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 Jan. 10-23 

1/6/2011 

Rocket Men: A Brief History of Rocketry: Jan. 5 - Feb. 11, Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, Charleston
Back by popular demand! This exciting Clay Center original production traces the history of rocketry and the pioneers of this explosive science from early experiments through the space race and into the future. Planetarium shows are free for members or $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for children. For more information, contact 304-561-3500 or visit http://www.theclaycenter.org.

Ballroom Dance with West Virginia Dance: Jan. 14-16, Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem
Price for this package is $206.08 for a couple and includes two nights lodging, dinner on Saturday evening for both, and dance lessons. For more information, contact 304-466-1800 ext. 379 or 304-920 9871. To make reservations, contact 304-466 1800 ext. 353.

Lore & Tracking: Jan. 14-16, Twin Falls Resort, Mullens
Explore how Eastern American Indians and early Europeans accomplished subsistence living from the land, and learn techniques on animal tracking and identification. Overnight packages are available and registration is required. Visit http://www.twinfallsresort.com or contact 304-294-4000 for reservations and additional information.

Sagebrush Round-up Country and Western Music: Jan. 15, Bunner Ridge, Fairmont
Sagebrush Round-up, home of the West Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame, features a weekly country music and bluegrass show from 6 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. at the dance hall on Bunner Ridge. This week performers are: Russ Buckanan, the Round-up Band, Miss Jeanie, Leo McMillen with Del and Noreen and Rickey Whipple and Old Country. Admission prices are $5 per adult and children 12 and under are free. Home-cooked dinners will be sold from 5 p.m. The Sagebrush Round-Up is smoke and alcohol free! For more information please call Pat at 304-368-9023 or Bill at 301-334-8629 or e-mail wjanoske@yahoo.com.

Geology Rocks: Jan. 15-16, Hawks Nest State Park, Ansted
After an appetizing dinner overlooking the gorge, meet in the conference room for an evening program by Geologist Ken Ashton. Coffee and refreshments will be available. On Sunday, Ken will lead a short stroll down the easy Hawks Nest Trail for an up-close look at the geology of the New River. Contact 304-658-5212 or visit http://www.hawksnestsp.com for more information.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Celebration: Jan. 17, Metropolitan Theatre, Morgantown
The Community Coalition for Social Justice and Main Street Morgantown are co-sponsoring a celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 2 p.m. in the Metropolitan Theatre. This year’s theme is “Peace.” This event is designed for families and is free and open to the public. The program will feature: the West Virginia University African Drum and Dance Ensemble, dancers from Westwood Middle School and a community choir. Students from Mylan Park Elementary School will be soloists for the choir. St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic School students will display puppets of social justice leaders and speak about their work. Art students from Cheat Lake Elementary School and St. Francis are preparing posters related to the peace theme to display in downtown Morgantown businesses. Parking is available in the City of Morgantown parking garages or lots. For more information, visit the www.ccsjwv.org or email ccsjwv@hotmail.com or contact 304-599-6743.

Winter Wonder Weekend: Jan. 21-23, North Bend State Park, Cairo
Come for a weekend filled with activities for all ages, including nature hikes, games, contests and a “Genuine West Virginia” party. The outdoor winter sports include sleigh rides, a snowman building contest and other old-time activities (weather permitting). Bring a photo depicting the theme “Genuine West Virginia” for the contest. Winners will be announced on Saturday night. The cost is $135 per person based on double occupancy or $160 for a single reservation. This includes two nights lodging in either the lodge or a cabin, five delicious meals and registration fee which includes a craft, door prizes and all weekend activities. Lodging is free for children under 12. Contact 304-558-2754 or 304-643-2931, or visit http://www.northbendsp.com for more information.

Country Western Weekend: Jan. 21-23, Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem
Instructors teach country western couples dance lessons. An overnight package is available for $216.68 per couple and includes two nights lodging, dinner Saturday evening and dance lessons. Contact 304-466-1800 ext. 379 or 304-920-9871 or visit http://www.pipestemresort.com for additional information.

West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show: Jan. 21-23, Charleston Civic Center, Charleston
West Virginia’s premier hunting and fishing show since 1987 returns for another great year! It is the largest, most comprehensive hunting and fishing show in West Virginia. Attractions include the Whitetail Hall of Fame; auction for wildlife at 5 p.m. Saturday; seminars; and deer scoring. Admission is $7 adults, $1 children ages 6-12, and free to children under age 6. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact 304-757-7240 or visit http://www.wvtrophyhunters.com.

Winter Walk: Jan. 22, Kanawha State Forest, Charleston
This interpretive hike will be enlightening and educational concerning the forest activity during the winter months. The walk starts at 2 p.m. at shelter No. 5. There is no fee for this activity but donations are accepted. Contact 304-558-3500 or visit http://www.kanawhastateforest.com for more information.

Contact Information

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