Of West Virginia`s 17 intact 19th-century covered bridges, almost half are in Mountaineer Country. Generally patterned after European designs, these bridges were covered to protect their all-wood, hand-hewn supporting trusses system. An integral part of West Virginia`s early turnpike system, some were strategic prizes during the Civil War. One is nationally famous. The 285-foot-long Philippi Bridge on US 119/250 in Barbour County, the work of master builder Lemuel Chenoweth and his brother Eli in 1852 is the only structure of its kind that is still part of a federal highway. In 1861, the bridge was the site of the first land battle of the Civil War. Historic Lewisburg, looks much as it did in the late 1700s when many of its homes and buildings were being built. It is surrounded by a pristine valley with natural wonders that provides a picturesque backdrop for any day’s journey, with more than 60 buildings of historic or architectural importance and quaint storefronts, antique shops.

Charleston the doorway to West Virginia - known for friendliness and hospitality, inviting you to experience something wild and wonderful, with rugged beauty, charm and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the lush Appalachian Mountains, is not only the capital city, but also the perfect setting to enjoy history, culture, entertainment and fun. Statehouse, completed in 1932 by noted architect, Cass Gilbert, this classical Renaissance statehouse was the sixth building to serve as West Virginia`s Capitol. The great Kanawha River flows quietly at the foot of the grand entrance to this glistening white building. Rising 300-feet above the river, a gold dome crowns a circular colonnade of Corinthian columns and casts a bronze glow in the river as the water mirrors its image in golden ripples. State History Museum, The Cultural Center on the grounds of the Capitol Complex is an enormous building housing the State History Museum, State Archives, and History Library, as well as hosting various arts and performing arts exhibits. Midland Trail Scenic Highway, beginning in Charleston and ending in White Sulpher Springs, this country road hugs the Kanawha River as it winds it way past historic sites, through West Virginia countryside and former coal mining towns.

Visitors are discovering the state`s natural beauty. Reconstructed forts, manned today as they were two centuries ago, are in the northeastern Mountaineer Country. This is a land of covered bridges, festivals, and glass factories with an excellent park system, mountain crafts and quaint towns. Do some shopping and take home a memory. Many skills have been passed on to devoted crafters. From their hands come beautiful examples of carving, weaving, quilt-making, pottery, furniture-building, glass-blowing and jewellery-making - along with jams, jellies, spices, herbs and other edibles. West Virginia`s spectacular mountains, winding rivers, and scenic countryside offering a memorable and distinctive escape. Here, too, you`ll find friendly cities full of fun and nightlife. West Virginia is a land of rich heritage, unparalleled beauty and warm hospitality. Its unique geography is coupled with variety; historic trails and untouched wildlife regions.