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.

 Tourism Adventure Media Advisory Dec. 12 – Dec. 25 

12/2/2011 
West Virginia State Farm Museum Christmas Light Show: through Dec. 19, Point Pleasant
Work slows down on some farms during the winter. However, State Farm Museum staff and volunteers are busy during the fall season decorating the Museum grounds for Christmas. The Museum has become known as one of the best lighted displays in the area. Thousands of visitors drive or walk the pathway of lights. Hot drinks and homemade cookies are normally available in the Country Kitchen and Santa will also be making nightly visits. There is no charge for the drive-through, but donations are always appreciated. Hours are 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. nightly. Visit http://www.wvfarmmuseum.org or contact 304- 675-5737 for additional information.

Brunch with Santa: Dec. 11 & 18, Stonewall Resort, Roanoke
Santa takes a day off to join the Sunday Brunch festivities at Stillwaters. Bring the family and visit with Santa to make sure he has you on his Christmas list. The cost of the brunch is $19.95 per person. Children under age 8 are admitted free. View the Grand Hall, decorated for the season, and visit the resort’s Christmas shop with one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments and gifts. Contact 304-269-7400 or visit http://www.stonewallresort.com for more information.

The Charleston Ballet and the WVSO Presents The Nutcracker: Dec. 16 & 17, The Clay Center, Charleston
Come see the Nutcracker the way Tchaikovsky intended – with a full live orchestra! This often imitated but never duplicated holiday tradition is sure to excite both the children in your life, and those just young at heart. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Contact 304-561-3570 or visit http://www.wvsymphony.org for additional information.

Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 17, North Bend State Park, Cairo
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping at North Bend State Park for breakfast on their way to the North Pole. Stop in and visit and have your picture taken with the jolly old elf. The price of the breakfast buffet is $8.95 for adults, free for children age 12 and under. Hours are 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. For additional information, contact 304-643-2931 or visit http://www.northbendsp.com.

South Pacific: Dec. 18, The Clay Center, Charleston
This breathtaking new production of South Pacific is based on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Lincoln Center Theater production, directed by Bartlett Sher. Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. The beloved score’s songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.” Performance time is 7:30 p.m. Contact 304-561-3570 or visit http://www.theclaycenter.org for additional information.

Annual Henderson Christmas Parade: Dec. 17, Henderson (Mason County)
This annual Christmas Parade goes through every street in Henderson. Parade lineup is 4:30 p.m. and the start time is 5 p.m. Following the parade is the Toys and Treats with Santa from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Henderson Community Building for local children. Each year, Santa gives each child who attends a gift or two. Visit http://www.masoncountytourism.org or contact 304-675-5722 for more information.

Landmark Studio presents Musical Reflections for Christmas: Dec. 17, Main Street, Sutton
Pianist Marji Foster will present a variety of seasonal music at the Landmark Studio for the Arts. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation. For more information, contact 304-644-3166 or visit http://www.landmarkstudio.org.

Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 18, Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis
Santa will stop by from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for breakfast before returning to the North Pole with his naughty and nice list. The prices are $8.50 per adult, $4.25 for children ages 8-15 and children age 7 and under are admitted free. Contact 304-259-5216 or visit http://www.blackwaterfalls.com for more information.

West Virginia Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert: Dec. 19, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Lewisburg
The West Virginia Jazz Orchestra (WVJO) continues its tradition of spreading big-band Christmas tunes during the holiday season with its Annual Holiday Concert at Greenbrier Valley Theatre on Monday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Joining WVJO to sing a few numbers is special guest The Greenbrier Entertainers. General admission is $10 and reservations are recommended. For more information, call 304-645-3838 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday or visit www.gvtheatre.org.

Canaan Christmas Celebration: Dec. 23-25, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis
Enjoy the holiday season at Canaan Valley Resort. Take advantage of terrific ski conditions, snow tubing, ice skating and much more. Holiday buffets will be offered in the Hickory Dining Room. Mrs. Claus will read “Twas the Night before Christmas” and cookies and juice will be served to the kids. Santa will make an appearance on Christmas Eve. Contact 304-866-4121 or visit http://www.canaanresort.com for additional information.

Contact Information

Andrea Bond 
304-957-9347 
Andrea.B.Bond@wv.gov