Bluefield, West Virginia, is a small town that exemplifies the atmosphere of the state. West Virginia is the only state in the US that is considered to be entirely mountainous (it is located fully within the Appalachian Mountain range) and this town in southern WV shows much of what the state has to offer. There are golf courses in the area, as well as skiing, theaters, antique stores, local restaurants and other opportunities for day trips. Also located nearby are Bluestem and Pipestone National Parks, as well as the Cascade Waterfall in the Jefferson National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail.

Staying in Bluefield is relaxing and secluded, and the Country Chalet bed and breakfast is a perfect example of the hospitality found here. With just three rooms (situated in an A-frame house on one acre of land) the point of the Country Chalet is to make sure that the guests here (you) feel at home. All of the guest rooms are decorated with a quaint country charm, and include amenities such as a private bath, TV/VCR in room and CD player. Enjoy dinner at the Four Seasons Room at the Chalet, or book a romance package that includes champagne, two nights’ stay, dinner and breakfast each morning.

Virginia overall continues to experience population growth. Of course, Northern Virginia continues to lead the Commonwealth when it comes to residential, retail and commercial development. However, other sections of Virgina are experiencing growth as well, including some of the more rural areas of the Commonwealth that are attracting young families and other people who are interested in a more serene life in a community that truly can be classified and considered a “hometown.”

Some love the Beast of the East, the Gauley River, but the New River Gorge sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the east gives you fantastic views of the rock formations and the trees that grow up out of rivers banks. The white water rafting in West Virginia leaves you breathless and wanting more. Some even hang around for rock climbing and hiking, which also becomes another memorable experience. Nowhere else you go will ever offer an experience as this, these rapids are a one of a kind from the start to the finish. Now get out and enjoy some great white water rafting times with friends or family.

Fishing in Virginia state in the early season is particularly good in the Smith Point area, located at the uppermost portion of Virginia’s western shore. This is a peninsula referred to as the Northern Neck, which is perfectly situated for the interception of the infuse of fish returning from the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and Maryland’s bay waters after their spawning is completed. Interestingly enough, because of the setup of licenses for Virginia saltwater fishing and Maryland fishing, when the waters are cooler and striper don’t return to the southern waters as soon as normally expected, anglers from Virginia are allowed to fish the waters of Maryland, which are already quite productive in terms of quantity of striped bass available.

Northern Virginia has high road congestion rate. The area is counted among the most congested regions in the nation. In order to lessen traffic at gridlock, local governments support other forms of transportation like Metrorail, HOV, carpooling, etc.Northern Virginia Transportation conditions are worsening due to increasing population.

Curvy colonial roads are one of the biggest public transit issues. But the recent renovation of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge near Alexandria that also carries more than 300,000 vehicles everyday into Maryland will double the traffic lanes at that specific narrow area when completed in 2008.

Commuting Through Springfield

The Springfield “mixing bowl” freeway junction will provide relief as new ramp configurations open as part of a large scale interchange reconstruction. The Springfield Interchange Improvement Project started in March, 1999 and is scheduled for completion in 2007. The seven phased, $650 million project has been sponsored by the Virginia Department of Transportation. The pre-project interchange, where I-95, I-395 and I-495 come together, was approximately a mile long linking the three major interstates and serving nearly thousands of vehicles everyday. Studies reveal that the interchange witnessed 179 accidents in two years, hence making it the most dangerous junction on the 64-mile Capital Beltway. Also, traffic forecasts projected volumes to double by 2020.

Hence to improve traffic flow VDOT is reconstructing the interchange to make it safer for commuters and long-distance travelers.

Blueprint of Springfield Project

Springfield improvement plan includes construction of more than fifty bridges and flyovers, thirty ramps and setting up of approximately two hundred guide signs and twenty electronic message signs. One of the major characteristic of the project is to barrier-separate HOV lanes, through lanes and local lanes on I-95 to lessen weaving conflicts.

In November 2001, reconstruction of I-95/VA-644 interchange was completed. The direct through roadway linking for I-95 southbound traffic was inaugurated in May 2004. Rest of the I-95/I-395/I-495 interchange and express/local roadways on I-95 will open in phases from 2005 to 2007.

Ultimate goal behind reconstruction of “mixing bowl” is to improve safety and access while increasing throughput capacity. Northern Virginia Transportation improvement project is in its completion phase.

Belvoir New Vision Planners (BNVP)

Fort Belvoir is a United States military installation which also services as the headquarters of Defense Logistics Agency, the Defense Contract Audit Agency, Defense Technical Information Center and Defense Threat Reduction Agency. As a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission, Fort Belvoir is expected to have a substantial increase in the number of people stationed or employed there. For this, a team of experienced planners, managers, also considers the ongoing mission of Fort Belvoir. The realignment is expected to be completed in 2011.

Engineers, architects, environmental and transportation experts have been selected by the Army Corps of Engineers to lead the realignment of Fort Belvoir. The team is going by the name Belvoir New Vision Planners.

BNVP – a partnership between PBS & J and Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM), is set to begin work immediately on the siting of tenants across Fort Belvoir. In preparing the siting options, BNVP will coordinate all necessary meetings with key stakeholders in preparation for a world-class urban federal center; a flagship installation in America’s national security structure.

In all, Fort Belvoirwhich provides logistical and administrative support to diverse agencies will experience a net gain of approximately 21,000 people. This migration of people will require the construction of several new facilities on the base. To accomplish this realignment, the Army plans for major construction of new office space and infrastructure. BNVP will begin a comprehensive master development strategy that encompasses the needs of the realignment and also considers the ongoing mission of Fort Belvoir. The realignment is expected to be completed in 2011.

The New and Gauley Rivers really are big and powerful, sometimes more powerful than others, and each have their own benefits and drawbacks for rafters. There are certain times of the year when the rivers are calmer than others and other times when the rafting is downright dangerous. Knowing when these seasons are and your rafting skill level is important to determine when to schedule your vacation. Also, the age of all rafters should be taken into consideration as well. There are rafting experiences that are mild, exciting, world class, and extreme. The minimum age for the mild rafting is six years, 12 years for the exciting, 16 years for the world class, and 18 years for the extreme rafting.

There is rafting all year round, but clothing requirements are very different depending on the weather. In the winter wetsuits should be worn, the summer a t-shirt or bathing suit is fine, and the spring and fall you should wear synthetic fabrics and wool socks to keep your feet warm. Don’t wear cotton if it’s cold because it will make you colder. Remember that no matter whether it is raining or the sun is shining rafting will go on. You will get wet anyway so it doesn’t matter! Never take anything with you rafting that can’t get wet, because it will for sure!

Prices for rafting the New and Gauley Rivers depends on when you raft. Weekday prices are cheaper than weekends and certain seasons, as well as rivers, are more expensive than others. Rafting trips come with all necessary gear, although your clothes, shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are your own responsibility. Package trips that include showers, cabins, camping, and breakfast may also be purchased.

The best time to go if you don’t like being cold is during the summer months. Of course, if you really like a challenge then you might like the fall or spring when the rapids are bigger and faster and provide a more challenging trip. It really is up to you! One thing is for sure and that is when you raft the New or Gauley Rivers, or both, you will have an experience of a lifetime.