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.

 “All Aboard” WV State Park Promotion Stretches Vacation Budget 

3/31/2009  No fooling, during the month of April, West Virginia State Park gift cards in the amount of $100 or more purchased online at www.wvstateparks.com or by telephone at (304) 558-2764 are worth a free train trip at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, according to State Parks Gift Card Clerk Carol Stewart. State Park gift cards may be used to pay for a special event or a golf package, to enjoy a fine meal at a restaurant on Mother’s Day, or even to plan a fall or winter getaway at any West Virginia State Park.

“The ‘All Aboard’ promotion helps state park patrons stretch getaway or vacation budget dollars even further,” says Stewart. “Gift card orders received from April 1 through April 30 will receive a ticket to ride to Whittaker Station at one of the greatest scenic railroads in the eastern United States, Cass Scenic Railroad.          

“The Whittaker Ticket can be given to the recipient of the gift card, kept by the purchaser, or given to someone else,” explains Stewart. “You don’t have to use the gift card to enjoy a great experience riding the rails at Cass Scenic Railroad, but you will need a ticket, so take advantage of the ‘All Aboard’ promotion.” Gift cards can be used at any state park or forest.

Each Whittaker Station ticket is valid from May 26 through September 20, 2009, for any day you visit Cass. The adult value is $17 to $20, depending on whether it is redeemed mid-week or on a weekend day. The ticket may be used for an adult or a child’s trip. Tickets may be upgraded for the longer trip to Bald Knob or to the Town of Spruce by paying the difference between the Whittaker Station fee and the preferred trip fee on the day of your visit. Tickets may also be upgraded to reserved seating status with an additional fee. The “All Aboard” ticket cannot be used for special evening dinner trains.

Parks and forests are reasonably priced vacation options and remain family oriented with events, activities and public access to hiking, fishing and more. “If you’ve been meaning to get to a state park and need an excuse, this added value is ‘the ticket’ to plan a visit to West Virginia state parks and forests,” Stewart said.         

The “All Aboard” gift card promotion only applies to WV State Park gift cards purchased online at www.wvstateparks.com or by phoning (304) 558-2764 from April 1 through April 30, 2009. Gift cards that are purchased at individual parks and forests will not include the Cass ticket. The promotion does not apply to previous card purchases or redemptions.

Information about Cass Scenic Railroad, train schedules and information is available at www.cassrailroad.com, or call (304) 456-4300 and ask for a 2009 Train Schedule.

For more information about the April “All Aboard” offer or to purchase WV State Park gift cards, go online to www.wvstateparks.com and click “A Gift of Memories” or call (304) 558 2764.

Contact Information

Carol Stewart 
304-558-2764 
carolstewart@wvdnr.gov