Williamsburg is a small, unincorporated town in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. It is close to mountains, rivers, state forests, parks and historic landmarks. The area's caves and caverns are unlike any others in North America. Williamsburg has a world-class golf course and offers unusual activities such as a star-gazing excursion.
Located in the Greenbrier River Valley north of Williamsburg, Droop Mountain National Battlefield is the site of the last significant Civil War battle in West Virginia. The Battle of Droop Mountain is reenacted in October in even-numbered years. (See References 5)
The birthplace of author Pearl S. Buck is about 25 miles north of Williamsburg on U.S. 219. From May to November, guided tours are given from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except on major holidays. The admission price includes access to the stately colonial home and a 45-minute tour. (See References 1)
The ecologically diverse Monongahela National Forest, located in the north central highlands north of Williamsburg, straddles the highest ridges in the state. Elevations range from just under 1,000 feet to 4,863 feet above sea level. A popular annual event at Monongehela is the Cranberry Mountain Shindig the last Sunday in September. Other attractions are bogs, waterfalls and rock climbing. (See Resources 1)
West of Williamsburg is the New River Gorge National River Area. Bridge Day, West Virginia's largest one-day festival, on the third Saturday in October commemorates the October 1977 completion of the New River Gorge Bridge. It is the longest single-span, steel-arch bridge in the western hemisphere. (References 2)
At Lost World Cavern, 30 minutes south of Williamsburg, visitors explore the trails at their own pace on a self-guided tour. A 45-minute walk takes them past formations such as The Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton compound stalactite. The cavern's temperature is 52 degrees all year. (See References 6)
Organ Cave, an historic site south of Williamsburg, is home to nine species of bats. Civil War soldiers mined minerals to make gun powder there. It is one of the longest and deepest caves in North America; ancient waterways cut many cave tunnels. The remains of a banded armadillo, giant three-toed sloths, dire wolves and even a mammoth tooth have been found there. (See References 4)
Greenbrier Resort is not far away in White Sulfur Springs. Countless golf pros and celebrities have played there. The Greenbrier's Old White Course will be a stop on the PGA tour in July 2011. A new casino provides an extra diversion. (See Resources 2)
For something a bit more unusual, take a West Virginia Sky Tour, an astronomical outing at Renick, a short drive from Williamsburg. With an observatory-quality telescope and expert guide, your family can observe and learn about the wonders of the galaxies. (See References 3)
