As a city on a river, Charleston has a handful of bridges that ensure the two sides are able to…read moreconnect. While the upriver Chuck Yeager Bridge carries both I-77 and I-64 over the river, this one is downriver from the city and is simply named the South Side Bridge. Perhaps one day it will get named after a worthy West Virginian. In the meanwhile, the South Side Bridge was built in 1936 by the Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company and was updated in 1990. The bridge spans 1146 feet with a main span of 420 feet and is 38.7 feet wide. It is a Parker through truss bridge. It brings I-64 over not only the Kanawha River but also Kanawha Boulevard and MacCorkle Avenue and a railroad line. My two crossings of the bridge today were easy and smooth thanks to low weekend traffic. As there are signs on the bridge that note the "exit only" lanes, it is likely much more challenging during rush hour. There is no toll here which is a positive. [Review 566 of 2025 - 151 in West Virginia - 24127 overall]

The 1148-foot South Side Bridge opened in 1936 and carries Dickinson Street over the Kanahwa River…read morein the middle of Charleston WV. It is a through truss bridge with clearance enough for a Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star doing 500mph to miss the water and the deck. According to an April 2010 item in the Charleston Gazette this is the bridge Chuck Yeager famously flew under in 1948 - a year after breaking the sound barrier: one pass, heading west, to impress/scare the locals and then back to work. No more, no less, the general was just having a little too much fun. Yea Chuck!

If you're cruising through South Charleston and spot a big grassy hill tucked between antique shops…read moreand quiet streets, that's the Criel Mound. It's worth a stop. It's not flashy, but there's something grounding about standing next to a structure built over 2,000 years ago by the aboriginal people. The steps leading up are wide and gentle, and once you reach the top, you get a surprisingly peaceful view of the neighborhood. It's a quick visit. The mound itself is steeped in mystery and history. Archaeologists found 13 skeletons inside, including a central figure surrounded by others. There's a small park around the mound with interpretive signs that give you just enough context to spark curiosity. Some locals say horse races were once held around it, and there's even talk of burials that might represent alliances between different tribes. It's wild to think about how much has happened on that patch of earth, and how little we still know. The Criel Mound stands to quietly anchor the town. Kids run up the steps, people are walking dogs, and there's me, pausing to read the plaques. There is a sense of reverence here if you feel it. It's not at all a playground. [Review 569 of 2025 - 154 in West Virginia - 24130 overall]

The Criel Mound is a historic and cultural gem nestled in South Charleston, WV…read more The small park which houses it has plenty of street parking available and several interpretive signs around the mound explaining its history, importance, and what archaeologists discovered inside the mound when excavating. The mound is the second largest Adena mound in West Virginia and is believed to have been developed between 250 and 150 B.C. The Criel Mound was originally one of 50 mounds and prehistoric earthworks located in WV but unfortunately most have since been destroyed due to industrialization. It's definitely worth a visit (plan on about 30 minutes) if you're in the area.

I can see for miles and miles and miles...!…read more The founders of Marietta were giants among men. In this small river town, which you can see quite nicely from Lookout Point, they created the first organized settlement in the Northwest Territory, made slavery illegal, education widely available, commerce possible, and liberty cherished. We owe part of our God given inalienable liberty to these men. This hilltop oasis was included in a tract of land designated as "commons ground" by an act of the Ohio Company in July 1788. My brother used to come here in high school to drink and smoke pot. Ah, the frivolity that comes with liberty.

I love the lookout. I recently moved to Marietta and can walk to the lookout from my house. What a…read morepretty view! My kids and family love looking at the map and finding landmarks down below. You get the river's intersection and many other interesting sights all from one point.

There are actually two bridges here, carrying I-64 / I-77 across the Kanawha River just south of…read moreCharleston. They are unique, steel-through arches, with the first completed in 1954. The second, parallel, bridge was completed in 1983. Each is two lanes and there is no toll to cross the bridges. Named after the aviator who was the first to fly faster than sound, https://youtu.be/zgR-KadhgMI, US Air Force Brigadier General Charles "Chuck" Yeager. His birthplace of Myra WV is about 40 miles west of here. He is laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. The bridges are a very boring green, almost Army olive. They are scheduled to be repainted this year in the official colors of West Virginia, blue and gold. [Review 19618 overall - 92 in West Virginia - 589 of 2023.]

This is a cool breeze that I've traveled over numerous times man traveling through West Virginia on…read morethe way to Pittsburgh go Steelers can't go wrong with that this is a cooler bridge it's green text you over the water does what a bridge should do four out of five stars good for you bridge

This is a great place for picnic and quick history lesson for folks of all ages. American Civil War…read morebuff? Follow the "Morgan's Raid" road signs for an adventure. Love Native American history? Check out the mound!

I had long heard about Buffington Island, but don't get down this way much. When I was driving to…read moreNorth Carolina I noticed it was only a few miles off my route, so I had to swing by. The only Civil War battlefield in Ohio- how could I pass that up? It is small, and probably not of much interest unless you are a real history buff, in which case it is fascinating. There is a small park with plenty of parking, an Indian mound, and a small outbuilding with bathrooms. A few historical markers and a small pavilion with display panels round out the amenities. The story is fascinating: John Morgan, later imprisoned in the old State Pen in Columbus, was a Confederate raider who attacked all along the Ohio River. This was the only major battle, and it eventually led to his capture. The displays explain the background, battle, and aftermath. It's quiet and isolated, and pretty cool. Maybe not worth a special trip unless you are a Civil War buff, but if you live in the area or are traveling nearby, definitely worth a visit.

Today Noel and I went to Flatwoods WV to start the FreeBraxxie.com scavenger hunt to find all 5…read moreFlatwoods Monster Chairs where you take a selfie with Brazzie. There are 5 locations A-E Once you have all 5 selfies, you go to the Sutton Visitors Center aka Flatwoods Monster Musuem inside a 1890 Old Drug Store Building. They will reward your efforts and fun with a FreeBrazzie.com sticker. This is location A, first on our stop!! Located beside the Flatwoods Municipal Building My daughter and I had a real blast on this scavenger hunt. We earned our stickers. Once you load your pics, tag them FreeBrazzie.com. I hope if you do this you have a wonderful time like we did!!!

With signs along the way clearly pointing out that the bridge has only nine feet of clearance and…read moremy Sprinter van is ten feet tall with the solar panels on the roof, I was hoping that there would be a spot nearby that I could stop and u-turn. There was and I was able to walk the bridge that is open to vehicular traffic. The Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge, also known as the Sandyville Covered Bridge, is a beautifully preserved Long Truss structure that was completed in 1890. It first spanned John Carnahan's Fork, a branch of Mill Creek. When a newer modern bridge was completed, the covered bridge was relocated here in 1924 and rebuilt in 2000 with the original timber decking and siding. This is one of two remaining covered bridges in Jackson County (the other is the Staats Mill Covered Bridge). It measures 101 feet 3.5 inches long and 11 feet 8 inches wide with 13 Long Truss panels, reinforced with steel stringers and a dual-bent support system, allowing it to carry modern traffic. [Review 581 of 2025 - 165 in West Virginia - 24142 overall]

Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge Sandyville, WV - Jackson Co., WV…read more Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge built in 1890, originally spanned over John Carnahan's Branch of Mill Creek. 101 feet Bridge was moved and rebuilt in 2000 and is opened to public traffic still today. The Bridge is located not to far off the main highway leading to Parkersburg from Ripley. Easy to locate.

This lovely old Mansion is the residence of the Governor of West Virginia. Many great men and their…read morefamilies have lived in this home. Located on the grounds of the West Virginia Capitol Complex at 1716 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305 The West Virginia Governor's Mansion (or West Virginia Executive Mansion) is a historic residence located next to the Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia and is the official residence of the Governor of West Virginia. The Colonial Revival (Georgian Revival) building was completed in 1925 by Charleston architect Walter F. Martens and is part of the West Virginia Capitol Complex, which also includes the West Virginia State Capitol. The building itself has a red brick exterior, with a columned portico at the entrance. The foyer was inspired by the White House, with checkered black-and-white marble flooring and dual staircases. The first floor of the mansion includes the drawing room, ballroom, state dining room, library, and a sitting room. The second floor houses the governor's own rooms, as well as those of his family, while additional bedrooms are on the third floor.[2] In all, the structure has 30 rooms.[3] The mansion also features walled gardens, a separate garage, and servant quarters.[2] The total cost of the mansion, including land, construction, and furnishings, was approximately $203,000 at the time of its construction.[

A wonderful old house, fitting for the responsible officer of the state government…read more When I was a child, my parents would take me trick-or-treating, and we always stopped by the Governor's Mansion. At the time, Arch Moore was governor. He and Mrs. Moore would actually greet you at the door themselves, and give candy. How awesome is that?

My daughter Noel and I opted to go take some photos at the Haymond Mansion located on the opposite…read moreside of the Elk River from the main section of town. There was a lady outside gardening, so I went down a few clicks and turned around. I parked across the street along the Elk River from the home. I rolled down my window and yelled to her, if you don't mind I would like to take some photos and yo out surprise, she stopped and yelled back Sure go ahead, would you ladies like to look inside. We readily agreed! To our surprise she turned us loose to explore and she was off to go back outside. We went into every room except basement. She gave us permission to take pictures. It was a lovely surprise. House was built in 1894 for the late family of William Edgar Haymond and his family. On the National Historical list and absolutely gorgeous!!!

Had a great time investigating with the Tennessee Wraith Chasers! Owners & staff were very good…read morehosts. Beautiful old mansion. Will go back for a private investigation and follow up on some names we got thru the spirit box.