West Virginia - Wild and Wonderful

About West Virginia

West Virginia is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research.

Business

West Virginia is full of opportunity for any business with a growing economy and a highly dedicated workforce. Whether you are running an existing business or thinking of starting a new business you can find all of the information you need throughout this business section.

Education

West Virginia is fortunate to have a tremendous education system with a high standard of excellence. Please use the information provided here to learn more about the wealth of educational opportunities in our great state.

Employment

West Virginia is home to one of the finest workforces in the country based on our hard work and commitment to quality. Whether you are looking for new job opportunities, enhancing your job skills or researching future employment trends you can find all of the information you need throughout this employment section.

Family

West Virginia offers the perfect balance of a rural and urban setting that suits a variety of lifestyles. This is a state where you can go whitewater rafting in the morning, go to an art exhibit in the afternoon and attend a concert in the evening. Whether you just moved to the Mountain State or your family has been here since it was founded, you are part of our community.

Health

Maintaining proper health is vital to ensuring the highest quality of life possible. West Virginia strives to provide one of the best health care systems in the country that is affordable and available to all residents of the state. This section contains numerous resources to assist you in accessing the health care services provided in the state.

Tourism

Exhilarate in the lasting beauty and natural wonder scattered throughout West Virginia. From unmatched outdoor recreation to world-class resorts, breathtaking scenery and a variety of cultural and historic attractions, West Virginia is an ideal spot to plan your next adventure. Discover for yourself what makes West Virginia wild and wonderful.

 Gobble options at West Virginia’s state park restaurants this Thanksgiving holiday 

11/15/2011 
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Restaurants at West Virginia’s state park lodges are preparing and serving traditional Thanksgiving dinner fare Thursday, Nov. 24. Ten state parks operate lodges complete with full-service restaurants. Thanksgiving Day will find these areas brimming with visitors in lodge rooms and cabins as well as families and friends arriving to enjoy a holiday meal.

“A state park setting is like a special dessert,” said W.Va. State Parks District Administrator Paul Redford. “The buffets and dinners will have the traditional entrees and sides, but the scenery at the park creates a feeling of thanksgiving for family, food and for special places in our state. Park restaurants will have turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie on the menus, but each restaurant will have its own holiday recipes and traditions.”

Thanksgiving Day menus and prices are posted on www.wvstateparks.com.

“Many of our guests say that not having to cook or clean up afterward is something for which to be thankful,” Redford said.

Park restaurants with buffets or dinners planned this Thanksgiving Day are:

Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls serves buffet from 1 – 8 p.m. The menu includes cobblers and pot roast as well as familiar Thanksgiving entrée’ and desserts.

North Bend Carves Prime Rib
Thanksgiving includes non-traditional entrées that include lasagna, fried chicken and prime rib on the buffet. Thanksgiving buffet is served from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The restaurant will close at 6 p.m. to allow park employees some time to be with family on this day. Reservations are recommended: 304-643-2931.

Pipestem Resort
The Bluestone Dining Room at Pipestem Resort will serve Thanksgiving buffet all day. From vegetarian casserole to roasted turkey and maple-glazed ham, Chef Matt Gillespie plans a wide variety of vegetables, desserts and salads on this annual holiday. Reservations are suggested: 304-466-1800

Hawks Nest State Park Opts for Four Days of Thanksgiving
Enjoy the holiday buffet on Thursday, Nov. 24 and also Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Thursday buffet hours are noon – 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Thanksgiving buffet hours are Noon until 7 p.m. A $2 discount off the buffet price is offered when presenting this newspaper story or download from a website for Thanksgiving buffet dates and for buffet meals only. For reservations, call 304-658-5196.

Stonewall Resort has two options
Family-style buffet is planned from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. The family style option includes a whole pumpkin pie to take home. Cookie decorating will be in the grand hall. Thanksgiving dinner is also served from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Stillwaters restaurant. Reservations are required for the buffet or dinner options. Call 304-269-7400.

Twin Falls Resort State Park
This Wyoming County restaurant has two seatings on Nov. 24: 1 p.m. and at 3 p.m. Thanksgiving buffet is popular at Twin Falls, according to Janet Scott, restaurant manager. The buffet includes all the traditional favorites including deviled eggs bread pudding and pumpkin pie. Reservations are required: 304-294-4000.

Chief Logan Lodge
It is a buffet day at Chief Logan Lodge from 12:30 - 4 p.m. on Nov.24. Chef Cathy Fout has planned a menu that includes turkey, ham and her home recipes of Ambrosia salad and pecan pie. Reservations are required: 304-855-6100. “Christmas Lights at the Park” opens Thanksgiving night at Chief Logan State Park. A “Winter Wonderful” lodge rate is available from Nov.25 through Jan. 1.

Canaan Valley Resort
Canaan Valley has activities planned for park guests beginning Nov. 23 through the weekend. From a turkey gobbling contest to bingo, scavenger hunt, coloring contests, cupcake walks and more, families and friends can enjoy the weekend. The buffet on Nov.24 is from noon until 7 p.m. in the Hickory Dining Room. Entrees include smoked salmon, braised short ribs and a full complement of Thanksgiving entrees and sides. Reservations are suggested: 304-866-4121 ext. 2651.

Tygart Lake
The Boston Beanery at Tygart Lake Lodge offers Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Beanery is open seven days a week at Tygart Lodge and specializes in wings, outstanding sandwiches. Reservations are recommended: 304-265-0033.

Cacapon Resort State Park
Cacapon Resort buffets are popular dining option for area residents in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle. Restaurant manager Mike Halterman and staff mirror other state park restaurants with traditional entrees and sides. The buffet runs from noon until 4 p.m. and hours may be extended based on reservation volume. Call 304-258-1022.

Contact Information

Paul Redford, W.Va. Parks District Administrator   
304-558-2764  
Paul.A.Redford@wv.gov