4/11/2011
CAIRO, W.Va. – People like spring weather and nature, and North Bend State Park puts them together in April and May for a more-than-satisfactory experience. North Bend attractions include the popular rail trail and lake, making the park an attractive destination to get away to relax for the day or to linger longer.
“Once we welcome first-time guests to the park and the outdoor opportunities found here, we have a patron for life,” said Steve Jones, superintendent of the park in Ritchie County. “I can’t say enough good things about our staff and their ability to create vacation packages, organize events, host meetings, and prepare great food in our restaurant. If someone wants to experience genuine hospitality in action, you can find it here at North Bend. The employees have a genuine interest in people and a dedication to North Bend State Park that makes the park a special place.”
Events packages and activities available at North Bend in April and into May
From special buffets to bluegrass music, North Bend State Park has a variety of activities open to the public this spring.
Administrative Professional’s Day – April 27
Administrative Professional’s Day is recognized on April 27 and North Bend Restaurant features a $7.99 lunch special from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. for employers taking secretaries and administration staff to lunch. Reservations are encouraged by calling 304-643-2931. North Bend Dining Room is open to the public year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hop Into Spring Cabin Special
Through May 26, North Bend State Park features a two-night cabin rental, mid-week, that includes a Ritchie County Merchant Welcome Basket, a picnic-style boxed lunch for two for a day, and discount for a future stay for $199, including tax. The 2,400 acre state park is an outdoor playground with North Bend Lake for fishing or kayaking, miles of hiking trials, North Bend Rail Trail access, full service restaurant and game courts.
Easter Weekend at North Bend
North Bend, like all state park lodge restaurants, features an Easter Sunday buffet or special. Easter Buffet at North Bend Dining room is April 24 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and includes prime rib, Easter ham, and roast turkey carving stations, sides, salad bar and Chef Ingles’ famous dessert station.
The annual Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled at 2 p.m. Easter Sunday and the Easter Bunny will be on hand to greet egg hunters.
If Easter Weekend is a time to get away, the lodge has a Hop into Easter package that includes an overnight stay at North Bend Lodge April 23 or 24 and Easter buffet for two for $99 including taxes and gratuities.
Engines and Wheels Day – May 7
The Engines and Wheels Festival features old fashioned engines and “turn of the century” industrial, oil field, and farm machinery on Saturday, May 7. There will be live demonstrations, craft vendors, great food, and much more. Vendors interested in participation may call Ronnie Six, event coordinator at 304-643-2523.
Mother’s Day – May 8
Moms, grandmothers, and mothering-types shouldn’t have to cook (unless they want to) on Mother’s Day Sunday. Restaurant everywhere cater to women with a variety of settings and buffets, specials and recognition. North Bend Dining room has a Mother’s Day buffet planned from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. The buffet features deluxe carving station with prime rib, baked ham and roast turkey. Reservations are recommended. Mother’s Day Music, live entertainment will be in the lodge lobby and features J.D. Vaughan and Redd Bryant from noon until 2 p.m.
17th Annual Bluegrass Festival – May 13-14
Celebrate springtime and attend the 17th annual Bluegrass Festival at North Bend State Park. The two days of bluegrass music features Bend Everett Lilly and the Lilly Mountaineers, The Hart Brothers, Idletymes and The Hillbilly Gypsies on Friday, May 13, from 6 – 10 p.m. On Saturday, May 14, from 1 - 10 p.m., bands playing will include Union Valley Band, Once Blue, Glenville State College, Buck and Company, Idletymes, The Sheppard Brothers, Bobby Maynard and Breakdown, The Hart Brothers and JD Vaughn and Redd Brand. Master of Ceremonies is Butch Sheppard. Tickets to attend the Bluegrass Festival are $15 per person for Friday shows, $20 per person for Saturday shows or a two-day ticket for $30 purchased prior to May 7.
Event coordinator Ken Zebo promises a festival shop with displays of local West Virginia artisans and souvenirs. Performing bands also will have merchandise for sale. Throughout the festival snacks, grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, and drinks will be available for purchase from the North Bend Outdoor Grill. Overnight reservations for lodging and camping are available. The “Over the Moon” package is a lodge deal for two people for two nights and weekend Bluegrass Festival tickets at $215.24 total, including taxes. The “Under the Stars” package is for camping and the $111 package price includes two nights’ RV camping with electricity and weekend Bluegrass Festival tickets for two individuals. Tickets and reservations are available by calling North Bend State Park at 304-643-2931.
About North Bend State Park
North Bends State Park features a 29-room lodge, nine vacation cabins, two campgrounds, North Bend Lake, North Bend Rail Trail, full-service restaurant and meeting space.
North Bend State Park is easily accessible from U.S. 50, a four-lane highway stretching west to east from Parkersburg to Clarksburg. Driving east, take U.S. 50 to the junction of WV Route 31 to Cairo and follow the signs to the park. Driving west, take U.S. 50 to WV Route 16 (Harrisville) and follow the signs to the park.
North Bend State Park is open year-round and is a state leader in development of special events, packages and customer service. For more information about North Bend State Park, visit
www.northbendsp.com or call for a park brochure at 304-643-2931.
Contact Information
Kristi Steed, Ken Zebo, or Steve Jones, Supt.
304-643-2921
Kristi.L.Steed@wv.gov,
Kenneth.T.Zebo@wv.gov, or
Steve.R.Jones@wv.gov