15 APR 2024 · Hi there! It's Melody. Join me as I explore the gems of West Virginia, from state parks and roadside attractions to delicious eats, historic nuggets, and beloved Mountain State treasures.  In this episode, we chat about the impressive finds in Huntington and some old-school Memory Lane gems. We move on to Hinton, WV, where you may be surprised at the growth factor. Finally, we conclude with a rundown of the HUGE list of amenities and fun offerings at Pipestem State Park and through Pipestem Adventures.  Settle in for a podcast that feels like a friend sharing their travel diary — full of passion, heart, and the beckoning call of the open road.  Subscribe and join me on this wondrous West Virginia Wanderlust (my private FB group) adventure. Your West Virginia escapade starts here! 🍃✨ ___________________________________________ Who am I? I'm been a blogger, influencer, and content creator for a decade, travel conference host, and most recently, podcaster and co-author of the '100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die' book. Our book is a great bucket list for seeing some of the gems in the state, and actually mentions more like 240 of them.  Song used in this podcast: (Tunetank) 6494 Sunny Road by Ahoami  _____________________________________________________________________________ Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Tudor's Biscuit World. http://tudorsbiscuitworld.com/ Mentioned in this episode are: Bahnhof WVrsthaus & Biergarten, Camden Park, Ritter Park Rose Garden, Harris Riverfront Park, Marshall University, Central City, Waves of Fun, Beech Fort State Park, Cicada Books, The Wild Ramp, Pullman Square, Heritage Farm Museum & Village, Huntington Museum of Art, Black Sheep Burrito, Jim's Steak & Spaghetti Hous, Stewart's Original Hot Dogs,                Frostop Drive-In                 Lucky Rivers Cafe, Hinton Railroad Museum, Otter & Oak, Veteran's Memorial Museum, John Henry Memorial Park, Hinton DQ                       Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem Adventures  You can find more from me at my blog, https://www.whereverimayroamblog.com/ Find me on other social platforms at:  FB: https://www.facebook.com/100ThingsWV/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/whereverimayroamblog/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://www.tiktok.com/@whereverimayroamblog Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://twitter.com/melodytravels https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/almostheaven https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/westvirginia https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/wv https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/100thingswv https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/books https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mountainstate https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/westvirginiabookauthor https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bucketlist#huntington #hinton #pipestem #WVstateparks #travel 

31 MAR 2024 · Welcome to the heartbeat of Appalachia, a podcast series where the charm of West Virginia comes alive, episode by episode! Join me, Melody, a dedicated content creator of 10 years and co-author of the '100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die,' as I explore the gems of the Mountain State. From the cozy corners of St. Albans’ and the state’s best (well, my favorite anyway) coffee shops to the majestic scenery of Twin Falls State Park, I'm here to be your personal guide through WV's best-kept secrets, best attractions, best ways to spend your time, and best travels. After a summer spent touring the earthen roads and scenic byways of West Virginia, gathering stories and tips, I'm bringing you a podcast drenched in the spirit of true discovery. Whether you're planning your next road trip, yearning for exciting attractions, or just curious about where to eat, drink, sleep, shop, and experience the undiscovered wonders of WV, this is your all-access pass! Through warm conversations and enthusiastic narration, I'll share the tales wrought from my travels, melding personal anecdotes with actionable insights. You'll get the inside scoop on each locale's history, culture, and local favorites, alongside practical advice to enrich your adventures. This isn't just a tour; it's a celebration of exploration, an invitation to taste the excitement of WV like a local, and a tribute to the countless stories waiting for you off the beaten track. With each episode, you will feel more connected to the landscape, the cups of hometown brew, and the pulse of West Virginia's communities. Settle in for a podcast that feels like a friend sharing their travel diary — full of passion, heart, and the beckoning call of the open road. Or better yet, perhaps your grandma narrating her journey. ;) Subscribe and join me on this wondrous West Virginia Wanderlust (my private FB group) adventure. Your West Virginia escapade starts here! 🍃✨ Song used in this podcast: (Tunetank) 6494 Sunny Road by Ahoami  Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Tudor's Biscuit World. http://tudorsbiscuitworld.com/ You can find more from me at my blog, https://www.whereverimayroamblog.com where I features lots of road trip ideas, cruises, fun attractions, and best restaurant lists around the country. Find me on other social platforms at: https://www.facebook.com/100ThingsWV/ https://www.facebook.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://www.instagram.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://www.youtube.com/c/Whereverimayroamblog  https://www.tiktok.com/@whereverimayroamblog  Mentioned in this episode are:  Olde Main Plaza           Pickin' Preacher Antiques          Brandi's Emporium The Tap                        Coal River Coffee                       The Village Sampler Mediterranean Breeze  Lil' Bit of Heaven Cupcakes       Angela's on the River Tour de Coal                 St. Albans Mall                           River's Edge John's Cyclery              St. Albans Festival of Lights       Stone Tower Brews Daily Dose                    Mea Cuppa                                 TipTop                       Manic Espresso            Chocolate Moose                        Range Finder Coffee Cicada Books                Hilltop Coffee                              Lost Dog Coffee Unity Cafe                     Twin Falls State Park                  Hatfield McCoy ATV Trails 

18 JUL 2023 · Hi, I'm Melody, creator and host of 100 Things WV, which follows my book, "100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die", of the nearly the same name. The 100 Things West Virginia book is part of a national book series by Reedy Press, and I was lucky to write it with a lifelong friend, Angie Richards. If you're looking for a way to learn about traveling West Virginia, through reminiscing the good ole days to hearing about new points of interest and things to do, then this is the show for you. In this episode, I bring my husband and podcast virgin on the show to talk about our last six weeks on the road around West Virginia. Along the way, we traveled to and through Fairmont, Romney, Morgantown, Thomas, Berkeley Springs, Harpers Ferry, Wheeling, Moundsville, Sutton, Buckhannon, and more. Please bear with me...the beginning is a bit rough as he isn't sure what to do, having never listened to a podcast before, and at the end, I abruptly end without a proper ending, mostly becuase we were sweating to death in the hotel room with the air turned off so it wouldn't disturb the sound. LOL I'm learning, please have patience and mercy. And thank you for being here. ;)  This episode of the podcast mentions: Berkeley Springs State Park https://wvstateparks.com/park/berkeley-springs-state-park/ Berkeley Springs Spa https://berkeleysprings.com/spas/full-service-spas/ The Country Inn of BS http://www.thecountryinnwv.com Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. https://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm Bavarian Inn https://www.bavarianinnwv.com Koolwink Motel https://www.koolwink.com Bent River Trading Co. https://www.bentrivertradingco.com Come to Hampshire Co. WV https://cometohampshire.com Farmhouse Studio https://www.facebook.com/YourFarmhouseStudio Potomac Eagle Railroad https://potomaceagle.com Thomas, WV https://gettuckered.com/see-do/shopping/thomas/ Tygart Lake State Park https://wvstateparks.com/park/tygart-lake-state-park/ Table 9 http://dinetable9.com Almost Heaven BBQ Bash https://almostheavenbbqbash.com Dairy Creme Corner https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064406962488&sk=about Palace of Gold https://www.palaceofgold.com WV Penetentiary https://wvpentours.com Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. https://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com Oglebary Resort https://oglebay.com Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino https://www.wheelingisland.com Batton Hollow Winery http://www.battonhollowwinery.com Museum of American Glass https://magwv.org (a free attraction!) WV State Parks https://wvstateparks.com Song used in this podcast: 1673 Western Drive By Vislevski. Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Tudor's Biscuit World. http://tudorsbiscuitworld.com/ You can find more from me at my blog, https://www.whereverimayroamblog.com where I features lots of road trip ideas, cruises, fun attractions, and best restaurant lists around the country. Find me on other social platforms at: https://www.facebook.com/100ThingsWV/ https://www.facebook.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://www.instagram.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCar7BKyc-jH79so_W80wO3g

5 MAY 2023 · Hi, I'm Melody, creator and host of 100 Things WV, which follows my book, "100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die", of the nearly the same name. The 100 Things West Virginia book is part of a national book series by Reedy Press, and I was lucky to co-author it with a lifelong friend, Angie Richards. If you're looking for a way to learn about traveling West Virginia, through reminiscing the good ole days to hearing about new points of interest and things to do, then this is the show for you. In this episode, I chat with Stella and Kathryn of Mountaineer Country, a geographic region of West Virginia that features several counties, including the towns of Morgantown, Kingwood, and Grafton. Join me bi-monthly on Travel Tuesdays to chat everything related to WV...my Almost Heaven. This episode of the podcast mentions: WV Mountaineer Country outdoor attractions festivals Hotel Morgan Arthurdale (you NEED to know about this historic town) Mother's Day (founded in WV!) Tygart Lake State Park Modern Homestead at Tatham's Mario's Fish Bowl local coffee shops breweries Terra Cafe Cheat Lake, Rail Trail cycling and rentals SUP Ruby Summer Concert Series (it's free!) WV Tattoo Expo Cooper's Rock and still more! Learn more about Mountaineer Country at: https://www.visitmountaineercountry.com 1-800-458-7373 / 304-292-5081 Follow them on socials: https://www.facebook.com/VisitMountaineerCountry/ https://www.instagram.com/visitmountaineercountry/ https://twitter.com/VisitMtnrCtry/ https://www.youtube.com/user/MorgantownCVB Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Tudor's Biscuit World. http://tudorsbiscuitworld.com/ You can find more from me at my blog, https://www.whereverimayroamblog.com , where I features lots of road trip ideas, cruises, fun attractions, and best restaurant lists around the country. Find me on other social platforms at: https://www.facebook.com/100ThingsWV/ https://www.facebook.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://www.instagram.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCar7BKyc-jH79so_W80wO3g

19 APR 2023 · Hi, I'm Melody, creator and host of 100 Things WV, which follows my book, "100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die", of the nearly the same name. The 100 Things West Virginia book is part of a national book series by Reedy Press, and I was lucky to co-author it with a lifelong friend, Angie Richards. If you're looking for a way to learn about traveling West Virginia, through reminiscing the good ole days to hearing about new points of interest and things to do, then this is the show for you. In this episode, I chat with travel blogger Anna Cook (Find Anna at https://travelwithsara.com/) and Jere Gaeger, longtime friend and West Virginia resident. We will be chatting Marshall and WVU football games, tips for attending, lacrosse in West Virginia, hiking the Mountain State, skiing, and an in-depth look at Snowshoe Resort. Join me bi-monthly on Travel Tuesdays to chat everything related to WV...my Almost Heaven. This episode of the podcast mentions: Marshall University football, tailgating, old-school West Virginia University football games, lacrosse team Fat Patty's Joan C. Edwards Stadium George Washington HIgh School Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort Timberline Mountain Winterplace Ski Resort Canaan Valley New River Gorge National Park Dolly Sods Adventures on the Gorge Durbin train cars (overnights) Blackwater Falls Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Tudor's Biscuit World. http://tudorsbiscuitworld.com/ You can find more from me at my blog, https://www.whereverimayroamblog.com , where I features lots of road trip ideas, cruises, fun attractions, and best restaurant lists around the country. Find me on other social platforms at: https://www.facebook.com/100ThingsWV/ https://www.facebook.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://www.instagram.com/whereverimayroamblog/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCar7BKyc-jH79so_W80wO3g Read about Anna's adventures at: https://www.stuckonthego.com/snowshoe-west-virginia-budget-travel-guide/ https://www.stuckonthego.com/the-best-options-for-snowshoe-wv-lodging/ https://www.stuckonthego.com/your-guide-to-the-best-snowshoe-wv-restaurants/ https://www.stuckonthego.com/best-ski-resorts-in-west-virginia/

4 APR 2023 · Hi, I'm Melody, your host of 100 Things WV, which follows a book I co-wrote, "100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die", of the nearly the same name. It hit the bookshelves mid-March, and a statewide spring and summer book tour follows. If you're eager to learn about West Virginia, through reminiscing the good ole days to hearing about new points of interest and the best things to do, then this is the podcast for you. In episode #4, I chat with Mark Lewis, President & CEO of the Greater Parkersburg CVB. Mark is an expert in the area, and shares a look at the dynamic historical offerings, as well as where to eat, visit, and stay during your travels. We chat ghosts and haunted properties, upcoming events and festivals, outdoor recreation, Vaudeville camp, the oldest continually operating restaurant in the Mountain State, the amazing Blennerhassett Island State Park, Marietta's Castle, and much more. Buckle in, it's going to be an interesting show! Join me bi-monthly on #TravelTuesdays to chat everything related to WV...my Almost Heaven. This episdoe of the podcast mentions: Greater Parkersburg CVB Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park Blennerhassett Hotel Discovery World on Market North End Tavern Smoot Theatre Henderson Hall Parkersburg Brewing The Castle Jimmy Columbo’s Italian Restaurant Taste of Parkersburg Paddlefest Chams Lebanese Cuisine North Bend State Park Julia-Ann Square Historic District Oil & Gas Museum

21 MAR 2023 · Hi, my name is Melody, and I'm excited to tell you about my new podcast, 100 Things WV, which follows my book, "100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die", of the nearly the same name. It hit the bookshelves this week, and the statewide book tour kicks off in 3 weeks! If you're looking to learn about traveling West Virginia, through reminiscing the good ole days to hearing about new points of interest and things to do, then this is the show for you. In this episode, we chat with longtime friend and fellow traveler, Mike Gooden, about his favorite scenic West Virginia drive and the stops along the way. You'll love the quirky roadside attractions on this drive, which this challenging backroad is not for newbies! We also chat the newly revamped Sternwheel Regatta, Charleston's iconic festival that was back in action as of 2022. Hear our favorites from days gone by. Join me bi-monthly on Travel Tuesdays to chat everything related to WV...my Almost Heaven. This episdoe of the podcast mentions: Burger Carte Hawks Nest State Park New River Gorge National Park Sternwheel Regatta The Mystery Hole The Snake Pit Glen Ferris Inn Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, West Virginia's Oldest

7 MAR 2023 · Hi, my name is Melody, and I'm excited to tell you about my new podcast, 100 Things WV, which follows my book, "100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die", of the nearly the same name. Only a few more weeks until it hits the shelves! If you're looking for a way to learn about traveling West Virginia, through reminiscing the good ole days to hearing about new points of interest and things to do, then this is the show for you. In this episode, we chat with travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith about the ins and outs of the mineral baths in Berkeley Springs, America's First Spa. You'll also hear about its most famous visitor, what it's like to soak in the baths, protocol for your appointment, and a brief overview of West Virginia's smallest state park. Join me bi-monthly on Travel Tuesdays to chat everything related to WV...my Almost Heaven. This episdoe of the podcast mentions: Berkeley Springs State Park The County Inn of Berkeley Springs The Old Roman Bath House Main Bathhouse

22 FEB 2023 · If you're a fan of West Virginia, you're going to love my new podcast, 100 Things WV. In each episode, I'll explore things that makes the Mountain State amazing – from the friendly people and unique places to the rich history and intriguing culture. Join me as we uncover some hidden gems and fascinating stories that make West Virginia one-of-a-kind. In this episode, my first, I'll tell you why I created this podcast, who I am and about me, introduce the book I've written with my longtime friend Angie Richards, and why this book can help you explore Almost Heaven, West Virginia. I'm brand new at podcasting, so please, take it easy on me. I would love to hear from you though, for suggestions, comments, and ways I can improve my skills and "find my lane" in the podcast world. Here we go! I hope you like it well enough to follow my channel and see where it evolves. ;) Cheers, Melody