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.

 Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre "Shoot-out at the Kari Mae Corral": Nov. 7, Canaan Valley Resort State Park 

10/22/2009  Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre "Shoot-out at the Kari Mae Corral": Nov. 7, Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Enjoy an evening dinner theater production along with fine culinary dining from Canaan’s own Executive Chef Nemat Odeh. Comedy, intrigue and good food adds up to a memorable evening. The doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Prices for the dinner and show are $40 per person or $15 per person for the show only. Visit www.canaanresort.com or call 304-866-4121 ext. 2600 for additional information.

Trees of Our Heritage: Nov. 8-Dec. 20, Parkersburg

This event will start with a reception at the Blennerhassett Museum on Nov. 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and will feature entertainment by area groups and musicians. The Victorian Society will provide refreshments and a Victorian Father Christmas will be available for the children to meet. Trees will be decorated with themes from various countries around the world and will remain on display through Dec. 20. Additional information may be obtained by contacting 304-420-4800 or visiting www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com/schedule.html.

STOMP: Nov. 10, Capitol Theatre, Wheeling

STOMP, the international sensation, is making its triumphant return to the “Capitol Theatre” in Wheeling, W.Va., Nov. 10, 2009. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured, and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.capitoltheatrewheeling.com or call 304-233-4470 for more information and ticket prices.

West Virginia Symphony Orchestra: The Wonder of Love: Nov. 13-14, Charleston

Could it be that love is the one emotion above all others that defines us as human beings? In each of these works, the audience is taken to a special, intimate and often passionate place. Join in celebrating the mysterious depths of love at the Clay Center and enjoy a feast for the ears as well as for the emotions. The prelude is at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. on both nights. Contact 304-561-3570 for ticket prices and information, or visit www.wvsymphony.org.

Winter Festival of Lights: Nov. 13-Jan. 3, Oglebay Resort, Wheeling

This year marks the 25th anniversary for the Winter Festival of Lights. The first year, displays and landscape lighting covered 125 acres over a three-mile drive throughout the resort. Since then, the Winter Festival of Lights has grown into an internationally acclaimed light show with more than a million lights covering more than three hundred acres over a six-mile drive throughout the resort. Every year, several new displays are added. The new displays at the show will use LED lights and all the existing displays will be converted to LED over the next few years. The Good Zoo at Oglebay will feature a lighting and musical extravaganza nightly on the zoo patio, with more than 35,500 LED lights choreographed to exciting holiday music. The event times are from dusk until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from dusk until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. A per car donation is requested and is valid for the entire festival season. Visit www.oglebay-resort.com or contact 800-624-6988 for more information.

Pocahontas National Railway Historical Society Model Train Show: Nov. 14-15, Bluefield

This is a not-to-be-missed show for all railroad enthusiasts. Come and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere in the Bluefield Youth Center with many displays for all ages. Admission is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. Hours for the event on Saturday are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For more information, contact 304-431-2593 before Nov. 14.

Contact Information

Tricia Sizemore 
304-558-2003 x 319 
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov