West Virginia 2008 Official State Travel Guide - (Page 14) West Virginia I n a world where the race for “bigger, faster, more” dominates our daily lives – and seems to make them more complicated than ever – it’s the simpler pleasures we grow to treasure much more. Unveiling a new format for 2008, this Official State Travel Guide features a “Reports” section up front highlighting some of the state’s popular activities, followed by three specially themed road trips that stretch from one end of the state to the other. Next up are more in-depth features where three unique individuals experience The Mountain State in three very different ways. Lenora Dannelke shuns modern distractions and takes her children on a tour of good, old-fashioned attractions. Scott Peterson explores the state’s “wild side” as he jumps in, on or off any mountain, rock, river or raft he can find. And Dale Leatherman explores the state’s curvy roads and scenic wonders just about as close as you can get to them: on the back of a motorcycle. Regional sections follow – showcasing each area’s personality and offering listings of its accommodations, attractions, restaurants and more – and a Calendar of Events in the back of the book will help fill in your itinerary as you start to plan your West Virginia escape. So sit back, relax and turn the page. You’re in for one wild and wonderful ride! Like a place where neat shops, galleries and restaurants abound, but they’re still located on main street. A place where people walk, not rush, through their day. Where the locals stop for a stranger, not just to say hello or offer directions, but also to ask how they are doing. A place where family and community still matter, a proud heritage is still celebrated and genuine warmth still lives. A place of unparalleled natural beauty where you can run, ride, race or hide in an unspoiled mountain paradise. That place still exists. West Virginia is calling … For those who have traveled our scenic “Country Roads” or soared over our mountains, the difference is immediately obvious. Skyscrapers are few, but a sea of green rippling peaks and valleys stretches as far as the eye can see. Placid lakes, tumbling waterfalls and rushing rivers fill in the spaces between, and nestled throughout are cool cities and historic hamlets full of people lucky enough to be from here – and others smart enough to have come here on their own. As I travel around the state, I’m constantly reminded how lucky I am to be the latter. I wasn’t born a West Virginian, but I became one. And there’s no place I’d rather call home. This is real America. Is this your idea of heaven? West Virginia is calling … by Steven Keith, Editor 14 1 - 8 0 0 - C A L L W VA
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