Sun, sand, surf and fools losing valuables! Maybe that sounds cynical, but that is a good way for metal detecting fans to look at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Whether its coins, gold / silver / platinum jewelry, electronics, or the once in a lifetime ancient coin washing ashore, Myrtle Beach is a great place to metal detect. While my personal finds have been limited to junk, a few odd coins, and some costume jewelry Myrtle Beach has served up some great find and will continue to do so.
According to the City of Myrtle Beach's website (www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com) metal detecting is allowed on the beach. The city's website notes that you are not allowed to climb on the beach dunes or to damage the beach grass. This stipulation pertains to all users of the beach area in order to protect some scrap of nature in this overdeveloped area. Damaging dunes or grass can result in a steep fine and a large dose of bad karma for being such an idiot. Check with the city before metal detecting to determine any changes to regulations. "Some guy on the internet said..." is not a way to start a legal defense.
Myrtle Beach offers a great place to metal detect except on the most crowded days. While you will have to take a meandering course during the day, you can always find enough open area to not disturb beach goers too much (or them disturb you). Night time offers a greater opportunity to be alone on the beach. While the beach never completely empties, you will have no problem finding elbow room to metal detect. In my experience police patrols run the beach all night if you are concerned about your safety. Of course, if you have a serious concern for your safety, just leave. Nothing you might find is worth more than your safety.
Low tide also provides a great time to metal detect. Coins and jewelry lost by swimmers in even the slightest amount of ocean water is unlikely to be found. The trashing water and sand will quickly cover up an item and finding it is extremely unlikely (without a metal detector!). Low tide allows metal detection in these areas where items are often lost. One item often found is toe rings that apparently come off in the sand. If you do find valuable jewelry you should check around to see if it has been reported lost. Finding someone's engagement ring and not trying to find the owner is just greedy.
Myrtle Beach is a great place to introduce kids to the metal detecting hobby. Finds often come quickly, even if they are only coins. The beach can help keep their attention until the detector finds something. A good first metal detecting experience can result in a lifelong treasure hunt companion.
Next time you are headed to Myrtle Beach, don't forget the detector. You may even find enough to pay for the trip!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Mountwood Park in West Virginia: Hiking, Biking, Camping, Picnicking and Fishing
Mountwood Park near Parkersburg, West Virginia, is a full service park centered around a man made lake. Mountwood Lake and angler Clyde E. Beckett gained fame in 1994 when the West Virginia state tiger musky record was caught at Mount wood (according to wvdnr.gov). Mountwood Park is primarily used by locals as a place to fish, hike, bike, and picnic but does offer a wide range of services and activities.
A variety of events is held in the park from Volcano Days to Civil War reenactments. Volcano Days celebrates the community of Volcano. Volcano was an oil town in the late 1800's until a fire destroyed most of it. Today Mountwood Park sits on the location where Volcano once stood. Other events held in the park include fishing tournaments and mountain bike events.
In addition to the previously mentioned tiger musky, Mountwood Lake also holds largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish and enormous carp. Mountwood Park offers a handicap accessible fishing pier to the disabled. One draw back of Mountwood Lake is that it does not offer a lot of easily accessible fishing locations for the young or elderly. There are a few spots that are easy to access, but once they are full it is quite a hike to get to the water. Mountwood Lake does allow kids to fish from the boat docks.
Mountwood Lake is stocked with trout in the spring by the WV DNR. My personal experience with trout from Mountwood has not been good, but many others reliably catch their limit (or so they say!). Mountwood Park does rent boats seasonally, swimming is not allowed in the lake.
Mountwood Park also offers overnight accommodations for visitors. A large campground is available with normal amenities for tent and RV Camping. Primitive camping sites are also available near the lake. Mountwood Park also rents a 'beach house' by the lake for a very reasonable rate. Another more rusitc cabin is also available for a low nightly rental.
Mountwood Parks also offers a disc golf course, numerous hiking and biking trails, a concession stand, numerous shelters that can be reserved, historic sites, horseshoes, basketball, softball field, and much more. Mountwood Park also has a shooting range near the lake.
Mountwood Park is located about 12 miles east of Parkersburg, WV, on both sides of Route 50. Heading east on Route 50, the lake is on the right and the campground is on the left. For last minute supplies, Reese's Country Store is located near the park. Reese's is just off of Route 50 before Mountwood Park on the left (if coming from Parkersburg). They have large visible signs on Route 50. Check out their displays of local and state wildlife, as well as the state record Tiger Musky.
A variety of events is held in the park from Volcano Days to Civil War reenactments. Volcano Days celebrates the community of Volcano. Volcano was an oil town in the late 1800's until a fire destroyed most of it. Today Mountwood Park sits on the location where Volcano once stood. Other events held in the park include fishing tournaments and mountain bike events.
In addition to the previously mentioned tiger musky, Mountwood Lake also holds largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish and enormous carp. Mountwood Park offers a handicap accessible fishing pier to the disabled. One draw back of Mountwood Lake is that it does not offer a lot of easily accessible fishing locations for the young or elderly. There are a few spots that are easy to access, but once they are full it is quite a hike to get to the water. Mountwood Lake does allow kids to fish from the boat docks.
Mountwood Lake is stocked with trout in the spring by the WV DNR. My personal experience with trout from Mountwood has not been good, but many others reliably catch their limit (or so they say!). Mountwood Park does rent boats seasonally, swimming is not allowed in the lake.
Mountwood Park also offers overnight accommodations for visitors. A large campground is available with normal amenities for tent and RV Camping. Primitive camping sites are also available near the lake. Mountwood Park also rents a 'beach house' by the lake for a very reasonable rate. Another more rusitc cabin is also available for a low nightly rental.
Mountwood Parks also offers a disc golf course, numerous hiking and biking trails, a concession stand, numerous shelters that can be reserved, historic sites, horseshoes, basketball, softball field, and much more. Mountwood Park also has a shooting range near the lake.
Mountwood Park is located about 12 miles east of Parkersburg, WV, on both sides of Route 50. Heading east on Route 50, the lake is on the right and the campground is on the left. For last minute supplies, Reese's Country Store is located near the park. Reese's is just off of Route 50 before Mountwood Park on the left (if coming from Parkersburg). They have large visible signs on Route 50. Check out their displays of local and state wildlife, as well as the state record Tiger Musky.
5 Ideas for Weekend Trips from San Antonio, Texas
With many people seeking to make weekend trips, day trips, and vacations closer to home this year, this article is being written to give some ideas to the people in and around San Antonio, Texas, for trips that are not too far from home. The advantages of shorter trips are many including saving money and getting to spend more time at your destination and less time traveling. While I have included Austin on the list, the other ideas are not larger cities as their attractions should be well known.
Austin, TX, is a city that is known for both its history and for its culture. A lively night life and numerous museums and other attractions can suit the tastes of about anyone. Some sites of interest include the Austin Zoo, an opera, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, French Legation Museum and scores of restaurants. Austin is located northeast of San Antonio via Interstate 35.
Fredericksburg, Texas, is a city of less than 10,000 people, but it is also home to Enchanted Rock State Park and the National Museum of the Pacific War. The National Museum of the Pacific War includes many interesting artifacts and informational displays about the war in the Pacific.
Fredericksburg is located northwest of San Antonio, TX, via Interstate 10 and US Route 87.
Big Bend National Park in Texas offers something that most people need, a whole lot of nothing. Big Bend offers camping from primitive and rustic to more developed, but has a lot of area without much of anything. This is a great place to unwind and relax. Gather information on this large park before entering to assure that you are headed where you want to go. For safety's sake don't wander in Big Bend without gasoline and water as the next stop may be quite distant. Big Bend National Park is located to the west of San Antonio via US Route 90 and then south on US Route 385.
Goliad is a town of about 200 people. Home to Goliad State Park (which offers camping, a petting zoo, fishing, swimming and more) and other attractions, Goliad is a relaxing place to spend a weekend. Texas Revolution history is significant in this area. Goliad, TX, is located to the southeast of San Antonio via US Route 181 (or Interstate 37) and US Route 59.
Corpus Christi, TX, offers a lot of attractions, but the water has to be the biggest for most travelers. Seeing the sights and heading out to the water to swim, sunbath, boat, or fish is a great way to spend a few days. Corpus Christi is located southeast of San Antonio via Interstate 37.
Residents of the Lone Star State are fortunate to live in a large state with various climates and ways of life. Whether you are looking for the bright lights of the city or the bright lights of a star filled sky, Texas can offer it all. Check out some of these or other nearby attractions for a great trip or vacation.
Austin, TX, is a city that is known for both its history and for its culture. A lively night life and numerous museums and other attractions can suit the tastes of about anyone. Some sites of interest include the Austin Zoo, an opera, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, French Legation Museum and scores of restaurants. Austin is located northeast of San Antonio via Interstate 35.
Fredericksburg, Texas, is a city of less than 10,000 people, but it is also home to Enchanted Rock State Park and the National Museum of the Pacific War. The National Museum of the Pacific War includes many interesting artifacts and informational displays about the war in the Pacific.
Fredericksburg is located northwest of San Antonio, TX, via Interstate 10 and US Route 87.
Big Bend National Park in Texas offers something that most people need, a whole lot of nothing. Big Bend offers camping from primitive and rustic to more developed, but has a lot of area without much of anything. This is a great place to unwind and relax. Gather information on this large park before entering to assure that you are headed where you want to go. For safety's sake don't wander in Big Bend without gasoline and water as the next stop may be quite distant. Big Bend National Park is located to the west of San Antonio via US Route 90 and then south on US Route 385.
Goliad is a town of about 200 people. Home to Goliad State Park (which offers camping, a petting zoo, fishing, swimming and more) and other attractions, Goliad is a relaxing place to spend a weekend. Texas Revolution history is significant in this area. Goliad, TX, is located to the southeast of San Antonio via US Route 181 (or Interstate 37) and US Route 59.
Corpus Christi, TX, offers a lot of attractions, but the water has to be the biggest for most travelers. Seeing the sights and heading out to the water to swim, sunbath, boat, or fish is a great way to spend a few days. Corpus Christi is located southeast of San Antonio via Interstate 37.
Residents of the Lone Star State are fortunate to live in a large state with various climates and ways of life. Whether you are looking for the bright lights of the city or the bright lights of a star filled sky, Texas can offer it all. Check out some of these or other nearby attractions for a great trip or vacation.
Weekend or Weeklong Trip Locations Near Columbus, Ohio
Whether you are looking for a weekend escape near to Columbus, Ohio, or seeking to plan an inexpensive vacation, here are 10 ideas for destinations near to Ohio's state capital.
Newark, Ohio, is located less than an hour from Columbus. Newark is home to the Newark Earthworks which is a collection of Native American / Indian Mounds and a Museum. Newark is also home to Heisey Glass Museum, Flint Ridge State Memorial and Museum, and much more.
Farther to the east in Chester, WV, is the Mountaineer Racetrack. The Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort is a complete destination with horseracing, casino games, shopping, and hotel. Tomilson Run State Park and Homer Laughlin China (makers of Fiesta) are nearby as well.
Sandusky, Ohio, is located about two hours north of Columbus. Situated on the banks of Lake Erie, Sandusky is a great destination for fishing, boating, and of course Cedar Point Amusement Park.
Located just over an hour to the west is Dayton, OH. Dayton was the home of the Wright Brothers workshop and other sites and the US Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (which is free).
About an hour south of the current capital of Ohio is Chillicothe, the former capital of Ohio. Chillicothe is home to the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park (Mound Builders) and several historic homes that can be toured. Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities are available in the area including at Great Seal State Park.
Marietta, OH, is located about two hours to the southeast of Columbus. The city at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers offers the Campus Martius Museum of Ohio's settlement, numerous festivals, and a pleasant downtown shopping experience. Across the river in Williamstown, WV, is Fenton Art Glass.
Caesar Creek State Park is located just over an hour to the southeast from Columbus (basically between Dayton and Cincinnati). Caesar Creek is located near the town of Waynesville and offers something for everyone. A unique feature of the park is the availability of fossil collection (a permit is required!).
Ohio's Amish Country in the Berlin, OH, area is located just over two hour to the northeast of Columbus. Great food, crafts, furniture, and perhaps best of all the calm and quiet lifestyle of the Amish.
Hocking Hills State Park is another great place for a relaxing trip that is about an hour and a half to the southeast. Hocking Hills is a picturesque location that offers accommodations including camping, cabins, lodge rooms, and local hotels and bed and breakfasts.
For the tenth place, how about a ghost hunt at the Mansfield Reformatory? Standard tours are also available. Mansfield is located about an hour north of Columbus.
Of course, the other larger cities in Ohio including Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Youngstown offer a lot of choices for those seeking a destination for a trip from Columbus.
Newark, Ohio, is located less than an hour from Columbus. Newark is home to the Newark Earthworks which is a collection of Native American / Indian Mounds and a Museum. Newark is also home to Heisey Glass Museum, Flint Ridge State Memorial and Museum, and much more.
Farther to the east in Chester, WV, is the Mountaineer Racetrack. The Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort is a complete destination with horseracing, casino games, shopping, and hotel. Tomilson Run State Park and Homer Laughlin China (makers of Fiesta) are nearby as well.
Sandusky, Ohio, is located about two hours north of Columbus. Situated on the banks of Lake Erie, Sandusky is a great destination for fishing, boating, and of course Cedar Point Amusement Park.
Located just over an hour to the west is Dayton, OH. Dayton was the home of the Wright Brothers workshop and other sites and the US Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (which is free).
About an hour south of the current capital of Ohio is Chillicothe, the former capital of Ohio. Chillicothe is home to the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park (Mound Builders) and several historic homes that can be toured. Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities are available in the area including at Great Seal State Park.
Marietta, OH, is located about two hours to the southeast of Columbus. The city at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers offers the Campus Martius Museum of Ohio's settlement, numerous festivals, and a pleasant downtown shopping experience. Across the river in Williamstown, WV, is Fenton Art Glass.
Caesar Creek State Park is located just over an hour to the southeast from Columbus (basically between Dayton and Cincinnati). Caesar Creek is located near the town of Waynesville and offers something for everyone. A unique feature of the park is the availability of fossil collection (a permit is required!).
Ohio's Amish Country in the Berlin, OH, area is located just over two hour to the northeast of Columbus. Great food, crafts, furniture, and perhaps best of all the calm and quiet lifestyle of the Amish.
Hocking Hills State Park is another great place for a relaxing trip that is about an hour and a half to the southeast. Hocking Hills is a picturesque location that offers accommodations including camping, cabins, lodge rooms, and local hotels and bed and breakfasts.
For the tenth place, how about a ghost hunt at the Mansfield Reformatory? Standard tours are also available. Mansfield is located about an hour north of Columbus.
Of course, the other larger cities in Ohio including Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Youngstown offer a lot of choices for those seeking a destination for a trip from Columbus.
Touring the Insane Asylum at Weston West Virginia: A Great Destination for Ghost Hunters and Thrill Seekers
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was opened by the Commonwealth of Virginia in Weston, Virginia during the 1850's. The hospital was opened in 1864. By then Weston was a part of the fledgling state of West Virginia. As the country was still in the grips of The Civil War (The War Between the States) the hospital began receiving patients. The hospital was closed in 1994 and the current patients were moved to the new state hospital built just down the road.
Today the enormous and imposing old Weston State Hospital host tours of the facility for visitors, ghost hunters, historians, and anyone interested in history. The Weston State Hospital has been visited by television show Ghost Hunters (TAPS) and seen on the Sci Fi Channel. The large building is very creepy and certainly if ghosts exist this would be a great place to find one. The hospital was home to tortured minds and torturous treatment by today's standards. I'm not one to quickly pass judgment on the ignorance of those in the past but the fact remains that many patients surely were treated in a barbaric way whether purposefully or not. The Weston State Hospital was definitely overcrowded (at one time well over 2000 patients lived there) and many lobotomies were reportedly performed here. One of the patients was a man named Charles Manson (how the heck did he get out?).
The old Weston State Hospital is reported as one of the largest hand cut stone buildings in the United States. The building is large and imposing sitting in a fenced in yard away from other urban development. One of the features that stands out to me is the open porches on one side of the building covered with chain link fence. I assume this area was reserved for patients who couldn't be trusted to go out into the yard with the other patients to get fresh air. Life in this facility must have been very bleak and defeating for those not as disabled as the majority. Regardless of the ghosts and history, the architecture of the building is enough to draw tourists to this great old building.
While visiting the Weston area don't forget to look around town. Like most of West Virginia, time seems to have passed unnoticed. The town has many small diners, antique stores, and other small town charms.
Today the enormous and imposing old Weston State Hospital host tours of the facility for visitors, ghost hunters, historians, and anyone interested in history. The Weston State Hospital has been visited by television show Ghost Hunters (TAPS) and seen on the Sci Fi Channel. The large building is very creepy and certainly if ghosts exist this would be a great place to find one. The hospital was home to tortured minds and torturous treatment by today's standards. I'm not one to quickly pass judgment on the ignorance of those in the past but the fact remains that many patients surely were treated in a barbaric way whether purposefully or not. The Weston State Hospital was definitely overcrowded (at one time well over 2000 patients lived there) and many lobotomies were reportedly performed here. One of the patients was a man named Charles Manson (how the heck did he get out?).
The old Weston State Hospital is reported as one of the largest hand cut stone buildings in the United States. The building is large and imposing sitting in a fenced in yard away from other urban development. One of the features that stands out to me is the open porches on one side of the building covered with chain link fence. I assume this area was reserved for patients who couldn't be trusted to go out into the yard with the other patients to get fresh air. Life in this facility must have been very bleak and defeating for those not as disabled as the majority. Regardless of the ghosts and history, the architecture of the building is enough to draw tourists to this great old building.
While visiting the Weston area don't forget to look around town. Like most of West Virginia, time seems to have passed unnoticed. The town has many small diners, antique stores, and other small town charms.
John Deere Factory Tours and More in Waterloo Iowa
Waterloo, IA, is located in the central part of the state. Just east of Cedar Falls, Waterloo is situated just north of US Route 20. Waterloo is an interesting city for many reasons. Aside from a number of sites of cultural interest, Waterloo is the home of a John Deere factory.
John Deere is a quintessential American company. The producer of farm equipment is a highly recognized American brand name that has capitalized on its popularity. From framed art to die cast miniatures, John Deere items are sold in a variety of outlets. To get a firsthand look at the tractor production process, the John Deere Waterloo Works is a must visit. The tour lasts for over an hour of the entire grounds from engine works to assembly. Visitors must be over 12 and well covered toe shoes. Reservations are required, but admission is free. If you are looking to buy a tractor to work the back 40, I'm sure they will work something out for you too.
If farm equipment isn't your thing, head on over to the Waterloo Museum of Art. The museum holds a permanent collection of American, regional, and Haitian Art as well as displaying other exhibitions. Works of Grant Wood are on display as well. The Waterloo Museum of Art is open everyday but Monday and admission is free. The gift shop sells works of art of local and regional artists.
Waterloo also offers a number of other interesting sites of cultural and historical interest. The Waterloo Community Playhouse offers periodic productions throughout the year. The Grout Museum of History and Science has exhibits dealing with grout. No, I am kidding, the museum displays exhibits related to history and science. The museum also possesses a planetarium that is always a big hit with kids. The Rensselaer Russell House Museum is a Victorian Home finished with period pieces. The George Wyth Memorial State Park offers over a 1000 acres for public enjoyment including fishing, camping, and more.
Waterloo, IA, provides a variety of accommodations. In addition to tent and RV camping at George Wyth Memorial State Park , there are a number of national chain and locally owned hotels.
There are also a number of sites of interest in the Waterloo, IA, area. Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa as well as numerous museums and historical homes. A number of State Parks are also in the area including Heery Woods, Pine Lake, and Union Grove.
John Deere is a quintessential American company. The producer of farm equipment is a highly recognized American brand name that has capitalized on its popularity. From framed art to die cast miniatures, John Deere items are sold in a variety of outlets. To get a firsthand look at the tractor production process, the John Deere Waterloo Works is a must visit. The tour lasts for over an hour of the entire grounds from engine works to assembly. Visitors must be over 12 and well covered toe shoes. Reservations are required, but admission is free. If you are looking to buy a tractor to work the back 40, I'm sure they will work something out for you too.
If farm equipment isn't your thing, head on over to the Waterloo Museum of Art. The museum holds a permanent collection of American, regional, and Haitian Art as well as displaying other exhibitions. Works of Grant Wood are on display as well. The Waterloo Museum of Art is open everyday but Monday and admission is free. The gift shop sells works of art of local and regional artists.
Waterloo also offers a number of other interesting sites of cultural and historical interest. The Waterloo Community Playhouse offers periodic productions throughout the year. The Grout Museum of History and Science has exhibits dealing with grout. No, I am kidding, the museum displays exhibits related to history and science. The museum also possesses a planetarium that is always a big hit with kids. The Rensselaer Russell House Museum is a Victorian Home finished with period pieces. The George Wyth Memorial State Park offers over a 1000 acres for public enjoyment including fishing, camping, and more.
Waterloo, IA, provides a variety of accommodations. In addition to tent and RV camping at George Wyth Memorial State Park , there are a number of national chain and locally owned hotels.
There are also a number of sites of interest in the Waterloo, IA, area. Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa as well as numerous museums and historical homes. A number of State Parks are also in the area including Heery Woods, Pine Lake, and Union Grove.
5 Spooky and Haunted Places in West Virginia
Born of the strife of the Civil War, West Virginia is a state with more than its share of painful places that should make a good home to specters, ghouls and ghosts. From prisons to insane asylums, scenes of murders to places of terrible accidents, here are four places that you can visit to find a hauntingly good time. As a lifelong resident of various parts of West Virginia and a history major in college, these stories are well known to me and I have visited all of these locations. For more information on each follow the links.
A ghost hunt in West Virginia should start at the old State Penitentiary in Moundsville. The prison was the site of riots and other disturbances. Perhaps the souls of some former inmates still haunt the cell blocks at this massive stone building. The original electric chair is still there and tourists can get their picture taken in it. Don't worry, I'm sure it has been unplugged. (www.wvpentours.com)
Point Pleasant West Virginia is best known as the location of the Mothman. The winged creature made its appearance in town shortly before the collapse of the local bridge over the Ohio River plunged dozens of locals to their deaths in the cold murky water. Whether you are searching for ghosts or other supernatural phenomenon, Point Pleasant is a hot spot you won't want to miss. (www.mothmanlives.com)
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum / Weston State Hospital is another huge stone building where thousands of tortured souls spent their days. Living in terrible conditions (by today's standards) this is a place where it is logical for those to return after death. (http://www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com)
Another location that a ghost hunter shouldn't miss is in the lovely Babcock State Park. The working grist mill on a scenic mountain stream is one of the most widely used scenes in West Virginia travel brochures. But just down from the mill stands cabin #13. Cabin #13 was the site of a grizzly murder. A preacher and his wife stayed there in the 1990's and the wife ended up dead. The husband was convicted of her murder. Apparently he needed her gone to be with his male lover. Hopefully the preacher has a good highlighter so he mark all the verses of the Bible that he missed that resulted in his imprisonment. In any case cabin #13 would be an eerie place to stay in a beautiful park. My information on this murder came from news coverage at the time and a conversation with a park employee during my stay.
Located in the center of West Virginia lies the small town of Flatwoods. In the 1950s it is rumored that a UFO crashed nearby and shortly thereafter some locals began seeing a monster. Thousands have come to this area over the years to search for the Flatwoods Monster as it is known locally. There is an outlet mall nearby for those not interested in monster hunting. This is a story I have heard numerous times from my Dad and Aunt who were young children when this happened and of big interest to them at the time.
Though not rumored to be haunted there are also mummies on display in the town of Philippi. Doesn't get much creepier
A ghost hunt in West Virginia should start at the old State Penitentiary in Moundsville. The prison was the site of riots and other disturbances. Perhaps the souls of some former inmates still haunt the cell blocks at this massive stone building. The original electric chair is still there and tourists can get their picture taken in it. Don't worry, I'm sure it has been unplugged. (www.wvpentours.com)
Point Pleasant West Virginia is best known as the location of the Mothman. The winged creature made its appearance in town shortly before the collapse of the local bridge over the Ohio River plunged dozens of locals to their deaths in the cold murky water. Whether you are searching for ghosts or other supernatural phenomenon, Point Pleasant is a hot spot you won't want to miss. (www.mothmanlives.com)
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum / Weston State Hospital is another huge stone building where thousands of tortured souls spent their days. Living in terrible conditions (by today's standards) this is a place where it is logical for those to return after death. (http://www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com)
Another location that a ghost hunter shouldn't miss is in the lovely Babcock State Park. The working grist mill on a scenic mountain stream is one of the most widely used scenes in West Virginia travel brochures. But just down from the mill stands cabin #13. Cabin #13 was the site of a grizzly murder. A preacher and his wife stayed there in the 1990's and the wife ended up dead. The husband was convicted of her murder. Apparently he needed her gone to be with his male lover. Hopefully the preacher has a good highlighter so he mark all the verses of the Bible that he missed that resulted in his imprisonment. In any case cabin #13 would be an eerie place to stay in a beautiful park. My information on this murder came from news coverage at the time and a conversation with a park employee during my stay.
Located in the center of West Virginia lies the small town of Flatwoods. In the 1950s it is rumored that a UFO crashed nearby and shortly thereafter some locals began seeing a monster. Thousands have come to this area over the years to search for the Flatwoods Monster as it is known locally. There is an outlet mall nearby for those not interested in monster hunting. This is a story I have heard numerous times from my Dad and Aunt who were young children when this happened and of big interest to them at the time.
Though not rumored to be haunted there are also mummies on display in the town of Philippi. Doesn't get much creepier
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