This intriguing tour to historic sites honors the arts and lives of the pioneers who settled in the wilds of the Virginia territory. Tour highlights include a visit to award-winning Morgantown, named after the Morgan family who are credited with being the first Europeans to settle western Virginia, a chance to watch glassblowers create unique crystal creations, and tours of beautifully preserved historic lands and registered landmarks such as The Barrackville Covered Bridge and Pickett's Fort State Park.
Day 1. Morgantown
(Greater Morgantown CVB, www.tourmorgantown.com)
The Morgan family, credited with being the first Europeans to settle western Virginia, moved across the mountains to establish roots in what is now Morgantown. By 1785, the town was chartered and functioning as a county seat. Today, Morgantown is best known as the home of West Virginia University. Morgantown recently won The Great American Main Street Award, which recognizes the nation’s best community efforts in revitalizing traditional downtown and neighborhood commercial districts.
A full calendar of cultural events and activities at the Mountainlair student center and the Creative Arts Center serve the university community and visitors as well. The Creative Arts Center is home to the West Virginia Public Theatre, producing a series of Broadway favorites and popular performances each summer.
To view a piece of the high tech side of Morgantown, take a ride on WVU’s computer-operated Personal Rapid Transit System, or PRT. A US Department of Transportation research project operating since 1975, it provides daily transportation for students and residents alike.
Coopers Rock State Forest. The state’s largest forest (12,700 acres) offers scenic overlooks, 25 campsites with electricity, fishing, hunting, picnicking, playground, hiking trails, cross country ski trails, souvenir shop, and the Henry Clay Iron Furnace.
Day 2 & 3. Fairmont, Bridgeport, Weston:
(Marion County CVB, www.marioncvb.com) (Greater Bridgeport CVB, www.greater-bridgeport.com) (Lewis County CVB www.stonewallcountry.com)
Barrackville Covered Bridge. Listed in the National Register of Historic Landmarks, this 148-foot, single lane bridge was originally built in 1853. Located in Barrackville, off U.S. Rt. 250 N., County Rt. 21 at the junction of 250/32.
The Father’s Day Church. Central United Methodist Church, the descendant church of Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, where the first observance of Father's Day was held on July 5, 1908.
Prickett's Fort State Park. This nationally registered historic site was originally built in 1774 as a refuge fort on the frontier of Virginia. It was reconstructed in 1976 and today costumed interpreters recreate eighteenth century lifestyle through demonstration of colonial crafts. South of the fort is the 1859 Job Prickett house. The eighteenth century historical reconstruction and original nineteenth century house illustrate the development of an increasingly civilized lifestyle through an 85-year span of time.
Watters Smith Memorial State Park. A 532-acre historical park, which stands as a memorial to the pioneer spirit of Watters Smith who settled here in 1796. It features a historical restoration and interpretive area and recreation activities such as hiking trails, swimming pool, and riding stables.
Masterpiece Crystal. Watch glassblowers at work. Items available include mouth blown and hand pressed Stemware, Barware, Bells, Decanters, Bubble Balls, Brandies, Hurricane Shades, Decorator Vases, Bud Vases, Candlesticks, Candleholders, Votives and decorative marbles. Observe glassblowing Monday thru Friday, gift shop open Monday thru Saturday.
Appalachian Glass. Specializing in mouth-blown "old world" apples and ornaments, Appalachian Glass produces a multitude of unique crystal creations in their studio nestled in the scenic hills of West Virginia. The artisans of Appalachian Glass masterfully blend traditional glassmaking methods with the best of modern techniques. The studio is open and free to the public. Appalachian Glass & Gifts features an assortment of West Virginia products including: mouth-blown glass, stained glass, candles, pottery, quilts, paintings, woodcrafts, candy and WV books.
Jackson’s Mill Historic District. Historic District including the Jackson Family Mill Museum, the Blaker Grist Mill, the McWhorter Cabin and the Mary Conrad Cabin.
Stonewall Resort. Stonewall Resort was created to bring back the natural and untainted environs of the past combined with the finer touches of civility expected by the modern guest. Visit the Arnold Palmer designed golf course, a full service spa, a full service marina, 198 luxuriously appointed rooms and 10 lakeside cottages.