I'm planning a surprise, small vacation for my parents. They have shown an interest in West Virginia, but haven't specified a particular area (I don't think they are even sure). Which areas would you suggest?

They would be driving from the Baltimore area and are in their 60's. They enjoy charming towns, ma and pa restaurants, and antiques shops. They enjoy natural beauty and sights, but are more likely to view them while on a drive - they are not interesting in hiking, white-water rafting, etc. They are usually pretty ambitious on their trips - they like to see as much as they can, they are not interested in relaxing and being idle.

Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

I'm topping this because I know there are some people who are very knowledgeable about WV and can give you great ideas.

I'm no expert, but I really like visiting Harper's Ferry and Berkley Springs. Both are in the panhandle - only a few hours' drive from Baltimore. Canaan Valley is a favorite too. But since your parents don't hike or ski, I'm not sure they would find much to do.

What about The Greenbrier in White Sulpher Springs? Never been there, but it sounds wonderful.

Lewisburg WV, the town near the Greenbrier, might be the place you are looking for. A recent WashPost article has detals:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/
article/2006/09/26/AR2006092601360.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/
article/2006/09/26/AR2006092601357.html

Thank you both for your suggestions. I particularly like the idea of Lewisburg - I'm going to look into that further.

Click on my ID and look for posts about WVA. At this time there is one numbered #66 (Most Scenic Spot In WVA) and #85 (WVA Trip Report) and #98 (Southern WVA...)all Fodorites exchanging information about this beautiful part of the country.

What time of year? How long of a drive?

Lewisburg is a great suggestion as is Harpers Ferry and Berkley Springs.

While in Lewisburg, be sure to check out the bunker at The Greenbrier. Tours are avaialable to non-registered guests of The Greenbrier. Public tours are available twice a week, Sundays and Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m., from the White Sulphur Springs Civic Center. For more info, goto http://www.greenbrier.com/site/bunker.aspx

For more on Lewisburg and Greenbrier County, goto http://www.greenbrierwv.com/home/index.asp

Your parents would love you forever and ever if you could get them at least a one night stay at The Greenbrier. It is VERY pricey but the ambience is so old south and charming. You cannot get on the grounds of The Greenbrier unless you are staying there.
Goto http://www.greenbrier.com/site/

The Greenbrier was recently named to CNN's Top 25 Hidden Treasures. http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2004/summer.trips/

If it is summer or fall, I recommend Canaan Valley and Buckhannon, WV. Many shops on Main Street in Buckhannon are now antique shops and it is a charming older town. Canaan Valley has Blackwater Falls, mountainmade.com stores, chairlift rides, etc.

The leaves peaked last week in Canaan and it may snow there any time now. Last Friday PM it was 39 degrees. Not sure if they still are, but the weather was calling for snow showers in the mountains this weekend.

Kayd,

Thanks for the heads up on that article. It is great. Had missed it.

I agree with LvSun's recommendations. You might want to check out the nearby W.Va. state parks, as some have lovely lodges and other facilities.

The I-79 corridor offers many great things to see and do. Covered bridges, hand-blown glass, history, craft shops, artisans, wineries. The Directory of the Bed & Breakfast Association can be found at all the Welcome Centers, but www.wvbnbs.com offers listings for all members of the association. All are inspected and must meet the high standards of the association. There are several B & Bs in the Lewisburg area and several in the Shinnston, Weston, Buckhannon area that can direct you to anything your parents might enjoy.

I agree that Lewisburg would fit the bill. I live in Lewisburg and love it. It is charming, has many antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants, plus an year-round theater and Carnegie Hall. The first Friday of every month (First Friday), all the shops are open late and there are various entertainers that perform around town for free. An alternative to the (expensive) Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs is the General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg. It is quaint but comfortable, filled with antiques, has a resident cat (Butterscotch), and is much less expensive than the Greenbrier. We often have dinner in their restaurant. You can easily walk to the shops and restaurants in Lewisburg from there. I believe the Greenbrier has revised their policy on visitors and once again allows public access (if you look presentable).

Read on The Greenbrier website:

The Greenbrier welcomes non-registered guests with advance reservations for dinner or golf tee times. Dinner reservations available for the Main Dining Room, Draper's, Sam Snead's at the Golf Club and the Tavern Room.

Note: The Greenbrier is closing down for 2-3 months early in 2007 for a major renovation (I think it was $5 million). The place is already gorgeous so I am curious to see what all they are doing. Staff told us this summer that they are closing down the Main Dining room and making it into 2 restaurants.

Thank you all so much for the wonderful tips and advice. My parents have a wonderful trip in store for them!

The Greenbriar is THE place if you don't mind spending the money. You ought to also swing through the New River Gorge for awesome scenery and the New River Gorge Bridge. Assuming you are going in the summer, after seeing the Gorge go to Grandview National Park for great vistas and nationally recognized outdoor dramas. The Hatfields and McCoys musical is my fav. They have a second drama called Honey in the Rock (the story of the creation of the state of West Virginia). A third show is featured that changes summer to summer.

WV's state parks are the secret jewel of the Appalachians. All are great and FREE.

Steve