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 April 5–18 

3/23/2010  School of the Longhunter and Contemporary Longrifle Association Show: April 8-11, Fairmont
This is an intense weekend of instruction exploring the role of early frontiersmen on the American frontier. Speakers will focus on the frontier skills of the longhunter. Space is limited and registration is required. Visitors are welcome during daytime hours with no admission charge. In addition to the educational programming, this year there will be a sanctioned Contemporary Longrifle Association mini-show and sale. Registration for Longhunter includes admission to both events. Contact 304-363-3030 or visit www.prickettsfort.org for more information.

Festival of Nations: April 10, Weirton       
The Festival of Nations will be held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Weirton Millsop Community Center. The event will include ethnic foods and songs, Weirton’s Historic Picture Gallery, and music and dances performed on stage. Admission is free. Contact 304-479-7266 or visit www.weirtonmuseum.com for additional information.

National Symphony Orchestra: April 10, Huntington
The Marshall Artists Series presents the National Symphony Orchestra of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. in the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. This performance is part of the American Residency project. The evening’s program will feature music from composers such as Antonín Dvořák, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Leonard Bernstein. Notable pieces include Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 (Prague) and Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from “On the Town.” Ticket prices range from $10-$35 depending upon seating. Tickets are available at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations, and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Call 304-696-6656 for more details.

Fourth Annual Lewisburg Chocolate Festival: April 10, Lewisburg
This is an event you will not want to miss! The festival includes an exciting schedule of events centered on the chocolate theme including musical performances, Chocolate Mousse eating competition, chocolate themed dinners, chocolate bake-off, chef demonstrations and activities for chocolate lovers of all ages. Ticket holders will be able to sample chocolate treats at more than 30 chocolate-tasting locations. Featured chocolatiers will include West Virginia favorites as well as nationally recognized names. Children can enjoy a reading of “Curious George and the Chocolate Festival,” presented by The North House Museum or attend the ever popular movie,  “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” at the Lewis Theatre. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.lewisburgchocolatefestival.com  or contact 800-833-2068 for additional information.

Lawn, Garden & Forestry Exposition: April 10-11, Mineral Wells
Learn from the experts about landscaping as well as lawn and garden maintenance. Chainsaw sculpting, new and antique equipment displays, music, food, and lawn and garden attractions will be among the many events taking place on the West Virginia Interstate Fairgrounds! Hours on Saturday are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.  Admission is $3 per person.   Visit www.lkrcd.com or contact 304-679-3639 for additional information.

Webster Wildwater Weekend River Festival: April 10-11, Webster Springs
Wildwater Weekend is held in April each year at the Baker´s Island Recreation Area in Webster Springs. Whitewater enthusiasts from across the United States converge on Webster County for the festival. Events include downriver and slalom races. The downriver race features plenty of whitewater action on the Elk River, while the slalom race challenges paddlers to navigate upriver and downriver gates. An awards party on Saturday evening will feature live music, river videos and good times for all. Paddlers also can participate in river trips on the Elk, Back Fork, Gauley and other area rivers on Friday and Sunday, without the pressure of having to try to be the fastest down river. There are entry fees for the downriver and slalom races, but no fees are charged for other festival activities.  Visit www.visitwebsterwv.com, e-mail wcda@websterwv.com or call 304-847-2145.

Babcock Gristmill Grinder Half-Marathon Trail Race and Three-Mile Fun Walk: April 17, Babcock State Park, Clifftop
The Babcock Gristmill Grinder is a truly spectacular trail course through the rugged terrain of Babcock State Park. This event will challenge you with single track trails, roots, rocks, mud and occasional short road sections. Sugar Camp Run Picnic Area will be the start and finish for the race. Packet pick-up and race day registration will begin at 8 a.m. The race will start at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:10 a.m.  For additional information, visit www.gauleyrace.com/babcock , www.babcocksp.com or contact 304-438-3004.

Annual Yankauer Nature Preserve Wildflower Festival:  April 17, Shepherdstown
The festival will include guided wildflower walks through the preserve, a wide variety of children's activities, a "Poetry Walk" and refreshments. This event is free and open to the public.  Guided walks are every hour on the hour from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., with the last walk leaving at 3 p.m. You also may do a self-guided tour.  For details, visit www.potomacaudubon.org or call 304-676-3397.

Turkey and Trout Expo: April 17-18, Weston      
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum presents the first annual Turkey and Trout Expo to be held on the front lawn from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 17-18. The American Bowhunters Association will be hosting a two-day 3-D Archery shoot.  There will be events for all ages.  Seminars will be presented on fly fishing, clean water and much more. Visit www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com or contact 304-269-5070 for additional information.

Contact Information

Tricia Sizemore 
304-957-9319 
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov