West Virginia Travel: Five Quirky Places That You Won’t Want to Miss

West Virginia is home to beautiful mountains, historical places and some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. Because of it's abundant wildlife, the state has became a mecca for both traditional hunters and those who stalk their prey with cameras. Rock-climbers and cave divers are frequent tourists. Even more visitors come for the white water rapids, the long country drives, or the excellent winter sports. Still, occasionally tourists to West Virginia might want a taste of the unusual. As you can see, West Virginia can provide that as well.

Those looking for a taste of the paranormal need look no further than Weston, WV. In a town of mostly one or two story buildings, the massive Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is hard to miss.

Built in the 1800’s, this hospital has always looked spooky. By it’s official closing in 1994, stories of ghosts and poltergeists were rampant throughout neighboring communities. Today, it is widely recognized as one of the most haunted buildings in the United States.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, formally known as Weston State Hospital, has been featured on several national television shows, including Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures.

Public and private tours are scheduled throughout the year. They are obviously more popular during the Halloween season, so tourists might be wise to call ahead during that time.

If you find yourself driving on route 219 near the Maryland border you will probably notice an unusual sign advertising the smallest church in 48 States. While some may question the accuracy of the claim, none can doubt the quaintness.

A short drive down a gravel road will bring visitors to West Virginia into view of Our Lady of the Pines church. Surrounded by a manicured lawn decorated with lovely religious statues, the church is as beautiful as any chapel you will ever hope to see, just in miniature.

As if the church didn’t give visitors a plethora of petite, directly behind it sets the Silver Creek Mailing Station, touted as being the smallest post office in the U.S.

Point Pleasant, West Virginia entered the national spotlight first in 1975 in a book by John Keel titled "The Mothman Prophecies" and later in 2002 in the movie by the same name.

Legends of a red-eyed bird-like creature living and creating havoc in Point Pleasant have existed for years. Many locals will be happy to tell you their versions over coffee in the local diner.

Point Pleasant boasts a museum, a souvenir shop, and a statue dedicated to the Mothman. There is also a memorial to the Silver Bridge collapse, a tragedy to which the Mothman is often linked.

If you have kids and are in the area, Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo in Kingwood WV would be an excellent day trip idea.

Hovatter's has been around for almost twenty years and in that time the zoo has grown to include quite a variety of animals.  Visitors can expect an education on native West Virginian wildlife as well as the more exotic chimpanzees and white tigers.  Most of the animals can be fed safely through tubes, allowing a very close up view.  Often, there is a baby animal or two around that would be willing to be held for a picture with the kids.

The Zoo is open April through November.

Just before you cross the historic Philippi covered bridge in Philippi West Virginia, you might notice a small historical museum to your right. This is a wonderful place to get information on the local history. It is, however, possibly the worst place in West Virginia to use the restroom.

On display, in the bathroom of all places, are two mummified females.

These mummies were created by local resident Graham Hamrick in the late 1800's. Hamrick, an amateur scientist, had moved past smaller animals an was testing his embalming fluid on two cadavers purchased from the now Trans-Alleghany lunatic asylum. He was apparently quite successful.

The mummies have had quite an eventful afterlife. They traveled with P.T. Barnum as part of an oddities act before finally temporarily retiring under a bed in a local home. In 1985, they were rediscovered after sever flooding in the area. They eventually made their way into the bathroom of the Barbour County Historical Museum.

The girls can be seen for a modest donation of $1.00.