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.

 Bring in the New Year at West Virginia State Parks 

12/8/2008 

West Virginia State Parks will welcome in 2009 with dinners, parties, dances, or just some quiet time, depending upon how you want to greet the New Year. Reservations are required for most events, so it’s not too early to start making your year-end plans.

West Virginia State Parks will have a wide array of activities to help you bring in the next year, and you can pick the one that’s right for you. Special activities are planned for Canaan Valley Resort, North Bend, Chief Logan Lodge, Cacapon Resort, Tygart Lake, and Stonewall Resort state parks. Quiet New Years opportunities are to be found at Hawks Nest, Pipestem Resort, Twin Falls and Blackwater Falls state parks.

“Our parks have become known as the places to be for bringing in a New Year,” says Sissie Summers, programming administrator for the state park system.  “Some of our lodge parks like Hawks Nest and Pipestem recognize that many guests prefer some quality time while enjoying comfortable accommodations, a nice evening meal, and the simple act of relaxing. Then we have parks that roll out a great party and dance to bring in a new year. For folks who like to dance into a New Year, smaller venues like Tygart Lake and North Bend offer some serious dance time and great food for very reasonable rates.” 

State parks are known for winter scenery and affordable getaways. Ten West Virginia state parks feature lodges. All park lodges and restaurants are open and encourage visitation for the New Year or anytime of year. Events and activities are posted online at www.wvstateparks.com.

 

New Year’s Eve Options at West Virginia State Park Lodges:

·         Canaan Valley Resort State Park near Davis in Tucker County will have a combined Christmas and New Year’s Eve Celebration from Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. Available activities include skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and an ice skating rink. The Beech Club features an indoor lap pool, sauna, fitness room, and whirlpool spa. Contact: Canaan Valley Resort State Park 304-866-4121

·         Chief Logan Lodge, Hotel & Conference Center near Logan in Logan County has scheduled a New Year’s Eve Dance party at the new facility just south of Charleston. You can have a delicious dinner, dance to the live music of the Jaguars and enjoy great accommodations to bring in the New Year. The package price of $195 includes dinner for two, dance, two drink tickets, champagne toast, party favors, and overnight accommodations for two at Chief Logan Lodge. Call (304) 855-6100 to make reservations.

·         North Bend State Park near Cairo and Harrisville  in Ritchie County will have its New Year’s Eve party December 31. A buffet dinner will be served from 6:30 – 8 p.m. and will feature a carving station with four entrees and many side dishes, ending with fabulous desserts by Chef Ingles. Following dinner, join in for a dance and party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with live music by the Russell Ahner Band. Dress is casual. The package rate for the overnight package, double occupancy, is $193. That includes overnight stay for two at North Bend Lodge, dinner for two, Hors d’oeuvres, Celebration dance, champagne toast at midnight, and breakfast Thursday morning.  The price includes taxes and gratuities. A dinner and dance only pricing option is available. For reservations, call (304) 643-2931. Ask about early arrival and late departure special offer.

·         Tygart Lake State Park will have its New Year’s Eve Celebration December 31. This special package includes an overnight stay for two at Tygart Lake Lodge, dinner for two, dance, evening snacks, door prizes, and a champagne toast at midnight. The dance is from 8 p.m. until midnight and will feature live music from the Stepping Stones. The overnight package is $179.90 including tax and gratuities. A rate for dinner and dance only is available. Call for pricing. Group reservations are welcome.
For reservations, please call (304) 265-6144.

·         Cacapon Resort State Park near Berkeley Springs in Morgan County brings in the New Year with a bang. Guests will end 2008 with music, dancing, and a formal toast to start off the New Year at midnight. The package includes lodging, meals, and entertainment. Contact: Cacapon Resort State Park 304-258-1022 for schedule and prices.

·         Stonewall Resort State Park near Roanoke in Lewis County is offering a choice of New Year’s Eve packages. For reservations to these events at Stonewall Resort State Park, call 888-278-8150.

o   The “Night in Rome” package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, an evening cocktail reception, a four-course dinner and wine pairing, entertainment with Bobby Nicholas, an open bar, a champagne toast at midnight, and a New Year’s Day champagne brunch. The package price is $449 per couple or $299 single.

o   The “Stillwaters” package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, evening dinner with a glass of champagne, entertainment with the Stalnaker Brothers, chocolate party, New Year’s Day brunch, and access to resort amenities. The package price is $259 per couple or $189 single.

o   “Kids Night Out” is from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Kids can enjoy movies, ping-pong and board games. Kid-favorite foods will be offered for dinner. The cost is $25 per child.

·         Three West Virginia State Parks, Hawks Nest near Ansted in Fayette County, Pipestem Resort in Summers/Mercer counties, and Blackwater Falls near Davis in Tucker County will offer quieter celebrations. No parties, no dances, but you can enjoy a relaxing dinner at the park restaurants, warm yourself by the fireplace, take an evening stroll or just contemplate the New Year in the comfort of a lodge room or by the fireplace. Call Hawks Nest at (304) 658-5212, Pipestem Resort at (304) 466-1800 or Blackwater Falls at (304) 259-5216 for room or dinner reservations.

Contact Information

Sissie Summers  
304-558-2764 
sissiesummers@wvdnr.gov