John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” may be a really catchy song, but there is truly something special about West Virginia that draws in tourists year-round. We also have quite a few locum tenens anesthesia opportunities in West Virginia that are sure to help you finally cross the state off of your travel list! But what is there to do in your downtime? We have compiled some highlights from across the Mountain State for you.
The Mountains Are Calling!
Of course, the most noticeable geographic wonder of West Virginia is the Appalachian Mountains. These allow for a glimpse into the heavens as the mountain range offers the highest elevation points on the East Coast of the US. West Virginia is speckled with stunning parks, including the New River Gorge National River, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, and other national scenic rivers. Within each of these, there are many opportunities to explore your outdoor hobbies. If you are a bit of a thrill-seeker, New River Gorge National River has base jumping and rappelling from the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single-span arc bridge in the entire country! In fact, in October there is an annual Bridge Day where you can participate in many activities located on and around the bridge. There are also 1,400 established rock climbs in the park. For those more interested in fun activities on the ground level, you can whitewater raft along the New River, which happens to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. Alongside some hiking and scenic overlooks, West Virginia makes for a nature lover’s dream!
Relaxation Off the Grid
There is a massive benefit to be had from taking some time to pamper yourself in your downtime. Around West Virginia, there are natural springs, spas, and hidden away resorts that are sure to facilitate much rest and relaxation. One of the most well-known resorts, The Greenbrier, offers beautiful golf courses, horseback riding, trail riding, kayaking, and so much more. It is one of the country’s oldest resorts, founded in 1778! If you prefer spending time indoors, there are salons, spas, bowling, escape rooms, and plenty of tours (including one of a Cold War era bunker!) on the 11,000-acre resort. Much further up the road along the eastern border of West Virginia lies Berkeley Springs. This historic spa town offers natural springs in a quaint town setting. The town is home to Roman bathhouses, which is the perfect place to unwind after a long work week! And did we mention the shopping opportunities nearby? You can even visit the original Berkeley Springs!
City and Cultural Highlights
We’ve covered a lot of things for resort and nature lovers, but there is plenty that West Virginia offers for city lovers! Charleston, WV, boasts itself as the Cultural Capital of the Appalachians. There are a plethora of fantastic restaurants that cater to just about every taste. If you are more interested in nightlife, there are several distilleries and breweries around the city that offer tasting tours and there is live music year-round! Charleston, WV, has a strong culture that includes many museums and historical sites, and art centers.
So whether you enjoy being outside, love history and the arts, or distillery tours and resorts, West Virginia has endless opportunities to explore! Learn more about locum tenens on our website. Interested in exploring job opportunities in West Virginia? Search for locum and permanent assignments down below or click here to visit our job board!