Mark and I went to East Fairmont High School together way back in the early 70’s.  We reconnected when I returned to my beloved West Virginia.  He and his wife live in Kanawha County, WV, and do their fair share of local/regional travel in addition to trips “way south of here.”  They have stayed at bed and breakfasts in addition to park lodges.  I thought it would be interesting to ask them both the same question to see what their responses would be plus I figure we might just get double information on some questions.  Mark is in his late 50’s and Kelly is a relative young’un (hasn’t hit the magic ”five oh” yet).  A couple questions were asked that pertained only to one or the other of them.  Please welcome our guests Mark and Kelly and let’s pick their brains!

Mark and Kelly:
Thanks for this interview. You have regional travel experience here in Wild, Wonderful WV and other nearby states.  You also have insights as regular customers of bed & breakfasts that will be very helpful to travelers here at the Wanderlust blog. I get a two-fer with this interview as I get both male and female perspectives. Whoever can best answer the question, just jump in there and answer or both of ya’ll answer (remember, I’m looking for male and female insights). 

Q: How many years have you been traveling?
Kelly:  5 years
Mark:  I have been traveling for fun for many years.  I would guess 10 years or better.

Q: What motivates you to travel?
Kelly: Love seeing new places
Mark:  It’s in my blood, to see what’s around the next curve in the road or to see something that I have read about. I like history and the countryside so I am always open to anything that involves travel.

Q: Where have you traveled?
Kelly: Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, St. Thomas, St. Martin, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, Cayman Islands, Washington DC, Cumberland MD, Hocking Hills Ohio, Lewisburg, Florida ,Oklahoma, Stonewall Jackson Resort, Twin Falls Resort
Mark:  In WV, I have gone to almost all of its state parks and national forests. I really like Twin Falls because it’s close to Charleston, about 1 and 1/2 hours. Nice rooms in the lodge and indoor and spa; the food is very good and inexpensive. Stonewall resort is also a favorite and is located close to Weston. It’s modern, clean indoor pool and full spa. Also a lot to do in this area if you like fishing, hunting, golf and wine-tasting.  Also we like Hocking Hills, Ohio....renting romantic cabins with hot tubs. In Cumberland, MD , we like the bed and breakfasts in the historical section, very interesting history pertaining to West Virginia and the Morgan/George Washington families .

Q: How long is the typical travel period?
Kelly: Usually a week
Mark:  These trips are usually 3 or 4 day weekend excursions for us. Kelly and I always try to combine fun and romance ; as we have very few weekends together.

Q: Where would you travel to again and why?
Kelly:  Love Hawaii--love the flowers and the weather and such a pretty place.
Mark:  We definitely like The Hocking Hills, they are a true getaway; Very romantic and away from the rat race of the city. If you want to shop for antiques and Amish things, that's the place to be. We always get a cabin with hot tub and a fire pit.

Q: Any honorable mentions on great places to go?
Kelly:  Twin Falls resort is a great little weekend getaway
Mark:  We have found some good travel/ get-a-ways, in the Lewisburg, WV, area . The very historical Gen. Lewis Inn is a good place to stay and the small town is full of antique shops. In the area is the Greenbrier Resort and many caves/historical places to visit. The Greenbrier River is beautiful in the spring thru fall. In August, the State Fair is there and the Greenbrier Golf Classic happens in July?  The bed and breakfast we stayed in at Cumberland was Bruce House Inn. It was very nice but a little pricey; good location in the Historic Section of the city. Very beautiful, very secure no worries about your stuff being stolen and very friendly staff.  The breakfast was great. Another good place we stayed at was The Cheat River Inn--The place to be if you like Trout Fishing, Hiking, and being outdoors. Most B&B allow for easy comings and goings once you have checked in and are experts about the attractions in the area. They also know the best restaurants, and the easiest way to get to your points of interest, use them.

Q: Where would you take your best friend?
Kelly:  Well if I could afford it, to Hawaii
Mark:  I would go to the Caribbean.   Really like Jamaica and want to see more. Also, you must be CAREFUL, it can be dangerous and 2 guys are safer than 1 guy and a gal. The country is very beautiful and would like to go back into the mountains.

Q: Where would you never to travel to again and why?
Kelly:  Probably Cayman Islands--not a lot to do
Mark:  Key West....way overrated. Not much to see and it’s full of Drugs.

Q: Do you travel with others?
Kelly: Just my husband
Mark:  It’s more fun for me to travel with others; but too many people can create problems. I keep to myself and wife when traveling long distances or long times; but the right people and you can have the best time of your life.

Q: What about security?
Kelly:  Try to keep up to date watching news
Mark:  I just use common sense.  If I would not do it here, I sure am not going to do it over there. If there are political problems in the area, think twice.  Protect your cash, use a money belt. Call your credit card company to let them know you are traveling out of your area.

Q: What do you pack for a typical trip?
Kelly: Just clothes and necessities and always a camera

Q: Any tips for newbies?
Kelly:  Do a lot of research where you are going
Mark:  Keep a contact at home who knows your agenda and can communicate with you/watch your home. Again call credit card companies. TAKE SOME GUIDED TOURS.

Q: Mark, I understand you do a lot of travel photography—care to share about it?
Mark:  KNOW YOUR CAMERA!!!!   And don't be afraid to take a lot of shots. Practice on scenery with a big lens and indoors with low light/flash.

Q: Kelly, any special travel related hobbies?
Kelly: I do a lot of collecting souvenirs--always collect a Christmas ornament always to remind me of where we have been.

Q: What is your best travel story ever?
Mark:  Worst travel story... We rode the train from Anchorage, AK, to Denali National Park. We were in Holland-America rail car, and had a very good view of the countryside for 5 to 6 hours. Also below us was the dining area and it must have been defective because we listened to BOWLING BALLS bashing against the wall the entire trip!!!! The next time on the train the car was taken out of service and replaced by a car from the Princes line.

Q: Would you be willing to answer more questions in the future?
Kelly: Yes I would be willing to answer more questions
Mark:  Sure, would be glad to help.

Q: Is there anything I didn't ask you feel I should've asked?
Kelly:  No, I think you covered it all
Mark:  Maybe tips on copies of passport and someone at home with them/ birth certificate. WV has the best affordable lodges in the Nation and most are under used. Great Value.