155 ways to enjoy summer in West Virginia

West Virginia turns 155 years young on June 20! And while you’re spending the birthday exploring the beautiful state, here are a few ways to help you celebrate:

  1. Eat a pepperoni roll at the original bakery – Dig into a West Virginia snack staple at the bakery where they were invented. Giuseppe “Joseph” Argiro, an Italian immigrant coal miner, whipped up the specialty when he was looking for a convenient lunch to take underground. The pepperoni roll became so popular that he and started a bakery in 1927.
  2. Camp with your horse – Camp Creek State Park offers stall accommodations for your horse! With over 10 trails, you and your horse will have no trouble finding an adventure.
  3. Defy gravity at the Mystery Hole – See the unbelievable at this mysterious mountain stop, guarded by a larger than life gorilla and decorated with a slew of the biggest tires you’ve probably ever seen
  4. Tour a mine – Hitch a ride underground in a man car at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where you’ll get a rare glimpse into one of the area’s most iconic industries.
  5. Brush up on your songbird knowledge – Did you know Kanawha State Forest is known for the diverse species of songbird in the area? Grab a camera and see if you can snap a few pictures.
  6. Check out an unusual castle in the hills – In the late 1800s, a wealthy businessman built the 20-room Berkeley Castle for his young lover. The castle is now a private residence and no longer open for tours, though it is available for weddings and other events.
  7. Bike through a haunted tunnel – The North Bend Rail Trail boasts the Silver Run Tunnel, a 2,297-foot tunnel that locals claim to be haunted. Legends say a bride was killed in the tunnel on the day of her wedding and some have even seen a woman in a wedding dress!
  8. All aboard the Cass Scenic Railroad – This steam-driven locomotive is one of America’s only authentic operating museums of lumber railroading.
  9. Enjoy the Greenbrier Classic – This golf tournament on the PGA Tour has some of the best golfers in the game competing for the Springhouse Trophy. This year’s tournament, renamed A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier, will take place July 2-8 and will be an event to remember! And, while you’re there, be sure to tour the underground bunker while there. The super-sized bunker built for all 535 members of Congress during the Eisenhower era. The bunker was stocked for 30 years but never actually used as an emergency location. Its existence was not public knowledge until 1992, when The Washington Post revealed it.
  10. Sit in a monster chair – If you’re driving through Braxton County on I-79, take the Flatwoods exit and plop down in a 10-foot high replica of the Braxton County Monster. It’s a great photo op and helps keep the quirky folklore alive.
  11. Walk across a 900-foot canyon on a 24” catwalk – Spend more than 2 hours traversing the catwalk under the ridiculously high New River Gorge Bridge. Peer over your toes at the raging (but now seemingly tiny) river more than 850 feet below you!
  12. Conquer a 15” super sized hotdog – At HillBilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, dine in school buses decked out in thousands of yard sale treasures. Try the Homewrecker, a giant hotdog with jalapenos, peppers, onions, nacho cheese, habanero, chili sauce, mustard, slaw, lettuce, tomato and shredded cheese all atop a 1-pound weenie. Eat it in less than 12 minutes, and you’ll get a shirt to prove it!
  13. Scuba dive at the “Little Bahamas of the East.” – Explore an underwater playground at Summersville Lake, often referred to as the cleanest and clearest lake east of the Mississippi.
  14. Unwind in a salt cave – Visit a salt cave built into a hillside in rolling White Sulphur Springs. Relax amidst 16,000 pounds of real Himalayan salt.
  15. Ride vintage rides at Camden Park – Hop aboard the haunted house, one of only a handful like it still in existence today, or hitch a ride on their antique ferris wheel, one of the park’s first rides in 1903.
  16. Sleep in a yurt at Spruce Knob – Spruce Knob boasts some of the darkest night skies in the East. Curl up in one of their rentable, wooden yurts and take it all in from the built-in skylight.
  17. Take a look at the Belle Boyd House – This house, in Martinsburg, was home to the famous Civil War spy, Belle Boyd. During the war she supplied key enemy information to Stonewall Jackson before she was caught and banished to England.
  18. Meet French Creek Freddie – The West Virginia Wildlife Center is home to the state’s official weather-predicting groundhog. Each Groundhog Day, a staff member awakens him out of hibernation to forecast the season’s fate.
  19. Check out a house made entirely of coal – The Coal House in Williamson weighs 65 tons and has 2-foot thick walls. It’s coal inside and out, from top to bottom.
  20. Visit Coleman’s Fish Market – Did you know that the Mountain State has the best fish sandwich in the country? Gourmet Magazine called Coleman’s “the country’s best fish sandwich.
  21. Get lucky – Stop by Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races or Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack to try your hand at table gaming, racing and more!
  22. Float above the Canaan ValleyCanaan Valley Resort State Park transports you in a scenic ski lift to see breathtaking views of the valley.
  23. Channel your inner child – With a trip to Marble King in Paden City, the leading marble manufacturer in the world. They produce close to a million marbles each day!
  24. Take on the best hiking trail in America – Recently, USA Today readers voted the Endless Wall Trail the “Best National Park Hike.” Grab extraordinary views of the expansive New River Gorge area from this trail.
  25. Adventure in West Virginia’s largest state parkWatoga State Park in the Potomac Highlands has something for everyone. Boating, biking, fishing, geocaching, hiking, hunting and swimming are just naming a few.
  26. Grab a hand-mixed soda at the Corner ShopThe Corner Shop is an old-fashioned soda fountain in Bramwell, which had the highest number of millionaires per capita in the entire United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In Bramwell’s heyday, the shop, formerly known as Bryant Pharmacy, was one of only 3 stores in the nation that sold Chanel No. 5 perfume.
  27. Treat yourself to a heaping plate of pasta & meatballsOliverio’s Restaurant not only has top-notch service and experience but delicious food. Oliverio’s is “Italian cuisine at its very best.”
  28. Visit ‘America’s Quietest Place’ – The Green Bank Telescope blankets the surrounding area in a technological quiet zone. The telescope’s closest neighbors are 147 people living without cell phones, WiFi, and in some extreme cases, even microwaves.
  29. Hit the beach – You read that right, West Virginia does have a beach. Bring your snorkel and dive into the clear waters of Tygart Lake. The beach is complete with grills, game courts and kayak rentals.
  30. Bet on horse racesMountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort has races nearly every week, as well as live streaming of tracks around the country. While you’re there head to the casino and test your luck on one of their 1,500 slot machines!
  31. Fish at a secluded haven – The lake at Bluestone State Park is home to smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish and more. The state-record holding longest and heaviest striped bass were reeled in from these waters!
  32. Grab a bottle of moonshine— legally – West Virginians are keeping the long mountain tradition of moonshine alive, legally. Try a variety of flavors from Appalachian Distillery in Ripley.
  33. Rent a paddleboat at Little Beaver State Park – The park offers an 18 acre lake and is the perfect place to cruise around in the summer.
  34. Sleep in a penitentiary – You might not even get a few good winks in the West Virginia Penitentiary, which opened in 1876 and is now abandoned. You’ll get a 90-minute guided tour, but then you’re free to roam the halls alone.
  35. Explore West Virginia’s highest forest – The Kumbrabow State Forest sits on Rich Mountain along the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands. If you didn’t know, that’s 3,000 feet above sea level!
  36. Be entertained by a show at the Charleston Civic Center – Whether it’s a concert, ballet, or sporting event – the Civic Center is the center of it all!
  37. Examine real mummies… in a bathroom – Visit an amatuer scientist’s claim to fame: 2 bodies he successfully mummified with his homemade embalming potion. They’re now stashed in the bathroom of the Barbour County Historical Museum, where you can get a glimpse for $1.
  38. Party with the Hatfields and McCoys – In June 2003, about 100 years after the notorious Hatfield and McCoy feud, descendants of the 2 families gathered in Pikeville, Kentucky, to sign a truce. They still have a 3-day party every year in both Matewan and Williamson.
  39. Taste delicious West Virginia hot dogs – Everyone knows the proper West Virginia hot dog is topped with chili and coleslaw. But now you can judge for yourself who makes the best dog at the annual West Virginia Hot Dog Festival, which rounds up some of the best hot dog vendors in the Huntington area, on July 28.
  40. Visit a landmark in frontier historyTu-Endie-Wei State Park, a Wyandotte word for “point between two waters,” is the site of the Battle of Point Pleasant. Some believe this battle to be the first of the American Revolution.
  41. De-stress at the Bavarian Inn – Looking for a distinctly European experience? Look no further than the elegantly appointed chalets overlooking the Potomac River Bend. Built in Alpine tradition, the luxurious rooms at the Bavarian Inn offer classic furnishings and modern amenities.
  42. Spend the night in a caboose – The Castaway Caboose in Durbin hooks refurbished cabooses to the Durbin Rocket, and pulls you and your crew to a remote site along the Greenbrier River. Once there, the conductor unhooks you and heads for the hills. Don’t worry— your ride will be back the next morning.
  43. Traverse rugged terrain on this train – Cheat Mountain is known as one of the most rugged, remote regions in Appalachia. Many view this area as impassable— but not the Cheat Mountain Salamander. This 9-hour ride transports guests through areas that few have seen.
  44. Toast to Davis with a Stumptown AleStumptown Ales is a tiny brewery in Davis, pumping out deliciously hoppy artisan brews.
  45. Do stunts in a WWII-era training plane – Team up with a pilot at Wild Blue Adventure Company and board a Stearman Biplane or 1941 Piper Cub for a classic sightseeing tour or a heart-pounding aerobatic thrill ride— the choice is yours.
  46. Eat at the original Pies and Pints – With locations now in 3 states, this little West Virginia pizzeria has gained a lot of popularity with their weird toppings. like black bean and grape. Visit their Fayetteville location, where the popular joint got its start.
  47. Wake up with a “Thundering Herd” biscuit – If you haven’t already, you’ve got to try one of West Virginia’s most beloved breakfast secrets: Tudor’s Biscuit World.
  48. Grab a sweet treat – Stop by Nu Era Bakery in Logan to grab breakfast or opt for one of their beloved cupcakes.
  49. Watch glass in the makingBlenko Glass Company has been family owned and operated since 1893. You can stop in and watch the blowers turn hot goo into beautiful works of art before your eyes.
  50. Sample creative brewsShort Story Brewing, in Marion County, is famous for its artisanal spirits and craft brews. Try their Chasing Daylight IPA or a growler for take-out.
  51. Climb the rungs of the via ferrata – Gain unforgettable views of the Appalachian Mountains hundreds of feet high on Nelson Rocks, the second iron-rung via ferrata in the nation. Europeans have been using this climbing method for decades, but there are still only 3 on the East Coast of the U.S.
  52. Enjoy a show in Shepherdstown – The Contemporary American Theater Festival performs 6 plays each summer at Shepherd University.
  53. Grab your buddies and camp in southern West Virginia Panther State Forest is perfect for group camping. The area has a volleyball and basketball court, a campfire ring and hiking trails to a lookout tower and swimming pool.
  54. Watch NPR live! – Charleston’s Mountain Stage hosts an eclectic mix of live musicians. Audience members get to see a 2-hour NPR radio show performed in front of them.
  55. Spend the night in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower – Cuddle up in the sky on this renovated fire tower in Seneca State Forest. The 53-foot steel tower with a 12×12 live-in wooden cab and catwalk is one-of-a-kind in West Virginia.
  56. Tour the colorful Fiestaware factory – Newell is home to our favorite brightly colored plates, cups and bowls. You can get a look at how this beautiful dinnerware comes to life at The Homer Laughlin China Company Factory.
  57. Rent a boat at Beech ForkChoose from a pedal boat, rowboat, kayak or canoe and enjoy a day on the lake.
  58. Sleep in an abandoned lunatic asylum – The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was a sanctuary for the mentally ill in the 1800s; now it’s a fantastic place for ghost hunters to spend an entire night provoking the spirits.
  59. Travel to Blackwater Falls – The “black” water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.
  60. Drink WV-brewed beerWheeling Brewing Company is a microbrewery in Centre Market that prides itself on “keeping it local.” Stop by and try their locally made pierogies and wash it down with their Moon Dog IPA.
  61. Spend the night in a yurtTomlinson Run State Park offers a rustic way to spend the night in the outdoors. Their yurts are equipped with a cooler, propane stove, lantern, cookware, picnic table and fire ring.
  62. Visit America’s Taj Mahal – CNN called Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold “one of the eight religious wonders to see in the USA.” Come explore the ornately decorated shrine for yourself.
  63. Catch a show at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater – Located at Chief Logan State Park, the shows are performed by local actors and musicians. Watch Shrek the Musical in June or Aladdin in July!
  64. Book tee time at Oglebay – Some of their courses were designed by golf greats Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones Sr.!
  65. Become one with nature – Calvin Price State Forest is WV’s newest forest and sits on over 9,000 acres but only 93 are developed. A perfect place to pitch a tent and unplug for the night.
  66. Hop aboard the aerial tram – The tramway at Hawks Nest State Park gives you the best view in the house!
  67. Enjoy live music at Live on the Levee – This free weekly concert series happens every Friday night in the summer and is not one to miss!
  68. Explore Seneca Rocks – This iconic WV landmark is a popular rock climbing choice and offers hiking trails with beautiful views of Pendleton County.
  69. Take a stroll on a boardwalk – Beartown State Park is home to a natural rock formation with “sunken streets” where the boardwalks were built into!
  70. Feast on pulled pork sliders and unique burgers – You don’t have to go down south to enjoy the best barbeque, and the Atomic Grill in Morgantown isn’t just your average place. They use locally sourced meats to produce signature flavors in their eclectic atmosphere.
  71. Stay at this unique bed and brewAbolitionist Ale Works is a microbrewery in Charles Town that not only brews over 12 craft beers (among others from around the state) but also offers 5 full condos available for rent above the pub.
  72. Visit the state’s capitol building – Right on the banks of the Kanawha River lies the magnificent 293-foot gold domed building –  standing five feet taller than our nation’s capital.
  73. Discover what colonial life was like – The reconstructed Prickett’s Fort served as a refuge during colonial times. Watch as costumed 18th-century characters demonstrate frontier life.
  74. Plan a vacation retreat – Cabwaylingo State Forest named for the four surrounding counties: (Cab)ell, (Wa)yne, (Lin)coln, and Min(go), features rustic cabins for your perfect getaway.
  75. Ride through “Trails Heaven” – Kick up some dirt at Hatfield-McCoy Trails! Ride on over 600+ miles of trails in the beautiful mountains of southern West Virginia by dirt bike, ATV or UTV.
  76. Swim at Snowshoe’s best kept secret – Thought you could only ski at Snowshoe? Cool off this summer at Shaver’s Lake. Take a dip in the water and try out the inflatable obstacle courses.
  77. Commemorate Italian heritage in Clarksburg – The 40th annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival is sure to satisfy your appetite. Indulge on homemade raviolis and cannolis on August 31-September 2.  
  78. Geocache in Berkeley County – Named the #1 county in the US in awarded “Favorite Points,” Berkeley County is full of trails and sites to explore.
  79. Stay in a seclude hotel at the bottom of a gorge – The Mountain Creek Lodge at Pipestem Resort State Park can only be reached by tramway but offers a relaxing view of the Bluestone River.
  80. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of whitewater rafting – With some of the best whitewater rapids in the east, WV is home to the famous New and Gauley Rivers. Visit Adventures on the Gorge, ACE Adventure Resort and River Expeditions for all your rafting needs!
  81. Unwind with a great cup of coffee – This quaint cafe in New Martinsville will quickly become your favorite hangout spot. With good food, live music, and a hidden downstairs bar, Baristas Cafe and Pub is not one to miss.
  82. Capture a beautiful photo – Cathedral State Park is a sanctuary to old hemlock trees and has over 170 species of ferns, wildflowers, and trees. You can even catch our state flower, the rhododendron.
  83. Experience old-world charm in Shepherdstown – It’s the oldest settlement in the state and is crawling with rich history. Visit battle sites and re-enactments of the Civil War.
  84. Check out picturesque waterfallsValley Falls State Park has four unique waterfalls for you to explore. You may even be lucky enough to spot a kayaker paddle over the drop!
  85. Travel back in time – The Heritage Farm and Museum is a replica of a 19th century Appalachian village and is WV’s first – and only -Smithsonian Affiliate!
  86. Spend time at West Virginia’s birthplace – It was a warm summer’s day in 1863 when West Virginia was officially declared a state in Wheeling’s Independence Hall.
  87. Shop at America’s oldest dime storeBerdine’s 5 and Dime in Harrisville has been delighting guests with little treasures for over 100 years!
  88. Explore Middle Fork River at Audra State Park – Grab your favorite inflatable and float along the river in Buckhannon.
  89. Dance to some bluegrass – Wetzel County’s Back Home Appalachian Arts & Music Festival features a lineup of 18 bands, from Grammy-Award winning bluegrass stars The Del McCoury Band to local favorites Ryan Cain & the Ables delivering their hopping mix of rockabilly and honky tonk. Be sure to come done June 29-July 1.
  90. Party like you’re in New OrleansMardi Gras Casino & Resort has table games, slots, greyhound racing, fine dining, and excellent service.
  91. Get a history lesson – The Patterson House Museum at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park has relics from the Battle of Carnifex Ferry. This key Union win led to the creation of West Virginia!
  92. Satisfy your appetite with a gourmet cheeseburger – Wheeling’s neighborhood eatery, Avenue Eats offers award winning burgers. Their Diner Burger was recognized by Thrillist as one of the “33 best burgers in America!”
  93. See one of the oldest markers in the country – The Fairfax Stone, in Davis, was used in the 1700s to settle a boundary dispute between the English colonies of Maryland and Virginia. Today it marks the boundary between Maryland and West Virginia.
  94. Investigate this hidden gem – The Cranny Crow overlook at Lost River State Park will give you an unmatched view of five counties in the area.
  95. Drive through picturesque covered-bridges: Philippi was the site of the first land battle of the Civil War and has one of 7 covered-bridges in the region.
  96. Marvel at the world’s largest teapot – This 14-foot teapot has been a must-see in Chester, WV since 1938.
  97. Celebrate the Fourth of July in Ripley – Locals dub this celebration the largest small town Indepence Day celebration. Even President George W. Bush stopped to celebrate a few years back.
  98. Try this spin on golfGreenbrier State Forest offers disc golf, a game in which you use a frisbee to throw at targets. Grab your friends and play a game!
  99. Take a sternwheeler ride to Blennerhassett Island – And learn more about the treasonous secrets of this large and lavish estate.
  100. Learn how this old minetown earned it’s claim to fameMatewan has such a rich history, movies were made about it! The Matewan Massacre, UMWA/Mine Wars, and Battle of Blair Mountain were just a few turning points in this town’s narrative.
  101. Pick your own fruit – Happiness grown in abundance at Orr’s Farm Market, a family owned and family grown market in Martinsburg, WV.
  102. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the 1950’sThe Poky Dot is a Fairmont delight. This 50’s themed diner is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with their humongous ice cream sundaes.
  103. Climb the steps to the top of a lookout tower – The tower at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park offers jaw-dropping aerial views of the Greenbrier River Valley.
  104. Float along the Ohio River –  While there are only 4 ferry’s left on the entire Ohio River, the Sistersville Ferry is the only one in a 277-mile stretch.
  105. Step back into West Virginia’s pioneer days – Visit an old one-room school house, furnished with a potbelly stove, at Cedar Creek State Park. The park office is a restored log cabin!
  106. Tour the Tug River – Dive into the Hatfield-McCoy’s legendary history by speeding through the river in an airboat and stopping at the burial grounds of the infamous clan members.
  107. Experience the State Fair – From nationally-known artists like Luke Combs, Chris Young & 38 Special, to carnival rides, livestock,and equine competitions and some of the best food in the state, there’s so much to do and so many memories waiting to be made at the State Fair of West Virginia. Don’t miss it, August 9-18.  
  108. Enjoy a movie at the historic Robey Theatre – Located in Spencer, this theatre is the oldest continuously run theater in the country and still shows today’s Hollywood hits!
  109. Traverse through the ghost town of Thurmond – With a  population of 5, Thurmond isn’t exactly considered a ghost town but this old coal town used to be a bustling city that had more coal running through it than Cincinnati, OH.
  110. Take a self guided tour through Burning Springs ParkThis park is the nation’s first oil and gas field and the world’s oldest producing oil well.
  111. Birdwatch in North Bend State Park – Did you know Parkersburg is home to over 250 different species of bird? Grab your binoculars and get to watching!
  112. Cozy up in a cottageStonewall Jackson Resort offers lakeside cottages for the ultimate relaxing vacation.
  113. Try a homemade dish at the Blue Moon Cafe – This charming cafe, located in Shepherdstown, serves natural, vegetarian and gluten free foods!
  114. Tour a pioneer homestead from the 1700s – The restored property at Watters Smith Memorial State Park, was passed down through four generations when the land was willed to state parks with instructions to honor a man’s great-great grandfather.
  115. Hike, bike or horseback ride through the great outdoors – Once a former railroad, The Greenbrier River Trail provides breathtaking views through some of West Virginia’s most remote areas.
  116. Shop for West Virginia apparel Kin Ship Goods, in Charleston, is loaded with shirts and sweatshirts that scream WV. You’ll feel right at home with good inspired by starry nights, peeling paint, vintage keepsakes, imperfections, labors of love, and early mornings.
  117. Soak in natural healing springsBerkeley Springs is known for being the country’s first spa – boasting natural spring water that many believe to be medicinal. George Washington even frequented here!
  118. Go on a blind date with a bookEmpire Books and News, in Huntington, offers a special deal in which customers can purchase a “mystery” book wrapped in plain paper for only $1 in hopes of meeting the match of their literary dreams.
  119. Star gaze- Star gaze in Calhoun County Park for some of the best views in the state. 
  120. Make a toast for WV DayLambert’s Vintage Winery has a wine for every palate. Try a white, red or blush and celebrate all that makes West Virginia almost heaven.
  121. Golf at one of the top 100 course in the country – USA Today ranked the par-72 course at Cacapon Resort State Park as one of the top 100 in the nation!
  122. Bring home a taste of Switzerland Holl’s Chocolates is a handcrafted chocolate company based in Vienna, WV that specializes in assorted boxed collections and chocolate confections.
  123. Rent an ATV for an offroad adventure – Headed out on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails but need an ATV? Rustic Ravines is your cabin and ATV rental headquarters! Spend a few days in one of their beautiful countryside cabins.
  124. Come see Pinnacle Rock State Park – The park got its name for a giant 3,100-foot sandstone rock formation. Make sure you hike to the overlook and get a view from the top!
  125. Taste almost heaven – Blackberry cream banana pudding, chocolate peanut butter truffle. Is your mouth watering yet? Lil Bit of Heaven Cupcakes offers that and so much more. Stop in their store in St. Albans for a treat!
  126. Find fresh produce and flowers – Charleston’s Capitol Market is an old freight station filled to the brim with local vendors that offer fruit, veggies, flowers and more. Head inside and shop for gourmet pleasures like Holl’s Chocolates or fresh meat and seafood. Sit down for a fine Italian meal at Soho’s.
  127. Taste decadent chicken & waffles34:Ate, in Williamson, is a must if you’re in the area. This lunch cafe is the jewel of the south and specializes in delicious sandwiches.
  128. Give thanks to your mom – Did you know Mother’s Day was created in WV? The shrine in Grafton was started by Anna Jarvis, in honor of her mother, in 1873.
  129. Zoom around a 2,600 acre lake – Looking for a unique way to cruise on the water? Stonewall Jackson Resort State Park has mini power boats perfect for sailing and fishing.
  130. Take me out to the ball game – Did you know West Virginia has 4 minor league baseball teams? Grab your popcorn and peanuts, and watch a West Virginia Power, Princeton Rays, Bluefield Blue Jays, or West Virginia Black Bear game!
  131. Sail through the skiesHarpers Ferry Zipline/Canopy Tour will send you through the sky to explore the pristine beauty of the waterfront location.
  132. Visit a picturesque grist millBabcock State Park is home to a grist mill that grinds fresh cornmeal and buckwheat that you can purchase at the park!
  133. Fish for trout in Webster CountyHolly River State Park, WV’s 2nd largest state park, offers unmatched fishing opportunities.
  134. Celebrate with the WV Pledge – Proudly pledge allegiance to the flag of West Virginia, which serves as a constant reminder that “Mountaineers Are Always Free,” which stands as a symbol of her majestic mountains, fertile forests, rich veins of coal, and the pride of her people.
  135. Marvel at the canyon views of the Cheat River – Coopers Rock State Forest has unbelievable overlooks and secluded hiking trails for the perfect getaway.
  136. Eat at a West Virginia’s neighborhood restaurant CJ Maggie’s, in the heart of Buckhannon, specializes in woodfired pizzas, sausage and meatballs, and house-cut steaks. Hungry yet?
  137. Watch a great bird migrationMoncove Lake State Park is a birding hotspot due to the ridges that act as funnels for birds migrating in the fall. Visitors have seen birds that are rare and unusual to the area.
  138. Plan your next mountain getawayTwin Falls Resort State Park gives you secluded cabins perched on a heavily forested hilltop, perfect for a summer excursion.
  139. See the Gorge like never before Hawk’s Nest offers jet boat rides. You’ll get down to the rim of the gorge by tram and then jet up to the famous New River Gorge Bridge.
  140. Honor our veterans – The Veterans Museum of Mid Ohio Valley has war memorabilia, a library of books and videos and is a resource center for local veterans.
  141. Pamper yourself at Sleepy Creek Spa – This spa at The Woods will exfoliate, energize, rejuvenate and renew you. Leave all your worries behind with a relaxing massage or a soak in the whirlpool.
  142. Search for treasure at Shuggy’s – Located in the heart of the Centre Market in Wheeling, Shuggy’s is home to an array of antiques and jewelry. Here you can find antiques from near and far!
  143. Devour delicious homemade ice cream – Austin’s, in Ceredo, offers almost 50 flavors ranging from the classic rocky road and mint chocolate chip to more unique and different flavors like grape pineapple.
  144. Savor over 20 different types of wines – At Chestnut Ridge Winery, try anything from a European-style dry to a semi-sweet fruit wine. Take a stroll on the grounds and find their woodworking or blacksmith shop or their jewelry studio.
  145. Cool off in Bluefield, “Nature’s Air Conditioned City” – At 2,611 feet above sea level, Bluefield gets unusually cool summers. On days the city’s temperature reaches 90 or above the Bluefield Chamber of Commerce hands out free lemonade!
  146. Zipline through the forest – Wild and wonderful starts at Grand Vue Park in Moundsville. If a three hour zipline tour doesn’t sound like fun, there’s over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, an aquatic center, par-3 golf course, miniature golf, synthetic ice rink and treetop villas to complete your stay.
  147. Spend the day in Petersburg – Stop at Eagle’s Nest Outfitters and set up a full-day fishing trip along the South Branch of the Potomac River, famous for trophy trout! Be sure to stop at Bella Vita Italian Restaurant after for delicious pizzas and pastas.
  148. Enjoy West Virginia heritage at the Mountain State Art & Craft Fair – This tradition has been going strong since 1963 and offers more than you can image. On July -7 more than 100 artisans and exhibitors contribute events like a quilt show, marketplace, interactive crafts, wine tastings, craft brews, a petting zoo and more.
  149. Sing Country Roads – This John Denver classic is the official theme song of the state. The lyrics paint a picture of the beautiful scenery and culture here. Take me home country roads, to the place I belong – West Virginia!
  150. Compete in the world-famous Spartan Race – The challenging obstacle course race takes place in Glen Jean, in the scenic New River Gorge. Athletes from far and wide compete for the fastest finishing time while scaling walls, shimmying up ropes, hauling sandbags, crawling under barbed wire and leaping over fire pits. Don’t miss the race, August 25-26.
  151. Explore fine art in Buckhannon Artistry on Main is the place to shop for unique gifts handcrafted by local artists, like West Virginia blown glass, detailed woodworking pieces, photography and furniture.
  152. Find your home away from home – The Ravenswood Inn Bed & Breakfast is a restored late Victorian Era Folk Style house that is sure to make you feel right at home.
  153. Check out the art in “the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley” – Martinsburg is full of colorful and artistic murals throughout the city. William Cochran’s “The Lonesome Touch” occupies 2 recessed arches on the side of the old Market House.
  154. Taste a WV classic Dicarlo’s Pizza is famous for the weird way they makes their pizza. A crisp square of pizza comes out of the oven, baked piping hot with a slightly sweet and rich tomato sauce. Then, freshly grated cold provolone cheese is sprinkled on top so that it delicately melts over that oven-baked sauce and crust. Dicarlo’s has locations in Wheeling, Fairmont, Parkersburg, Weirton and as far away as South Carolina.    
  155. Travel with your commemorative birthday sticker – Find one of these wild and wonderful places and show your West Virginia pride. Don’t forget to post with #AlmostHeaven on social media for a chance to win a swag bag!

How do you plan to celebrate West Virginia’s 155th birthday?

This post was last updated on February 10, 2023