Riding the Rails Exhibit: Running through Dec. 31, 2009, Chief Logan State Park, Logan
The Riding the Rails exhibition has text panels detailing railroad development in West Virginia. The exhibit also contains artifacts from the West Virginia State Museum collection. Standard operating hours of the Museum in the Park are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday though Saturday and 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays. The Museum in the Park offers holiday season hours from late November through December. For more information, visit www.wvculture.org or call 304-792-7229.
Fiddles & Vittles - Dinner Train Package: Aug. 15, 22, 29, and Sept 5, 19; Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass
Enjoy this unique experience, including a train ride to Whittaker, Camp Whittaker tour, full dinner and live local music show. Optional shop tour or Cass showcase presentation also available. Tickets are $34 for adults and children 5-12, and $14 for children under 5. Trains depart at 5 p.m. For more information, call 1-800-225-9582 or 304-456-4300, or visit www.cassrailroad.com.
13th Annual Appalachian Heritage Festival: Aug. 28-30, Beckley and throughout Raleigh County
Experience local history and culture at the 13th annual Appalachian Festival from Aug. 28-30 at Tamarack, Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Raleigh County Armory, Crossroads Mall, uptown Beckley, Theatre WV and the Youth Museum. Packed with arts and crafts, delicious food, coal mine tours, ghost tours, outdoor theater, car show, entertainment and music, this event is sure to delight your senses. For a complete schedule, visit www.appalachianfestival.net or call 877-987-3847.
Snowshoe Symphony Festival: Aug. 28-30, Snowshoe Mountain, Snowshoe
On Aug. 28-30, harmonize with the natural beauty atop Snowshoe Mountain. The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra soars as butterflies take wing during the 19th annual Snowshoe Symphony Festival and West Virginia State Monarch Butterfly Festival. This weekend includes the classic sounds of the WV Symphony Orchestra, delicious food and the release of hundreds of butterflies. Sept. 4-6 offers more fun as the WV Monarch Butterfly State Festival continues with activities such as butterfly identification, games, parade, rides, vendors and more. For Snowshoe Symphony Festival details, visit www.snowshoemtn.com/todo/events/calendar/aug09/Symphony.htm. For Butterfly Festival information, visit http://wvmonarchfestival.com.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival: Sept. 4-6, Clarksburg
Rated among top events in the country, the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival from Sept. 4-6 offers authentic cuisine, top entertainers, grand parade, cultural events and pageant. Hours are noon-11:30 p.m. on Sept. 4; 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Sept 5; and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sept 6. Activities take place on Main Street. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://wvihf.com or call 304-622-7314.
Apple Butter Weekend: Sept. 5-6, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, near Parkersburg
Let the aroma of cinnamon and cooked apples whet your appetite at the Apple Butter Weekend at Blennerhassett Island. Watch as the Stillwell 4-H group transforms apples to apple butter over an open fire. For more information, call 304-420-4800 or visit www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com.
Festival of the Rivers: Sept. 5-6, City Sidetrack Park, Hinton
Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. daily, at Hinton's City Sidetrack Park. Listen to traditional, regional and international music performed by musicians to showcase the influence of Appalachian music on the world. This year’s festival will include a two-day dulcimer building workshop beginning at 11 a.m. and lasting for approximately 90 minutes. For a full line up of events, visit www.hintonwva.com/festrivers.html.
Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta: Sept. 5-6, Wheeling Heritage Port, Wheeling
Take a trip back in time when sternwheel boats were one of the main modes of transportation. This event includes vintage raceboats and hydroplanes, food, fireworks, entertainment and lots of fun for the whole family. Admission is free. For additional information, visit www.wheelingvintageregatta.com or call 304-233-4738.