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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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 Free Memorial Day Events at North Bend and Beech Fork State Parks 

5/20/2008  The traditional commemoration of Memorial Day is May 30, but Memorial Day Weekend will be celebrated this weekend, May 23-26, by families, friends and reunions at the picnic tables and swimming pools of West Virginia state parks and across the state. 

Two parks scheduling free concerts and performance Memorial Weekend are North Bend and Beech Fork state parks. The events are open to the public to attend and there is no charge.

  • North Bend is fast becoming a bluegrass music hot spot according to Jennifer Cogar, program and activity coordinator.  “Our amphitheater is open air and family friendly. We have a wealth of bluegrass talent in our region and we’re pleased to offer a nice lineup of events at the amphitheater this summer.”  Cogar’s musical guests Memorial Weekend are East Run Band on May 23 and Rocky Mountain Bluegrass on May 24.  Shows begin at 7 p.m. each night and are two hours.  There is no charge to attend. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for seating.  The events are alcohol free and attendees are asked to not litter the grounds. For more information contact: North Bend State Park (304) 643-2931. North Bend State Park is located in Ritchie County minutes off U.S. Route 50 between Cairo and Harrisville. 
  • Beech Fork features Mick Souter on May 24. Souter sings and tells stories that celebrate the people, the history and the beauty of the Mountain State. He performs on many different musical instruments, including the banjo, guitar, dulcimer, fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica.  His performance, “Celebrate West Virginia,” focuses on the heritage of the state. Souter’s performance is at 7 p.m. and will be located at the park’s activities building.  For more information contact Beech Fork State Park, (304) 528-5794. Beech Fork State Park is located in Cabell and Wayne counties and accessible from Interstate 64 near Barboursville. Park locations and directions are online or call the park.

Events and activities are added and posted frequently on the West Virginia State Parks Web page. For monthly information about events, packages or new additions to state parks, subscribe to the e-mail newsletter. For information about West Virginia’s state parks and more events and activities throughout the summer go online, www.wvstateparks.com and click Calendar of Events. 

Contact Information

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