Folger Shakespeare Library

 While ago, a friend of mine notified me that the Folger Shakespeare Library has recently completed its renovations and opened to the public.  When my friend Justin invited me to visit Washington, DC, I suggested we visit Folger's Library.   

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the most important centers for the study of Shakespeare. It was founded in 1932 by Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger. The library is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, including 82 First Folios (the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623), as well as a vast collection of other rare books, manuscripts, and art from the early modern period (1500–1750).

The building itself is designed in a neoclassical style with a beautiful marble exterior, featuring bas-reliefs of scenes from Shakespeare's plays. Inside, the library is both a research center and a cultural venue, offering exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

While Shakespeare is the centerpiece, the Folger also holds materials related to other Renaissance writers, explorers, and historical figures. Its collections include manuscripts, letters, and early printed books from the 16th and 17th centuries. 

 The library also hosts a theater, the Folger Theatre, which presents regular performances of Shakespeare’s plays and other classic works.

We explored five sections of the library.  They are Great Hall; Reading Room; Theater; Shakespeare Exhibition Hall and Rear Book & Manuscript Exhibition Hall.  

Shakespeare Exhibition Hall

Great Hall

Reading Room

Theater

Rear Book & Manuscript Hall

Cant resist the earrings from the gift shop that match the designs with all the windows!

Road trip to West Virginia-5) The drive on I-68

 Drive back from West Virgina back to Maryland is a pure pleasure, especially for me as a passenger whose duty is to capture the beauty of the road site with a camera.  Thank you, Steve for driving! Here are some video clips from near Cumberland, Maryland on I-68 highway.  Enjoy!

Road trip to West Virginia-4) Island in the Sky Trail

Right behind Glade Creek Grist Mill is Island in the Sky Trail.  We were curious from the name of the trail and did a hike.  I imagined I would see some islands...

This trail is a lesser-known, rocky and hilly.  The trail is also narrow and often embraced by huge rocks.   It leads us deep in the woods.  But there were no islands to be seen only dense forest.  We did part of it and came out of it so we do not spend a sunny day in the dark woods.

According to internet search, the trail will lead you to the rocky terrain at the top provides stunning vantage points where you can enjoy sweeping views of Babcock State Park) Well, we will have to make sure to do that next time.

Here are some photos we snapped.

Road trip to West Virginia -3) Bobcock State Park, Glade Creek Grist Mill

Babcock State Park, located in Fayette County, West Virginia, covers 4,127 wooded acres along the New River Gorge and is about 20 miles from the New River Gorge Bridge. During our visit, we explored its famous Glade Creek Grist Mill.

The Glade Creek Grist Mill is one of West Virginia's most photographed landmarks, set against the picturesque backdrop of Glade Creek and the Appalachian Mountains. This replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which once stood nearby, was constructed in 1976 using parts salvaged from other historic mills in the area.

Although the mill is typically fully operational, it was not running when we visited. The staff explained that the water flow that day was too weak to power the mill. As seen in our photos, the stream was indeed low and lacked the strength needed for operation.

Road trip to West Virginia -2)New River Gorge National Park- Long Point Trail

The Long Point Trail in New River Gorge National Park is one of the area’s most popular hikes, offering incredible views of the New River Gorge Bridge. The trail is approximately 3.2 miles round trip and is rated moderately difficult, making it a great option for both casual and experienced hikers.

Steve and I chose this trail for our hike. After a short drive from the visitor center to the trailhead near Fayetteville, we set off on a path that winds through lush forests of oak and pine. The trail begins with a paved section before leading us into the woods. The terrain is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines. As we walked, we enjoyed the peacefulness of the forest.

The highlight of the trail is the Long Point overlook, a rocky outcrop that extends over the gorge, offering a stunning panoramic view of the New River Gorge Bridge, the river below, and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. The view from Long Point is one of the best in the park, perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

Along the trail, we met a young woman who was a talented photographer and eager to take photos of Steve and me, leaving us with some memorable shots.

The national park did an excellent job posting clear trail markers and points of interest throughout the park, along with providing a detailed map for visitors.

Road trip to West Virginia - 1)New River Gorge National Park-Visitor Center

Upon arriving at the visitor center, we walked to two of the viewpoints for stunning views of the famous New River Gorge Bridge and the gorge below. The New River Gorge Bridge, an iconic landmark in West Virginia, was completed in 1977. At the time, it was the longest single-span arch bridge in the world and remains the third longest in the U.S. today. The bridge stretches 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge and towers 876 feet above the river, offering breathtaking vistas of the gorge and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Visitors can admire the bridge from the Canyon Rim Visitors Center, which features an observation deck with panoramic views of both the bridge and the gorge. A new wooden staircase leads down to a lower viewing platform, providing an even closer perspective.

Road Trip to New River Gorge National Park-the Drive from Frederick, Maryland to NP

In 2022, the U.S. government designated the New River Gorge as a National Park. Since it's within driving distance, I had been eager to visit, and in September this year, my wish was finally fulfilled.

Although it wasn't peak fall foliage season yet, the drive from Maryland to the park still offered glimpses of vibrant colors and beautiful countryside along the way.  

In the past, I’ve visited West Virginia a couple of times, primarily for hiking trips. I recall that West Virginia is among the poorest states in America. On my journeys, I saw run-down houses along the road and locals with yellowing teeth. Yet, I what I remember the most is its stunning mountains and scenic hiking trails. These memories made me long to return, this time to explore the newly established National Park.

West Virginia is often referred to as the "Mountain State" because it lies entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range. The state's terrain includes steep hills, dense forests, and scenic rivers.

On the way drive there, Steve took a little detour from the Google map suggested route and we got to experience more of West Virginal Road.  

On this route, we took I-68 and passed through Cumberland, Maryland. Along the way, we watched some beautiful puffy white clouds against the blue sky, vibrant fall colors, charming farms, and fields of goldenrod wildflowers. We passed the Savage River State Forest and the historic Penn Alps restaurant. We spotted windmills perched on the mountaintops in the distance.

We drove through winding roads with their ups and downs made for a fun and enjoyable ride.

From I-68, we headed south on Route 219 (detoured from the Google Map), passing through Accident, Maryland, and then made our way to Deep Creek Marina and Deep Creek Lake State Park, where the farmland was just as beautiful.

We passed through Oakland, Maryland.

Along the way,  we saw some large Trump/Pence signs along the road.

It was on this ride, I first learned about salt houses built along the roadside. They are used to store salt for road treatment in the winter.

Next, we entered Route 50 West.  Through route 50 we drove through from one mountain to another on single winding line where you have to be very careful not to drive off the road.  While the speed limit sign says speed limit is 55 mph, you may have kept it 35 mph! One time we saw abandoned house off the road.  Steve says he wants buys it and live there, so we had discussion of what to do if he really lives there. 

From route 50 we returned back on I-79south, we saw trees with colors, trees on the rocks while driving through many valleys of mountains, 

From there our last starch is got on south 19 before we finally arrived at the National Park!

Cumberland, Maryland

Frostburg, Maryland

Salt Houses off the road

An Abandoned House of route 50  in West Virginia