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.

 Spring Vacations at W.Va. State Park Cabins Offer Reduced Rates by Booking in Advance 

2/17/2010  SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Superintendents at 11 West Virginia state parks and forests with cabins are planning ahead. They believe families and friends will be looking for an affordable spring getaway or early vacation after the heavy snow and unpredictable weather retreats. Participating parks have put on the “getaway fun” hats and decided to step up the savings further by knocking off an additional $100 on some weekly rental times, but to get this rate reduction, reservations must be made by February 28, 2010

“For those who have a week for a spring getaway, we offer this as an incentive with a deep price cut at some areas and an unusual price reduction at other areas,” said Ken Caplinger, Chief of West Virginia State Parks. “Last year we created this cabin promotion in response to an economic downturn and had good response. What we learned was March should be part of the mix for people wanting to get on the road as soon as winter gets milder.”

The Spring Vacation cabin promotion is for weekly rentals in March, April and through May 14. “With the greening of forest and spring flowers, we also see fishing opportunities abound statewide this time of year,” Caplinger said. “Parks are encouraged to be creative and entrepreneurial in promotions, packages and special events designed to provide fulfilling experiences for state residents as well as out-of-state visitors while increasing occupancy at times when the cabins may not be at or near full capacity.”

Participating parks and forests include , Blackwater Falls, Bluestone, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Cass Scenic Railroad, Greenbrier State Forest, Lost River, Pipestem Resort, Tygart Lake, and Watoga.

“It’s a nice opportunity for an off-season get-away,” said Dorinda Taylor, superintendent at Lost River State Park in Hardy County. “For Lost River, it is some of our best months for bird watching, hiking and the exceptional view from Cranny Crow.” Lost River has cabins open year-round and is a popular park for residents from the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore Md. areas. “We’re quiet, affordable and most importantly, a relaxed place to getaway.”

Superintendents at Tygart Lake and Greenbrier State Forest remind folks that cabins open in mid-April.

Parks and forests may have other packages, weekend event packages or discounts to consider for shorter periods of time. Additional information is online at www.wvstateparks.com or by calling 800 CALL-WVA and asking for the specific park.   

Spring Vacation Discount Details

Visitors get $100 off a cabin reserved for any seven consecutive days (weekly rental rate) in March, April, and through May 14, 2010, when the reservation is made until February 28, 2010, as available.

Reservations must be made by telephone. This offer is not available by online reservations. Standard reservation guidelines apply: half of deposit in advance with remaining balance due upon arrival. The $100 will be subtracted from the rate balance due upon arrival. Ask the reservation clerk to make note that you are taking advantage of the $100 off – Spring Vacation Promotion for your weekly rental in March, April, and through May 14 fee balance.

The 2010 Spring Vacation Cabin offer is applicable for bungalows, standard (mountain cabins) at Cacapon Resort; any type cabin or cottage at other participating parks, and the two-story company houses at Cass Scenic Railroad, as available.

Rental fees are subject to applicable taxes. Each park is responsible for quotation of 2010 rental rates when reservations are made and confirmed. Fees are subject to applicable taxes. Other discounts can not be applied to the W.Va. Spring Getaway rate reductions.  The offer expires on February 28, 2010.

Contact Information

Ken Caplinger 
304-558-2764 
ken.k.caplinger@wv.gov