Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Country Roads Take Me Home

Recently, I've received a few new followers but more than likely some of my followers who have been around for awhile probably are not aware of this as well...I am a West Virginian.

I was born and raised in the state of West Virginia. Now before you go and make the stereotypical WV jokes... just stop right there! I have all of my teeth. I wear shoes. I'm not related to anyone I've ever dated. I have indoor plumbing. I do not live on a farm and no I do not have John Denver's song Country Roads on repeat. Now granted I'm sure there are a few people that fall into one if not more of those categories somewhere out in the world. 

The reason why I wanted to talk about West Virginia today is because I feel like it's often not given the respect that it deserves. Granted when a tragedy takes place in WV people are respectful, kind and show an outpouring of prayers. West Virginia is one of the most beautiful states in the nation. The people are kind, caring and compassionate. We host wonderful seasons for snowboarding, white water rafting, visiting the falls and hiking. When the leaves change it's as if you're looking at a painting. We are also home to many championship teams, athletes and celebrities. Just take a look:
 

(photos via google search wv)
Who wouldn't want to visit?!?
So the next time you think of making a joke or have something negative to say about this state remember all of the amazing things it holds. Oh, if you decide you want to visit remember, we're West Virginia... not west of Virginia :)

30 comments:

AmberDenae said...

YOU GO GIRL! My whole family on my Mom"s side is from Buckhannon, WV and I visit at least once I year. I also lived there for 6 years when I was a kid. I HATE the looks I get and the jokes that are made when people hear that my family is from West Virginia and that I used to live there. No, I've never had moonshine. It's so annoying. My family is very classy and yeah, they might live in the sticks but it's gorgeous and peaceful and it's what they love. My Uncle is a Pastor of the largest church in Buckhannon and my grandparents actually planted that church. I absolutely love the state of West Virginia. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful states and I have many wonderful memories from when I lived there and from when I visit. Buckhannon's Strawberry Festivals, Canaan Valley, Snowshoe etc etc.

I love West Virginia dearly. The fall season there is absolutely breathtaking! I also miss the fresh air and cool summer nights. Ahhh, you've made me homesick for it! I wanna go now!

LOVED this post! Loved loved loved!

Ashley said...

I have never stereotyped WV. And I had to laugh because a lot of those stereotypes that you listed are linked to MS to.
Those pictures are stunning!

Patience said...

It looks like a beautiful state to me. I would actually pack my bags and visit there next week. Our neighbor is from WV and he loved it.

Stephanie said...

WOW!!!! Those sights are so beautiful!!! I live in Virginia and have never gotten the chance to go visit. I've only been to snowshoe. I guess that might be the next place on my list to go visit now. Any suggestions?

Rachel said...

Love the post (obviously). I get rather irritated when I see negative comments about WV on other blogs! People don't realize how beautiful it is here and that we really do have teeth and wear shoes! :)

Anonymous said...

I went to a wedding in West Virginia a few years ago and found it to be gorgeous! It was an autumn wedding so the colors were just lovely!

Samantha said...

Gotta admit the one time I drove through WV I was in the state for a whopping 10 mins, ensured I had gas and was SPEEDING! umm... didn't help that my sister had made me watch some creepy movie with "people" who eat other people and it took place in WV. Anyway... Doesn't look pretty. I don't knock WV tho it just kinda scares me :) hahaa

Anonymous said...

Pretty!

Steph @ Professors_Wife said...

This post is near and dear to my heart - I was born & raised in Webster County! My husband's dissertation title is "The Rhetoric of the Hillbilly" - He's an angry appalachian/WV'ian, and he's tired of the stereotyping as well! (It's awesome - you may actually want to read it when he's finished, it's actually enjoyable.) Currently, he's writing away about stereotypes in movies, shows, etc. We've had some FUN movie marathons! Wrong Turn and Deliverance make for a fantasmic evening. I've also watched more Hee Haw and Beverly Hillbillies than i care to!
WV is such a beautiful state and I'm proud that I was raised there. I don't know where Todd & I will eventually settle down, but wherever it is, I will make sure to spread the word that WV is NOT a scary place inhabited by cannibalistic hillbilly mutants! I've started that already, while living in Ohio. :) Great Post!

Nicole said...

Oh geez I've never heard of these stereotypes lol but those picture are gorgeous! I think every state has questionable areas :)

Katie said...

My friends parents just moved to WV and they love it! IT is so beautiful!

Anonymous said...

WV looks beautiful! When we go home to Ohio from Maryland, we go straight through there. I love the mountains. You pictures show a lovely side of your state!

Tamara said...

I'm not from WV but my MIL is and for the past 11 years that I've been with my husband we've gone there EVERY year and I fall in love more and more each time I go there.

I reallyreallyreally hate the rude comments people make about WV and other southern states, it's rude people.

I love John Denver's "Country Roads", I listen to it often and I agree ... Almost Heaven, West Virgina.

Amanda @ It's Blogworthy said...

West Virginia, were you close to the beach? I got that one just the other day. Firstly, even if we WERE talking about WestERN Virginia, that's landlocked. Secondly, how do you answer that question? Personally, I say, well, no, West Virginia, and I lived in the Western part of it...I just googled "West, Virginia" thinking that maybe there is a city named West near the beach but not so. There are pretty things about WV, but nto Huntington (yes, I said it!!)

Selma @ Crazy Little World Of Mine said...

Yay!!!! :) Perfect post girl. Beautiful pictures...they really want to make me visit WV. :) And trust me, I wanna know the state first before I make jokes (if any). I never do anyways. Every state, city, country, region's beautiful and interesting in its own ways and I believe WV deserves some good words, too. :D So when I do visit WV I will let you know what I thought about it but looking at the pics...yeah...it looks awesome!! :)

Great post. :D

xoxo

Breadwinner Wife said...

I've only been once, but I think West Virginia is beautiful! Being from Louisiana, we get the jokes too, but there is always more to someone or something than the stereotypes about them give away!

Breadwinner Wife said...

In fact, you've inspired me, I will probably post something along the same lines about my state soon! :)

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

Those pictures are so pretty!

SurferWife said...

Those are indeed pretty pictures. I have tpo admit when I am making vacation plans, W.V. isn't typically on my radar! :)

Artist said...

Your post made me really smile, and the photos are just amazing.

Summer said...

This post is so fun! You crack me up girlie! I know just a few on here from WV two of them are you and me LOL....

WV is so breathtaking and is such a beautiful state!

I loved this post!
xoxo
Summer :0)

Miranda said...

I LOVE my home state! I have to admit, on the plane ride over from Charlotte I kept singing "Country Roads" to myself.. ha ha. I couldn't help it! GREAT POST!

MariahSmile said...

I love my home state and don't plan on leaving it anytime soon! I would say Morgantown is not one of the best cities around to showcase good ole WV with their drunken singing of "Country Roads" outside my window at 3am, but every state has a bad egg! Can't wait to go home home!

Jules AF said...

My cousins lived there for a while. Unfortunately, my uncle was missing most of his teeth... But I don't judge the place because of it.

J.J. said...

I totally dig your pics!!! I also love me some John Denver!

Leah said...

I've been to WV a few times, and it really is beautiful. I've been whitewater rafting on the New River & it was awesome! Also went horseback riding near there. I had a blast and I would definitely go back again. I agree that it doesn't get the credit it deserves.

Kristie said...

Pictures look amazing!

Blessings,
Kristie

Stephanie said...

Gorgeous!! Sounds like a beautiful piece of the country to me!

Justine said...

Jon and I worked at Nazareth Farm for a week a couple winters ago, and OH MY!! WV is gorgeous! :) The mountains are a little terrifying, but gorgeous non-the-less!! :)

Q, La, and Gooner said...

Those pics are so pretty! I've visited WV and I truly enjoyed hiking in the mountains!