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.

 “A Little Country And A Little Romance” Sweetheart Getaway Weekend At North Bend State Park Feb. 8-10 

1/29/2008 

North Bend State Park will get a jump on Valentine’s Day with a Sweetheart Weekend February 8-10. Friday evening includes a performance by character actor Patty Cooper of the Parkersburg area. Saturday’s activities range from crafts, scheduled hikes, and fun ‘n’ games. Saturday evening includes a dance and musical guests “Russell Ahner and Honorable Mention.”

“‘We include a lot of activities throughout our Sweetheart Weekend but allow plenty of time to relax and enjoy a nice getaway at the park,” said North Bend Activities Coordinator Jennifer Cogar. Russell Ahner and Honorable Mention is a country band that plays southern rock and traditional country songs and is influenced by Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash.

“Last year was the first year we had this band at Sweetheart Weekend and they were so well liked we just had to get them back,” explained Cogar., who says there will be plenty of snacks and refreshments provided at each evening event.

Packages are available for the complete two night weekend and include all activities, dinner and dance. A Saturday package without lodging is an option for February 9 dinner and dance only.  Reservations are strongly encouraged.

North Bend State Park is located minutes away from Harrisville if traveling Route 16 or from Cairo if traveling Route 31, both accessible from U.S. 50. The park features a 29-room lodge, cabins, 300-acre lake, full-service restaurant, campgrounds and the North Bend Rail Trail.  North Bend is open year-round.

Cogar organizes and arranges all activities and events at North Bend State Park. She serves as program and activities coordinator as well as outdoor interpretative programmer.  In addition to Sweetheart Weekend, upcoming events include: Women’s Getaway in April and the Annual Bluegrass Festival in May.  North Bend’s special events and other overnight packages are available online at www.northbendsp.com or by contacting the park directly at (304) 643-2931.

Contact Information

Jen Cogar 
(304) 643-2931 
jennifercogar@wvdnr.gov