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 Nov. 8-30 

10/31/2008 

Mountaineer Week: Nov. 8 - 16, West Virginia University in Morgantown.

Celebrate West Virginia's rich culture and heritage at the 61st annual Mountaineer Week at West Virginia University Nov. 8 -16. The event kicks off on Nov. 8 with a football game against Cincinnati. Other activities for the week include a Mountaineer Idol contest, Appalachian dance, food, music, beard growing contest, quilt show and craft fair. For a complete list of events, visit www.mountaineerweek.wvu.edu or call 304-293-2702.

Women’s Writing Workshop: Nov. 21 – 23, Tygart Lake State Park in Grafton.
If you have ever wanted to write an essay, song or play, this weekend is for you. Led by writer Colleen Anderson, the Women’s Writing Workshop offers a chance to practice with tools that can make your writing, in any form, more vivid. The weekend package includes two nights lodging, four meals, evening refreshments and the workshop sessions. For more information about the workshop, call 304-265-6144 or visit
www.tygartlake.com/tygart_writing_2008.pdf.

Holiday Parade and Christmas Fantasy Light Show at Krodel Park: Nov. 21 - Dec. 31, Point Pleasant.

A holiday parade complete with Santa Claus will kick off the Christmas Fantasy Light Show on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. The parade is scheduled for downtown Point Pleasant with the light show beginning afterwards. Visitors driving through Krodel Park for the light show will see traditional holiday displays as well as unique ones, including a 20-foot windmill, sternwheeler and the Mothman. Light show hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. nightly from Nov. 21 to Dec. 31. Donations are accepted at admission. For more information, contact the Mason County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 304-675-6788 or visit www.pointpleasantwv.org.  

Bluefield Holiday of Lights Festival: Nov. 27, 2008,-Jan. 3, 2009, Bluefield.

The Bluefield Holiday of Lights in the Lotito City Park offers dazzling lights from dusk until 11 p.m. nightly from Nov. 27, 2008, to Jan. 3, 2009. Not only can visitors drive through the display, the city park also offers special weekend events. Donations are accepted. For more information, call 304-327-2448.

Christmas in the Park: Nov. 27, 2008 - Jan. 1, 2009, Chief Logan State Park, Logan.

View Chief Logan State Park in all its winter wonderland grandeur from Nov. 27, 2008, to Jan. 1, 2009. Guests will enjoy a beautiful light display from dark until 10 p.m. Admission is free; donations are accepted. For more information, call Chief Logan State Park at 304-792-7125 or visit www.chiefloganstatepark.com. 

Winter Fest at Cedar Lakes: Nov. 27, 2008, - Jan. 1, 2009, Cedar Lakes Conference Center, Ripley.

Get into the holiday spirit at Winter Fest at Cedar Lakes. Along with a nightly display of Christmas lights, other special events include a craft show, horse-drawn sleigh rides, concerts and craft workshops. Light display hours are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Admission is free. For more information call 304-372-7860 or visit www.cedarlakes.com. 

Prickett's Fort Annual Christmas Market: Nov. 28 - 7 and Dec. 5 - 7, Prickett’s Fort State Park, Fairmont.

Enjoy period-dressed vendors, traditional crafts and products, live music and hot wassail at the Prickett’s Fort annual Christmas Market Nov. 28 - 30 and Dec. 5 -7. The buildings will be traditionally decorated for the season; interpreters will be on hand with information and demonstrations about 18th and 19th century holiday traditions. Free Admission. For more information, call 304-363-3030 or visit www.prickettsfort.org. 

Yuletide in the Park: Nov. 28, - Dec. 28, Valley Park in Hurricane.

Sure to become a family favorite, this old-fashioned event includes animated displays, horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, hayrides, wreath making, Santa Claus and other activities. Donations accepted for the holiday lights.  There is a small fee for hay rides and wreath making. For a complete list of events and time, contact the Putnam County Visitors Bureau at 304-562-0518 or visit putnamcounty.org/parks/yuletide.htm.

Contact Information

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