Restored Pre-Interstate Rest Area VA

I've posted before on Virginia's "waysides" which were the pre-interstate version of the "rest areas" found on interstates today. This one is a little different, though. It's been completely restored, with stonework and picnic tables as they were. It can be found on Virginia Route 598 at the top of East River Mountain, on the border with West Virginia. 598 was originally US Route 52, which has been "replaced" by I-77. The interstate tunnels under this same mountain.

The view is into the city of Bluefield, West Virginia.

US Route 18 in Virginia?

Granted, this is sort of a "roadgeek" type of thing. But some of us who love blue highways are sharp enough to detect errors like this. The route number (18) is correct, but it is shown as a US rather than a Virginia highway. Someone at the Virginia Department of Transportation goofed when they installed this sign. More likely, they didn't know any better. It may be found on Virginia 18 south of the old industrial town of Covington.

One More Classic Bridge About to Go

This is a bridge of a classic design of the early to mid twentieth century. The construction to the left is its replacement. There are fewer and fewer bridges like this every year. Fortunately, some have been left standing for fishing or walking.

This bridge is just outside Hinton WV. The road on the far side of the bridge is West Virginia Route 3.

Rakes Mill Pond, Blue Ridge Parkway VA

This is Rake's Mill Pond on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a very small exhibit. While the crowds go to Mabry Mill, just a few miles south, little gems like this one are often overlooked. It can be found between Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts 162 and 163, just north of Tuggle's Gap and Virginia Route 8.

"Pure" Gasoline Sign, Pulaski VA

Here is a rare sign for Pure gasoline outside a former gas station and country store. (the Gator Mart per the other sign). It now appears to be a private home. The Pure brand of gas still exists, but you don't see it very often.

I found this on the outskirts of Pulaski, Virginia, on one of the 600 or 700 series of secondary Virginia highways.

Engine Bell Exhibit, Camp Creek SP WV

Camp Creek State Park in southern West Virginia is a beautiful little park. I've gone there many times to hike the trails. It's surprising that I just noticed this, since I'm a railroad buff. The bell is from a locomotive that was used in removing timber logged in what is now the park.

The park is between Princeton and Beckley near both US 19 and I-77.