Hype for the Future 96A: Highland and Bath Counties, Virginia

Overview — Highland County

One of the least populated and highest-elevation counties in the eastern United States, Highland County, Virginia, is located relatively near the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the intersection of Routes 220 and 250. The Monterey Inn is the chief place to stay within the county, which may contain limited cell service as a result of being physically located within the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). The National Radio Quiet Zone, originating at the sensitive Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia, has influenced the rural communities of the region, including east into the Commonwealth of Virginia. Smaller museums and attractions in the county include the 3rd Space, the Charles Pinckney Jones House Museum, and the Sounding Knob Fire Tower.

Overview — Bath County

Located immediately to the south of Highland County is Bath County, Virginia, most notable as the home county of significant golfer Sam Snead. However, the Warm Springs Pools serve as the primary tourist attraction within the county.

Hype for the Future 64E: Sagadahoc County, Maine

Introduction

Sagadahoc County is the smallest county in the State of Maine by land area, with the largest community at Topsham and the county seat at Bath. Within the county, the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is a recreational swinging bridge located along the river between the communities of Topsham to the north and Brunswick to the south. Topsham is located in Sagadahoc County, though the City of Brunswick, home to Bowdoin College and the associated Bowdoin College Museum of Art and Perry-MacMillan Arctic Museum, is located within the northernmost portion of Cumberland County along U.S. Route 1, still a significant distance north of Portland.

Sagadahoc Attractions

Though Sagadahoc has no significant urban attractions nor amenities as the community of Topsham is primarily residential, the southern part of the City of Bath is home to the Maine Maritime Museum while the even more southern Town of Arrowsic is home to Squirrel Point Light and the Town of Phippsburg is home to a notable historic site related to the old Popham Colony related to modern Maine. From the Fort Popham State Historic Site, ferry service may occasionally provide access to the Pond Island Lighthouse and, more directly, to the Seguin Island Light Station. The East Brown Cow is located within Cumberland County, and as such, the island attraction shall not be identified as part of Sagadahoc.