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 March 7-20 

2/24/2011 

The Chieftains: March 8, WVU Creative Arts Center, Morgantown
As a band synonymous with traditional Irish music for nearly half a century, The Chieftains show no signs of slowing down. Founded in 1962 by frontman and lead composer Paddy Moloney, the band has written and recorded a bevy of music, including collaborations with Van Morrison, Mick Jagger, Mark Knopfler, Ziggy Marley and Roger Daltrey. With six Grammy awards and boundless critical praise, it's no wonder The Chieftains continue to delight audiences all over the world. The performance begins 7:30 p.m. Tickets prices are: $35, $40, $50 and $60, depending on seat location. West Virginia University student price is $25. Contact 304-293-SHOW for tickets or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com for online sales.

Vienna Boys Choir: March 11, Carnegie Hall, Lewisburg
For its first 400 years, only kings and their courts were privileged to hear them. Franz Schubert was a member and both Joseph and Michael Haydn sang with them. The choir still performs Sunday mass at the Imperial Chapel but, since 1926, the privilege of listening to them has encompassed the globe. Four choirs tour regularly throughout Europe and are frequent guests in Asia, Australia and the Americas. Their repertoire spans their history, from medieval chansons and Renaissance music to masses and lieder by Schubert. Performance time is 7:30 p.m. Visit http://www.carnegiehallwv.org or contact 304-645-7917 for reservations and more information.

8th Annual Culinary Classic: March 11-12, Stonewall Resort State Park, Roanoke
The 8th Annual Culinary Classic brings together dozens of West Virginia’s top chefs to produce an amazing culinary display. This weekend includes deluxe overnight accommodations March 11-12, Friday evening dine around, Saturday culinary demonstrations and seminars, Saturday lunch and afternoon Celebrity Chef Throw-Down, Saturday evening reception and food and wine pairing dining event, and Saturday and Sunday morning buffet breakfast in Stillwaters Restaurant. A silent auction to benefit the Stonewall State Park Foundation also will be held. This is a two-night package and is priced $449 plus tax per couple.

“Robin Hood the Musical”: March 11-13, Actors Guild Playhouse, Parkersburg
Robin Hood is the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, leading a merry life with his followers. Anyone needing a place to live or food to eat is welcome in the greenwood. Impoverished citizens led by Robin are waging a battle against the evil Prince John. He has taken the place of King Richard the Lion-Hearted, who has gone on a crusade. Lady Merle of Cornwall, however, hopes to make John more acceptable to the people of England by forcing Maid Marian, Robin's childhood sweetheart, to marry the prince. It's up to Robin to stop the marriage, defeat a nasty sheriff and secure Nottingham for the king's return. All shows start at 8 p.m. except for the Sunday matinee, which starts at 2:30 p.m. Prices are $7 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students. To make reservations, contact the Box Office at 304-485-1300 or visit http://www.actorsguildonline.org for additional information.

Irish Spring Festival: March 13 and 17-20, Ireland
The annual event will begin with a flag-raising ceremony, Pot o’ Luck Dinner and gospel sing on March 13. On March 17-20, the fun and excitement continues. Come enjoy this annual spring festival including Irish road bowling, snake chase, an Irish jig, harp workshops, car show, arts and crafts, games, 10.5 mile bike tour, fried potato contest, pet show, parade, food, and much more. Contact 304-452-8962 for more information or visit http://www.angelfire.com/wv/irishspringfestival/.

George Washington's Bathtub Celebration: March 18-20, Berkeley Springs
$1 specials prove that Washington's face still means something in Berkeley Springs, an official Washington Community. Museum season opening, the Washington Heritage Trail national scenic byway and a focus on Washington's Bathtub, the only public monument to presidential bathing are central to the celebration. Specials will be available countywide. Contact 800-447-8797 or visit http://www.berkeleysprings.com for additional information.

West Virginia Symphony Orchestra-The Music of Abba: March 18-19, Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, Charleston
From Dancing Queen to Mama Mia, ABBA was a Tour de Force of 1970’s pop music hits. Put on your white polyester suit and disco shoes to hear “Arrival From Sweden” and the symphony perform the best-loved ABBA classics. The concert begins at 8 p.m. For tickets and additional information, contact 304-561-3570 or visit http://www.wvsymphony.org.

Spring Craft Fair: March 19, Grand Vue Park, Moundsville
More than 30 vendors will be displaying and selling their homemade and handmade craft items including food and candy. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free. Visit http://www.grandvuepark.com or contact 304-845-9811 for more information.

West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival: March 19-20, Pickens
In late winter in the mountains surrounding Pickens, it is maple sugaring time! The festival encompasses a full weekend of activities celebrating this tradition, including an all-day pancake feed, free music, 5K run, West Virginia-made arts and crafts, quilt show and sale, square dance, woodcarving, grist-mill corn, antique steam engines, children’s games, food, rock climbing, book signings, souvenirs, wood chopping exhibition, ham and bean buffet, Helvetia singers and folk dancers, an appearance by Smoky Bear and lots of maple syrup. Contact 304-924-5096 or 304-924-5509 or visit http://www.pickenswv.com for additional information.

The West Virginia Division of Tourism produces this media advisory with the help of other agencies and tourism businesses across the Mountain State. If you would like additional information about coming events in the Mountain State or if you are an event organizer or promoter and would like to have your event considered for inclusion in the Adventure Advisory, please contact Andrea Bond at Andrea.B.Bond@wv.gov.

Contact Information

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