Vintage Virginia: the Old Dominion practically wrote the book on American history, and it's a place of rare beauty as well - State Of The Month

Travel America, March-April, 2002 by Randy Mink

For a look at Appalachia's coal-mining heritage, take a tour of Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine and Museum to see where coal was produced for 73 years. To really feel the region's pulse, catch a Saturday night show at the Carter Family Fold near Gate City. The family's music was first recorded in 1927 and has been called "as haunting, mournful, and beautiful as the Appalachians from which it came."

For information, contact the Virginia Tourism Corporation (TravelAmerica Magazine), 901 E. Byrd St., Richmond, VA 23219-4048; (800) VISIT-VA; www.VIRGINIA.org.