Adkins - West Virginia: an explorers guide

Welcome to the second edition of West Virginia: An Explorers Guide , the states most comprehensive travel companion. All attractions, lodgings, and restaurants are chosen on the basis of merit, not paid advertising. The organization of the book is simple, but the following points will help to get you started on your way.

WHATS WHERE

In the beginning of the book is an alphabetical listing with thumbnail sketches of special highlights, important information, and advice on everything from finding the best art galleries to attending a festival celebrating one of the states finest natural delicacies, the ramp.

LODGING

Lodging establishments mentioned in this book are selected on the basis of merit; no innkeeper or business owner was charged for inclusion. When making reservations, which almost all B&Bs require, ask about the policy on children, pets, smoking, and acceptance of credit cards. Many B&Bs do not accept children under 12, and some places have a minimum-stay policy, especially on weekends, holidays, and during special events.

Rates : The rates are for two people to stay in one room for one night and are weekend rates during what the establishment considers its high season. Weekday and off-season rates may be lower. However, please do not hold the respective innkeepers or the author responsible for the rates listed as this book went to press. Changes are inevitable. State, local, and room taxes (which can be above 10 percent) have not been included.

RESTAURANTS

Please note the distinction between Dining Out and Eating Out. By their nature, restaurants in the Eating Out section are less expensive and more casual. Many restaurants change their menus often; the specific dishes mentioned in this book may not be available when you dine. They are cited to give you a general idea of the cuisine offered. Like the lodging rates quoted in this book, menu prices were current when it went to press. However, as we all know, prices never go down; be prepared for them to have risen somewhat.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

Special value. The special-value symbol appears next to lodgings, restaurants, and other attractions that offer a quality not often found at the price charged.

Child-friendly. The crayon symbol appears next to places or activities that accept and/or appeal to young children, or have a childrens menu.

Pets. The pet symbol appears next to places, activities, and lodgings that accept pets. Almost all lodging accommodations require that you inform them of a pet when you make a reservation and often request an additional fee.

Handicapped access. The wheelchair symbol appears next to lodgings, restaurants, and attractions that are partially or completely handicapped-accessible.

Rainy-day activity. The rainy-day symbol appears next to places of interest and things to do that are appropriate for inclement-weather days.

Weddings. The wedding-ring symbol appears next to establishments that specialize in weddings.

Bars. The martini glass symbol appears next to establishments that have choice selections of beers, wines, and other alcoholic beverages.

Dont miss this. The dont-miss-this symbol appears next to places, activities, and sights that you will remember a long time after you return home.

I am not exaggerating when I say hundreds of people had a hand in helping me put this book together. Many spent multiple hours setting up efficient itineraries for me; others spent days driving me around; some unselfishly gave of their historical and natural-history knowledge; and quite a number took time out of busy schedules to open museums, historic sites, and other establishments during off hours. I was generously granted places to stay; dozens of people spent evenings looking over portions of the manuscript; and many others were consistently patient and polite even when I pestered them time after time. Every entry in this book represents hours that someone was willing to help me. Without the assistance of all of them, this book would still be but an idea.

Heartfelt thanks goes to Bob Anderson, South Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau; Christy Bailey, Coal Heritage Highway Authority; Twila Clark, Denny Bellemy, and Jacob G. Hill, Mason County Tourism Center; Bonnie Branciaroli, Potomac Highlands Travel Council; Stacey Brodak and Jack Thompson, Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau; Linda Bush, Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Joe Cardullo, Summersville Chamber of Commerce; Susan E. Church, Lewis County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Mallie Combs-Snyder, Hardy County Rural Development Authority; Shannon Dean, Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau; Sandra Dionne, Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Cindy Dragan, New River Convention and Visitors Bureau; Tim Brady, Gabe Feist, and Cynthia Hunter, Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Center; Helen Graves, Monroe County Tourism; Sheila Haney, Preston County Visitors Center; Paul Zuros, Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau; Belinda Metheney, Preston County Chamber of Commerce; Michelle M. Blumhagen and Janet Harlow, Hampshire County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Marvin Gelhausen, Grafton/Taylor County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Betty B. Carver and Tricia Sizemore, Department of Commerce; and Mel Hobbs and Gail Hyer, Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.