What to visit in or near western Virginia?

August 2, 2007 2:43 PM

What can 3 generations of my family spend the day doing within 100 miles of I-74/77 between Beckley, WV and Greensboro, NC on August 24?

My 60-year-old parents, pregnant sister-in-law, 3 kids (ages 4 to 9) plus 3 more of us adults are driving back to Columbus OH from North Myrtle Beach SC. We're looking for someplace roughly halfway to stop and spend the day. Suggestions in WV, VA & NC are welcome.

posted by putzface_dickman to Travel & Transportation around West Virginia (3 answers total)

If you have almost an entire day to spend, you could go to the NC state zoo in Asheboro. Its one of the better zoos I've been to-- it has a huge, sprawling layout, and all of the animals are kept in what seem to be fairly large and comfortable habitats.
posted by Maxwell_Smart at 6:34 PM on August 2, 2007

There are a few other interesting looking suggestions here too: Interstate 77 - including cornfield mazes around Wyethville.
posted by Maxwell_Smart at 6:40 PM on August 2, 2007

Just outside of Beckley is Tamarack, a WV arts and crafts-type place. Perhaps the best thing there is the restaurant run by the Greenbrier. If you're more interested in getting outside, I can recommend Pipestem State Park or Burke's Garden, which also provides nearby access to the Appalachian Trail. Near the VA/NC border is Pilot Mountain State Park and Mount Airy (inspiration for the town of Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show). The I-77 corridor runs through one of the most beautiful areas in the country, so I think you're in for a lovely day no matter what you choose.
posted by malaprohibita at 4:53 AM on August 3, 2007