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.

 Tourism Adventure Media Advisory; Pick Your Own Pumpkin and Other Fun-Filled Fall Activities 

10/1/2009  Spend the day on the farm, select the freshest West Virginia grown fruits and vegetables at a local market or join in the fall festivities at events throughout the state. From pick-your-own farms to autumn activities, the Mountain State offers a generous selection of family fun. For more information, visit www.wvtourism.com or call 1-800-CALL WVA. 

Cinderella Pumpkin Farm’s Fall Activities: month of October, Ballard

Named for one of its best-selling pumpkins, the Cinderella, this farm offers many fun activities, including hayrides, a corn maze, a moon bounce, face painting and more. For more information, call 304-753-9818 or visit www.cinderellapumpkinfarm.com.

Old McDonald's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze: now-Nov. 1, Inwood

Bring the kids out to the pumpkin patch as autumn comes alive with family fun! Take a stroll to find the perfect pumpkin, find the way out of the corn maze and go for a hayride. Old McDonald’s Farm wouldn’t be complete without the petting zoo and farm animals. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. For additional information, call 304-229-1723 or visit www.oldmcdonaldspumpkinpatch.com.

The Maize at Cooper Farms:  now-Nov. 1: Milton

Lose yourself at Coopers Farms’ corn “maize” from now-Nov. 1. While at Coopers Farm, enjoy hayrides, campfires, pumpkin patch and more. Mondays through Thursdays are by reservation only. Hours are from 5 pm. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Special hauntings are scheduled for Oct. 30 and 31 at 10 p.m. For more information, call 304-634-6293 or visit www.cornfieldmaze.com. 

Little Patch on the Lane’s Pumpkin Patch: Begins Mid-September, Teays Valley

For many years, the Little Patch on the Lane has provided families with fresh pumpkins starting in mid-September. Pick from the patch or choose from those already gathered from the field. For more information, call 304-541-1649.

Byrnside Branch Farm’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch: every weekend from now-Nov. 1, Union

Spend an evening on the farm where visitors can take a hayride through the pumpkin patch and pick a fresh pumpkin and try their skills at the 10-acre corn maze. A two-acre corn maze is available for children. Also available are antique tractor train ride, campfire, pre-picked produce, pony rides and petting zoo. Cost is $6 for the corn maze, $3 for the hayride, $2 for the antique tractor train ride, and produce is priced according to size. Group rates are available. Hours are Friday 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-10 p.m. For more information, call 304-772-3131 or visit www.byrnsidebranchfarm.com.

Arnold Farm’s Pumpkins and Corn Maze: every weekend from now-Oct 31, Romney

Pick from pumpkins already gathered from the field or enjoy a corn maze and tractor-pulled hayrides.  This year’s corn maze design will be the Potomac Eagle. Hours are Fridays from 4 p.m. until dark, and Saturdays and Sundays from noon until dark. The cost is $5 per person. For more information, call 304-822-3603 or visit www.arnoldfarmwv.com.   

Ridgefield Farm and Orchard’s PumpkinFest: Saturdays and Sundays now-Nov. 1, Harpers Ferry


Experience a favorite farm tradition at Ridgefield Farm’s PumpkinFest on Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 26-Nov. 1 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ridgefield Farm offers hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, magic shows, live music, a famous pirate ship, iHOP (International House of Panic), country store and fresh cider. The hayrides run throughout the day. Grab a wagon and head off to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin. Take in the magic show each day at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and grab some food and listen to great music. Take your turn at clogging. There's plenty to do at Ridgefield Farm, and this year it’s more affordable. The fee is $7 per person (3 and under admitted free) and lets you enjoy the entertainment of the farm. For more information, call 304-876-3647 or e-mail info@RidgefieldFarm.com.

Town & Country Nursery’s Family Activities: now-Oct. 31, Kearneysville

Town & Country Nursery offers family fun with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, straw maze, petting zoo with goats and a great selection of winter squash. Nursery hours are Sunday to Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call 304-725-1252.

Corn Maze at WVU’s Jackson Mill: Friday and Saturday nights in October, Weston

Get in the Halloween spirit at Jackson Mill’s corn maze from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. A daylight corn maze also will be available this year. Hours for the daylight maze will be available soon. For more information, contact the Lewis County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 304-269-7328 or Jackson Mill at 304-269-5100.

West Virginia Pumpkin Festival: Oct. 1-4, Milton

Join this family-fun festival that includes arts and crafts, commercial and business displays, live entertainment, a pumpkin contest and plenty of food.  Watch as proud growers weigh their pumpkins for a chance at the title of “largest pumpkin.” For more information, contact 304-638-1633 or visit www.wvpumpkinpark.com.

Great Pumpkin Party at the Capitol Market: Oct. 17, Charleston

Stop by the Capitol Market for the perfect pumpkin and all of the fall trimmings needed to decorate the home.  Also, take part in the Great Pumpkin Party on Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and be sure to bring the kids out in their favorite costumes. For more information, call 304-344-1905, or visit www.capitolmarket.net.

The Pumpkin House: Oct 29-31, Kenova

Watch as thousands of carved pumpkins shine from dusk until dawn during Oct. 29-31 at 748 Beech St. in Kenova. Pumpkins are carved and decorated by many volunteers five or six days before event. There will be an expected 3,000 pumpkins, each hand-carved with a unique pattern and set to glow from dusk until dawn, from porch to peak. For more information, call the City of Kenova at 304-453-3121.

Contact Information

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