Nestled in the rugged heart of Natrona County, lies a landscape like nowhere else in the state of Wyoming. It is so bewilderingly alien that it could easily be mistaken for a slice of Mars dropped onto Earth. Hell's Half Acre, as it is ominously named, stretches across an expanse that belies its daunting moniker, sprawling far beyond its implied dimensions into a 320-acre scarp of jagged ravines and intricate rock formations.

The story of Hell's Half Acre begins millions of years ago, when it was created primarily by erosion and sculpted by the relentless forces of weather. Yet, despite its seemingly inhospitable terrain, this area harbors a rich tapestry of life and history. Native American tribes have long revered this land; tales of spirits and otherworldly beings are etched into its very essence. Meanwhile, pop culture has also cast its spotlight onto this eerie landscape — serving as an alien planet backdrop in the Hollywood film Starship Troopers. As we peel back the layers on Hell's Half Acre, prepare to embark on an exploration that defies expectations at every turn.

No matter the season, Hawks Nest State Park is renowned for its breathtaking view of the New River Gorge. While this park is not part of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Hawks Nest is adjacent to the National Park. At just 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge near Ansted, West Virginia, its location on the New River and the nearby Gauley River National Recreation Area puts it at the heart of one of the country's most challenging whitewater rafting areas.

The Laurel Highland region of Pennsylvania is one of the most picturesque regions in the United States. The beauty here is extraordinary, yet it becomes particularly enchanting in Autumn.

The fall foliage starts to unfold in mid-September when the first frost hits the mountains and peaks around mid-October. During this time of year, the landscape is adorned with a spectacular array of autumn colors ranging from yellows and gold to oranges, reds, browns, and even a little residual summer greens.  Although the foliage is magnificent, there's much more to admire here.

One of my favorite Laurel Highland road trips is the Somerset County Covered Bridge Tour. With ten covered bridges along the way, this drive is approximately 175 miles long, and it begins and ends in the town of Somerset. It sends you down country roads and historic highways while taking you through delightful small towns and past significant historic landmarks. And the scenic views of charming rural landscapes are everywhere you look. It's an easy two days of exploring, making it the perfect starting point for a weekend getaway.

Bridge Day at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in Fayetteville, West Virginia, is a festival that encapsulates West Virginia's slogan 'Wild and Wonderful.' This spectacular event occurs annually on the third Saturday in October amidst the scenic Autumn backdrop of the New River Gorge and its iconic Bridge. Not only is it West Virginia's largest one-day festival, but it's the largest extreme sports event in the world. It pays tribute to the world's third-longest single-arch bridge—a marvel of engineering that spans 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge and is the longest of its type across the Western Hemisphere.

Deep in the heart of Fayette County in southern West Virginia lies an eerie reminder of a bygone era – Thurmond, West Virginia. Today, a ghost town with a population of 5 (in 2020), it was one of the greatest and most infamous railroad towns along the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad at the turn of the century. 

Thurmond stands frozen in time, nestled on the banks of the majestic New River. Its dilapidated buildings and crumbling infrastructure offer visitors a haunting glimpse into its prosperous past from when steam trains traveled the rails and coal was king. At its zenith, Thurmond boasted a bustling population and was home to many businesses that catered to locals and passing travelers.

Today, however, only memories wander through the abandoned streets as a reminder of the transient nature of prosperity. Amidst the natural wonders of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Thurmond's ghostly presence serves as a poignant testament to the unstoppable march of progress and time's ability to reclaim even the most vibrant communities.



Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City district, Elfreth's Alley, with its charming cobblestone street, has stood the test of time. The neighborhood features thirty-two houses, half of which were built before the beginning of the American Revolution, while the other half were constructed during the postcolonial and Federal periods. At over 300 years old, Elfreth's Alley holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the nation. 

Today, Elfreth's Alley is considered one of Philadelphia's top historical sites, second only in popularity to Independence National Historical Park among tourists and history buffs, and it attracts thousands of visitors annually. With its picturesque row houses and rich history, it's no wonder why Elfreth's Alley remains a beloved landmark in the city.