March 15, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Turner
304-558-2288, ext. 341
mturner@callwva.com

West Virginia sites featured on National Geographic map of Appalachia
Tourism project first of its kind for Appalachian Regional Commission

More than 40 sites in West Virginia appear are featured on a specially produced full-size map of Appalachia in the April issue of National Geographic Traveler. In addition to the magazine, which reaches more than 900,000 subscribers, National Geographic has built an accompanying Web site (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/appalachia) that will be active for one year.

"This map is further evidence of the rich cultural and heritage tourism offerings in West Virginia and across all of Appalachia," said Gov. Joe Manchin III. "While its goal is to encourage visitors to discover the region's 'hidden wealth of nature, history and culture,' I think a lot of West Virginians will be surprised at what's just outside their doors."

West Virginia sites on the map include unique eateries, cultural festivals, handmade craft shops, scenic and historic parks and attractions. A complete listing is included with this release.

The "Appalachia Geotourism MapGuide" is the first project of its kind for the Appalachian Regional Commission, which spearheaded the effort to stimulate economic development by showcasing the region's natural, cultural and heritage attractions. The Division of Tourism assisted with the West Virginia section of the map, which overall includes about 350 sites.

The map is funded by a grant from the ARC, and was prepared by National Geographic Maps and tourism organizations within the 13-state region. National Geographic launches the Web site on March 14 and the magazine is distributed to newsstands and subscribers in mid-March.

While supplies are limited, the Division of Tourism will provide maps free to callers. To request copies, please call 1-800-CALL WVA. The Appalachian Regional Commission is distributing the maps to libraries and schools throughout the region.

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West Virginia Sites on the 2005 ARC/NGS Geotourism Map Guide

Appalachian Heritage Festival
Shepherdstown
Appalachian National Scenic Trail Headquarters
Harpers Ferry
Augusta Heritage Festival
Elkins
Blenko Glass
Milton
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Parkersburg
Blue Smoke Salsa
Ansted
Cabin Creek Quilters Cooperative
Charleston
Cass Scenic Railroad
Cass
Cathedral State Park
Aurora
Chief Logan State Park
Logan
City of Beckley
Beckley
Coal Heritage Trail
Beckley to Bluefield
Country Club Bakery
Fairmont
Cranberry Glades
Monongahela National Forest
Fenton Art Glass
Williamstown
Heritage Farm Museum & Village
Huntington
Highland Scenic Highway
Richwood to US 219 north of Marlinton
Hillbilly Hotdogs
Lesage
Historic Downtown Morgantown
Morgantown
Historic Pence Springs Resort
Pence Springs
Historic Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown
Homer Laughlin China Company
Newell
Ice Mountain
Between Slanesville and Capon Bridge
Kilmarnock Farm Bed and Breakfast
Orlando
Matewan Historic District and Downtown Depot
Matewan
Midland Trail
Wayne to Greenbrier County
Mountaineer Wind Energy Center
Tucker
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Green Bank
Pearl S. Buck Birthplace
Seebert
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
Romney
Seneca Rocks
Seneca Rocks
Showcase West Virginia
Charleston
Spruce Knob
Riverton
Tamarack
Beckley
The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs
The West Virginia Independence Hall Museum
Wheeling
ThistleDew Farm
Proctor
Tour of Bramwell
Bramwell
Town of Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs
Town of Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park
Point Pleasant
Walking Tour of Old Malden
Malden
Washington Heritage Trail
Eastern panhandle of West Virginia
West Virginia Black Walnut Festival
Spencer
West Virginia State Folk Festival
Glenville
Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Wheeling