CLEAR March 2022

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West Virginia's ultimate Appalachian road trip north
by Duane Nichols 29 Mar '22

29 Mar '22

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/appalachian-road-trip-west-virginia The ultimate Appalachian road trip through West Virginia Amy C. Balfour, Lonely Planet, March 28, 2022 Country roads may not take you home on this curvy drive through the Appalachians, but the gorgeous views and small-town hospitality make it clear why West Virginians embrace John Denver’s classic song. This adventure is made for driving, with scenic backroads twisting up mountains, crossing ancient rivers, and swooping through hardwood forests. The route kicks off in the Eastern Panhandle then rolls through Morgantown, Charleston, the New River Gorge, the Greenbrier Valley, and Canaan Valley. From hot dogs to hot springs, a trove of roadside attractions await. Plan to spend at least a week on this drive. One bonus? State parks are free in the Mountain State. The town of Harpers Ferry is well-preserved as a National Historical Park. © Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism Stop 1: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Walking along the cobblestone streets of Lower Town in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, one would hardly be surprised to see Thomas Jefferson striding along the streets lined with historic buildings. He called the view from a hill above town “one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” Abolitionist John Brown, who attempted to spark up a slave revolt here in 1859, would likely recognize the backdrop too – the centuries-old structures are remarkably well-preserved. Today exhibits inside these historic buildings spotlight key events in the community’s history. Fun fact: Harpers Ferry is the easternmost point in the state, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The chalet-style Bavarian Inn overlooks the Potomac in Shepherdstown, another historical town nearby. Grab breakfast at Betty’s, a compact diner dishing up home-cooked food that’s just as outstanding as the friendly service. Route: Follow I-68E through Maryland. Stop 2: Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest The view of the Cheat Mountain River Gorge from the overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest is an inspirational introduction to the Mountain State’s mountain-and-forest beauty. The park has 50 campsites across two campgrounds, and canvas glamping tents are also available. Non-campers should head to one of the hotels in Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, for an overnight stay — the newly renovated Hotel Morgan is a top choice. Join WVU students at Mario’s Fishbowl for tasty pub fare and enormous draft beers – served in fishbowl-sized goblets! The main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest overlooks the Cheat River as it flows through Cheat Canyon. Route: From Morgantown, follow I-79S 20 miles to Fairmont. Stop 3: Yann’s Hot Dog Stand Whatever you do, don’t ask for ketchup when ordering your hot dog at this legendary food hut (300 Washington St) in downtown Fairmont. Just accept the slathering of mustard, onions, and spicy sauce, and give a nod to its messy glory. Open since 1927, Yann’s served low-cost hot dogs and pepperoni rolls to miners and railroad workers over the decades. Today, acolytes descend upon the eatery from across the state. Route: Follow I-79S for 40 miles to Weston. Stop 4: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum & the Museum of American Glass The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston isn’t for the easily spooked. A stone-cut behemoth stretching nearly one-quarter of a mile, this Gothic-style facility was a mental hospital until 1994. Eventually renamed Weston State Hospital, the complex treated patients for more than 150 years. Tours explore everything from the history of the hospital to paranormal shenanigans. Downtown, the Museum of American Glass showcases the region’s glass-making heritage and prowess. The expansive collection of colorful glassworks includes marbles, bottles, and tableware. After you’ve worked up an appetite exploring, try the potato encrusted salmon at Thyme Bistro- the dish is renowned across the state. Route: Continue 100 miles south to Charleston, the state capital. Stop 5: West Virginia State Museum A designated path rolls past 26 discovery rooms inside this compelling museum. Each room is dedicated to diving deep into the most important geologic, historical, and cultural stories of the Mountain State. The museum is on the grounds of the state capitol complex, which is anchored by the capitol building and its eye-catching gold-leaf dome. The Kanawha River flows past just a few steps away. Taylor Books is a lively downtown bookstore with a coffee shop and art gallery. On a sunny day, you might see lawyers, legislators, and tourists sharing the patio at Pies & Pints next door. A full homemade breakfast is served at the well-appointed Brass Pineapple, a B&B close to the capitol complex. Route: Route 60, also known as the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, follows the Kanawha River east then climbs into the surrounding Appalachians. Stop by the 7th-generation JQ Dickinson Salt-Works in Malden, where the prized gourmet salt is mined by hand. Thirty-five miles ahead? The gravitational wackiness of the Mystery Hole. Stop 6: Hawks Nest State Park In a state filled with fantastic views, the overlook at Hawks Nest State Park is one of the most fantastic. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the viewpoint takes in the New River Gorge and its forested slopes. An aerial tram drops from the park’s lodge to a riverside marina. Watch as jet boats speed out for views of the New River Gorge Bridge. For views with brews, settle in on the riverside deck at Smokey’s, a bbq-and-burger joint at Adventures on the Gorge. Route: Follow Rte 60 through Ansted to US-19S. Turn right and take it to the national park. Stop 7: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve As America’s newest National Park, a stop at the New River Gorge is a must. Check out the view of the park’s centerpiece, the New River Gorge Bridge, from the overlook behind the visitor center. The rugged gorge was carved by one of the oldest rivers in the world, the New River, and the park runs along a 53 mile stretch of it. Get even closer to the bridge with a guided Bridgewalk tour, which has daring adventurers clank along the catwalk beneath the span, serving up dizzying views of the river more than 850ft below. The park is an outdoor activity epicenter known for hiking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, and scenic drives. Feeling hungry? Sandwiches and lattes are served under stained glass windows at the Cathedral Cafe, a former church. Both Adventures on the Gorge and ACE Adventure Resort have cabins available to rent for overnight stays. Route: It’s a 30-minute drive from the visitor center to Tamarack via US-19S and I-64E. Stop 8: Tamarack A stroll around Tamarack is a fulfilling artistic and cultural journey around the state, with crafts and artwork for sale from more than 2,800 West Virginia artists. Short-term exhibitions in the fine arts gallery showcase the state’s best craftsmanship, with rotating shows that vary by theme. The restaurant serves comfort food and locally sourced fare, including West Virginia trout, fried green tomato sandwiches, and The Greenbrier’s peaches and cream, a popular dessert served at the nearby luxury resort. (More on The Greenbrier below!) Tamarack offers local crafts and art for sale. © Courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Tourism Route: Follow I-64E to Hwy 3E. Hold on tight for this curvy ride up and over the mountains. Continue north on Rt 26. Sandstone Falls is about 40 miles southeast of Tamarack. Stop 9: Sandstone Falls An eight-mile drive through New River Gorge National Park along the New River ribbons past gentle rapids, weathered trains, and waterfront homes on the way to another gem of the park: Sandstone Falls. One unusual sight? The river flows north – a fairly rare occurrence in the United States. Once you’ve reached the falls parking lot, take the wooden boardwalk as it crosses a soggy forest and ends at an observation platform with a view of the falls, which stretch 1,500 feet across the river. Nearby, Hinton, a former rail hub, is home to the Hinton Railroad Museum. The welcoming Market on Courthouse Square serves sandwiches and pizzas beside a pretty red-brick street dating from the 1870s. Route: Rte 3 E crosses downtown Hinton then follows the Greenbrier River out of town. Follow Rte 3 and several country roads on the 50-mile drive east. Stop 10: Bunker Tour at The Greenbrier For decades, The Greenbrier resort, a swanky, white-columned retreat, held a secret of highly-classified proportions. A vast bunker, carved into an adjacent hillside in 1958, lay in wait for the unthinkable – a nuclear attack on the US. In the event of a nuclear strike, members of Congress would relocate to the bunker for safety. An article in the Washington Post revealed its existence in 1992. Today, tours explore the facility, which holds 18 dorms, a power plant, a clinic, a cafeteria, and meeting rooms. Back above ground, the resort has plush rooms across various wings and cottages. Another overnight option is the historic General Lewis Inn in nearby Lewisburg. Live music, good pizzas, and cold beer are on tap at Lewisburg’s Hill & Holler, housed in a rustic cabin downtown. Route: Follow Rte 92N to Rte 66W. It’s just over sixty miles to the next stop. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park lets visitors experience West Virginia’s history. Stop 11: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park A steam train chugs to the summit of Bald Knob, the third-highest peak in the state, where views of mountains and valleys extend for miles. A lumber town for much of the 1900s, Cass today is a historic village and the home of five powerful Shay locomotives. The class C-80 Shay #5 has climbed Cheat Mountain – an elevation gain of 2,390 feet over 11 miles – for 115 years. Trips to the summit last about 4 1/2 hours. The multi-use Greenbrier River Trail is a pretty spot for a stroll. For a unique overnight stay, spend the night in one of the white-clapboard Cass company houses, once the homes of railroad workers. Route: It’s fifty miles of mountain-and-forest driving to Seneca Rocks via Rte 92N and Rte 28N, with the final leg on US-33W. Stop 12: Seneca Rocks A jagged fin rising from a sea of forested hills, the peaks of Seneca Rocks are one of the most iconic sites in West Virginia. They’re also a hotspot for rock climbing, and climbers have tackled the formation’s sheer flanks since the 1930s. Sign up for a rock-climbing class with a local outfitter or simply hike the short trail that climbs to a rocks-adjacent observation platform. From here, you can see 4,863 foot-high Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state. Managed by the Monongahela National Forest Service, the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center has loads of information about outdoor recreation in the region (Mar-Oct). Route: Follow US-33W to Rte 32N through Davis to Blackwater Falls. It’s a 45-minute drive. Seneca Rocks in the Monongahela National Forest are an iconic landmark beloved by climbers. Stop 13: Blackwater Falls State Park The robust Blackwater Falls tumble 57 feet into a tree-lined gorge. Tannic acid released by fallen hemlocks and red spruce needles gives the falls its unique amber hue. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails to explore here, plus more than three dozen furnished cabins are available for rent, and a midcentury lodge (also inside the park) boasts views of Blackwater Canyon. Route: It’s four miles to Thomas. Follow Blackwater Falls Rd to Rt 32N. Stop 14: Purple Fiddle With its pressed-tin ceiling, wooden floor, and quaint collection of antique knick-knackery, the interior of the Purple Fiddle in Thomas resembles the small country stores that dot Appalachia. But the Purple Fiddle becomes something different altogether at night when musicians raise the roof – and sometimes croon sad songs – from the corner stage. The Fiddle is a hotspot for up-and-coming musicians as well as established acts, often playing songs infused with the musical sounds of Appalachia. They serve good sandwiches, too! Located in an old general store, The Purple Fiddle still serves up deli classics, though it's best known as a venue for live music. Route: It’s a 104-mile return to the eastern panhandle. Take US-48E to Rte 93E. Then take I-68E to US-522S into Berkeley Springs. Stop 15: Berkeley Springs State Park Inns across the East Coast may brag, “George Washington slept here.” But how many can say that George Washington soaked there? The warm spring waters of Berkeley Springs have attracted travelers for centuries, and one brick-lined tub on the lawn of the state park claims to be Washington’s bathtub! Soak in the Old Roman bathhouse, then fill your thermos from the outdoor spout – the mineral-filled spring water is drinkable and totally free. Enjoy fine farm-to-table fare at Tari’s, then conclude this trip with a comfy night at the Country Inn of Berkeley Springs. Want more inspiration for your West Virginia road trip? Request a free vacation guide. xxx

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Home | MMMPO
by Duane Nichols 20 Mar '22

20 Mar '22

METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE Check out the DRAFT 2050 MTP! The Public review period runs until May 10th. The purpose of this project is to examine regional transportation systems within and around Morgantown, WV, recommending strategic priorities over the next 25 years. By transportation we mean: roads, buses, sidewalks, and accommodations for bicycles. This project webpage serves as a valuable conduit between you (residents and neighbors) and the project team. We are mobility planners and engineers, and we are looking for strategies to continually grow and efficiently move around the Monongalia region. We look forward to your participation as you help us plan the region’s future transportation network. Stay engaged, and be sure to subscribe for project updates that will keep you informed along the way. https://www.mmmpo2050.com/

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Learning About West Virginia | News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer
by Duane Nichols 19 Mar '22

19 Mar '22

https://www.theintelligencer.net/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2022/03/lear… Learning About West Virginia From Levi, Third Grade, Langley School, McLean, Virginia, Mar 19, 2022 To Editor, Wheeling News-Register: Dear people of the great state of West Virginia, Hello, I am a third-grade student in Northern Virginia. Our class is learning about the United States, and I will be teaching our school about the state of West Virginia. In the month of May, I will create a display for our State Fair that I hope will make you proud. Although I have gathered facts about your state from books and websites, I think I can receive the best information from the people who live there. This is why I am writing to you. I am hoping that you would be willing to send me some items to help me learn more about the best things in your state. You might consider sending items such as postcards, pictures, souvenirs, this newspaper article, or any other unique items that would be useful or show your state pride. Here are a few questions: – Why do you live in your state? What first brought your family there? – How do you make money? What is your job? – What does your state look like? – What do people do for fun? – What animals live there? – What traditional food/recipes does your state have? – What type of music is native to your state? – Do you have a state athletic team? – What geographic features are unique to your state? I need to gather all of my information by the second week of May. You can mail items to this address: Mr. Mike Gilchrist’s class, The Langley School, 1411 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101. I really appreciate your help! Levi, The Langley School, McLean, VA

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[Herald-Standard] Something to celebrate
by Duane Nichols 17 Mar '22

17 Mar '22

https://www.heraldstandard.com/entertainment/local/something-to-celebrate/a… Sent from my iPad, DGN

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Geothermal Energy in West Virginia
by Duane Nichols 15 Mar '22

15 Mar '22

Full WV Senate to consider bill that would set up regulatory program for geothermal energy | Legislative Session | wvgazettemail.com, Mike Tony, March 9, 2022 https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/full-wv-senate-to-co… NOTE ~ WV Senate passed this HB 4098 on March 12, 2022. DGN The full West Virginia Senate will consider a bill that would set up a state regulatory program for geothermal energy. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday advanced House Bill 4098, which would give the Department of Environmental Protection regulatory oversight of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source within the Earth that is used to heat buildings and provide electricity. HB 4098 would grant ownership rights to geothermal resources to the owner of surface property over the resource unless severance of the geothermal resource is clear in documentation conveying ownership of it. The bill requires the DEP to create a permitting system for geothermal development for which it must establish temperature levels and volumetric flow rates. The legislation would make the agency responsible for establishing rules for geothermal drilling and site reclamation — including proper plugging — after a well no longer is used. West Virginia University geothermal research plans prompted the bill. House Energy and Manufacturing Committee counsel Robert Akers previously told the committee, which was first to approve the bill, that a permit for the university is the only one that would be pending initially under a new geothermal regulatory program. HB 4098 would allow the DEP to issue civil penalties ranging from $100 to $500 for each violation of rules established under the bill, and take civil action against violators in any circuit court where a well is located for injunctive relief. The House Judiciary Committee previously amended the bill to exclude geothermal heating and cooling heat pump systems for private residential dwellings and farm buildings from DEP jurisdiction. The Senate Judiciary Committee amended the bill to make technical changes. Lawmakers intend for the bill to apply to wells thousands of feet underground. Samuel Taylor, assistant director of strategic partnerships and technology at the WVU Energy Institute, handed out PowerPoint slides to Energy and Manufacturing Committee members in January. The slides showed that Northern West Virginia could be a potential “hot spot” for geothermal energy. A map on one slide showed patches of Earth in the region hotter than most of the rest of the Eastern United States. Another slide noted that geothermal could be a popular alternative energy source as companies with local footprints, like Chemours and Dow, strive to meet company-set carbon dioxide emission-reduction goals. The university’s U.S. Department of Energy-funded project includes drilling and sampling a deep-exploratory well to a depth of 15,000 feet to validate subsurface temperatures, according to one of the PowerPoint slides from Taylor. The slide noted a focus of the project is to gauge the potential of heating the university campus using a geothermal resource. West Virginia Environmental Council President Linda Frame said her organization supports the production of geothermal energy but stressed that it be done with minimal disruption to the environment and landowners. xxx

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Donna, can you post this on CLEAR .....
by Duane Nichols 14 Mar '22

14 Mar '22

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/niche-releases-best-places-to-live-… Niche releases best places to live in WV in 2022 by: Sam Kirk, WBOY News 12, Clarksburg, WV, Mar 14, 2022 CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – You may love or hate where you live, but have you ever wondered what’s the best place to live in West Virginia? Using data from the U.S. Census and the FBI and ratings, Niche has released its top 25 best places to live in each state for 2022. Each town or city was given a letter score in 12 categories to determine rankings. Here are the top six places in West Virginia, according to Niche. #6 Morgantown Home of West Virginia University, Morgantown in Monongalia County is known for being full of young people and full of life. It’s not surprising that Morgantown has a rating of A+ for nightlife, but other notable qualities from Niche include an A rating for public schools and an A ranking for good for families. It also has an A- for outdoor activities and an A+ for commute. Morgantown’s worst rating in Niche’s 12 categories is a C for the weather. #5 Winfield If you value safety, Winfield in Putnam County might be a good place for you. Winfield rates A+ on Niche’s crime & safety category. It also secured A’s in the housing, good for families, and jobs categories. It also scored an A- in public schools and cost of living. The lowest rating Winfield received was a B- in several categories. #4 Star City This Monongalia County town is located just outside of Morgantown, giving it a similar score as Morgantown in several categories. Nightlife is a strong suit for Star City as well as good for families and public schools. Star City does not have a crime and safety rating, however. According to Niche, it offers a “dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes.” The lowest rating in Star City is a C for the weather. #3 Cheat Lake The top-rated place to live in Monongalia County is also the best place in West Virginia to raise a family, according to Niche. Cheat Lake has a rating of A+ for good for families and overall. It also has A’s for public schools, housing and jobs. Like its other Monongalia County locations, it has a C rating for the weather. Cheat Lake does not have a rating for crime and safety, and at least 80% of people who live in Cheat Lake own their own home. #2 Athens With an overall rating of A+, this Mercer County town offers a lower cost of living compared to some of the other top places in the state. Although it has no individual A+ category rankings, it has A’s in housing, good for families, cost of living, and commute. The median home value in Athens is over $100,000 less than the national average, making it more affordable. If high levels of diversity and jobs opportunities are on your must-have list, Athens may not be for you; it has C+ rankings in both categories. #1 Bridgeport Bridgeport in Harrison County has been named the best place to live in West Virginia. It has A rankings in housing, good for families and jobs. It also has several A- in public schools and health & fitness. The lowest categories in Bridgeport are B- in crime & safety, nightlife, weather and commute. Other north central West Virginia places that made the list are Westover at number 13 and Pleasant Valley at number 21. For the full top-25 list of the best places to live in West Virginia, click here.

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HAPPY TRAIL NEWS! construction underway....
by Duane Nichols 05 Mar '22

05 Mar '22

From: Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org> > Date: March 5, 2022 at 8:12:28 AM EST > Subject: HAPPY TRAIL NEWS! construction underway.... > > Happy Rail-Trail News! Construction begins on the next stretch of the Sheepskin Trail from Point Marion, PA along the Cheat River /Nilan Road toward the Cheat Lake Dam. There will be another 1.5 miles to explore when they complete this section- will end near Nilan Apostolic Church. I shared the Friends of Sheepskin Trail FB post and you can see more photos there or at MRTC FB page. > > Exciting news but hope everyone stays away from construction area and lets them work without disruption. Cheers, Ella > > Ella Belling, Executive Director, Mon River Trails Conservancy > P.O. Box 282, Morgantown, WV 26507 > http://montrails.org, 304-692-6782

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CLEAR March 2022