Travel WV
written by emily rice
Destinations on Wheels
Motor Coaching in the Mountain State
Take an immersive trip through the most scenic , historic and unique experiences in the Mountain State on a motor coach . White Star Tours , based out of Reading , PA , offers three separate motor coach tours with West Virginia destinations . These tours explore history , culture and attractions so unique , they can only be found with a top-notch guide alongside . With packages including multiple nights stays , meals , transportation and so much more , White Star Tours brings guests from all over the east coast to experience some of the most infamous spots in West Virginia . So why not motor coach the Mountain State and experience Appalachia in a new way ?
New River Gorge
Fayetteville , WV
History Comes to Life in Harpers Ferry
Photo by Harpers Ferry Park Association .
The storied history of West Virginia ’ s easternmost town began when Robert Harper passed through on his travels . He recognized the potential of the land surrounded by the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers ’ conjunction and purchased that land in 1751 . While a functioning ferry already existed at the site , in 1761 , the Virginia General Assembly granted Harper the right to establish and maintain a ferry across the Potomac . And so , the tradition of tours through Harpers Ferry began .
Another traveler passing through the valley made history in Harpers Ferry on October 25 , 1783 , when Thomas Jefferson visited . From his vantage point of the town on the way to Philadelphia , Jefferson said , “ This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic .” That spot would later be named Jefferson Rock .
Beauty and history converge in Harpers Ferry , which is located at the intersection of Maryland , Virginia and West Virginia , making it a strategic point in battles fought before the official start of the Civil War . Because of the town ’ s strategic position , an armory was established there before the Civil War , leading to John Brown ’ s famous raid on the Harpers Ferry Armory in 1859 .
On this trip , take a four-hour ride aboard Amtrak ’ s Cardinal Train along the scenic Kanawha River and through the New River Gorge . Tour the famous Greenbrier Presidential Bunker then walk the historic streets of charming Lewisburg , WV . This package includes two nights lodging , two breakfasts and two dinners . Also on this trip , enjoy a tour of Heritage Farms and a drive-by tour of Camp Cupcake in Alderson , WV .
According to the Harpers Ferry Park Association ’ s Cathy Baldau , modern visitors to the town can experience history through one of the park ’ s guided tours . A combination of a walking tour and motor coached , guided tours can be modified to fit the visitor .
“ It is a genuine experience , not just a ‘ this happened here ’ tour ,” Baldau says . “ Our guides have tailored the tours to specific needs and specific groups . Usually , the motor coach will come into the park visitor ’ s center , and then our guide will hop on and go with them as they go to the different stops .”
Learn more about Harpers Ferry motor coach tours at harpersferryhistory . org / certified-guide-tours .
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