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 Aug. 1-9 

7/8/2009  Appalachian String Band Music Festival 2009: July 29-Aug. 2, Camp Washington Carver, Clifftop

Thousands of string band musicians and fans from around the world will gather at the Appalachian String Band Music Festival from July 29-Aug. 2 at Camp Washington Carver. This five-day event features contests, concerts, workshops, square dances, camping and a hymn-sing. For more information, call 304-438-3005 or visit www.wvculture.org/stringband/index.html.

Ribfest: July 30-Aug. 2, Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston 

Enjoy world-class, award-winning barbecued ribs and chicken at the largest barbecue rib festival in West Virginia. Live entertainment, carnival rides and good times for the whole family. Admission is $4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, and $2 for youth 6-12.  Parking is free. For more information, visit www.charlestonwvribfest.com.

West Virginia Blackberry Festival:  July 30-Aug. 1, Clarksburg City Park, Clarksburg

The West Virginia Blackberry Festival celebrates its 13th year with a three-day extravaganza of free musical entertainment, novelties, carnival, car parade, pet parade and, of course, blackberries. The festival goes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with fireworks to be featured on Saturday night at 10:30 p.m.  For more information, call 304-622-3206 or e-mail scmpsm@aol.com. 

In the Footsteps of John Brown: Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Harpers Ferry
Join a park ranger and discover that John Brown's raid actually covered several miles, more than 30 buildings and hundreds of people. Discover some of these places and people on this two-hour, two-mile walking tour of Harpers Ferry.  For more information, call 304 535-6029 or visit www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm.

Augusta Heritage Festival: Aug. 7-9, Elkins

Thousands attend the Augusta Heritage Festival for a celebration of traditional dance, crafts and music. Start the festival on Friday night at 8 p.m. with a dance at the Davis & Elkins College pavilion and a singing session in the chapel. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. bring the kids for family-friendly festivities, arts and crafts, entertainment and food at Elkins City Park and in the adjoining buildings. Enjoy an evening concert at 8 p.m. at the Hermanson Center at Davis & Elkins College and wrap-up the night with a dance at the pavilion. Sunday includes a gospel sing at the Davis & Elkins chapel from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 304-637-1209 or visit www.augustaheritage.com.

Food, Wine & Jazz Festival:  Aug. 7-9, Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Snowshoe

This event will encompass a weekend of food, wine and jazz. The fun starts on Friday evening with a champagne and dessert reception. On Saturday, enjoy the grand tasting, which includes more than 140 offerings of wine for sampling, as well as great swing/jazz bands, West Virginia art crafters and scrumptious food from Snowshoe's chefs. Sunday wraps up with a palate-pleasing brunch. For information about admission charges, call 304-572-5922 or visit www.snowshoemtn.com.  

Heritage Music BluesFest ‘09: Aug. 7-9, Heritage Port Amphitheater, Wheeling

Listen to award-winning blues at the Heritage Music BluesFest. This weekend features music from Elvin Bishop, Bobby Rush, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Eden Brent, John Nemeth, The Soul of John Black, Mikey Jr., David Jacobs Strain, Delta Highway, Saffire the Uppity Blues Women, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Walter Trout, Moreland & Arbuckle, Ruthie Foster, Magic Slim & the Teardrops, Sonny Landreth and other local and regional artists. For more information call 304-232-8705 or visit www.heritagemusicfest.com. 

6th annual BBQ Cook-Off:  Aug. 8, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis

Bring your grill and compete to win “Best BBQ in the Valley.” The competition is open to gas and charcoal grillers, and cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Enjoy live entertainment and authentic West Virginia crafters and vendors. For more information, contact David Cooper 304-866-4121, ext. 2677, or visit www.canaanresort.com.

Black Bear 40K Mountain Bike Race; Aug. 9, Kanawha State Forest, Charleston

On Aug. 9, return to Kanawha State Forest for the annual Black Bear 40K Mountain Bike Race. The event is open to all levels of riders. Meet at shelters No. 8 and 9. For more information, call 304-533-6269 or visit www.kanawhastateforest.com.

Contact Information

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