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.

 Tygart Lake attracts foodies, weekenders and mid-weekers for autumn activities 

9/2/2011 
GRAFTON, W.Va. – Fall food and foliage are just some of the attractions at Tygart Lake State Park near Grafton from September through the end of the year.

“Our facilities are open from mid-April through New Year’s Day,” said Brennon O’Sullivan, park superintendent. “For those eight-and-a-half months, and especially in the fall, the lodge, cabins, campground, and restaurant are very popular.”

Tygart Lake covers 1,750 acres. Six of 11 fully equipped cabins have lake views, with the others tucked into the forest margins for privacy. All provide close-up views of fall colors.

The popular Boston Beanery operates the park restaurant. “The food is good. The service is good. The parking lot is full most evenings,” O’Sullivan said. “The word is getting out that the Tygart restaurant is a preferred eatery.”

The lodge has 20 rooms, all overlooking the lake and marina. The park website at www.tygartlake.com features special lodge rates available for honeymoon and anniversary getaways. Sportsman packages include deer hunters’ specials in October and November as well as spring gobbler season room discounts. Hunting is available in nearby Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area. The park also offers weekend packages and special events.

A “Spectacular September” mid-week cabin rate is available from Sept. 5 through Oct. 1. Cabin rates are 50 percent off on Sunday through Thursday rental nights when staying three or more nights. The special cannot be combined with other discounts. Ask for “Spectacular September” rates when contacting the lodge. Tygart also offers a 20 percent off mid-week rental for two night stays.

Many special packages weekends and unique workshops are scheduled through December. Packages include options of overnight accommodations — information is on the park’s website. All packages include meals provided by Boston Beanery.

A list of special weekends at Tygart Lake State Park includes:

Sept. 16-18
Fall Knitting Retreat

A two-night, three-day workshop at Tygart Lake Lodge includes instruction and presentations, snacks Friday and Saturday, three meals on Saturday, and Sunday brunch and departure snack.

Oct. 14-16
The 4th Annual Fall Festival
Days of Appalachian fun, performances, crafts, hayrides, quilt show, wine tasting and more.

Oct. 28-30
Pictures-N-People Photography Workshop

Brent Kepner is the instructor for this workshop. The two-night, three day workshop include Friday and Saturday evening snacks, three meals Saturday, and Sunday brunch and accommodations and instruction.

Nov. 4-6
Scrapbooking at Tygart Lake

Workshop instructor Eva M. Connor helps attendees take advantage of the Tygart location and scrapbook fellowship to catch up on your scrapping. Overnight package is available. Workshop includes Friday and Saturday evening snack, three meals Saturday and Sunday brunch; instruction and presentations. Food services include beverage, and all taxes, gratuities.

Nov. 18-19
Women’s Writing Weekend at Tygart Lake
Writer Colleen Anderson provides the direction and inspiration for this workshop. Appropriate for beginners as well as practiced writers, you’ll learn that your own memories and experience are the raw material for art — and you’ll practice with the tools that can make your writing, in any form, more vivid. Overnight package is available.

Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve “Having A Ball”

Live music by “Streetwise,” dinner, dance, snacks, party favors, champagne toast, door prizes get your New Year started. An overnight package includes dinner with prime rib, roasted turkey, seafood; evening snacks and champagne toast; Sunday brunch. Child care is available with the overnight package.

For additional information about special events and reservations, vacations and restaurant specials, call Tygart Lake State Park at 304-265-6148 or visit the park website at: www.tygartlake.com

Contact Information

Brennon O’Sullivan, Superintendent or Stephanie Bailey, Activities Coordinator 
304-265-6144 
tygartsp@wv.gov