State Parks Pack a Peck of Special Programs in September 

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A photography workshop captures autumn colors creeping into the West Virginia landscapes. A county fair brims with families and friends. The sound of music wafts in valleys and from the hills. Train rides. History calls. The fall harvest in late September at West Virginia State Parks packs a peck of 16 special events.

• Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) is sponsored by the Wildlife Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and has become the state’s main event for women wanting to experience and learn more about the outdoors. This fall, Watoga State Park is the host site. Advance reservations are required and more information is available by contacting the WVDNR Wildlife Section, 304-558-0771.
• Twin Falls Resort State Park features a Fall Photography Workshop. The weekend focuses on basic and intermediate photography techniques, with indoor and outdoor sessions. The format is instructor/student oriented. Professional photographers Steve Shaluta and Steve Rotsch are the instructors and are well known through West Virginia and the eastern United States. For information or for reservations, call Twin Falls Resort State Park at 304-294-2931.
• The Hancock County Old-time Fair is held at Tomlinson Run State Park in New Manchester. Activities include tractor parade, pet contest, rabbit show, antique tractor obstacle course, lawn tractor rodeo and the hay bale toss. Musical entertainment on Saturday, Sept. 18, includes Jim Tate “The Magic Man,” Brent Kimball, and the Tri-State Harmonizers. Parking is free and there is a $1 admission fee to enjoy the activities, food and county fall gathering. For event information, call 304-564-3651 or visit www.hancockcountyoldtimefair.org/schedule.html.
• Nature Wonder Weekend at North Bend State Park has a Civil War theme and explores the wild foods that were an important part of this time in history. In its 43rd year, this Sept. 17-18 weekend draws wild food enthusiasts from across the United States. Reservations and registration are required and the contact number is 304-558-2754. Visit http://www.northbendsp.com/, “Events” for activity descriptions.
• The 7th Annual Appalachian Heritage Festival and Pig Roast is scheduled at Camp Creek State Park Sept. 18-19. The Appalachian Highland Music Association and the Camp Creek State Park Foundation are co-sponsors of this two-day music in the mountains event. For information, call Camp Creek State Park at 304-425-9481.
• Sept. 18 finds Cass Scenic Railroad offering an evening train, Fiddles and Vittles, featuring bluegrass music and a buffet catered by the Last Run Restaurant. The train trip leaves the depot at 5 p.m. and the packages include the trip to Whittaker Station, music and a buffet. At Whittaker Station a tour of Camp Whittaker is a must, and you also can enjoy fall foliage views. For reservations, call Cass Scenic Railroad at 304-456-4300 or visit www.cassrailroad.com.

• Brunch with Margaret, Thursday, Sept. 23, includes a morning sternwheeler ride on the Island Belle to Blennerhassett Island, where none other than Margaret Blennerhassett will greet and invite attendees for brunch just as she might have done in 1798. It is a glimpse into the 18th century frontier life that she and Harman experienced while living on the island. The brunch includes a tour of the Blennerhassett Mansion and a narrated wagon ride. For information and reservations, call 304-420-4800 or visit www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com, “Events.” Blennerhassett Island is located in the Ohio River at Parkersburg.
• Septemberfest 50+ Fling at Blackwater Falls is a four-day, three-night getaway packed with activities and programs. For individuals 50 years and older, the package includes lodging, eight meals, refreshments and programs. Program and activities include Tygart Flyer Train Ride, an American Mountain Theater show, Antioch Bell Choir, guest lecturer Glenn Thompson for “Geology: From Edinburgh Scotland to Blackwater Falls State Park, Night Sounds of the Appalachians, themed dinners and more. Reservations are required. Full information is found at www.blackwaterfalls.com, “Events” or call the park at 304-259-5216. Blackwater Falls is located in Tucker County near Davis. The park is known for its five-story waterfalls, scenic views and features a lodge, vacation cabins, campground, restaurant and natural appeal.
• September 24, 25, 26, Beech Fork State Park will host The Legacy of Mary Ingles. In its 22nd year, this is an 18th century living history weekend that introduces visitors and guests to life and the ways of our pioneering ancestors through demonstrations and the portrayal of life in 1755 that Mary Ingles lived and encountered. The event is each day from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and is open to the public at no charge. For program details and information visit www.beechforksp.com, “Events” or call 304-528-5794.
• The last murder mystery train in 2010 is Sept. 24 at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, “The Murder of Lumberjack Johnny Parker.” Enjoy a great buffet dinner, but watch your back because somebody isn’t going to make the return trip! A special prize is awarded to one lucky detective on each Murder Mystery Special Train. This makes a memorable evening for all ages. Includes train ride to Whittaker Station, Camp Whittaker tour, dinner, entertainment and an optional shop tour or Cass Showcase presentation. Reservations are required and available by phoning 304-456-4300.
• The 3rd Berkeley Springs Fall Birding Festival is the weekend of Sept. 24-26. The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is the lead festival sponsor. A birding workshop for children and beginning birders will be held at Cacapon Resort State Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, and conducted by Park Naturalist Kelly Smith. For more information about the entire weekend, visit www.potomacaudubon.org. For Cacapon Resort State Park information, call 304-258-1022 or visit www.cacaponresort.com.
• Heritage Days at Lost River State Park is Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is steeped in Civil War history and includes an on-site interpreter depicting the lifestyle of a soldier of the 1860s. A dog tent, cavalry equipment, and demonstrations are part of the one-on-one learning experience. The Unit that will be represented is the 1st Reg. West Virginia Cavalry Company C. Richard Byrd will be the main presenter with assistance by other Civil War interpreters. The Lee House at Lost River will be open for tours also. For information about Lost River State Park and Heritage Days, call 304-897-5372.
• The Field of Fire (Dolly Sods Hike) is Sept. 25. Join Canaan Valley Resort State Park's naturalist to explore the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area for a fall discovery hike. This tour will visit the bird banding station and continue on a journey to see the vibrant fall colors and marvel at the blueberry (huckleberry) bushes turning a bright fire red with the evergreen and hardwood trees becoming multi-colored. There is a fee to participate. For information call 304-866-4121 or visit Canaan Valley Resort State Park online at www.canaanresort.com.
• The annual West Virginia Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days is Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25 and 26 and held on the grounds at Stonewall Resort State Park. Organized by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation, more than 100 vendors and exhibits, shotgun and rifle shooting, black powder shooting, youth sports, sporting dogs, care and cooking of fish and game, wild food tasting, trophy buck display, trophy fish display, non-game exhibits are on-site. For event information, contact the Wildlife Resources Section of the WVDNR at 304-558-2771 or visit online www.wvdnr.gov, “Special Opportunities.”

Tweet

Contact Information