West Virginia

Introducing West Virginia

West Virginia’s got an image problem. At best, everyone knows it from a tired John Denver song. At worst, it’s the subject of every inbred, cousin-coupling joke in America.

Which is funny, since this unbroken line of green mountains is one of the prettiest states in the union. Created by secessionists from secession, the people here still think of themselves as hardscrabble sons of miners, and that perception isn’t entirely off. But the Mountain State is also gentrifying and occasionally, that’s a good thing: the arts are flourishing in the valleys, where some towns offer a welcome break from the state’s constantly evolving outdoor activities.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009