RN It’s interesting how we are conditioned to think of each state as a distinct entity and therefore with its own aura, personality, and feel.  My preconception of West Virginia was based on stories of coal miners and the battles of the Civil War as its control alternated between the Union and the Confederacy.  Diversity was far from my mind when we stopped in Bolivar near Harpers Ferry to have lunch.  Perusing Yelp, we focused on Kelley Farm Kitchen because it had 5 stars and showcased vegan and gluten-free options (I can’t tolerate gluten).  When we walked in, we ordered from Ellen, who looked Asian (like me) and then, Chef Randi, who is Black, popped out.  So not only was the menu interesting, but so were the people who worked here!  I then asked Ellen if I could take a photo of the crew who worked there so she assembled them.  This photo of Chef Randi, Ellen, Nick, and David is alongside a photo of the outside of the restaurant.  I had a great time talking to Chef Randi!!

FE On to West Virginia, first stop is the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. So much of the once prosperous hilly town was destroyed during the Civil War but reconstructed by the National Park Service. Its location on a steep hill at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers is gorgeous, and you can still feel John Brown and the Civil War rolling through.

and on over the rolling hills that remind me of Vermont to Morgantown to visit Nicole, Marty and their two wonderful daughters. Bonus surprise was Rae’s imitation of John Denver’s “Almost Heaven”.