Dark Tourism and Abandoned Adventures :West Virginia Day 2

We checked out of our hotel and headed to West Virginia State Penitentiary. We were able to book our tour in advance. The price for the tour was fair. Dress comfortably. When you approach the building, it’s a bit shocking. Imagine driving through a typical cookie cutter neighborhood, then BOOM ! Enormous castle looking prison right in the middle of the block. It was much bigger than anticipated. The architecture is gorgeous.

Across the street is grave creek mound which has its own visit worthy history on its own. We didn’t have a chance to do that, but I did snap a photo.

Entering the building you’re able to check out the mini museum and gift shop. Our tour guide was excellent ! She was very knowledgeable, comfortable speaking and answering questions, and directed us at a good pace. I don’t remember how many people were in our tour, but it wasn’t an overwhelming amount which I liked.

To be completely honest, if you’ve seen one abandoned prison inside then you’ve seen them all in a sense. Of course this one was special for its own reasons, but between the special places was just old cells. At the end of the tour is the best time to explore the mini museum and gift shop. I wouldn’t repeat the tour, once was sufficient, but I did enjoy it and I’m glad we did it.

As always, you’re encouraged to do some research before you go. It makes the experience better.

Some of my favorite parts of the tour were:

• Seeing the old original parts of the prison.

• The art in the cafeteria, specifically the guy who killed his wife and then painter her name in a heart on his mural.

• Seeing where Charles Manson had visitation with his mother as a child.

• Seeing the letter Charles Manson wrote petitioning a transfer to WV and being denied.

• Learning about the history of executions there.

• Seeing where Harry Powers, the lonely hearts killer, was executed.

• Recognizing before being told, that an episode of mindhunter was filmed there.

• Old sparky the electric chair (yes I bought a t-shirt)

The rest of the trip for the day was a little rougher than anticipated, but we were on the fortunate end of circumstances. We drove to our next stop, Weston WV. The had recently experienced devestating floods. Our hotel was shut down. People were piling their belongings up for trash pick up. There was so much ruin. The National Guard was in town helping with relief efforts. I couldn’t even complain about the inconvenience and the rough hotel replacement. When I walked in to the lobby , a girl complimented my shirt and purse and tattoos and said “you’re so cool”. I’m awkward with compliments, but very appreciative. I told her thank you and gave her a Boo-tique sticker. My weird girl go-to, I’m flattered but don’t look at me look at my business 😂🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

We made a half hour drive to the nearest Shoney’s in Flatwoods. The food was terrible (I don’t complain hardly ever). Staff was friendly. In a neighboring parking lot was the largest Goodwill I’ve ever seen.

Went inside and walked out five minutes later. Nothing good and prices were high.

I didn’t go to flatwoods tourist spots, that wasn’t the interest of the trip. All in all it was an okay day. I’ll be posting Day 3 soon, Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.