Holiday ideas to brighten the season from WV Division of Tourism 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas and New Year’s following soon after, the West Virginia Division of Tourism offers tips for non-stop holiday fun that will fit any budget and lifestyle.

"West Virginia is an ideal spot for this holiday season,” says West Virginia Division of Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver. “From a leisurely stroll through our main streets for a shopping excursion to high adventure down a ski slope, the Mountain State offers many options close to home. Our state is within driving distance of more than 50 percent of the U.S. population.”

Want to know where to go to find the perfect gift that people on your wish list will really like? How about a place to get away from it all –  whether it be for family bonding, creating new traditions or high adventure. Below are some ideas to add sparkle to your holiday season.

For additional information or ideas, call the Tourism hotline at 1-800-CALL WVA or visit www.wvtourism.com.

Holiday shopping made easy

Holiday shopping can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy for relative or friend.  This year, take a break from the holiday crowds and discover what your local Main Street or downtown retailers have to offer. Enjoy holiday hot spots like Taylor Books in Charleston, Craft Connection Gift Shop in Fairmont and Blue Beagle Antiques in Mannington. You never know what you may find: gourmet foods, West Virginia-made and one-of-a-kind gifts, apparel, jewelry and much more. You’ll find gifts that are perfect for every member of the family. So get out the wish list and start your holiday shopping today!

Still not sure what gifts to give this year? To help you in your quest for the perfect gift, the West Virginia Division of Tourism has put together a list of West Virginia-made gift ideas from gourmet chocolates and hand-blown glass to gift cards for a family getaway. These seldom-thought-of gifts are a great surprise for anyone who enjoys the culture, food and tradition of the Mountain State.

For more shops and gifts, visit www.wvtourism.com or contact a local Convention & Visitors Bureau or Main Street office.

Cool outdoor recreation

Winter in West Virginia warms the hearts of outdoor fun-seekers, from beginners to experts. The Mountain State’s resorts and parks provide a winter wonderland for skiers, snowboarders, tubers and other adventurers.

In the mountains, winter comes early and lingers late, extending the season’s fun for downhill and cross-country skiers. The abundance of natural snow and powerful snow-making technology at the state’s premier resorts keep the slopes in prime condition. West Virginia’s proximity to major metropolitan areas in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast make this wild, wonderful winter escape within easy reach.

For more information about cross-country or downhill skiing in West Virginia, visit www.westvirginiaski.com or www.wvwintersports.com.

Mountain State tradition

Hunting is a tradition in the Mountain State. From big game like deer, bear and wild turkey to small game like squirrels and rabbits, West Virginia is a hunter’s paradise. More than 1.6 million acres of public land are open to hunting. Nonresident hunters have long been attracted to West Virginia not only by abundant public land and game populations, but also by reasonable license fees.

West Virginia offers a wide variety of seasons, including those for archery, firearms and muzzleloaders. Details about the various hunting seasons in West Virginia can be found online at www.wvdnr.gov.

Holiday festivals and events

Although West Virginians are known year-round for their warm welcomes, good cooking and fellowship, those qualities become even more apparent during the holiday season. This year the Mountain State plays host to a variety of festivals that showcase Christmas traditions, including ones from across the globe like Fairmont’s Feast of the Seven Fishes and those that take you to a different era like Harpers Ferry Olde Tyme Christmas. The state’s holiday light shows offer visitors an opportunity to find special cheer in the glittering lights of a nighttime show. Start your own tradition this year and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the 2008 season at one of the state’s holiday festivals.

The New Year is coming faster than you think, and it’s not too early to start figuring out where you want to be when 2009 comes calling. From family-oriented downtown events with live performers to dinners, parties and dances, there is an array of exciting activities to help visitors bring in the new year.

For more festivals and events, visit www.wvtourism.com.  

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