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.

 Quilting, Knitting and Embroidering Retreat at North Bend State Park March 22-26 

2/27/2009  With springtime weather approaching, take a few days to complete those textile projects and crafts in the peaceful atmosphere at North Bend State Park’s March Quilting, Knitting and Embroidering Retreat, March 22- 26.

“Individuals wanting to learn how to quilt, knit or embroider will have the attention of two instructors to assist in ‘learning how’ over the four-day retreat,” said Gayle McGuffey, activity coordinator at North Bend. Attendees are also encouraged to bring projects to start or finish or simply work on with no distractions. The two instructors are Marilyn Maher and Karen Harris. Instruction time is from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from March 23 – 26 and 8 to11 a.m. on March 27.

“We encourage men and women to use this time to complete a quilting project, embroidery piece or special knitted garment they’ve been meaning to finish,” said McGuffey, noting that it is an extremely relaxed atmosphere with no rigid time schedule but more gatherings, conversational instruction and hands-on learning. “If the weather cooperates, morning walks or a drive to local attractions are also choices.” 

Retreat overnight costs are $260 for two people and include four nights at North Bend Lodge, all taxes, project time, instruction, and continuous refreshment breaks throughout the four days. Marilyn will have a few simple projects for beginners for quilting, and basic stitches/kits for embroidery and knitting.  Attendees may call instructor Marilyn Maher (304-428-7424) regarding details and, if arriving to learn a new skill, to determine the correct supplies to bring.  Piece of Past, a local quilt shop, is near Harrisville for any last minute supplies attendees might need. Registration and reservations are recommended in advance.

North Bend State Park is located in Ritchie County between the towns of Cairo and Harrisville, both with exits off US 50. The year-round park features a 29-room lodge, restaurant, cabins, campgrounds, North Bend Rail Trail and North Bend Lake. To contact the park about the Quilting, Knitting and Embroidering Retreat or other events and packages, call (304) 643-2931 direct or online for all West Virginia State Parks, www.wvstateparks.com and click Calendar of Events.

Contact Information

Gayle McGuffey 
304-543-2931 
dorisg.mcguffey@wvdnr.gov