Thurmond WV in New River Gorge Nat'l Park

This is the nearly abandoned mining town of Thurmond, West Virginia, in the New River Gorge National River. In its heyday, it was a busy place along the C&O (now CSX) Railroad tracks. The frame building is the old station, now used as a museum and visitors' center by the National Park Service. The bridge over the New River can be seen in the background.

To reach Thurmond, leave US Route 19 at Glen Jean, WV, north of Beckley and follow dead-end Route 25 down to the river.

King Tut Drive-In, US 19, Beckley WV

This isn't something you would see bypassing Beckley on the West Virginia Turnpike. I came upon it following the signs for US Route 19. I'd just had lunch, so I didn't stop. The menu is displayed on an exterior wall, and employees come out to your car to take your order.

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The Narrows of the New River, Narrows VA

This picturesque landform is on the New River in Giles County, Virginia. It is called the Narrows of the New River. East River Mountain (left) and Peters Mountain (right) descend to the river. You can drive through the Narrows on US 460 or on a twisting county road on the other bank.

The town of Narrows is less than a half mile upstream. The photo was taken from the bridge connecting the town with US 460. The town is to the left of the photographer.