West Virginia vacation (Parkersburg, Moundsville, Point Pleasant: rent, neighborhoods, live in)

[COBRA94]

My wife and I are thinking of taking a vacation to the mountaineer state. My maternal great grandparents were from Parkersburg, but I myself have never been to any part of WV. We are in our early 30's, from Chicago, I am Irish and Italian-American, my wife is full Italian,but looks Hispanic-(Hope that wont be a problem.) We also have strong Chicago accents.

I am reading that some parts of WV are very clannish, weary of outsiders. ( I am sure this is true of most states in certain areas) no offence intended.I have no Idea if this is true, because some seem to claim the opposite perspective. My question is basically which area do you feel would be the most welcoming toward us, offer the best scenery, etc? Harpers Ferry looks particularly nice. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.

[Almost Heaven WV girl]

What time of year will you be coming to WV?

[Rebek56]

What kinds of things interest you? I live in Parkersburg, which isn't generally considered "touristy," but the Mid-Ohio Valley is reasonably open to diversity, and I've not been bored since I moved here 28 years ago.

[pknopp]

Originally Posted by COBRA94

My wife and I are thinking of taking a vacation to the mountaineer state. My maternal great grandparents were from Parkersburg, but I myself have never been to any part of WV. We are in our early 30's, from Chicago, I am Irish and Italian-American, my wife is full Italian,but looks Hispanic-(Hope that wont be a problem.)

It won't be if you don't let it.

[COBRA94]

We are planning our trip for March. Its funny to think that we would be considered "diverse". My grandparents told me there used to be a fair amount of Italians in WV.
We are interested in sightseeing, hiking, my wife loves to shop. I love the mountains, which is part of the reason I would like to visit WV.
We are considering Parkersburg, Point Pleasant area, and Harpers Ferry. Point Pleasant because of its Mothman incident (I love anything paranormal). Parkersburg, because some of my relatives came from there and Harpers Ferry because my wife thinks the town is beautiful. Any more info on said places or new options would be great. Thanks for your advice.

[Rebek56]

I was thinking of the Chicago accent (smile).

The Mid-Ohio Valley is historic--Indian mounds, Revolutionary War burials, the romantic tragedy of the Blennerhassetts, the Underground Railroad, industrial history--and has some architecturally interesting neighborhoods. We don't have the spectacular scenery of the mountain regions, but there are some nice wildlife refuges nearby. Downtown Marietta is a charming shopping area. You might want to check out the Convention and Visitors Bureau: Home | Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau

Enjoy!

[bobbyconn]

Originally Posted by COBRA94

I am reading that some parts of WV are very clannish, weary of outsiders. (

Have you seen the movie Wrong Turn?

[Zea mays]

Originally Posted by bobbyconn

Have you seen the movie Wrong Turn?

Or the movie Deliverance? (“Where yo' goin' city boy?”)

IMDb Video: Deliverance

Have you considered the White Mountains of New Hampshire for hiking? It's a lot safer than WV.

[amerideaf]

There is the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival. Also, Point Pleasant has the Mothman Festival.

[Two-Rivers]

Pay no attention to things you read and hear from idiots pushing stereotypes. Your best bet on this and the "clannish" subject is to form your own opinion in person, it's the idiots that tend to run into problems, and you'll have that anywhere.

There's plenty of hiking, biking, and sightseeing in the area, and here's a link to one of the top ten ghost tours in the nation.

http://users.wirefire.com/magick/

Don't know much about this one locally (looks to be seasonal), but we did do the Halloween tour of the old prison in Moundsville, it was good for a thrill.

If the weather isn't good for outdoor activity, the Oil and Gas Museum on 3rd St. is good for a couple of hours or so.

Oil and Gas Museum - Parkersburg, West Virginia

The month of March is sort of the off season for most touring, museums may be a good way to beat the weather.

Welcome to the World's Only Mothman Museum!

Not far from P-burg, you can hike, rent a bike or maybe a horse, and hit the rail trail.

North Bend State Park

North Bend Rail Trail - A West Virginia State Park

Closer to town is Mountwood Park, with miles of hiking/biking trails and fishing at the lake.

http://outdoortravels.com/biking_wv_...mountwood.html

If you're heading east toward Harper's Ferry, I like to see Spruce Knob (highest point in the state), Seneca Rocks, Dolly Sods, and Bahre Rocks. Not exactly near Harper's Ferry, but worth the ride.