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Attention: Cheat Lake Property Owners & Boaters
by Duane Nichols 21 Oct '22

21 Oct '22

(Photo of Labor Day boat party in Ruble Run backwater) Attention: Cheat Lake Property Owners & Boaters Starting at 12:00 a.m. on November 1, 2022, winter lake level limits will go into effect on Cheat Lake. At that time, minimum reservoir levels will decrease from 868 feet above sea level to 857’. Please remove all docks prior to this time. Winter lake levels will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2023. The winter boat launch ramp at the Cheat Lake Park (at the end of Morgan Run Road) will be open from November 1, 2022 until May 1, 2023 to accommodate boaters who wish to launch a boat on Cheat Lake. Lake Lynn Generation maintains levels at Cheat Lake in accordance with the FERC license. [Morgantown Dominion Post, Page A-2, Friday, October 21, 2022].

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Trout for the Cheat River
by Duane Nichols 20 Oct '22

20 Oct '22

Trout for Cheat begins fall stocking | Preston County News | wvnews.com/10-18-22 https://www.wvnews.com/prestoncountynews/news/trout-for-cheat-begins-fall-s… KINGWOOD — Trout for Cheat is celebrating its 22nd year of stocking the Cheat River. On Friday, members of the group stocked the river from the U.S. 50 bridge to one mile above Pringle Run, according to Jim White, president of the group. White said that with the help of students from the ChalleNGe Academy and members of the Preston County Sheriff’s Department, 1,700 pounds of rainbow trout and a few golden trout were stocked during 22 stops along the river. Cadets carry the fish to the river, and deputies handle traffic control while the caravan of cars stops to let the fish be carried to the river in large tubs. All the people who help stock the river are volunteers. All the fish come from a West Virginia vendor, according to White. He said half of the trout stocked weighted between 1 and 2 pounds, and the other half between 3 and 4 pounds. “We’re saving the big ones for spring,” White said. “We stock eight times a year — four times in spring and four times in fall.” Newly elected members of Trout for Cheat are White, president; Jon Hunter, vice president; Bobby Peddicord, secretary; and Jim Darlington, sergeant at arms. Other board members are Bo Burnside and J.R. Baldwin. White said money to stock the river comes from donations and from a February Gun Bash that’s held at the Craig Civic Center. Donations to Trout for Cheat can be sent to Trout for Cheat, Box 261, Rowlesburg, WV 26435. Staff Writer Jeniffer Graham can be reached at jgraham(a)prestonnj.com

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OP-ED | Invest In The Future, Not A Dirty Deal | CT News Junkie
by Duane Nichols 24 Sep '22

24 Sep '22

https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2022/09/23/op-ed-invest-in-the-future-not-a-dirty-… OP-ED | Invest In The Future, Not A Dirty Deal Article by Anthony Cherolis, CT News Junkie, September 23, 2022 Contributing columnist Anthony Cherolis is bicycling across North America and will be sending us occasional updates on what he’s seeing in other states and cities in terms of better transportation infrastructure and policy. You can follow his journey on Instagram. There has been a lot in the news lately about the “Dirty Deal” struck in Congress by legislators working to get the Inflation Reduction Act passed. The follow on bill was negotiated by Democratic Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia, who had been blocking the passage of the larger bill. The bill would fast-track several fossil-fuel projects including the Mountain Valley Pipeline in West Virginia. While bicycle touring through this region and the stunning Ohio River Valley, I was struck by the economic woes of the cities and towns. Extractive oil and coal industries are at the same time surging (fracking for fossil gas) and waning (coal plants shutting down). Finding restaurants, drug stores, and grocery stores was difficult, even though I was passing through once bustling river towns and rail depots. The town of Cheshire, Ohio, in the shadow of the Gavin power plant’s towering chimneys, is a literal ghost town that was bought out by the power company for $20 million to address persistent pollution and future liability. That plant is now facing closure for long violating regulations that coal ash storage ponds be lined to prevent groundwater pollution. Smokestacks and cooling towers can be seen from the ghost town of Cheshire, Ohio. The town was bought out by the nearby coal power plant to address recurring pollution issues. This shift away from fossil fuels is a real and important change happening to regions in Southeast Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Longtime residents are rightfully worried and upset by mandates and environmental laws that reduce employment, shutter power plants, and leave sad shells of once vibrant towns. Those residents are looking for solutions, politically and legislatively, that maintain jobs and bring prosperity (and people) back to their communities. A focus on paying rent, a job to do today, and economic stability for their family and friends often outweighs the less focused and complicated task of maintaining a survivable and productive climate on Earth. These areas are teetering near the edge of viability. State and local leaders, along with representative in Congress, must look for sustainable policy, green energy investments, infrastructure projects, and tourism opportunities that provide the jobs, pride, and quality of life that these communities deserve. As I mentioned, the Ohio River Valley and surrounding hills are beautiful. Riverside hotels, boating tours, hiking trails, and walkable town centers should be jointly marketed to those in nearby cities and land-locked towns looking to get away for a relaxing weekend with a river view. Gallipolis, Ohio seems to have figured out the day trip and tourism market with an inviting town center, riverfront park, nearby trails, and natural areas. Gallipolis, Ohio was one bustling town that seems to have capitalized on a scenic riverfront location, walkable town center, and nearby trails. Bladen Landing is a riverfront restaurant with bed and breakfast cabins overlooking the Ohio River. Rebecca and Chris live onsite and recently added the cabins, finding them to be a good investment. Another near term investment is federal funding for West Virginia and Pennsylvania to close the gaps in the North Bend Rail Trail and Sheepskin Trail, creating a biking, walking, and jogging corridor from Parkersburg, WV all the way to the Great Allegheny Passage. A few segments are missing in what could be an amazing route, including the 5-mile link from the West Virginia University campus to Parkersburg on the Ohio River. That struggling West Virginia city could desperately use the investment and a better, bike-able connection to the young adults at the university. All along the rail trail, rail-stop towns would benefit from restaurant, camp store, bike shop, and bed-and-breakfast customers spending money and keeping local folks employed. Longterm local jobs could be tied to this project if it were identified as a linear National Park, similar to the C&O Canal Trail between Cumberland, MD and Washington, DC. One thing I noticed while cycling through West Virginia was the common smell of fuel from small oil wells and storage tanks visible from the North Bend Rail Trail. If one can smell the fuel from several hundred feet away, there is definitely leakage of methane and evaporation of harmful volatile organic compounds from these small operations. That is concerning both from a health perspective and relative to climate change. Methane is a much more powerful heat trapping greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. West Virginia and rural Pennsylvania small towns would benefit from completing the small remaining gaps in a rail and river trail connecting Parkersburg, WV to the existing and popular Great Allegheny Passage trail. Cycling through the tunnels on the North Bend Rail Trail in West Virginia was magical. Investments in hillside and rooftop solar, ridgetop wind turbines, and geothermal installations would offset the jobs and pride lost in the transition away from fossil fuels and coal power plants. Instead of continuing with a regressive and polluting fossil fuel pipeline deal in Congress, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania legislators should push for a green energy future and home/business energy efficiency programs. The energy grid and power generation has multi-state, global, and federal impacts. The transition away from fossil fuels needs to be at that federal level with significant offsetting investments. Without a just transition, residents and voters are unlikely to support the needed changes. We can take these same lessons back to any state with industries and priorities in transition. For example in Connecticut, building more Cold War era nuclear submarines should be a much lower priority than developing the wind turbine, geothermal, and rooftop solar industries. Investing now in these future technologies and workforce would line Connecticut up to be the technical and manufacturing resource for the wider Northeast and East Coast. Skilled engineers, welders, electricians, and machinists would gladly do that work if it were available. There would be plentiful jobs in those sustainable-future industries for entry-level installation technicians and maintenance workers. Similar to coal-plant mercury pollution that travels to the Northeast in the clouds, the climate emergency does not pay attention to state lines. Something you can do: Reach out to your Congress members with a phone call or email and let them know what their priorities should be for industries, job training, and technology development investments. Pay attention to those topics as you research candidates who are running for election this November. Does your candidate have a platform that invests in a sustainable and less-polluted future, or are they supporting the status quo? ######++++++######++++++###### From: West Virginia Rivers Coalition ...... Don't Sacrifice West Virginia's Rights to Fair and Equal Protections Under Federal Law https://wvrivers.salsalabs.org/eisa/index.html?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=…

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Outdoor recreation rental facility opens in Morgantown | 104.5 FM & 1440 AM | The Voice of Morgantown | Morgantown, WV
by Duane Nichols 03 Sep '22

03 Sep '22

https://wajr.com/outdoor-recreation-rental-facility-opens-in-morgantown/?fb… Outdoor recreation rental facility opens in Morgantown mikenoltingSeptember 2, 2022 MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Adventure WV is now operating the newly constructed outdoor recreation rental facility at the Walnut Street Landing. Residents can now expect expanded recreation opportunities along the Monongalia River. Residents can rent kayaks, paddleboards, PFDs, bicycles, helmets and more. Youth Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) are available, and additional child- and family-friendly equipment will be added this spring. Labor Day weekend hours of operation are 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The future schedule will be adjusted to meet the needs of users. Rental rates start at $10.00 per hour for comfort bikes and kayaks for community members, discounts will be offered for WVU affiliates and students. A valid driver’s license or WVU ID is required for renting equipment, and only cashless payments are accepted. “We’re thrilled to bring another unique recreational opportunity to Morgantown,” said Emily Muzzarelli, assistant city manager for the City of Morgantown. “Expanding the use of the Monongalia River and rail-trail system allows Morgantown to better serve its residents and visitors. Adventure WV has the expertise when it comes to outdoor recreation, so we are incredibly excited to be partnering with them on this project. It’s a really great addition to Walnut Street Landing and the improvements made at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park.” Adventure WV is a West Virginia University program that encourages personal growth, leadership development and social responsibility through participation in outdoor activities such as hiking, paddling, climbing, ziplining and more. “Morgantown is fortunate to have two great recreational assets in the Mon River and the Rail Trail system. Now, with the opening of a rental service, more residents, students and visitors can take advantage of both,” said Nathan Harlan, executive director of the Office of Student Wellness. “WVU is excited to partner with the City of Morgantown to bring their experience with outdoor recreation (through Adventure WV) to help provide boats, bikes and other rec equipment for rental right on the river and trail.”

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Trail Segments — The Sheepskin Trail
by Duane Nichols 09 Jul '22

09 Jul '22

https://www.sheepskintrail.org/trail-segments Sent from my iPad, DGN

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Forest Service Open House, Parsons, June 22 @ 6 to 7:30 pm
by Duane Nichols 20 Jun '22

20 Jun '22

> Subject: Forest Service Open House, Parsons, June 22 @ 6 to 7:30 pm > > > The Upper Cheat River Water Trail > June 17 at 10:26 PM · > The Forest Service is having an open-house June 22 6-7:30pm in Parsons. It concerns the #UpperCheatRiver proposal to clearcut 3,500 acres of older forest including #oldgrowth. visit Speak For The Trees Too or see below for details > > > Speak For The Trees Too > June 17 at 9:35 PM · > Forest Service is hosting an open-house June 22 at 6-7:30pm in Parsons at the firehouse. Here's a chance to give your opinion in person on the #UpperCheatRiver proposed project to #clearcut 3,500 acres of older forest. Or send jonathan.morgan(a)usda.gov the district ranger your opinion. > > >

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TDS Values of Local Interest
by Duane Nichols 27 May '22

27 May '22

Measurements from 4 PM today, Friday, May 27. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measured as conductivity ..... Conductivity is measured in micromhos per centimeter (µmhos/cm) or microsiemens per centimeter (µs/cm). Distilled water has a conductivity in the range of 0.5 to 3 µmhos/cm. The conductivity of rivers in the United States generally ranges from 50 to 1500 µmhos/cm. 1. Cheat Lake @ Emma Kaufmann Camp .... 53 micromho per centimeter 2. Monongahela River at Pt. Marion Lock ..... 275 (Recorded by USGS continuous monitor) 3. Tap Water, Morgantown Utility Board ..... 117

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West Virginia Botanic Garden, Morgantown, West Virginia's Hidden Gem for Hiking and Flowers - YouTube
by Duane Nichols 13 Apr '22

13 Apr '22

https://youtu.be/De5gXuVr1QU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De5gXuVr1QU Hi! We are Pam and Kathrine, sisters from southwestern Pennsylvania who love to explore the world in between our 9-5 working lives. Since 2017, we have been documenting and writing about travel on our blog, Everywhere Forward. Our blog is full of local experiences in the Pennsylvania and West Virginia regions, as well as our national and international adventures. We're here to share with you how we balance traveling with full-time jobs. In this vlog, we visit the West Virginia Botanic Garden, a beautiful hidden gem just outside Morgantown West Virginia. The West Virginia Botanic Garden is one of our favorite places to hike and explore near Morgantown. Come learn about local history and explore this unique hiking spot! See also: https://youtu.be/8_IN8QDqG1s

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Historic Mont Chateau ~ Fortunately Sale Didn’t Happen
by Duane Nichols 12 Apr '22

12 Apr '22

John MayHistoric Mont Chateau October 7, 2021 · Unable to generate income from the Park, and given the neglected state of the Lodge, DNR recommended that Mont Chateau be sold. Per the DNR Director, “The public doesn’t support it. It never has been popular since the day it was built.” A resolution to sell the property for not less than $1,000,000 was proposed in the 1977 Legislative session. The rationale given for the proposal was that, “as of late, Mont Chateau operated more as a hotel than a park and did not fit into the scheme of the State Park system because it only had 42 acres that were not suitable for recreational development”. Per the chairperson of the House Parks sub-committee, “It will cost much to upgrade the park in a condition that will not embarrass the State and dim the image of the other State Parks. On the other hand, we do believe the park can be easily sold to the adjoining country club or land developers on Cheat Lake.” From the Morgantown Dominion Post, 1/12/1977:

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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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