Visiting in March (Charleston, Huntington, Beckley: ski resort, renting, crime rate)

[Lorann]

Hi All,
We're so excited to be coming out to WV to check it all out. If we love it, we'll be moving out this coming summer. I just wanted to ask what will the weather be like in mid-March? We'll be mainly in Huntington and Charleston. So, is it cold, moderate, rainy???? Any info would be great. Also, are there any festivals going on then? We haven't been able to find any, just thought I'd ask. Thanks.

[snorpus]

Hi Lorann,

I'd say be prepared for anything. Seriously.

If you're lucky, you'll get typical early Spring weather, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. There's even a chance of seeing temps in the 60s; anything above that is pretty unusual. It will rain at least a few of the days during your visit.

On the other hand, some of the coldest, snowiest weather I can remember has come on St. Patrick's Day. Blizzards, whiteouts, 6-12" of snow. That's not likely, but then it has happened, and could happen again.

I spent a long weekend last year at Watoga SP in Pocahontas County, around the 20th of March or so. We had nice sunny days in the mid 40s, but most mornings awoke to an inch or so of new snow. The morning we left, there'd been some freezing rain and the roads were kinda slick till we got over to Summersville.

Huntington and Charleston aren't in the mountains like Watoga is, so the chance of snow is less, but it's still possible. I wouldn't put off the trip, just be sure to bring winter clothes.

Regards,
Snorpus

[Lorann]

Thanks so much Snorpus.

[tbailey1138]

As above, be ready for Winter or Early Spring weather. Season transitions in WV are varied in what type of weather you will see. Sometimes you will have a day or two of nice weather and then it will turn cold again. So your best option would be to pack for the 40s and 50s and also bring Winter coats just incase it gets colder. Hope this helps.
Tim

[awakenthesun22]

Lorann, I hope you have a wonderful time. If you get a chance, go into the mountains for some sight seeing as well. They're gorgeous!

[Lorann]

Thanks awakenthesun, I hope we have time to see some of the state. We're flying into Columbus, renting a car for the week, and flying out of Pittsburg. So, if all goes as planned we should be able to see some of the different areas of WV. We'll spend most of our time in Huntington and Charleston, looking around, touring the schools, and hopefully eating some good food at some of the local places. Can't wait!!!!

[snorpus]

Hi Lorann,

I don't know how specific your plans are, but if you want, I can lay out a nice day-trip itinerary that will get you away from Charleston and into the more mountainous parts of the state, but short enough that you'll be back in Charleston that same evening.

Snorpus

[wvrose]

Visiting in June. At last I am able to come home for a long awaited visit and "look see" to find a possible place to move back. Will be in Elkins staying with family, and going to Charleston for a Christian Convention. Also traveling south to Marlinton to scope it out for possible move there. I have never been there so if anyone wants to tell me some facts on Marlinton I would love to hear from you. Crime rate in ratio to population town, etc. your experiences and thoughts on the town. I have some friends there I plan to visit. Flooding is a main concern of mine. Thank you,,Patsy (seeking cozyhollow )

[Lorann]

Originally Posted by snorpus

Hi Lorann,

I don't know how specific your plans are, but if you want, I can lay out a nice day-trip itinerary that will get you away from Charleston and into the more mountainous parts of the state, but short enough that you'll be back in Charleston that same evening.

Snorpus

That would be much appreciated. That's very nice of you. All ideas are welcome

[snorpus]

OK, Lorann, let's see how this works. Times and distances are per maps.google.com.

* Leaving Charleston, take I-64 East (which is also I-77 South). This will quickly become the West Virginia Turnpike. The first leg of the trip takes you 60 miles (1 hour) to Beckley.

* Take Exit 45 in Beckley to Tamarack, The Best of West Virginia. This is a showcase for West Virginia culture, heritage, handcrafts, art, regional cuisine and music. www.tamarack.terradon.com (broken link)

* After you visit Tamarack, get back on the WV Turnpike and continue on I-64E/I-77W. A few miles south of Beckley, the two Interstates will split; you want to stay left on I-64E, towards Lewisburg and Roanoke. Shortly after the split, you'll get a thrill as the highway descends from the southern highlands to the beginning of the New River Gorge. Continue on I-64E to Lewisburg, WV; about 55 miles and another hour from Tamarack.

* Exit from I-64 at Lewisburg onto US Rte 219. Downtown Lewisburg is to your right (south), about a mile or two. The downtown area has a number of buildings dating to the Civil War era, and maps with a walking tour are available.

* Now, head north on Rte 219 towards Marlinton (40 miles, close to an hour drive). About 30 miles north of Lewisburg, you'll descend Droop Mountain into the town of Hillsboro. The Country Roads Cafe (on the right in the middle of town) would be a great place for lunch. Leaving town, Pearl S. Buck's birthplace is on your left. Just beyond the Buck homestead, a right turn would take you to Watoga State Park.

* As Rte 219 descends into Marlinton, watch for hawks (and possibly eagles) riding the thermals rising from the Greenbrier River Valley below. Downtown Marlinton is to the right at the stop light. The Pocahontas County Visitors Bureau is in the old Marlinton train station, about 3 blocks across the bridge. If you turn this trip into a 2-day excursion, the Marlinton Motor Inn, about 3 miles north of town, is a good possibility.

* Continuing north on Rte 219 out of Marlinton, you'll cross Cheat and Elk Mountains. A possible side trip on WV Rte 66 would take you to Snoeshoe Ski Resort and the Cass Scenic Railroad (which won't be operating in March). Another interesting stop is Sharp's Country Store, in Slaty Fork.

* Elkins is about an hour and a half (65 miles) north of Marlinton. Several motels and restaurants, as well as a number of Victorian era houses, it's also the home of Davis and Elkins College.

* Follow US Rte 33 West out of Elkins, to begin the return leg of your trip. You'll cross the western slope of the Allegheny Mountains and eventually meet I-79 near Weston, WV. Just south of Weston is the Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park and Resort. (40 miles, 45 minutes, from Elkins to Weston.)

* At Weston, take I-79 South back towards Charleston. This leg will be about 100 miles, an hour and a half or so.

Approximate Total Mileage: 360
Approximate Total Driving Time: About 7 hours

If possible, I'd really recommend breaking this into two days, staying overnight either in Marlinton or Elkins (there's not much in the way of motels in between the two). That way you wouldn't be rushed, and would have plenty of time for sightseeing.

Regards,
Snorpus