Recreation in West Virginia

Tour the Forks of Cheat Winery

2011-01-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

The 16 acre Forks of Cheat Winery features a 5,ooo square foot tasting and sales facility..Blended from French hybrid grapes and American varietals,the vintage incorporate plums,blueberries,raspberries,apples,pears, and blackberries.. For more info see www.wvwines.com

February -March must see events

2011-01-25T11:17:00.001-08:00

Fasnacht :::Fasnacht marks the pre-Lenten burning of OLD MAN WINTER..In the town of Helvetia,the event features Swiss- German food at the Hutte Restaurant,costumes,and open mic music.... International Water Tasting ;Berkeley Springs ; Taste more than 100 waters from around the globe at the historic Country Inn in down town,to help award the people choice....For more info. on these event please visit ------www.helvetiawv.com and www.berkeleysprings.com Event not to miss for March ;;;;;;Civil War Weekend in Hurricane Wv. Re-enactors commemorate the skirmish at Hurricane Bridge..Crafts,sutlers,storytelling,night firing,parade drills,a ladies tea,and military dance.

Wv Hunting and Fishing show

2011-01-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

Hey all of you in the WV area, go on over to the WV Hunting & Fishing Show at the Chareston Civic Center, on Jan. 21-23 where Retail Sales Manager Greg Crigger, Retail Center Manager Debbie Estep, HMT CSR Russ Smith, along with Angie Crigger and John Estep will be promoting the Hatfield~McCoy Trails

2011-01-14T09:30:00.001-08:00

Railroad history
West Virginia is rich in rail heritage. Take a trip back in time when trains were used to haul coal, timber, oil and gas from nearly inaccessible areas. Learn about the importance of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) to the Civil War. Visit the historic logging town of Cass. Discover the legend of John Henry the “steel drivin’ man” and his epic victory over a steam drill near Talcott, W.Va.

Scenic Train Excursions
Imagine viewing West Virginia’s scenic beauty while traveling from the comfort of a rail car. With four major scenic train systems to choose from, travelers can take their pick of day trips or full-fledged vacation excursions. Enjoy the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad where bald eagles are spotted on most trips; Cass Scenic Railroad with its Shay steam locomotives; Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad where visitors can ride the rails and then enjoy a show at the American Mountain Theater; or the New River Train with its scenic railroad tours.

WV Music Heritage
West Virginia’s hills ring with the sounds of a growing number of cultural possibilities. Get in tuned with our music heritage. Visitors here are sure to find Appalachian music includes fiddlers and mandolin players almost everywhere, and especially at bluegrass music festivals. But that’s not all: West Virginia also offers Celtic traditional music, Irish fiddle music, jazz, classical and more. Travel the state and you’re likely to discover a rich diversity of music influence by different cultures and heritages. So, take out your dancing shoes and tap your toes to a range of sounds.

Arts and Crafts
Mountain State artisans are known worldwide for creating unique handmade crafts and beautiful masterpieces. Visit local shops, galleries, art and crafts shows and fairs and festivals to discover one-of-a-kind pottery, dazzling jewelry, custom woodwork and hand-blown glass. Afterward, take a self-guided tour along quilting trails in Mason and Roane counties and Old Central City in Huntington to see some of the state’s most loved treasures that evoke reminders of our heritage.

Civil War History
American Civil War history comes alive in West Virginia, the only state to be born from that tragic conflict. Learn about the state’s past through firsthand experiences. Relive past events at Civil War sites throughout the state.

Historic Trails
Capture a piece of history throughout the Mountain State as you discover landmark theatres and explore state parks along The West Virginia Historic Theatre and The West Virginia Historic New Deal/CCC trails.

Glass tours
The Mountain State’s artisans are internationally renowned for fine hand-blown glass. Visit attractions such Appalachian Glass Products & Services, Blenko Glass Company, Fenton Art Glass and Ron Hinkle Glass for a tour or demonstration. To learn more about the state’s glassmaking past, visit the West Virginia Museum of American Glass in Weston, W.Va. This museum showcases talented glassmakers throughout the years using photos, glassmaking equipment and other artifacts.

WV festivals
From the capital city to smaller mountain communities, visitors and residents alike will find something to capture their interest. The state’s fairs and festivals are a celebration of the music, food and handmade arts and crafts that make West Virginia almost heaven. For instance, tap your toes to traditional bluegrass music, sample regional fare and browse through Appalachian crafts and traditional art.

Coal, Oil, Gas and Timber in West Virginia
West Virginia’s abundant natural resources helped build America and today continue to be a major source of energy for much of the nation. Discover the state’s natural resources at places such as the Parkersburg’s Oil and Gas Museum, the Oil and Gas Festival or the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.

View the Travel Guide online
(or Order a Print Version)

Entertainment @ snow show

2011-01-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

2011-01-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - Sunday, February 13, 2011

The West Virginia National Guard

A history of the National Guard in West Virginia.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - Saturday, January 15, 2011

Discovery Table: Snip a Snowflake

Thursday, December 02, 2010 - Sunday, January 09, 2011

Cherished Playthings of the Past

A collection of antique toys from the West Virginia area.

Monday, January 10, 2011 - Sunday, February 13, 2011

MLK Poster Series

Display of this years MLK posters.

Friday, January 14, 2011 - Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Regional Tournaments through January, February and March. Final Tournament April 26, 2010.

2011 HISTORY BOWL

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History (WVDCH) is calling all eighth graders to test their West Virginia history knowledge in an exciting new challenge – the West Virginia History Bowl Tournament. Teams of eight grade students from around the state will face off in an academic bowl competition that focuses on West Virginia history, literature, arts, architecture, geography and culture.

Saturday, January 15, 2011 - TBD

MLK Gala

Join us for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Gala.

Sunday, January 16, 2011 - Sunday, February 27, 2011 TBD

Discovery Table: Friendly Snowman

Monday, January 17, 2011 - TBD

Church & Bell

Event that is part of the MLK celebration.

Monday, January 24, 2011 - Sunday, July 24, 2011

Inspired: Historic Government Buildings and Structures

Display of artwork dealing with Historic Government Buildings and Structures.

Thursday, January 27, 2011 - Sunday, April 24, 2011

The Greenbrier: West Virginia’s Gift to the World

A display of the history of the Greenbrier Hotel located in White Sulfer Springs, WV.

Show all upcoming events and events for the past 12 months...

Saturdy, January 15, 2011 - TBD

MLK Gala

Join us for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Gala.

Sunday, January 16, 2011 - Sunday, February 27, 2011 TBD

Discovery Table: Friendly Snowman

A list of dates for Festivals

2011-01-06T05:40:00.001-08:00

Lewisburg Chocolate Festival
Lewisburg
April 9th
www.lewisburgchocolatefestival.com/

Annual Spring Mountain Festival
Petersburg
April 29, 30 and May 1
www.gowv.com/aboutthefestival.htm

The New River Birding & Nature Festival
New River Gorge National Park
May 2nd to 7th
www.birding-wv.com/

Scottish Festival and Celtic Gathering
Bridgeport
May 6-8
www.scots-westvirginia.org/

Strawberry Festival
Buckhannon
May 18th to 22nd
www.wvstrawberryfestival.com/

Battle of Lewisburg Living History & Reenactment
Lewisburg
May 20th to 22nd
www.battleoflewisburg.org/

Carnegie Hall�s 4th Annual Rhythm, Blues and All That Jazz Weekend
Lewisburg
May 31st to June 4th
www.carnegiehallwv.com/

Music in the Mountains
Summersville
June 22-25
www.aandabluegrass.com/FestivalListing.html

SwineFest 2011
Guyandotte
September 8th to 10th
Held On Main Stree

Skiing

2011-01-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

West Virginia is filled with pristine wilderness and all of its wonders. Mosly a rurl and mining state, many don't relizer how many vacation and luxury resorts are available in the mountains. Skiing is a local sport.For the skiing family who wants a vacation in the West Virginia area of the Monongahela National Forrest, there’s a lot to pick from. West Virginia’s

ski area is very accessible for people who live in nearby Pennsylvania or Virginia or even Kentucky. Within a few hour’s drive is one of the most delightful wilderness areas of the entire east Atlantic region. Beautiful mountains and valleys, lovely waterfalls, streams loaded with abundant fish and wildlife abound. This state is truly a rural one and they have worked hard to make the most of their incredible resources. Many of the cabins and lodges I have found can be rented year-round for outdoorsmen in hunting or fishing parties, but the skiing season is right upon us and all the snow machines have revved up to make sure there’s ample cover for sledding, snowboarding, skiing and every imaginable snow recreation.
Both Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State Park are located nearby, as are Timberline and Canaan Valley ski resorts.

New Years Eve.

2010-12-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

Many state parks in West Virginia are hosting New Year's Eve celebrations. Twin Falls Resort State Park, North Bend State Park, Capacon Resort State Park, and Canaan Valley Resort State Park are just some of the parks offering parties. Most provide meals, music, and dancing with a champagne toast at midnight, and some also offer overnight accomodations. Check out wvstateparks.com for more information and contact phone numbers.

If a state park is not your idea of the perfect way to spend New Year's Eve (is it too cold out there for you?), check out the many

local hotels offering New Year's Eve events. Bavarian Inn is hosting a more upscale party to ring in the new year with a four course gourmet dinner, music, dancing, and more; proper attire is required, including jackets, and tickets can be quite pricey! Wicked Jezabel will be playing a show at the Martinsburg Comfort Inn on the 31st starting at 9:30 pm. The Holiday Inn in Martinsburg has a popular bar and restaurant, but all the information I found points to no significant events at that hotel. Other local hotels in Martinsburg and Shepherdstown are also featuring parties.

2010-12-19T05:36:00.001-08:00

West Virginia New Years Eve 2011 Party Guide

New Years Eve 2011 Party

Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort - Charleston
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve Party with the Steel Wheels

Purple Fiddle - Charleston
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve 2011 @ Big Sandy Superstore Arena

Big Sandy Superstore Arena - Huntington
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve 2011 @ Lyell B Clay Concert Theatre

Lyell B Clay Concert Theatre - Morgantown
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve 2011 @ Wheeling Island Showroom

Wheeling Island Showroom - Wheeling
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve 2011 @ TABU

TABU - Morgantown
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve 2011 @ Keith Albee Theatre

Keith Albee Theatre - Huntington
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve 2011 @ Charleston Civic Center

Charleston Civic Center - Charleston
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve 2011 @ City Bar

City Bar - Charleston
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve 2011 @ ICON ULTRA CLUB

ICON ULTRA CLUB - Charleston
Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year's Eve Options

2010-12-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve Options

Tygart Lake

304-265-6144

Pipestem

304-466-1800

Twin Falls

304-294-4000

Blackwater Falls

304-259-5216

Cacapon

304-258-1022

Stonewall

304-269-7400

Canaan Valley

304-866-4121

Hawks Nest

304-658-5212

Chief Logan Lodge

304-855-6100

North Bend

304-643-2931

North Bend

2010-12-18T07:29:00.001-08:00

Wintry Savings from a WV State Park

West Virginia State Parks share special rate offers that specific parks make available from time to time. North Bend State Park offers a 'door buster' rate available from December 17 - January 2, 2011.

List of Wv state parks..

2010-12-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

	Barbour
	Babcock	Fayette
	Beartown	Greenbrier
	Beech Fork	Wayne
	Beech Fork	Cabell
	Berkeley Springs	Morgan
	Blackwater Falls	Tucker
	Blennerhassett Island Historical	Wood
	Bluestone	Summers
	Cacapon Resort	Morgan
	Camp Creek	Mercer
	Canaan Valley Resort	Tucker
	Carnifex Ferry Battlefield	Nicholas
	Cass Scenic Railroad	Pocahontas
	Cathedral	Preston
	Cedar Creek	Gilmer
	Chief Logan	Logan
	Droop Mountain Battlefield	Pocahontas
	Fairfax Stone	Tucker
	Fairfax Stone	Preston
	Greenbrier River Trail	Greenbrier
	Greenbrier River Trail	Pocahontas
	Hawks Nest	Fayette
	Holly River	Webster
	Little Beaver	Raleigh
	Lost River	Hardy
	Moncove Lake	Monroe
	North Bend Rail Trail	Doddridge
		Harrison
		Ritchie
		Wood
	North Bend	Ritchie
	Pinnacle Rock	Mercer
	Pipestem Resort	Mercer
	Pipestem Resort	Summers
	Prickett's Fort	Marion
	Stonewall Jackson Lake	Lewis
	Tomlinson Run	Hancock
	Tu-Endi-Wei	Mason
	Twin Falls Resort	Wyoming
	Tygart Lake	Taylor
	Valley Falls
	Valley Falls	Taylor
	Watoga	Pocahontas
	Watters Smith Memorial	Harrison

Wv state parks

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Map of State Parks of West Virginia
(Each dot is linked to the corresponding park article)

Where people and Nature meet

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…to “promote conservation by preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic, scientific, cultural, archaeological, or historical significance and to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the citizens of this state and its visitors.” This mission statement, embodied in state law, has been the guiding principal for operating the West Virginia State Park system since its inception in the late 1920s. Additionally, state parks and state forests continue to serve as major tourist attractions and travel destinations.

2010-12-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome

Ticket Sales

Prison Tours are closed on Monday and will be closed ALL HOLIDAYS

Moundsville Economic Development Council

818 Jefferson Ave

Moundsville, WV 26041

Phone: 304-845-6200

Fax: 304-843-4146

The Moundsville Economic Development Council (MEDC)
Invites you to the
New Year's Eve Extravaganza!

Join us at the Moundsville Training Center at the former WV Penitentiary
Enter through the North Wagon Gate on 8th Street

Friday, December 31^st
9:00pm - 1:00am
$20 per person
Includes snacks, sauerkraut and set-ups (BYOB)
Fireworks at Midnight
music provided by
The Fabulous Bender Boys
ONLY 500 TICKETS BEING SOLD
For more information call 304-845-6200
Tickets can be purchased at the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, Rosalyn Rhodes State Farm Insurance Agency or Alexander's on 7th.
Proceeds to benefit the restoration of the former WV Penitentiary

West Virginia Penitentiary

2010-12-17T18:04:00.001-08:00

West Virginia Penitentiary - West Virginia Penitentiary is a historical site that is over 120 years old. It is an imposing stone structure fashioned in the castellated Gothic architectural style and features opportunities to learn about the riots, great escapes, and the life of a prisoner.
- West Virginia Penitentiary is a historical site that is over 120 years old. It is an imposing stone structure fashioned in the castellated Gothic architectural style and features opportunities to learn about the riots, great escapes, and the life of a prisoner.

Tour A Living Monument

2010-12-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum located in Weston, WV. Formerly known as the Weston State Hospital, this West Virginia facility served as a sanctuary for the mentally ill in the mid-1800’s. The history of the building holds fascinating stories of Civil War raids, a gold robbery, the "curative" effects of architecture, and the efforts of determined individuals to help better the lives of the mentally ill. Tour this nationally recognized landmark and see how it left a lasting impression on local and national history. Daily heritage tours are available for both small and large groups.

Photography tour dates:
4/08/11
Please call for details. (304-269-5070)

Closed for Historic/Heritage tours.
information on private historic/heritage tours
or
Ghost Hunts/Paranormal tours please call
1-304-269-5070.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Prayers/140163456034903

Ghost hunts/tours are offered year round.

The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

2010-12-13T06:12:00.000-08:00

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum has been deemed as the most haunted hospital in America. This particular hospital has also been referred to as "Weston State Hospital" in the past. Located in the vast country area of Weston, West Virginia this structure housed individuals who experienced mental illnesses of several different types in the middle of the 1800's. In addition to being noted for the role it played in the lives of several individuals who required care and the medical community on the whole, there are a number of true ghost stories circulating about this establishment. Here, I will share with you some of the exciting information about the most haunted hospital in America, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.
The History of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
The history of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is actually quite long and extensive. This history seems to be quite relevant to the unexplained phenomenon and real ghost stories that circulate today about the facility. The original construction of the building that would serve as a home to several individuals suffering from psychiatric conditions began in the year of 1858. By the year of 1881, construction had been completed. However, despite continuing efforts to construct the building, in the year of 1864, this hospital allowed the first patients to enter.
The hospital was suitable for a number of about two hundred and fifty patients. Unfortunately, as the facility gained popularity, more and more individuals were pushed to reside there. By the 1950's, the hospital had become severely overcrowded with an astonishing number of patients - reaching nearly two thousand, five hundred! Naturally, due to the crowding that was being experienced the care of the patients quickly began to decline. In the year of 1994, it was established that the hospital could not operate any longer. The closure wrecked havoc on the economy of the community in which it resided. To date, the financial loss still burdens the community.
When Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum first opened, it was a direct result of the efforts of a lady by the name of Dorothea Dix. She saw the need for an area where individuals who were considered to be "insane" could be placed so that they were not locked away in prisons with dangerous convicts, and treated with a high disregard. It was her belief that the people plagued with psychiatric illnesses should have rights, and the ability to receive proper care. However, during the 1800's, most people who suffered from diseases of the mind were treated like nothing more than wild animals. In later years, an individual by the name of Thomas Kirkbride would come to agree with the ideas that Dorothea Dix presented, and the approval of the facility would be granted.
The following is a quote that Ms. Dix issued about who she was, and what she wanted to see: "I come as the advocate of helpless, forgotten, insane men and women; of beings sunk to a condition from which the unconcerned world would start with real horror" (Taken from the website for the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum as quoted by Dorothea Dix).
The Hauntings of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Many unexplained events have been witnessed in this hospital. These events are the things that led individuals to develop the theory that it was a haunted hospital. Now, based on all of the encounters that various guests and employees have experienced, this has been deemed as one of the scariest places on Earth! The following details some of the paranormal events and unexplained phenomenon experienced in the most haunted hospital of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum:
1. There have been several hundred individuals who passed away in this haunted hospital. Many people who have visited the asylum believe that the majority of the souls of these people have been left behind. Conversations, noises of people moving about, and other sounds have been heard throughout this facility in order to confirm this.
2. Many people have claimed that they have seen full and partial body apparitions within the walls of this particular most haunted hospital.
3. People who have visited this hospital have captured ghost pictures and ghost videos that indicate that there is a strong presence in the facility - possibly numerous presences.
If you are seeking to uncover the truth behind the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, there are several tours offered. Bring some friends, a camera, and even a video recorder and capture spooks of your own!

A few Pics from the Potomac Eagle Train Ride.

2010-12-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

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Experience the Charm of the Golden Age of Luxury Rail Travel,through the eyes of "TheEagle" First class service,first class dining,and the food well it is great.. Don't forget a camera!!!! You have a very good chance of sighting the Majestic Bald Eagle.The historic Eagle Scenic Railroad is one of America"s most beautiful train rides...Also Wv. has The Cass Railroad,New River,and Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroads.... For more information please call (304)-424-0736 All day trips-October Fall Foliage Trips-Christmas Trips-Ride the Whole Railroad (Green Spring to Petersburg)

More with the Rivermen of New River Gorge,Wv

2010-12-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

You want the adventure of a live time,check these guys out!!!! See rivermen.com for more info..or call 888-650-1936

Rivermen,New River Guide Service....

2010-12-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

This Guide service,is not just a guide service...... They offer zipline,rafting,hiking,kayak Instructions,Rock climbing,and so so much more....

Hatfield McCoy trails link to youtube

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGQ40dyXakg&feature=fvw

Hatfield mcCoy Trails

2010-12-06T05:07:00.000-08:00

Hatfield McCoy Trails
we are
excited to announce that the 2011 Permits just arrived!!! You can ride
from now to January 2012 for just $26.50 for WV Residents or $50 for
Non-Residents. Order now at www.trailsheaven.com, at our trailheads, or at more than 50 retail locations.

Hatfield and McCoy Trails - Your Atv Vacation, Atv Campgrounds, Atv Parks, Atv Riding, Trail Atv at.

www.trailsheaven.com

As one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world, Hatfield-McCoy Trails is open 365 days a year and offers something for every skill level.

Recreation in West Virginia

Tour the Forks of Cheat Winery

February -March must see events

Wv Hunting and Fishing show

Entertainment @ snow show

A list of dates for Festivals

Skiing

New Years Eve.

West Virginia New Years Eve 2011 Party Guide

New Year's Eve Options

North Bend

List of Wv state parks..

Wv state parks

Where people and Nature meet

Welcome

Ticket Sales

Moundsville Economic Development Council

818 Jefferson Ave

Moundsville, WV 26041

Phone: 304-845-6200

Fax: 304-843-4146

West Virginia Penitentiary

Tour A Living Monument

The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

A few Pics from the Potomac Eagle Train Ride.

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

More with the Rivermen of New River Gorge,Wv

Rivermen,New River Guide Service....

Hatfield McCoy trails link to youtube

Hatfield mcCoy Trails

Hatfield McCoy Trails we are excited to announce that the 2011 Permits just arrived!!! You can ride from now to January 2012 for just $26.50 for WV Residents or $50 for Non-Residents. Order now at www.trailsheaven.com, at our trailheads, or at more than 50 retail locations.

Hatfield McCoy Trails
we are
excited to announce that the 2011 Permits just arrived!!! You can ride
from now to January 2012 for just $26.50 for WV Residents or $50 for
Non-Residents. Order now at www.trailsheaven.com, at our trailheads, or at more than 50 retail locations.