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.

 Hawks Nest State Park Basket Weaving Classes September 13 and 14 

9/8/2008 

The art of basket weaving will be taught during a class by Alan Miller and Martha and Kelly McCourt at Hawks Nest State Park on September 13 and 14. Hawks Nest continues to add artisan programs to its already world-class scenic view attraction and popular dinner theater docket. 

There will be three classes, according to Willa Grafton, park programmer. The basket workshop on September 13 is a napkin basket. The class begins at 2 p.m.  On Sunday, September 14, the basket workshop is a fall wall basket and the class begins at 1 p.m. The herringbone pattern chair repair class is also Sunday at 1 p.m. The materials needed for the projects, except the chair, are provided as part of the classes.

“I think the most unusual is the chair bottom class,” Grafton says.  “Students must bring an old four-rung chair needing a bottom and, by the end of the workshop, a family heirloom or yard sale find is whole again.”  

Miller and the McCourts conducted classes in June that began a series of artisan classes at this popular state park.  “Our nature center and lodge are perfect settings for smaller hands-on learning programs.  Artisans like Alan Miller and an upcoming October dye class with Ann Craven are genuinely interested in teaching and sharing their craft.  We saw parents and children attend the previous workshops and learn a craft together. Many make their basket as a gift for a special family member.”

Information about basket weaving, the basket style and workshop costs are posted online on the Hawks Nest events page or by calling the park direct.

Hawks Nest is located in Ansted in Fayette County. A year-round destination, the park features a lodge, Wi-fF access, restaurant, picnic shelters, nature center, special events and a nine-hole mountain golf course. The picturesque view from the lodge aerial tram or the older park area developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s has welcomed visitors and photographers to one of West Virginia’s most outstanding view sheds. 

For more information about Hawks Nest State Park, overnight opportunities and special programs such as Miller/McCourt basket and chair bottom weaving classes, you may call (304) 658-5212 or go online to: www.hawksnestsp.com.

Contact Information

Willa Grafton 
304-658-5212