Blue Ridge Country January/February 2022 - 36

THERE'S MORE:
WHERE TO DINE,
WHERE TO SLEEP
Each of these 14 driving trails
has great and unique dining
spots as well as equally inviting
lodging of many kinds. For the
full list: BlueRidgeCountry.com/
DriveTrailExtras
BELOW: The B&O Roundhouse is a
16-sided iron structure along West Virginia's
Washington Heritage Trail.
BOTTOM: Downtown Lewisburg, along the
West Virginia Midland Trail, offers visitor
delights far beyond its compact size.
raveling the Blue Ridge region is
equal parts information and inspiration.
The mountains, valleys,
cities and towns tell the stories of
nature, history and culture. What
are lesser known, however, are
the " trails " -highways, byways
and roads-that follow themes across
their host states. For those interested
in music, period architecture, agritourism
and waterfalls, there are trails. Gardens,
military history, museums, wineries
and the arts can also be explored. Love
cheese? There's a trail for that, too!
Spend a day, a week or more to experience
over 1,000 points of interest across
hundreds of miles in every direction.
Here are selected must-see stops; be sure
to see accompanying dine and stay recommendations
at blueridgecountry.com/
DriveTrailEatsSleeps
T
WEST VIRGINIA
Washington Heritage Trail
Explore 300 years of U.S. history and
witness the stunning transformation of
landforms from upland coastal
plains
to mountains on a journey through the
eastern panhandle. Named in honor of
the country's first president, who surveyed
and owned land throughout the
region, this 136-mile National Scenic Byway
meanders through three counties.
There are 40 official sites to visit including
colonial homes, industry, churches,
museums, historic districts, bridges, canals,
parks, caves and scenic views. The
famed Potomac River outlines the northWIKIMEDIA
CONNIE
MANCHESTER
ern border; the Shenandoah River flows
in the east; and the wild Cacapon River
splashes in the west.
Middleway Historic District (Jefferson
County). Plan to stay the day in this once
" thriving commercial center [from] the antebellum
period " of history. Once known
as " the Paris of the Valley " for its early
abundance of artisans and shops, this village
was built at a geographic intersection
long used by First Nation peoples. Take
a walking tour of 45 historic sites in this
town. (middlewayconservancy.org)
B&O Railroad Roundhouse & Station
Complex (Berkeley County). Step into history
at this pivotal location of the country's
first public-use railroad, the Baltimore
& Ohio. Ten acres and the 16-sided, castiron
roundhouse (the only one of its kind
still in existence) were saved from the ravages
of time and now offer visitors the
chance to see the station complex and a
railway car turntable for locomotives. In
addition to a currently working station, an
adjacent hotel has preserved the " oldest,
intact hotel room in the country. " (themartinsburgroundhouse.com)
Berkeley
Springs aka Bath (Morgan
County). Officially named the latter for
the warm mineral springs, this district is
also called Berkeley Springs. Take a walking
tour of the 18th Century town known
as the country's first spa for its healing
waters. This destination is rich with arts
and culture as well as outdoor adventures
including hiking, fishing, water sports,
horseback riding and more. Be sure to
" take the waters " at a private resort or
the public facilities at the state park. Also,
stop by George Washington's bathtub!
(berkeleysprings.com)
* For in-depth details and maps for all 40
sites, visit washingtonheritagetrail.com.
Midland Trail/U.S. Route 60 National &
State Scenic Byway
This journey along 180+ miles of the
state's oldest scenic byway is nothing
short of epic. The two-lane paved highway
passes through six counties and is
called a " linear community with historical,
cultural, archaeological, natural, scenic
and recreational qualities " unique
to this area of West Virginia. Its entire
length can be navigated via the blue mile
markers along the roadway. The Byway
parses into three distinct areas: 1) The Re36
BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
http://www.BlueRidgeCountry.com/ http://www.middlewayconservancy.org http://www.blueridgecountry.com/ http://www.tinsburgroundhouse.com http://www.berkeleysprings.com http://www.washingtonheritagetrail.com http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country January/February 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country January/February 2022
