Five Things about West Virginia I Guarantee Buckwild Will Not Show

MTV is premiering a new show in January called Buckwild about West Virginia teenagers. These teens, of course, will not be studious or straight-laced. They will be shooting squirrels and going mudding. This is always what happens when someone films in West Virginia. The film turns into The Wild Wonderful Whites of West Virginia. They never show a doctor, a teacher, a lawyer or even a competent store clerk. I thought I would show you a few things about WV that you aren’t likely to hear elsewhere.

1. The Colleges and Universities. There are dozens of first-rate colleges and universities in WV. You can get a great, cost-effective education in the state. Of course, no one will show this on MTV.

Here’s where I went to college. Doesn’t it look like something out of a dream?

Lots of places in WV look like this.

2. The Greenbrier is one of the world’s most famous hotels. It opened in 1778. It was a military hospital during the Civil War and WWII and was also prepped to be an emergency bunker for the Cold War Congress. It has a famous, 5-star restaurant. I’ve visited for conferences but could never afford to stay there. The restaurant is run by one of the 66 Certified Master Chefs in the U.S.

3. Ritter Park in Huntington, WV was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.  The American Planning Association designated it one of the Top 10 great public spaces for 2012. It has an award-winning Rose Garden and a great new dog space.

4. Harper’s Ferry National Park – Harpers Ferry, WV (The town does not have an apostrophe) is known for John Brown’s raid on the armory in 1859 and its role in the Civil War.  The town is very small and part of it is located within Harper’s Ferry National Park. Not only can you learn about some history, you can do all sorts of outdoor activities, like bike, hike, go white water rafting, fishing, climbing, zip lining and many other outdoor activities.

5. Camden Park.
Camden Park is an amusement park that first opened in 1903. It is the go-to place if you are a classic ride enthusiast. It has 2 of the 3 remaining roller coasters built by National Amusement Devices. The Big Dipper, a wooden roller coaster, is still functional and was built in 1958. It has the original Century Flyer cars. It’s certified as an ACE Coaster Classic. The Lil’ Dipper was built in 1961 is also an ACE Coaster Classic.  The Whip is also a classic. It was built by Coney Island, New York’s William F. Mangels and is one of the few of these rides still in operation.

Photo via google.

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