With summer quickly approaching, more and more people will be taking to the roads for warm weather adventures and to enjoy some sunshine through car windows. There’s nothing that puts a bigger smile on people’s faces than some loud music with the windows down, forgetting every care in the world. West Virginia is the best place to experience this beautiful bliss. Here are some reasons why.
1. The Countryside
While driving around in West Virginia, you’re never too far from the rural countryside. Coming from Clarksburg, Morgantown, or even Charleston, there is always a back road you can take an adventure on to forget the woes of the city life or just to clear your head.
2. The Highway
Even if you aren’t able to take the time away to venture through the countryside, interstates like I-79 and US-50 have plenty of beautiful sights and sunshine. The highway can actually be the most enjoyable of all. With the straightest that you’ll get out of West Virginia roads, you can just put your car on cruise and sing every word to your favorite song with your feet out the window (something I’ve seen plenty of times while roaming these roads).
3. Mail Pouch Tobacco
You can’t go too long on these roads without seeing a Mail Pouch Tobacco advertisement on the side of a big red barn. Originating in Wheeling, West Virginia, this forgotten art was once something that covered our beloved state. Even though society has evolved away from barn advertisements, you can still see the decaying barns from the roadside in multiple places. Today, some individuals still participate in this art, such as one of my favorite barns outside of Stonewall Jackson State Park that tells visitors to “have a nice day.”
4. Mysterious Crosses
As long as I can remember, there have been three wooden crosses right off of US-50 near my home. Now, as an adult myself and traveling far and wide across the state, I realize that this is a reoccurring phenomena. West Virginia has the most out of any state (352 sets of crosses)—perhaps this is because they originated here. Born in Craigsville, West Virginia, Bernard Coffindaffer had a vision to plant as many crosses as he could across the nation. With 1,864 sets of crosses in 29 states, I think that Bernard’s vision has left a lasting impression on many lives.
5. The Ending Destination
No matter where you decide to turn around and head home or at your actual destination, it is sure to have just as much hidden beauty as the drive there. A few of my personal favorite places to drive to include Blackwater Falls State Park, Audra State Park, and North Bend State Park for a more scenic view of rural West Virginia. If one is trying to avoid the twists and turns of the countryside, I highly advise Stonewall Jackson State Park or Cathedral State Park.
Anywhere in West Virginia has hidden beauty; you just have to know how to look for it. With warmer weather on the horizon, I advise everyone in the area to get a group of friends and catch some fresh air and sunshine, whether it be just a drive with relaxing music or a fun time geocaching.
