West Virginia where you will get to see beautiful gardens. Just call us at 352-277-7300 or chat at www.travelkatz.com.
STATE PARKS
West Virginia State Parks:
West Virginia State Parks – A state in the Appalachian, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, West Virginia became a state after the Wheeling Conventions of 1861, at the start of the American Civil War. Delegates from northwestern Virginia’s Unionist counties decided to break away from Virginia, which also included secessionist counties in the new state. West Virginia was admitted to the Union in 1863 and was a key border state during the war. It was the only state to form by separating from a Confederate state, the second to separate from a state after Maine separated from Massachusetts, and one of two states admitted to the Union during the Civil War. West Virginia has 29 State Parks, 9 State Forests, and a State Fish Hatchery.
Berkeley Springs State Park— It was a famous health mecca which attracted Native Americans from the St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada and the Great Lakes to the Carolinas. Those first settlers, who came in 1730, learned the uses and value of the springs from the Native Americans and began spreading the word of its benefits throughout the settlements of the east. Perhaps the most notable and influential advocate of the curative powers of the springs was George Washington, who, at 16, visited them as a member of a survey party. For many years afterwards, George Washington visited the springs regularly, and it was largely through his efforts that its fame as a health spa grew throughout the colonies. George Washington, three signers of the Declaration of Independence, four signers of the Constitution, seven members of the Continental Congress and five Revolutionary generals were among the prominent colonists who made initial purchases there. Hence, the springs’ reputation as a health resort became firmly established. The General Assembly of Virginia formed the town of Bath on this location in 1776 and James Rumsey was then contracted to construct five bathhouses and several other public buildings. You can enjoy a wide selection of traditional and trending spa services. The private walk-in Roman Bath contains 750 gallons of mineral water sourced right from the spring. The whirlpool is a 150-gallon mineral bath with jets. Both are heated to 102 degrees. A 20-minute sauna may be added to your package with any bath or massage service. It offers a historic step back in time and features private bath facilities that accommodate up to four adults. Soaks are typically 30 minutes and can be reserved for individuals, couples, or families. This is a great place to relax and find out more about the history of this area. This Park is found in Berkley Springs.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Take a trip back to an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. Trips to The Park are filled with rich history, unparalleled views and the sights and sounds of an original lumbering town. The park’s 11-mile-long heritage railroad and authentic company town are some of the state’s most popular tourist attractions. The Company Store houses a gift shop and The Last Run Restaurant and Soda Fountain; open daily from 8 – 8. The Park also features an artisan’s co-op and the Cass Historical Theater and Historical Museum, one of America’s only authentic lumber railroading museums. For more information, stop by the visitor’s center, which is open daily from 9 – 5. Winter hours Nov. 1 to May 31. when the Company Store is open 8 – 6. During winter hours, The Last Run Restaurant is open Sunday and Monday from 9:30 – 6. This scenic Railroad Park is found in the town of Cass.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park: Located in the Greenbrier River Valley north of Lewisburg, this State Park is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which links more than 300 historical sites in 16 states. Dedicated in 1928 as West Virginia’s first state park, Droop Mountain is known for its reenactments of the Battle of Droop Mountain, the last major American Civil War conflict in West Virginia. Reenactments occur in October of even-numbered years. The Park also provides hiking trails, picnic shelters and play areas for use any time of the year. Enjoy the reenactments when visiting Hillsboro.
Little Beaver State Park: With 562-acres, this Park offers family fun, beautiful scenery and incredible outdoor recreation. The Park features nearly 20 miles of trails to explore and an 18-acre lake where anglers may fish year-round. Stand up paddle board, kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals are available seasonally. Park visitors can also enjoy biking, picnicking, and camping. You will find this Park in Beaver.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you and yours have a great journey back in history in West Virginia by calling us at 352-277-7300.
West Virginia Museums – This state is a wonderful place to visit with its mountains and communities teaming with that good ole mountain atmosphere. See what we have discovered in the way of museums in West Virginia.
West Virginia State Museum: Located in the Cultural Center, this interesting museum traces the history of West Virginia through a series of exhibits containing everything from an extensive collection of antique hats donated by a local schoolteacher to the telescope George Washington used to survey lands within the state. This is a free cultural museum with 26 Discovery Rooms that showcase West Virginia’s geology, prehistoric cultures, exploration and settlement, frontier conflicts and life…statehood, railroad, coal company town, mining, the Great Depression, Civil Rights movement, transportation, fairs and festivals, cultural state collections and famous West Virginians. Conveniently located next to the capital building in Charleston.
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum: The unique underground mine, the recreated coal camp, the Youth Museum and the Mountain Homestead are surrounded by inviting lawns, colorful flowers, picnic areas, an imposing coal miner statue and a whimsical 20 ft. “Peace Totem”. At the Exhibition Coal Mine, one can ride through the dark passages of a vintage coal mine. The guides are veteran miners and provide firsthand accounts of the daily responsibilities and tasks of past and present-day miners. You can tour the Mine Museum and the period coal camp situated throughout the grounds. Found in the town of Beckley.
Mothman Museum:This museum is devoted to the Mothman legend, featuring original press clippings on the Mothman sightings here in the area, actual props from the Mothman Prophecies movie starring Richard Gere, the Silver Bridge collapse, documents, & other memorabilia. Mothman and the museum are also featured in Bethesda’s online game Fallout 76. Also, a gift shop with unique items covering the Mothman legend. This museum could only be better if the mothman made guest appearances. A blend of true historical facts and Hollywood memorabilia lets you explore the story of a gentle creature who came to warn us of impending disasters. The curator is a very knowledgeable and friendly guy who takes pride in his establishment. The self-guided tour will take about two hours to truly enjoy each item. When you are finished the gift shop has an amazing amount of merchandise to make any fan happy. Visit this unique museum in Point Pleasant.
Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum:Beginning this past August of 2020, the North House Museum in Lewisburg WV is celebrating its 200th anniversary. This is a must stop anytime when visiting the area. A guide walks you through the first exhibit sharing the history of the various rooms and points out the original pieces of furniture from the North family. Children, and adults, will be fascinated with the Ballard Dolls. The hats and clothing are a fine example of craftsmanship and styles of the day. The Caldwell Mercantile collection depicts real life characters of the period. The second exhibit guide walks you through the first sharing the history of the various rooms and points out is self-paced and tells visitors of the heart wrenching stories the slaves endured during that period. In Lewisburg.
Museum of Radio and Technology:This place has just about every item since sound has been recorded and/or transmitted. From early record players to radios to TVs and then on to computers, the technology of recorded sound and video is well chronicled. The docent will take you around. If you have particular interests, he will made sure to point out objects and displays that fit your interest. A donor had also supplied original Erector sets from post-WW2, which made for another neat display. There are plenty of hands-on opportunities with supervision. Also, there’s an impressive array of working models that show the operation of these items over time. A wonderful gem in the Huntington area that is a “must see” place for anyone with a science or engineering interest.
Please give Travelkatz a call at 352-277-7300 or go to www.vacationnationradio.com for a “chat” to get answers to your questions.
West Virginia Festivals: West Virginia is a state in the tree-covered Appalachian Mountains, where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac River, and is home of famous Civil War–era raids, national historical parks, towns that look as it did in the 19th century, and living-history museums.
Winter Ice Festival and Mega Block Ice Carving Competition: Join us for our Winter Ice Festival. You’ll see six world-renowned ice carvers create amazing sculptures as they compete for prizes. Stroll the boulevard to music, snap a picture with Slapshot from the Washington Capitals, chill out in our igloo lounge, and warm up with merchant specials. Plus, take part in all kinds of fun interactive ice games or try our iceless skating rink. This is going to be cool. Festival entertainment 1-5pm, Ice carving 9am – 5pm. Sat, Jan 18.
Festival Fridays: An extravaganza of West Virginia-grown, produced, and handmade products; the event promises to be a family-friendly feast for the eyes and ears. Music, entertainment, children’s activities, and demonstrations are featured every Friday. Locally grown and produced agricultural products, beautiful and functional handmade items, and other products are for sale. Local artisans, musicians, dancers and other entertainers are featured. Jawbone Park, Buckhannon, Fri, 5 – 8 PM; Jan 31.
Pickens Maple Syrup Festival: In late winter, here in our mountains surrounding Pickens, when nights are freezing and days begin to warm, it’s maple sugaring time! West Virginia has a long history of sugar making. The Indians made syrup first. The early settlers quickly learned to make the sweet stuff and use it as their main source of sugar. Join us for a full weekend of activities celebrating this tradition each year on the third full weekend in March! Pickens, Mar 20 – 22, All Day
Flip Flop Festival: Come celebrate the beginning of the outdoor season next spring in beautiful Harpers Ferry! The Flip Flop Festival is for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to experience and learn about all that this scenic and historic area has to offer. Although the festival celebrates hikers called “flip flop thru-hikers” who start their 2200-mile journeys in Harpers Ferry, it has become so much more. The Festival offers music, food vendors, games, and a variety of activities and workshops so you can jump right in and experience the many great outdoor activities. Or, you can learn more about that activity you’ve always wanted to try. Harpers Ferry; Apr 25 – 26, until 4 PM.
40th Annual West Virginia Three Rivers Festival: Come join us for our family orientated festival featuring FREE entertainment nightly. Something for everyone. Taking place in beautiful Palatine Park along the Monongahela River. Grand Feature Parade on Thursday evening, Free nightly entertainment and Children’s activities. Adults alike will enjoy the fun and thrills of the carnival. Take a stroll through the arts and craft exhibits, quilt show, or the photography show. Fairmont; Fri, May 1, 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM.
7th AnnualSummersville Lake Lighthouse Festival: Join us for the Festival Pageant and a day of fun at WV’s only Lighthouse! Enjoy: live Appalachian music, great food and West Virginia artisans demonstrating their crafts. Live entertainment at the Gazebo. Mt Nebo, Sat, May 9, 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
2nd Annual Bikes, BBQ & Bluegrass Festival: This festival in Point Pleasant, West Virginia will hold a BBQ contest, bike races and live bluegrass music and is now being extended to a 2-day event! Jun 13 – 14 all day.
Call TravelKatz at 352-277-7300 and let us know when you want to go to West Virginia and celebrate any one or all of these wonderful festivals.
The town of Harper’s Ferry, where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac River, is the site of a famous Civil War–era raid. Surrounded by a national historical park, the town looks as it did in the 19th century, with many of the buildings open to the public as living-history museums. Paths wind through Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park, which has 19th-century buildings, a Civil War Museum and John Brown’s Fort, a key site in an 1859 abolitionist raid. The location where the rivers meet, known as The Point, offers views of Maryland and Virginia. The Appalachian Trail Visitor Center has exhibits on the long-distance hiking trail. Harper’s Ferry was first settled in 1732 by Peter Stephens, whose “squatter’s rights” were bought in 1747 by Robert Harper, for whom the town was named.
Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park: Great place for the family or a solitary visitor; and an important place in U.S. history. A little something for everyone: quaint shops, picturesque old churches and a graveyard, and nice hikes along the Appalachian Trail that runs through it! Make sure and give yourself plenty of time to check out all the displays and to read the multitude of plaques throughout the park. If you are limited on time, you will leave regretting that you couldn’t explore it more. This Park is indeed one of the crown jewels in the National Park Service. Covering over 4,000 acres in 3 states (WV, VA and MD) at the scenic confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers and the Potomac River water gap through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Park features an amazing diversity of American History all in one place: Great figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Brown, Frederick Douglass, Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant, “Stonewall” Jackson, JEB Stuart, Philip Sheridan, W.E.B. DuBois, Kate Field and many others have visited! The C&O Canal National Park, Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail all converge at Harper’s Ferry NHP. Twenty miles of hiking trails in the Park offer more than a one weekend getaway. Local businesses offer whitewater rafting, tubing, fishing and many outdoor activities, along with dining and various overnight accommodations. Come visit beautiful Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park and be swept away by the mountains, the rivers and the history for a visit you and your family will long remember!
Maryland Heights: Amazing view of Harper’s Ferry from up here. There is a bit of a climb but nothing too bad…it is well worth the short hike up for the amazing view. As you would expect, it is a popular trail so don’t expect to find any solitude hiking up this trail. In general, the trail is wide allowing for easy hiking alongside others (or passing slower hikers). This across the river which gives a fabulous view of Harper’s Ferry
John Brown’s Fort: John Brown’s Fort was originally constructed in 1848 for use as a guard and fire engine house by the federal Harpers Ferry Armory in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, then a part of Virginia. Incredible historic site that played an important role in leading the country to the Civil War. It’s one thing to read about it in books. To be able to see it in person and touch it, AMAZING! It is the highlight of any visit to Harpers Ferry as it is a small piece of history and the events surrounding it sparked a war.
John Brown Wax Museum: John Brown’s history comes alive as so much of the town is perfectly preserved. The wax museum does a good job in setting the stage and visualizing what happened during John Brown’s raid. Although the museum by the fort does a more historic approach, this wax museum makes it a good family introduction to the event.
Lockwood House: The Lockwood House is one of the largest residences in Harper’s Ferry. It is also known as the Paymaster’s Quarters. This beautiful house is inside of the Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park and directly adjoins the Harpers Ferry Cemetery. This 19th-century home actually served as a hospital, headquarters, prison and ballroom during the Civil War.
White Hall Tavern: This tavern was owned by a German man who was the first Harpers Ferry resident killed during the Civil War. The reenact in the tavern was very good and knew the story/lines for the building very well. It sits across from the embankment that has the John Brown’s Fort monument on it and down the street from the actual building. Really recommend stopping in here and it is a nice break from the sun on a hot day. They have great apple cider too.
Harper’s Ferry Station: A working train station with lots of history. Also, if you arrive early enough, free parking! The views are awesome, and if you are a train buff makes it even better. Easy to get to the lower town sites from here. It has a great view of the river too.
You can fly into Washington, DC, rent a car and drive to Harper’s Ferry. TravelKatz will be happy to put this special historic vacation together for you and your family or group. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300.
Charleston was named by town founder George Clendenin for his father, Charles Clendenin. Originally spelled “Charlestown,” Charleston was previously called “Clendenin’s Settlement,” or simply “the town at the mouth of the Elk.”
State Capitol: Many things are overlooked in West Virginia, but the State Capitol is not one of them. Possibly one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the country, the dome is the perfect addition to the gorgeous mountain landscape. Lots of rich history too. The golden and black dome sits atop a classical design that looks like a Capital Building should look. The setting across from the river is idyllic. The inside of the building uses beautiful marble extensively. The view of the dome from inside is amazing. Be sure and look at the chambers that house the Senate and House of Delegates. The grounds of the Capital are very nice and well-maintained.
West Virginia State Museum: This museum is in the basement of the cultural center right next to the state capital. It’s free and the staff are friendly. The exhibits are well done and the history is comprehensive starting from when coal formed to modern times. As you walk the designated route, plaques on the floor show the year represented by each exhibit. Great West Virginia history demo for kids, and free, to boot! Closed on Sunday and Monday.
Capitol Market: The Capitol Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce in season from local farmers. A great selection of fish, wine, cheese and specialty items featured in the state. There should be something special for you to take home even if you are from out of town.
Clay Center: Now, the venue. The Clay Center has wonderful acoustics for musical events. They host everything from orchestral and Celtic to Rock and pop music. The Clay Center is a must see, with its 240,000-square-foot facility dedicated to promoting performing arts, visual arts, and the sciences. All three being housed under one roof makes it one of the few of its kind in the United States. And, if you haven’t been to the Avampato Discovery Museum and the Electric Sky Theatre, stop what you’re doing right now and go. They’re incredible!!!!!
Mountain State Food Tour: This walking/food tour was fabulous! The hosts are informed, friendly and welcoming. The restaurants are chosen thoughtfully and the food/drink selections are excellent. You get a small but satisfying sample at each stop that makes you want to come back to try more. Also, you will enjoyed learning about the history of Charleston in such a fun and casual way.
Capitol Street: Sweet place to take a leisurely stroll & reminisce with friends the Charleston center if old. You can enjoy a variety of food, visit Taylor Books & top it off with an ice cream treat. Just stroll along and take in the laid-back atmosphere. There are many different restaurants from which to choose.
Flights from Tampa will get you with a minimum amount of time so give Travelkatz a call at 352-277-7300.
Another option for our West Virginia Vacation Package is the Natural Wonder. See our selection of choice below to see if it fancies your style. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions or concerns.
WEST VIRGINIA: Appalachian Mountains
The aptly named Mountain State is the only state that lies completely within the Appalachian Mountain region. You can hike all of the Appalachian Trail’s 2,184 miles, passing through West Virginia and traversing scenic, wooded, and pastoral lands.
