Nelsonville, Ohio

Traveling to Ohio from Pennsylvania took us through PA, MD, WV and finally to Ohio. Up and down the hills, the views were spectacular, but not easy on the "bus" especially with 8% grades every other mile.

We finally arrived at friends Lee and Nan in Nelsonville, Ohio late Wednesday. This town is a hidden gem and Nan was the best tour guide ever. Nelsonville has rich history of its generations (many of whom have stayed for generations) and natural resources.

The town is going through a revival and beautification. Nelsonville was the home of the "star" brick, still on the main street in town. It is also home to Rocky boots (supplier of Sport, Hiking and military boots) and an original tavern called Mines Tavern still owned and run by descendants of the original owners. The restored Opera House is now home to public concerts and venues. Nelsonville was home to major railroad transporting of valuable coal to other parts of the US. Remnants of a coaling station and still actively maintained railroad cars/station stage activities including a "train robbery" can be seen in town.  Iron of exceptional quality was also forged here, noted at our stop to the Hope Furnace. We then traveled to incredible rock formations/caves carved from glaciers and hiked to the Rock House.  Also, an unusual memorial can be seen on top of the hillside overlooking the town. It is the world's largest illuminated cross. It was a memorial from a husband to his deceased wife.