NOAH'S ARK ENCOUNTER

Since we were less than thirty minutes from one of the most spectacular attractions in Kentucky we decided to go to the unbelievable ARK ENCOUNTER in Williamstown, Kentucky (not far from Georgetown).

ARK ENCOUNTER
Williamstown, KY

There are a couple of very positive things to say about the Ark Encounter.  The sheer size of the exhibit, the incredible craftsmanship and the state-of-the-art exhibits were amazing and inspirational.  We will never think the same about the biblical account of Noah's Ark again!

Entrance into Noah's ARK ENCOUNTER

The Ark itself is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high.  The Ark has 3.3 million board feet of timber and is the biggest timber-frame structure in the world.  

Bow Of The Ark

Bow Of The Ark

Upon entering the Ark you have tons of questions so it is best if you do a little research before you go because you will never have all your questions answered (in your lifetime probably).   There is a lot planned for future expansion of the Ark Encounter - think BIGGER.

We decided to go on a Tuesday morning, but the Ark is opened Monday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  There are shuttle buses that take you from the vast parking lot to the Ark entrance.  

SHUTTLE BUSES provide transportation from the parking lot
to the vicinity of the ARK

There are strollers and electric scooters which can be rented.  If you have difficulty walking or getting around, you might reconsider this attraction.  There are also elevators if you are unable to walk to floors continuing the exhibits.  

Crowd Control is done with Walkway Aisles
on the ARK

Think how it is at Walt Disney World Resort, and all the turnstiles to get in the exhibits....same thing.  On the other hand seniors are given a reasonable discount for admission as well as a reasonable price for an all-you-can-eat buffet in an adjoining restaurant.  There are also lots of friendly and helpful staff to assist people along the way.

Lifelike exhibits of life on the Ark are
throughout the 3 stories of exhibits on
the ARK

We thought our decision to go on Tuesday would mean a small crowd.  It would have been except about 10 buses of teenagers arrived about the same time as us.  I have a feeling there is no day of small crowds here!  Once you enter  the Ark it is comfortable as far as the temperature is concerned, but you can't stop and read every single exhibit or you would be in line forever.  There are literally hundreds of signs to read and several movies, so if you have children be ready to explain what is happening in lots of areas of the attraction.  

The Murals throughout the Ark are beautiful!

Mural depicting Adam and Eve

While we saw lots of families at the exhibits I wondered how much it cost for a family of 4 or 6 to enter.  If they also went to the Creation Museum (their sister museum 45 minutes north), Screaming Eagle Zip Lines and Aerial Adventure, Ararat Ridge Zoo, etc., and ate at the buffet, and definitely spend some time at the Gift Shop....now that's a chunk of change!

Emzara's Kitchen Buffet Restaurant
As you Leave The ARK

There's a lot to see and do but you can upgrade your ticket to a 2-day, 7-day unlimited, or annual pass.  Did I mention it costs $10/day for parking?  Don't worry, there's an ATM machine if you need one.

Very comfortable and safe shuttles to take you
back to your parking lot

We enjoyed our day and we're glad we were able to go.  It is an amazing adventure and we know there is so much more to learn about Noah's Ark and the biblical flood.  There is a way to continue learning about this at AnswersInGenesis.org/ark and ArkEncounter.com.  

An RV with HOT FLASHES!

We stayed in West Virginia until everyone thought we were settling down in Lewisburg for good.  West Virginia kind of gets in your mind..."Country Roads Take Me Home" was a song we couldn't get out of our minds.   A tune you sing all day and don't realize it's permanently sealed in your brain.

Country Roads of West Virginia and Kentucky

We finally have to report a mechanical problem which appeared on the way to Lewisburg, WV  but RV thought he had it under control.  There was a hairline crack in our coolant reservoir (surge tank) and RV consulted with several high tech RV gurus (Tiffin owners and friends) who suggested as a temporary solution he apply Rubber Flex, a leak stopper.  Remember on television how the guy sprays the bottom of a small boat and takes off across the water....without sinking.  This product works as designed as long as the leak isn't under pressure.  Key word....pressure.

Our Cummins Diesel wasn't the only one chugging
up and down the mountains!

Somehow the Allegheny Mountains and the coolant tank had some conflicting ideas as we drove down the highway.  Our temperature gauge would elevate going up the mountains and then, thankfully, cool off as we descended.  The gauge never "over-overheated" but that was because RV talked to her the whole way,  I'm sure.   Yes, we left a minute trail of coolant on the turnpike, but most of it had leaked out before we left.

Beautiful West Virginia Turnpike
Beautiful West Virginia Weather

We found the interstate and turnpike roads in West Virginia and Kentucky to be very well maintained.  However, you don't want to get off the interstate because all we said about good roads goes out the window.  We made the mistake by getting off the interstate for fuel, and even though the sign said 2 miles to a diesel fuel station, it didn't say 2 miles on hairpin curves descending down very rapidly to the next small town in a 40 ft. motor coach with a tow car.  While RV was taking care of filling our 150 gallon fuel tank,  it was "SNACK CENTRAL TIME" for me, and I was able to refill the coach's snack basket with nutritious snacks once again. Okay, maybe "nutritious" is a stretch.

Whispering Hills RV Park
Georgetown, KY

Whispering Hills RV Park
Georgetown, KY

Whispering Hills RV Park Pavilion
Georgetown, KY

Upon our arrival in Georgetown, KY we were very fortunate to find Bluegrass International, a large diesel truck and RV repair facility,  only a few miles from where we are staying.  They repaired/replaced our reservoir issue quickly and BAM!, we are as good as new.  We've explored and stayed in the Kentucky Bluegrass areas of Lexington/Georgetown before, and love the scenic small town of Georgetown as well as the other surrounding areas.

Main Street - Georgetown, KY

Georgetown has protected the historical buildings
throughout the downtown area

Pure Small Town Charm
Georgetown, KY

Barn in Scenic Kentucky

Barn in Scenic Georgetown, KY

Our stay in Georgetown is to attend another rally of Tiffin friends,  rather small when you consider the last Tiffin rally had 310 coaches.  This rally may have 20 coaches and we are known as the Tiffin Travelers, an FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) chapter.  We are with other Tiffin owners from all over the USA, most of us on our way to an international annual Family Motor Coach Association Rally on July 12 - July 15,  at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, IN.

THE HOME OF SLAMMIN' SAMMY

One of the rewarding things you do when you travel around in a motorhome is see the America that you read about in books.   While we were in Lewisburg, West Virginia, we were staying about 20 minutes away from The Greenbrier,  universally acclaimed as the most fashionable summer social resort in the south and said to "define luxury since 1778",  in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

White Sulphur Springs - Home of The Greenbrier Classic

As is usually the case, we think we know "beans" about someplace and once we get there we find out "we didn't know beans at all".  Once I publish some facts about The Greenbrier, called "America's Resort", hopefully you will know more about The Greenbrier and how it has shaped the history of our country as well as the State of West Virginia since 1778.  The Greenbrier is also designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, WV

The Greenbrier sits on 11,000 acres, has 710 guest rooms, 20 restaurants and lounges and offers more than 55 indoor/outdoor activities and 36 retail shops.  There are reported to be 1800 "ladies and gentlemen" who offer authentic Southern hospitality to the guests.

Shopping at The Greenbrier is inside and outside -
A comfortable walk to some of the outside shopping

Guests at The Greenbrier are treated with genuine Southern hospitality.

In the beginning visitors were attracted to the curative waters of the sulphur springs.

The Springhouse - Statue on the top of Springhouse
is HEBE, the Greek Goddess of Youth

Who was Slammin' Sammy?  In 1944 Sam Snead became head golf professional at The Greenbrier.  He arrived in White Sulphur Springs in 1936, and you might know he won The Greater Greensboro Open eight times.  In 1965, at the age of 52, he became the oldest player to win a PGA Tour event. During his golfing career he won 82 PGA tour events and 7 majors.  Did you know he recorded his first 59 on The Greenbrier Course at the resort in 1959?

Entrance to the Golf Club
The Greenbrier - White Sulphur Springs, WV

Fond memories of golfer Sam Snead are all over The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, WV

Joe and Rose Kennedy, the parents of John F. Kennedy, honeymooned at The Greenbrier in 1914.  It has always been rumored that JFK's oldest brother, Joseph Kennedy, Jr. was conceived at The Greenbrier.  He was born on July 25 the following year.

The Greenbrier - White Sulphur Springs, WV

Ettore Boiari  (face on the famous Chef Boyardee cans) catered the reception of Woodrow Wilson's second wedding at The Greenbrier in 1915.

Lobby of The Greenbrier - White Sulphur Springs, WV

The popular Southern drink, the Mint Julep, was believed to be invented at The Greenbrier.  The Mint Julep, a tradition at the Kentucky Derby, serves about 80,000 of the primarily bourbon, sugar syrup and fresh mint drinks (usually served in silver or pewter cups) every year.

Lobby Salon at The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

James Justice, coal mine owner, former governor of West Virginia, bought the resort out of bankruptcy in 2009.  Justice agreed the resort needed to retain its long traditions, but he spent the past few years revitalizing and adding a sushi bar, opening a casino (for guests only), securing a new tour event and a dance club.

Lobby - The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, WV

Last, but not least, is the most intriguing story of all.  Hidden in plain sight and buried 720 feet into a hillside under the wing of this gorgeous hotel is a facility built between 1958 and 1961 (during the Eisenhower administration) as a secret home for the United States Congress in the event of a national emergency.

The BUNKER is a gigantic fallout shelter the size of a Walmart under your feet.  There were 3 entrances protected by large steel and concrete doors (25 tons, 12' wide x 10' high and 18" thick).  The bunker has 44 separate locations with 153 rooms for a total of 112,544 square feet on two levels. It has a self-contained power plant that could sustain 1,110 people up to 40 days.

The Bunker was a classified secret until it was revealed in a story published in The Washington Post in May, 1992.  SO THE SECRET OF THE BUNKER GOT OUT! and that's why you can take guided tours now (by reservation).  You don't get to see the entire bunker because a major part of it is used as a secure data storage facility.

Walking around the historical grounds of the 239 year old resort, The Greenbrier is spectacular and luxurious and the properties are vast.

The Lobby Bar chandelier was purchased from the estate of actress Debbie Reynolds.  This chandelier
came from the movie set of "Gone With The Wind" in 1939.

The furnishings and decor are spectacular,  and the internationally acclaimed interior designers, Dorothy Draper and her protege' and designer/curator,  Carleton Varney, were responsible for producing the inimitable style of The Greenbriar.  These designers are still celebrated as two of the most celebrated designers of the century and are known all over the world, including their work in The White House as well as The Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan.

The Greenbrier's history includes the career of one of America's greatest professional golfers, Sam Snead.  Sam Snead (5/27/1912 - 5/23/2002) was regarded as one of the top players in the world for most of four decades,   If you think The Greenbrier is beautiful, you should have seen Sam Snead's golf swing!  The Greenbrier is proud to again host The Greenbrier Classic in 2017 from July 3 - 9.

THE COOLEST SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA

In the southern West Virginia region, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, lies the Greenbrier Valley and the historic and quaint city of Lewisburg, WV. voted the "Coolest Small Town in America" in 2011 by Budget Travel readers.

Greenbrier County, West Virginia
formed 1776

While in Lewisburg we stayed in our motorhome at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds where we attended a very large Tiffin Motorhome rally, and had a week to discover and get to know Lewisburg and the surrounding region, rich in the history of our country - back over 200 years.

City Hall of Lewisburg, WV

Downtown Lewisburg, WV

Not only is Lewisburg a historical city but "foodies" know this is a culinary heaven with locally grown produce, farm-raised meats and bustling farmers markets.

Lewisburg, WV  is a showcase for farm raised produce and meats.

The Stardust Cafe - A Famous and
Highly Rated Downtown Restaurant in
Lewisburg, WV

The Historic General Lewis Inn
Lewisburg, WV  - We enjoyed their weekend Brunch

The City of Lewisburg was founded in 1782, and was the site of many bloody battles with the Shawnee Indians which was the reason so many forts and structures were built to protect the early settlers.

The entire downtown area of Lewisburg is a National Historic Landmark.  The Battle of Lewisburg Memorial Plaque is buried next to the Stone Church to reflect the place where 95 unknown Confederate soldiers lost their lives in the Battle and were then buried next to the church.

The Stone Church - A Presbyterian Church since 1796

The Stone Presbyterian Church, built of native limestone,  has been holding worship services since 1796, except for a brief period during the Civil War.

The Beautiful Stone Church and adjoining Cemetery

The Stone Presbyterian Church as seen from
Carnegie Hall Across the Street

Next to the church is a beautiful old cemetery which is the final resting place for many soldiers who died in the Civil War.

The Stone Church Cemetery and Confederate Cemetery

In 1902 the Scottish American steel baron and philanthropic industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, donated $26,750 to the Lewisburg Female Institution (later Greenbrier College for Women) for a classroom building.  Local citizens gave $10,000 to complete the Hall in the Georgia Revival Style.  The building is now one of 3 remaining Carnegie Halls in the United States.

Carnegie Hall
Lewisburg, WV

 Carnegie Hall - Lewisburg, WV

The other Carnegie Halls are in New York City and Pittsburg, PA.  The Lewisburg Carnegie Hall is a state treasure of West Virginia and on summer evenings the front lawn is the site for free concerts from bluegrass to classical music.

Front Lawn of Carnegie Hall - Lewisburg, WV 

We took several afternoon road trips on rural roads through the Allegheny Mountains and look forward to sharing a few experiences with you.  North, South, East, West...it didn't matter.  We were blessed every turn of the road.

The Herns Mill Covered Bridge -
Still Operational since 1879

  

Almost Heaven... WEST VIRGINIA

Our schedule is about to slow down for a couple of weeks... hopefully.  We drove from Louisiana to Panama City Beach, FL,  to see our grandson play in a baseball tournament.

Panama City Beach, FL

While the outcome of the game was disappointing, we thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with some of our family.

Congratulations to Kenneth Burke
Clay High School Class of 2017
Green Cove Springs, FL

We then drove to our motorhome to Atlanta, and our "home on wheels" would remain there while we drove our car to Green Cove Springs, FL,  to celebrate several other milestones in our grandson, Kenneth Burke's life.  We witnessed Kenneth signing a partial baseball scholarship to Inspiration Academy in Bradenton, FL, where he will attend his first year of college.  We also attended Kenneth's 2017 graduation from Clay High School.

After graduation we drove back to Atlanta to hook up to our motorhome to begin our trip to Lewisburg, WV, to attend a Tiffin Allegro Club Rally and enjoy 3 days of fun and fellowship with other Tiffin motorhome owners.

This was our view every morning for coffee!
Almost Heaven...West Virginia

 310 Motorhomes were parked ...In The Rain
West Virginia State Fairgrounds - Lewisburg, WV

 We had an opportunity to present 3 classes of Attitude Adjustment... Its's FUN art...not FINE art - the art therapy and painting class I teach to RVer's all over the United States - and particularly at our winter domicile in Webster, FL - Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort. 

Attitude Adjustment - Red Poppy Pillow Covers

Attitude Adjustment - Alcohol Ink Coasters

Attitude Adjustment - Painting WV Scene on Canvas Shopping Bag

Approximately 310 motorhomes and more than 600 people attended the Tiffin Allegro Club Rally at the beautiful West Virginia State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg, WV.

Seal of the State Fair of West Virginia

 Attendees were from 36 different states and one province in Canada.  The program was jam-packed with interesting topics/seminars,  including Attitude Adjustment (ARTitude Adjustment) ...It's FUN art...not FINE art! art therapy painting classes.   It is still hard to imagine how much pre-planning an event of this size requires.  Most meals were catered, ice cream socials, displays of new coaches, lots of door prizes, entertainment every evening, and patriotic tributes to our veterans.

Catered meals and entertainment were in the West Virginia Building
State Fairgrounds of West Virginia

A Tribute To Our Veterans
Tiffin Allegro Club Rally
Lewisburg, WV

After such a busy rally we made arrangements to stay a few extra days to see more of this picturesque and scenic historic part of our country.  Lewisburg has one of the largest historic downtowns on the National Register - 250 acres....and The Greenbrier is only 8.5 miles down the road!