Seems if you close your eyes you can almost hear John Denver singing you home along the country roads. Granted, interstate travel does make it easier to see West Virginia with more expedience, but if you have the time to spare and a yen for adventure (not to mention a sturdy car and stomach), taking the opportunity to swerve the looping roads of this mountainous state offers a beautiful look at countryside and hills.

For the outdoor traveler, West Virginia is paradise. Wintertime brings crisp skiing weather and well-padded slopes, while summertime is just warm enough to engage in some thrilling whitewater rafting. Horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, camping...the list is endless for the extreme (and not so extreme) sports enthusiast. Next time you are in West Virginia, here are five personal favorites that are worth a first and second visit, definitely more.

1) ACE Adventure Center - Acres of unspoiled mountain and lakes for just about any outdoor activity. Swimming, horses, off-track biking...every day is summer camp here. Great place for families and groups.

2) The Greenbrier - One of the most luxurious resorts in the nation, the Greenbrier offers fishing and golf, hunting and more sophisticated pastimes like croquet and wine tastings. And you can tour the secret underground bunker once reserved for government meetings.

3) Little Beaver State Park - A smaller park in the state, this wonderful place has eighteen acres of lake and trails for hiking and sailing enjoyment,

4) New River Gorge National River and Bridge - The bridge is one of the highest in the world, overlooking the majestic white river. Each year brings the wildly popular Bridge Day, where visitors actually bungee into the depths!

5) Tamarack - Once you're worn out from hiking and riding and such, unwind with a trip to the Tamarack center in Beckley. Here you'll find the best of West Virginia craftsmanship, folk art, and wine and treats. The Greenbrier operates the cafe, and when scheduled you can enjoy live concerts celebrating the state's Appalachian heritage.

For a wild, wonderful vacation, West Virginia in the Eastern US is the place to be. Watch the curves!

Kathryn Lively
Writes for http://www.camelliaroseinn.com/