Rafting, climbing, hiking and fishing are popular activities in New River Gorge. Regional craftworks on display at Tamarack where resident artists work in observation studios to demonstrate textile, glass, wood, pottery and jewelry. Coal mining, oil and gas resources fueled the glass industry. Marble King, Inc. manufactures over one million per day at its factory in Paden City. The small town of Cairo hosts annual Marble-fest where collectors buy, sell and trade marbles. Individual artisans create beautiful one of kind marbles too.
Original Mother's Day celebration was held in1908 in the town of Grafton. Neighboring city of Fairmont held first Father's Day celebration. Moundsville name comes from the many Adena Indian burial mounds constructed in the area over 1000 years ago. Harpers Ferry was home to many important historical figures and events that shaped the nation. An important strategic location at the confluence of two rivers, it played an important role in development of industry, the abolition of slavery, the civil war and education of former slaves. Today it's a National Historic Park where visitors learn about John Brown and take in views from several hiking trails.
Miles of scenic railroading pass through heart of the state. Visitors can choose exploring the golden era of steam onboard the Durbin Rocket or reliving life in the 40's in a Pullman car on the New Tygert Flyer. Scenic vistas, tunnels, waterfalls and riding along rivers are highlights in West Virginia's railroad country. Local guides explain the allure of rock climbing at Seneca Rocks. Nelson Rocks includes a "via ferrata", an Italian name for footpath that uses fixed cables and steel ladders to aid in climbing.
(Discoveries America South Atlantic 6 DVD collection includes 5% discount: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, West Virginia and Virginia. Condensed version also available with 6 DVD's in a single case.)
DVDDAWV REVIEW: Educational Media Review Online (EMRO) Discoveries America: West Virginia "This film showcases many of the attractions for which West Virginia is best known. Included are rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, white water rafting down the New River Gorge, craftspeople at Tamarack, Indian burial mounds at Moundsville, the Marble King Inc marble factory in Paden City, and a coal mine operation near Beckley. Each attraction is featured just long enough to rouse your interest, but not so long as to ruin the appeal or surprise of actually seeing it for yourself.
Having grown up in West Virginia, I have visited many of these places, and the film does a good job of accurately portraying the state and its features. The directors chose a variety of locations representing nearly all portions of the state. For example, Moundsville is at the northern extreme of the state, while Beckley and most of the coal mines are in the south. Discoveries...America, West Virginia is a great film to show in a West Virginia studies or history class (required in West Virginia schools) or during a unit on the 50 states."
(Discoveries America South Atlantic 6 DVD collection includes 5% discount: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, West Virginia and Virginia.Condensed version also available with 6 DVD's in a single case.)
