When Virginia decided to secede from the Union in 1861, a number of western counties seized their long-awaited opportunity to determine their own destiny and formed the state of West Virginia. That spirit of independence and determination still characterizes this destination.

Mountains, mining and mound builders come to mind when describing West Virginia. Many consider this the most beautiful state in the Union and like the fact that its peaks and river valleys aren’t overrun with tourists. Coal mining supported the state for many years; the demand is still there and so are the mines. A prehistoric Native American culture occupied the area and left its burial mounds behind, some with skeletons and artifacts, for scientists and more casual visitors to study.

Recreation and tourism are becoming more important in West Virginia. East Coast residents know that White Sulphur Springs has been a high-class spa and resort for more than two centuries, but it is worthwhile for any traveler — venturer or authentic, spender or budget-minded — to take a look at West Virginian activities and attractions, as well as historic B&Bs, that can pleasantly divert and entertain. Who goes there? Not a lot, even with the state’s reputation for great scenic beauty. Most of its visitors come from adjoining states.
When do they go? Skiers come for the snow; most others visit in the summer.

Take an autumn whitewater rafting on the Gauley River, or choose any of a number of other rivers. The state offers nearly 2,000 miles of mountain streams racing through the Appalachians.

Travel the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, almost 500 miles available to those on ATVs, dirt bikes and mountain bikes, as well as hikers and those on horseback.

Be fascinated by a tour of a long-secret bunker built in 1959 to 1962 under the posh Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, a bunker meant to house the U.S. Congress in case of a nuclear attack. The bunker ‘s duties were ended in 1995. You can arrange to hold a corporate get-together in the bunker’s five meeting rooms.

Sign on for a rock climbing expedition up the 1,000-foot face of Seneca Rocks.

Take a guided backpacking tour in the Potomac Highlands and the New River area.

See a decommissioned coal mine, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, on a tour led by a former miner. You travel on an authentic man-carrying car through low-ceilinged tunnels for a sobering look at a tough work environment. Also, see the historical coal camp on the grounds for more on the life of coal miners early in the 20th century.

Attend the summertime West Virginia Harley Owners Group Rally, hosted by the Canaan Valley Resort at Davis, and plan to take your Harley out for some sightseeing time, too.

Travel on a historic steam train, formerly used to haul logs, in the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. You can reserve a private caboose for your trip, or rent the caboose for an overnight stay atop Cheat Mountain.

Take a kayak tour on the peaceful Monongahela River. Canoeing is an option on many other rivers, and lakes, too.

Attend the July American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown, devoted to new American plays and support of American playwrights, directors and artists.

Visit Grave Creek Mound Archaeology Complex at Moundsville for a look at a huge grave mound (900-foot circumference, 69 feet high) built by Native Americans more than 2,000 years ago. See artifacts found there in the adjacent Delf Norona Museum.

Take a float trip on the New River to fish for smallmouth bass. Also, more than 180 West Virginia streams are stocked with trout. If a hunter, you can target deer, small game and waterfowl on nearly 1.5 million acres of public land.

Ride horseback along the Cheat River’s Shavers Fork.

Rent a bike and travel the C&O Canal towpath, which is a short distance from Harpers Ferry. Then, see Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Visit Lost World Caverns, Smoke Hole Caverns or a number of other underground sites.

Visit at least one glassmaking factory, then buy samples to take home. A list of glassmakers appears at www.wvtourism.com/glass.htm.

Sit in on a live broadcast of Jamboree USA, a country music program held every Saturday night at the Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling. Or, sit in on a live radio performance of Mountain Stage, which presents culturally diverse and contemporary music. The show usually broadcasts from Charleston.

Buy quilts, for which West Virginia is well known, at Cabin Creek Quilts in Malden.

Attend a production at the Historic Fayette Theatre in Fayetteville and stay at the Historic White Horse B&B in town.

Enjoy the benefits of a mineral spa, but in a quaint historic setting in the Berkeley Springs State Park.

Fish for rainbow trout at the Buckhorn Trout Farm in Fort Seybert. You pay only for what you catch, and no license is required.

See a Civil War reenactment at Pipestem State Park.

If the timing is right, take a Christmas home tour in Bramwell, a historic town left with the mansions built by coal barons when Bramwell was a “millionaire coal town.” Numerous other towns — Bluefield, Helvetia, Parkersburg and Shepherdstown among them — boast historic town centers. Walk through the one nearest you.

Look for houses made of coal; two are in White Sulphur Springs and one in Williamson.

For more information, consult the West Virginia Division of Tourism at www.wvtourism.com

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