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 Oct. 15-30 

10/12/2011 

Zipline Canopy Tour Halloween Haunting: Oct. 15, Oct. 22 and Oct. 28-31, Harpers Ferry

River Riders will transform the canopy tour into a whole new wicked and wild underworld. Your journey begins with a one-way rattling hay ride into the darkness. Each tower along the course will bring spine-chilling excitement! The platforms are adorned with crazed creatures, costumed characters and unique, All Hallows Eve-themed decorations, bringing to life the thrills and chills of this haunted holiday. . Tours begin at 6 p.m. and the cost is $99 per person. There is also a special rate for West Virginia residents. Please note that fog machines and strobe lights may be in use. For more information, visit http://www.riverriders.com or contact 304-535-2663.

Hinton Railroad Days: Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 22-23, Hinton

Each year Hinton's Railroad Days includes vendors selling many different and unusual crafts, such as rings made from coins, coal scrip and old coins; handmade wooden banks; flag boxes; hand-painted items; quilts; jewelry; driftwood creations; wooden oil lamps; patio foundations and more. Food vendors offer hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecues, kielbasa sandwiches, chicken and dumplings, beans and cornbread, funnel cakes and baked potatoes. Come on out and see what this year will bring! The New River Train arrives each afternoon of Railroad Days. For more information, visit http://www.threeriverswv.com or contact 304-466-5420.

WV Turkey Festival: Oct. 21-22, Old Mathias School, Mathias

This annual event promotes the turkey industry in West Virginia and features entertainment, meals, shooting match, arts and crafts, car show, beauty contests, food vendors and much more. Hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Contact 304-897-5532 for additional information.

ACE's New River Gorge-ous Trail Run & Walk: Oct. 22, Oak Hill

Come and enjoy the fall colors while running or walking on picturesque trails hovering above the New River Gorge. You have the option of a 13.2 or 7.5 mile run or 4.5 mile walk. All of the courses wander through deep hardwood forests and offer spectacular views of the river and the historic town of Thurmond 1,000 feet below. So whether you come for some great competition or a leisurely stroll, you'll enjoy every stop of your trek. Visit http://www.aceraft.com/fall-events or contact 800-787-3982 for additional information.

Irish Road Bowling: Oct. 23, Fort New Salem, Salem

The Fort New Salem Foundation will introduce Irish Road Bowling, a Civil War era sport, beginning at 1:30 p.m., at Fort New Salem. The foundation is working on a restoration of this living-history outdoor museum interpreting the history, crafts and lifestyle of pioneering Appalachian settlers. Everyone is encouraged to see the Fort New Salem restoration, and enjoy a roll and stroll with Irish Road Bowling on a West Virginia autumn afternoon. New events at Fort New Salem include: blacksmithing, dulcimer and other workshops, the Front Porch Series of concerts, and on December weekends, the traditional Spirit of Christmas in the Mountains. Teams can be 2, 3 or 4 - any single bowlers will be placed on teams at the start. The cost is $20.00 per person which includes a pioneer-style dinner at the fort or $10 for the dinner only. Pre-registration is requested and can be made by contacting 304-782-1318 or in person at the Salem City Building on Main Street in Salem. You may also email director@fortnewsalemfoundation.org, or call 304-695-2220. For additional information, contact 202-387-1680 or email wdp320@aol.com or visit www.fortnewsalemfoundation.org.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's “South Pacific”: Oct. 24, Lyell B. Clay Theater at the Creative Arts Center, Morgantown

This breathtaking new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” is based on the 2008 Tony Award -winning Lincoln Theater production, directed by Barlett Sher. It is a Broadway classic set on a tropical island during World War II and tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples. The show will be performed at the Lyell B. Clay Theatre at the Creative Arts Center Monday, Oct. 24 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Cost ranges from $43/$48/$54, depending on seating location and discounts are available for University Arts Series subscribers. Contact 304-293-7469 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, for tickets and additional information.

“To Be or Not To Be a State: The Public Vote on West Virginia Statehood”: Oct. 24, Independence Hall, Wheeling

This 2 p.m. lecture will be presented commemorating the public vote that occurred on Oct. 24, 1861. Participants will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the new state of West Virginia. A take-away item will be provided for guests. Contact 304-238-1300 or visit http://www.wvculture.org for more information.

October Quilter’s Getaway: Oct. 27-30, North Bend State Park, Cairo

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of North Bend State Park while working on some long put-off quilting projects. Spend your days quilting and your nights relaxing by the fire in the lodge lobby. Additionally, there will be classes offered and instructors will be working alongside participants. For more information, contact 304-643-2931 or visit http://www.northbendsp.com.

C-K AutumnFest: October 27-31, Ceredo and Kenova

The C-K AutumnFest takes place the last weekend in October in the two quaint communities of Ceredo and Kenova. The centerpiece of the festival is the famous Pumpkin House, which attracts nearly 30,000 visitors, with its 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Viewing of the Pumpkin House runs from Oct. 27-31. Additional activities include: old-fashioned bake-off, haunted trail, cruise-in, arts & crafts, parade, food vendors and fresh baked pumpkin bread. Contact 304-453-5420 or visit http://www.ckautumnfest.com for more information.

Pictures-N-People Photography Workshop: Oct. 28-30, Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton

Everyone takes pictures of people. This workshop focus will be on photographing people, using surroundings and props, etc. The instructor, Brent Kepner, is a master photographer from Elkins and owner of Foto 1 Pro Photo, LLC. An overnight package is available and pre-registration is required. Contact 304-265-6144 or visit http://www.tygartlake.com for more information.

Bedlam Ball: Oct. 29, Trans-Allegheny Asylum, Weston

This Halloween costume ball features live music from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best costume in several categories. (You do not need to wear a costume in order to gain admission.) Admission is free till 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., the gates go up and everyone needs a ticket. For more information, visit http://www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com or contact 304-269-5070.

Contact Information

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