Exploring America's Poorest Region Alone

This is a story I've been wanting to tell for a long time - West Virginia. Appalachian accents. Southern hospitality.

I spent 24 hours driving alone through America's poorest region, called McDowell County. It's a place where the minimum household income is less than $29,000 USD, and where ghost towns have been left behind in the aftermath of a booming coal industry.

In many respects, this is the forgotten America—a place where time has seemingly stood still. Yet, the narratives you’ll encounter here are among the most compelling I’ve ever told, anywhere in the world.

I've been telling travel stories since 2017 - more than 1,200 videos - and about 97% of them have been overseas. But now I'm beginning to realize that the most captivating ones are right here, in my own backyard.

Thank you for watching this story - and a special shoutout to Dave and Tess who spontaneously joined me to help bring this West Virginia story to life. I can't wait to help get them a passport and take them on their first international trip soon! Where should we go?!

#travel #culture #friendship

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👨🏻‍🦰 WHO AM I?
I'm Drew Binsky and I have been to EVERY country in the world (197/197). I make documentaries about interesting people and cultures in faraway places. My ultimate goal is to inspire you to travel because I think it's the best education that you can get. And our planet is beautiful!

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[drewbinsky]

This story was fascinating to experience and I’m so grateful to have randomly met Dave and Tess on the street. They really helped introduce this hidden slice of America that is virtually unknown to both Americans and the outside world. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Appalachian culture and McDowell County overall - I’ll be glued to my computer, reading and responding to as many of your comments as I can. Love you all and stay tuned for another story in the U.S. next week 🇺🇸🙏🏼

[LowkeyCatDaddy]

That couple is the definition of don't judge a book by it's cover. They were literally the realest people I have seen on an YouTube interview in a LONG time.

[ErlingEra]

That couple was 100% destined to be together, lovely people!

[Jesus_Saves_Believers]

That couple saved the entire video! They were awesome and hilarious!!

[annablessings]

This couple is very humble and loving. I wish them the best

[realcalebrome]

"You can be happy anywhere.... if you want to be" are the truest words ever spoken

[starlasuzannerutan]

That nice gentleman should become a tour guide. He articulated everything so well, new history, and is a very friendly person. He would be good at it!

[michellecarranza]

Dave should be an educator ! He’s so knowledgable, fun, interesting and friendly .

[matthewsavin]

I can’t even believe how good this documentary turned out. People need to see this.
Well done sir.

[kevinrose]

My brother is the coal miner in this interview. I'm extremely proud of him and I hope he does inspire people to get clean. I'm glad I got my brother back.

[charlietynes]

Mr. Ruben had no running water or electricity but kept a very tidy home. God bless that man. ❤

[SharonJacobs-rh]

I could sit on this gentlemans porch with his girlfriend and listen to him for hours on a warm summer night. Non judgemental, down to earth and not driven by a materialistic world. If he and Tess read this, my very best to both of them..🥰.. You do the people of Virginia proud...❤

[flynnpollard]

Missed opportunity not covering Fayetteville. As a WV native who left the state for opportunity, I still go back to my hometown because of what a gem it is and how great the people are. I suggest attending this years bridge day (third weekend in October). I’d be happy to show you around then.

Poverty is only one part of West Virginia’s story. We need people telling the rest.

[NGK-pjpu]

Tess and dave deserve a thank you for their honesty and openness. Let's open a crowdfund for them. Lovely couple, all the best.

[amandaBlair]

Dave and Tess are delightful. I hope they have many happy years together.

[angeladelaja]

This couple needs to start a YouTube channel and also book tours of the ghost towns for people

[robinsimms]

My dad’s family is from Mingo County, WV, my Pawpaw was a coal miner. I have lived in West Virginia my whole life, and truly enjoyed this young couple and this show. ❤❤

[pilotintraining]

My grandma grew up on the coal mines of West Virginia. She said the second she turned 18, she threw a dart at a map, grabbed her purse, and hopped on a bus to where that dart landed and never looked back.

[catchyoudownthetrail]

I'm a West Virginian my grandmother is 94 and has lived in Welch her entire life. She has seen the community go from one of the most prosperous places in the state to the poorest in the country. The people there have a hard time and have been so exploited and looked down upon. Thanks for treating those you met with kindness

[air]

David should run for the legislature of that area. He has an excellent understanding and compassion for the citizens there.