Hype for the Future 277/284: Higher Education in West Virginia
Introduction While the State of West Virginia often encourages residents to find work outside the impoverished state, higher educational institutions located within the state include West Virginia University in Morgantown, Potomac State College of WVU in Keyser, and the WVU Institute of Technology in Beckley. Beyond the West Virginia State University System, West Virginia University at Parkersburg is also associated with the main campus in Morgantown, though the modern Parkersburg university […]#stateofwestvirginia — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #stateofwestvirginia, aggregated by home.social.
-
Hype for the Future 275/284: The “Almost Heaven” Swings of West Virginia
Introduction Within the State of West Virginia, approximately forty-one (41) distinct “Almost Heaven” swings dot the scenic landscapes associated with the state. Though the entirety of the state is typically classified as Appalachian, the most dramatic of views often correspond with the main body of the state, thus excluding the Northern and Eastern Panhandles. Swing Characteristics Every “Almost Heaven” swing is intended to be a wooden structure with a sign in the shape of West […] -
Hype for the Future 240C: Winchester, Virginia
Introduction The City of Winchester is a notable city in and the county seat of the surrounding Frederick County in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with the region accessible largely via Interstates 66 and 81 as well as Routes 11, 17, 48, 50, 340, 522, 7, 37, 55, 127, 259, and 277. Middletown and Stephens City are the official towns within the county, and unincorporated areas include Brucetown, Gore, Lake Holiday, and Shawneeland. City of Winchester Within city limits, Winchester is notable […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/06/28/hype-for-the-future-240c-winchester-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 240B: State Parks with Historic Sites in West Virginia
Introduction Of the forty-seven (47) distinct state parks located within the State of West Virginia, thirty (30) of the state parks are associated with notable historic sites and even museums within the state. Such state parks exist in nearly every part of the State of West Virginia, though especially in the main body of the state. Tomlinson Run Tomlinson Run is the northernmost state park in West Virginia home to museums and historic sites within the park boundaries and is primarily a […] -
Hype for the Future 240A: State Park Lodges in West Virginia
Overview Within the State of West Virginia, ten (10) of the nearly fifty (50) state parks are associated with related state lodges and lodging sites including, but not limited to, North Bend, Chief Logan, Twin Falls Resort, Pipestem Resort, Hawks Nest, Stonewall Resort, Tygart Lake, Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley, and Cacapon. -
Hype for the Future 235J: Weirton and Steubenville
Overview The Cities of Weirton and Steubenville are notable smaller cities on either side of the Ohio River within the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia and Eastern Ohio and associated with historic sites and cultural institutions such as the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, the Jefferson County Ohio Historical Association, Historic Fort Steuben, and the campus of Franciscan University of Steubenville of the area. To the southwest within Jefferson County on the Ohio side are […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/06/23/hype-for-the-future-235j-weirton-and-steubenville/
-
Hype for the Future 235F: Parkersburg, West Virginia
Overview Parkersburg is a notable mid-sized city in and the county seat of Wood County, West Virginia, directly along the Ohio River and associated with the confluence of the Little Kanawha and Ohio Rivers. Notable community amenities include the Fort Boreman Scenic Overlook at Fort Boreman Park, the Blennerhassett Island Bowstring Bridge, the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History, the Blennerhassett Hotel (3 ⭐️), the Oil and Gas Museum, the Parkersburg Art Center, and the Julia-Ann […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/06/23/hype-for-the-future-235f-parkersburg-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133M: Town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Introduction The Town of Shepherdstown is situated along the Potomac River in Jefferson County, West Virginia, opposite the community of Sharpsburg, Maryland, known for the Antietam Battlefield historically. Today, the combined area of Shepherdstown and Sharpsburg remains an area of historical significance, particularly as the region has been associated with the divide between Union and Confederate forces historically. While the Town of Shepherdstown is located in the modern State of West […] -
Hype for the Future 133L: Shannondale, West Virginia
Overview Shannondale is a modern, unincorporated census-designated place representative of the relatively recent constructions of exurban Washington, DC, in the State of West Virginia and particularly within Jefferson County at the eastern end of the Eastern Panhandle of the State. Today, the community is located within the small slice of Jefferson County that exists east of the Shenandoah River and within close proximity to the Virginia state line and Loudoun County to the east.https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133l-shannondale-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133K: Morgan County, West Virginia
Introduction Morgan County serves as the westernmost of the three counties forming the Eastern Panhandle within the State of West Virginia and uses the community of Berkeley Springs, formerly known as Bath, as the county seat. Today, the nearby community of Paw Paw to the southwest is also of relatively similar importance throughout the region. Notable Amenities The Town of Berkeley Springs is currently renowned for the natural springs associated with the area, having been historically […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133k-morgan-county-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133J: Mineral County, West Virginia
Introduction Mineral County is situated within the eastern side of the State of West Virginia, within relatively close proximity to the Eastern Panhandle of the State of West Virginia and located to the east of the Eastern Continental Divide (ECD). Amenities The Nancy Hanks Memorial Plaque and Replica Cabin is situated on the southern side of the county limits, well to the south of the central area of unincorporated New Creek, while WVU Potomac State College represents the primary […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133j-mineral-county-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133I: City of Beckley, West Virginia
Introduction The City of Beckley is located within Raleigh County in the southern part of the State of West Virginia and, along with Bluefield and Oak Hill nearby, represents the core of the media market largely centered around the Bluestone Valley. Notable Attractions While the “Tamarack” marketplace is a notable stop off the tolled West Virginia Turnpike within the area, notable features of the inner city include the Wildwood House Museum and the seasonal Beckley Exhibition Coal […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133i-city-of-beckley-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133H: City of Huntington, West Virginia
Introduction The City of Huntington is situated largely within Cabell County, West Virginia, along the Ohio River, though the western end of the community may also extend over the line into Wayne County. In any case, however, the Cabell County communities are notable for containing notable urban features, though the city limits are on the relatively smaller side in terms of both area covered and population counts. Notable Attractions Perhaps the most significant tourist destinations for […] -
Hype for the Future 133G: Town of Oceana, West Virginia
Overview The Town of Oceana is situated within the northwestern portion of Wyoming County, West Virginia, and serves as the oldest community within the county and former county seat (prior to 1907). Today, the town limits are served by Routes 10 and 85, with the former connecting the community to the Logan and Pineville areas and Route 85 connecting the area to the Madison community.https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133g-town-of-oceana-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133F: Town of Man, West Virginia
Overview The Town of Man is situated along the Guyandotte River and the associated Route 10 corridor within Logan County, West Virginia, home to the notable Rockhouse Lodge and the World’s Longest ATV Bridge.https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133f-town-of-man-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133E: City of Hinton, West Virginia
Overview The City of Hinton serves as the county seat of Summers County in the southern portion of the State of West Virginia and is centrally located within the county, along the New River near the mouth of the Greenbrier River. Attractions in the area include the Veterans Memorial Museum, the Hinton Railroad Museum, the Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House Museum, and the Guest House Inn on Courthouse Square, with scenic areas further into the vicinity also including such features as the […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133e-city-of-hinton-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133D: City of Madison, West Virginia
Overview The City of Madison is a community located along Routes 17 and 85 within Boone County, West Virginia, serving as the county seat. Home to the Coal Heritage Museum, the former coal town honors the heritage of the area, including into surrounding areas throughout much of the county during the coal mining industry and associated operations. To the northwest along Route 85 is the Town of Danville, providing access to United States Route 119 between the Pikeville area to the southwest […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133d-city-of-madison-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133C: City of Winfield, West Virginia
Overview The City of Winfield is situated directly within Putnam County, West Virginia, along the Kanawha River with the scenic site of Red House Rocks directly on the opposite side. Within the state highway network, the community is situated along Routes 34 and 817, though Route 62 is located nearby and serves the opposite side of the river. The community currently serves as the county seat of Putnam County. -
Hype for the Future 133B: Town of Hamlin, West Virginia
Overview The Town of Hamlin, West Virginia, is located along Route 3 to the east of the junction with Route 10 in West Hamlin and serves as the county seat of Lincoln County, West Virginia, notable for the traditional coalfields serving the general area.https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133b-town-of-hamlin-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133A: Town of Wayne, West Virginia
Overview The Town of Wayne is a town of under two thousand (2,000) residents that serves as the county seat of Wayne County, West Virginia, located in the central portion of the county, well to the south of the Huntington area. Today, the town is served largely by Routes 37 and 152 within the area.https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/13/hype-for-the-future-133a-town-of-wayne-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 133/284: City of Spencer, West Virginia
Overview The City of Spencer is located directly along United States Routes 33 and 119 as well as West Virginia Routes 14 and 36, depending on the particular direction in question. Today, the community serves as the county seat of Roane County and contains a population around three thousand (3,000) residents in total. Within city limits, the most notable event of any given year is the West Virginia Black Walnut Festival, while the most notable place is Tudor’s Biscuit World to the south. -
Hype for the Future 131O: Historic Pruntytown, West Virginia
Overview The community at Pruntytown, West Virginia, has traditionally been identified as a community just a few miles to the west of the City of Grafton in Tyler County. Today, the area is served by United States Routes 50 and 250 and is most famous as the historic home of the West Virginia Industrial Site for Boys now known as the Pruntytown Correctional Center. To the west of the community limits is the site of the Taylor County Fairgrounds as well. -
Hype for the Future 132N: Barbour County, West Virginia
Overview Barbour County, West Virginia, is situated toward the northeastern corner of the main body of the State of West Virginia and uses the City of Philippi as the county seat. Today, the community is home to the Barbour County Historical Museum, while surrounding areas within the county are home to the Adaland Mansion, the Laurel Hill Battlefield, the Laurel Mountain Inn, and the Belington Bakery.https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/12/hype-for-the-future-131n-barbour-county-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 131M: City of Buckhannon, West Virginia
Introduction The City of Buckhannon is located within the eastern side of north-central West Virginia, home to West Virginia Wesleyan College and situated along United States Routes 33, 48, and 119. The community is also situated along the north-south Virginia Route 20, connecting the community with such locales as Clarksburg to the north and Princeton to the south. Amenities Within the Buckhannon area are such places to stay as the Baxa Inn and the Bicentennial Inn as well as the notable […] -
Hype for the Future 131L: The Monongahela National Forest
Introduction The Monongahela National Forest is a national forest located within the highlands of eastern West Virginia, just west of the section of the Blue Ridge Mountains that divides the area from the Commonwealth of Virginia to the east. Today, the vast majority of the Monongahela National Forest overlaps with the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ) and numerous parcels are within a ten-mile radius of the Green Bank Observatory, resulting in the heaviest restrictions on cell service and […] -
Hype for the Future 132K: Town of Alderson, West Virginia
Introduction The Town of Alderson, West Virginia, is situated along the Greenbrier River and split between the boundaries of Greenbrier County to the north and Monroe County to the south along the river. Amenities To the south of the Greenbrier River, the Town of Alderson is home to the Alderson Train Depot, the Alderson Inn Bed and Breakfast, the Alderson Artisans and the Alderson Artisans Gallery. To the north is the iconic Big Wheel Restaurant, while further east on the north side is […] -
Hype for the Future 132J: Reverend Sam Black
Introduction In West Virginian history, Reverend Sam Black has largely been responsible for the success of the Methodist movement in much of the modern State, having lived from March 3, 1813, to his death on July 13, 1899. Legacy While Sam Black himself was originally from the area around modern Greenbrier County, having resulted in the namesake Sam Black Methodist Church and unincorporated community of Sam Black Church directly along the Midland Trail and modern Interstate 64. Apart from […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/12/hype-for-the-future-131j-reverend-sam-black/
-
Hype for the Future 132H: City of Saint Marys, West Virginia
Overview The City of Saint Marys is a community of under two thousand (2,000) residents serving as the county seat of Pleasants County along the Ohio River in the State of West Virginia. Today, the community is attached to the Parkersburg-Vienna Metropolitan Statistical Area, whose core county is the neighboring Wood County downstream. -
Hype for the Future 131G: Town of Middlebourne, West Virginia
Overview Within the State of West Virginia, the Town of Middlebourne is centrally located within Tyler County and serves as the county seat. Today, the community is situated along Route 18 and contains the Tyler Museum within town limits and the Tyler Speedway Diner to the north, upstream along the Point Pleasant Creek. -
Hype for the Future 132F: Town of West Union, West Virginia
Overview The Town of West Union is located along United States Route 50 and West Virginia Route 18, serving as the county seat of Doddridge County to the west of the Clarksburg area. While the Town of West Union may remain culturally connected to the City of Clarksburg to the east, the communities of Doddridge County are particularly rural with the Appalachian landscapes occasionally impeding communications toward the larger communities of the region or state. Today, the particular situation […] -
Hype for the Future 131C: Town of Lumberport, West Virginia
Overview The Town of Lumberport, West Virginia, is located within the western portion of Harrison County along Route 20, leading east toward Route 19 and Shinnston and west toward Route 7 and New Martinsville. -
Hype for the Future 131B: City of Mannington, West Virginia
Overview The City of Mannington is situated in the western portion of Marion County, West Virginia, along United States Route 250 to the northwest of the City of Fairmont and to the southeast of the City of Wheeling in north-central West Virginia. The Nativibes Art Studio and Gallery, the West Augusta Historical Society, and the Hamilton Round Barn Museum represent the most significant attractions in the general area. -
Hype for the Future 131A: Town of Glenville, West Virginia
Overview The Town of Glenville is centrally located within Gilmer County, West Virginia, and serves as the county seat. Today, highways associated with the town are United States Routes 33 and 119 and West Virginia Route 5, depending on direction. While not much activity typically occurs within the Town of Glenville, the community is home to Glenville State University and the Gilmer County Historical Society, the former of which serves as the site of the West Virginia State Folk Festival in […] -
Hype for the Future 121A: Town of Hundred, West Virginia
Overview The Town of Hundred is situated within the eastern side of Wetzel County, West Virginia, along United States Route 250 and West Virginia Route 7. Today, the community is likely a town of under four hundred (400) residents, with a 2020 Census population of 257. Interestingly, the Town of Hundred in West Virginia is the only town with that name in the entirety of the United States of America.https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2026/03/01/hype-for-the-future-121a-town-of-hundred-west-virginia/
-
Hype for the Future 121/284: Town of Blacksville, West Virginia
Overview The Town of Blacksville is the northernmost town along east-west Route 7 in northwestern Monongalia County, West Virginia, extremely close to the Mason-Dixon Line with the nearby Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of the town has been recorded as approximately 118, with only a few local streets existing to serve the community, whose northern town limit is coextensive with the Mason-Dixon Line. In the current highway network, the town […] -
Hype for the Future 103P: George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Introduction Though the George Washington and Jefferson parcels are largely physically separate, much of the northern section of the forested area is part of the George Washington National Forest, while much of the southern side is the Jefferson National Forest. While the vast majority of the forested area is split between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of West Virginia, the Commonwealth of Kentucky also receives the tail end of the Jefferson National Forest, specifically in Pike […]