Hidden Mountain Treasures of West Virginia

DAY 1

Travel with Wolf's to experience and explore what lies above and below "them thar hills" in West Virginia. Your day begins with meal and rest stops at your expense prior to arrival at our nation's newest National Park, New River Gorge National Park and Canyon Rim Visitor's Center. One of West Virginia's most photographed areas, New River Gorge's iconic steel arch bridge was once the longest in the world. Widely known as the second oldest river in the world, the New River cuts through extensive geological formations that make way for diverse flora and fauna. The visitor center features a display room filled with photographs and exhibits about the people, towns and industry in the gorge. Next, you board the motorcoach for check-in at the Hampton Inn Beckley (304-252-2121) for a two-night stay. The hotel offers guests a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center and complimentary WiFi. In-room amenities feature a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker and supplies and complimentary high speed internet access. Dinner this evening is included at a local restaurant. You then return to the hotel to rest up for the night.

DAY 2

A deluxe continental breakfast is included at the hotel before you board the motorcoach and depart for a day of touring. Your first stop of the day is at the Greenbrier Resort, a luxury resort near White Sulphur Springs, WV. Your visit includes admission for a walking tour of the legendary Greenbrier bunker built underneath the 5-star resort. (*Please Note: The Bunker Tour is approximately 1 ½ hours long and covers 1 mile in length.) The bunker was formerly the top-secret Government Relocation Facility meant to serve as an emergency shelter for the United States Congress during the Cold War period. Construction began in 1958 on the 112,544-aquare-foot bunker built 720 feet into the hillside under the Greenbrier's West Virginia Wing. Completed in 1961, the facility was maintained in a constant state of readiness for over 30 years with decontamination chambers, dormitories, a hospital clinic, a power plant, laboratory, cafeteria and more. The resort itself was built in 1913 by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and was owned for much of its history by that company and its successors, including CSX Corporation. It is now privately owned and purchased in 2009 by local entrepreneur Jim Justice. A total of 26 Presidents have stayed at the Greenbrier. Following the tour, you will have free time for lunch on your own and at your expense in downtown Lewisburg, WV. Next, we will travel to Daniel Vineyards which is West Virginia's most unique boutique winery. The 192-acre vineyard is over 2,500 feet above sea level and the grape varieties that Dr. Richard Daniel cultivates include those that will survive the region's sometimes harsh winters. The varieties are known as "cold climate culitvars", grapes that are cold climate hardy. A tasting of a few select wines is included in your visit, with time to purchase some to take along home. Afterwards, you depart for Tamarak Artisan Center located in the majestic mountains of West Virginia. Tamarak showcases juried crafts, artworks, food products, recordings, clothing and souvenir items from all 55 West Virginia counties. You will receive a food voucher to purchase dinner at your convenience in the restaurant (passengers are responsible for the balance of the meal). Following your visit, you return to the hotel for an evening storytelling program featuring Karen Vuranch in Coal Camp Memories, the story of a rugged, coal miner's wife spanning from her childhood to her elderly years. The rest of the night is then yours to relax and unwind.

DAY 3

Wake to a deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel before you check-out and pack up and begin your journey home, but not without two more stops along the way. First, admission is included at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Get a realistic look at coal mining as it was at the turn of the century. Travel 1500 feet underground in the authentic mining cars with veteran miners as guides. In addition, you will have time for a self-guided tour of the historic recreated coal camp. Your final stop of the trip is for lunch included with an awe-inspiring view from the rim of the New River Gorge. At the end of your visit, you continue home with appropriate rest and meal stops at your expense as necessary.

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***ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner