The Magical Towns of the Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest is a wilderness area encompassing nearly one million acres in West Virginia. It allows its visitors
Summer Road Trip to the Northern Panhandle
The Northern Panhandle in West Virginia represents one of two panhandles in West Virginia. With historic cities like Wheeling, Weirton,
Ramp Up Your Spring With WV’s Green Gem – Chef Ambassador Story
Written by Chef Ambassador, Matt Welsch Springtime in the West Virginia mountains is something to behold. As we say in
Plan A Visit To This Civil War Battlefield
If you consider yourself a history buff, a trip to Philippi, West Virginia is a must! On June 3, 1861,
Cast Iron, the Quintessential Appalachian Pan
Written by Chef Ambassador, Matt Welsch I’ve often said, usually misty-eyed after a few sips of bourbon, that my heart
Mountain State Maple Days Celebrates Appalachia’s Culinary Forest Heritage
At the end of Winter, in February and March, the forests of West Virginia begin to feel different. The days
Uncover the Past in West Virginia’s Newest National Park
New River Gorge has silently witnessed centuries of change. Explore the story of the New River Gorge region from ancient
An Ode to Pepperoni Rolls – Chef Ambassador Story
Written by Chef Ambassador, Matt Welsch. I’ve often said, “there are many beautiful places in the world, and West Virginia
Experience The New River Gorge From These Gateway Towns
More than just gateways to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, these neighboring mountain towns are must adds
Visit The Ramps & Rail Festival in Elkins, WV
Explorer Blog shared by: Elkins-Randolph County CVB Elkins, West Virginia is home to the annual Ramps & Rail Festival which
A History Lover’s Guide to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System gets its name from the region in southern West Virginia where much of the world-famous Hatfield-McCoy
A Grandparent’s Guide to Spring Break in West Virginia
Gearing up to host your grandkids for spring break this year? West Virginia has endless options of activities to do
5 Historic Hidden Gems
Along with its iconic views, West Virginia is home to a rich history, too. Spanning many generations, the stories and
Plan Ahead: The Ultimate 2022 Vacation Bucket List
Are you coming into the new year with a slew of vacation days burning a hole in your pocket? Or
5 Weekend Getaways To Take In 2022
The colder months in Almost Heaven are some of the best times to explore quaint mountain towns and their charming
Your Perfect Winter 2021 Bucket List
Ahh, winter—the perfect time to snuggle up by the fire, sip hot cocoa and spend time laughing with friends and
Fall Foliage Road Trip: U.S. Route 50
Mid-Ohio Valley Sights Rounding out a beautiful fall season in Almost Heaven, our final fall foliage report is guiding us
Fall Foliage Road Trip: W.Va. Routes 15 East and 20 North
Waterfalls Views & Serene Waterways This week in Almost Heaven, more and more color is creeping across the state. While
Road Trips from Columbus – Mid-Ohio Valley
The Mid-Ohio Valley Region, known for its tourism, agriculture and manufacturing industries, is a charming place full of adventure and
Road Trips from Virginia: New River/Greenbrier Valley
The New River/Greenbrier Valley Region is a beautiful, scenic area where upscale luxury meets small-town charm. With ample rock-climbing, whitewater
Road Trips on I-77: Mountain Lakes
The Mountain Lakes Region of West Virginia, while being the portion of the state with the smallest population, is in
Road Trips from Pittsburgh: Mountaineer Country
The Mountaineer Country Region of West Virginia is a lively and beautiful area filled with scenic attractions, fine dining, ample
Road Trips from Washington D.C.: Eastern Panhandle
The Eastern Panhandle is home to approximately 6% of the state’s population – offering the perfect serene getaway. One of
Road Trips from Pittsburgh: Northern Panhandle
The Northern Panhandle is one of two panhandles in the state (fun fact: West Virginia is the only state out
Road Trips from Kentucky – Hatfield-McCoy Mountains
The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains are a place with extensive history and ample outdoor recreation. This region was named after the infamous
Road Trips from Washington D.C.: Potomac Highlands
The Potomac Highlands, located in the eastern portion of West Virginia, provides roughly 2,722 square miles of breathtaking mountain views
Road Trips on I-64: Metro Valley
Home to approximately 30% of West Virginia’s population, the Metro Valley Region is filled with a culturally rich atmosphere and
Fall Foliage Road Trip: Route 24 to U.S. 219
Majestic Summits & Mountain Towns This week, the foliage in the higher elevations of West Virginia will be reaching peak
Gobble Gobble: Spring Turkey Season in Almost Heaven
With the arrival of budding trees and warmer weather in Almost Heaven comes the annual five-week-long turkey hunting season. With
Adventure below the surface: West Virginia Caverns
Set out on a quest to explore some of West Virginia’s most hidden gems. A trip to an Almost Heaven
Checking Off Your Spring Bucket List in Almost Heaven
After a spectacular winter season, spring is blossoming anew in Almost Heaven. Relish in its liveliness by checking some items
Our 2020 Winter Bucket List
Don’t find yourself mid-January having missed out on all festive adventures! Fill our your winter bucket list using this comprehensive
5 Surprising Things in the Greenbrier Bunker
With the secret of the Greenbrier Bunker uncovered, its mystery and intrigue have yet to fade. Beneath the lush trappings
These 6 little-known West Virginia facts are going to blow your mind
West Virginia is known for its scenic beauty and its one-of-a-kind adventures, but the Mountain State has so much more
These fun and easy day-trips prove you’re never far from Almost Heaven fun
West Virginia is conveniently located within a few hours of many of our country’s major cities. Richmond, Virginia; Lexington, Kentucky; Pittsburgh,
This tiny West Virginia town packs a ton of history
Holding the title of “smallest town in West Virginia,” according to Country Living, Thurmond’s official population is 5. Although today
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
Everything old is new again: New turns for old places
West Virginia’s rich history is captured in lovingly restored churches, train stations, schools and homes that have been converted to
Hit the history trail: 4 West Virginia road trips with heart
Planning your summer road trip? These fascinating trails might pique your interest in West Virginia’s rich culture and history. Download
4 must-dos at the West Virginia Vandalia Gathering
The Vandalia Gathering is West Virginia’s signature festival that celebrates traditional dance, music, and crafts. Families and friends will be
5 farm workshops to learn traditional trades
If you’re a farm kid at heart but never had the opportunity to learn the traditional arts and skills associated
33 Things To Do On Route 33
Take a drive through scenic, rolling hills on Route 33 in Upshur, Lewis and Randolph counties to experience 33 unique
Mountain views & a show: The best amphitheaters in West Virginia
From waterfront views to dramatic views of the New River Gorge, each amphitheater in West Virginia is different, yet equally
These 27 places know EVERYTHING about West Virginia
Have you consulted a local convention and visitor’s bureau when planning your trip? These organizations are staffed by friendly and
BYOB- Bring your own banjo to these down-home mountain music fests
What’s more fun than a jam session beneath the trees? Grab your instrument of choice and get to pickin’ at
This huge, four-day-long festival in West Virginia has a little bit of everything
For more than half a century the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair has been as closely stitched into West
These 20 events are West Virginia must-sees
Parents hear it every year as school winds down for the summer: “I want something to do!” Fortunately, there’s always
You’ll never believe what West Virginia’s state fossil is
You’ve heard of the state animal (black bear) and the state tree (sugar maple) … but did you know
What’s a “panhandle”? Explore West Virginia’s most northern and eastern arms
Out of all 50 states, West Virginia has the most distinct shape, with two panhandles extending to the north and
5 mom and pop shops in West Virginia you must visit
You’ll never believe what you can find at some of the state’s oldest and most unique “mom and pop shops.”
There’s a 400-million-year-old ocean beneath West Virginia
Did you know there’s a 400-million-year-old ocean beneath West Virginia? It’s called the Iapetus Ocean, and it lies underneath the
West Virginia’s unique connection to our first president
Berkeley Springs State Park is renowned for its soothing mineral waters and spa treatments. It’s the site of the annual
What’s in a name? The origin of ‘West Virginia’ … and what the state might have been called instead
“Mr. President, I have no particular objections to the word ‘Kanawha.’ They have a very beautiful river down there, a
West Virginia adds 3 sites to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail
West Virginia is home to three historic stops on the United States Civil Rights Trail. The trail launches with the
6 reasons why West Virginia is out of this world
West Virginia is known for its majestic scenery, outdoor adventures and delicious home cooking. But the Mountain State also boasts
The U.S.S. West Virginia was one of the most damaged ships at Pearl Harbor, but rose from the ashes
On Dec. 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, killing more than 2,400 servicemen and wounding
The reason why landlocked WV has a lighthouse
Usually lighthouses are reserved for helping boats navigate dangerous waters, avoid reefs or find entries to harbors. But, even
Salute WV heroes at these 8 stops
West Virginia boasts one of the highest numbers of veterans per capita in the nation, as well as some prestigious
Town guide: Williamson
This riverside town winds past miles of Hatfield-McCoy family history and adventure. Dining 34:Ate’s menu bursts with imaginative salads, entrees,
Town guide: Romney
Officially chartered in 1762, this city is 1 of the 2 oldest in West Virginia. Dining Main Street Grill harkens
Town guide: Athens
This southern West Virginia town full of quiet charm and natural beauty is the gateway to Pipestem Resort State Park.
Town guide: Fairmont
Get a hearty helping of European and old-time heritage in “Italy in Appalachia!” Taste Old-World cuisine, tour quirky museums and
Town guide: Parkersburg
Right where the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers converge is a town surrounded by colorful restaurants, breweries and historic attractions.
Town guide: Shepherdstown
West Virginia’s oldest town treats you to sophisticated restaurants, colonial ambience and Old World elegance. Dining When it comes to
Town guide: Charleston
From mouth-watering local fare to a rich arts scene, there’s never a dull moment in West Virginia’s hip, historic capital
Town guide: Huntington
Huntington may be home to Marshall University, but there’s a whole lot more to see and do. When visiting Huntington,
Town guide: Wheeling
Victorian charm, quaint attractions and soul-satisfying cuisine makes “the Friendly City” an idyllic weekend trip. Dining Puckish yet sophisticated, Later
Town guide: Moundsville
Down-home comforts and fascinating historical attractions are just 2 reasons you should visit this Ohio River town. Dining Bob’s Lunch
Town guide: Beckley
Beckley is southern West Virginia’s largest population center, and a major shopping and entertainment center for thousands of the Mountain
You, too, can soak in George Washington’s old tub!
George Washington was a regular visitor to Berkeley Springs from the age of 16, where he first visited as a
7 wildly quirky finds for urban explorers
Sometimes, surprises hide in plain sight. It’s always fun to turn a corner and discover an intriguing passageway or artwork.
A golden-era getaway
Want to step back in time to a golden age of steam-driven trains, Victorian inns, variety shows and Appalachian string
Take a driving tour of this fierce, famous family feud
A stolen pig. Ill-fated lovers. Fights and killings. It’s the stuff of legend, but it’s all true. Hop on an
It’s the best time of year to visit “USA’s Ireland”
This charming little community in the heart of West Virginia pays tribute to its Emerald Isle namesake every spring. But
West Virginia’s greatest sports legends
When it comes to sports, the Mountain State leads the pack. Take a look: our athletes and coaches are
6 unique historic districts in West Virginia
The story of West Virginia’s very birth is one for the (history) books! But since our inception in 1863, we’ve
Relics and inspirations from WV’s richest industry
Since Victorian times, coal has made history in West Virginia. That legacy continues today with subterranean tours, eccentric buildings, and
7 Wild, Wonderful West Virginia Women
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s take a look at some Wild, Wonderful West Virginia women who helped shape
Think you know WV? Bet you didn’t know these 9 wild facts!
1. What is the name of the tiny (as 2×4 inch tiny!) sculpture that hangs out on a building in downtown
7 fun ways to dig into your Appalachian roots
“Mountain folk” have their own way of doing things. Old-time Appalachian practices are still alive and well in the hills
7 things you did as a kid in WV that you’ve gotta share with yours
The joys of growing up in the Mountain State are simple and sweet. Share the fond memories of your mountain
Spoons and other weird Appalachian instruments (and where to hear them)
That weird sound you hear in your favorite Appalachian tune? It’s probably weirder than you think! Appalachian music— which includes
Do you know the whole story behind WV’s state food?
West Virginia’s state food may be simple, but its story sure isn’t. Pepperoni rolls are elegantly simple, but uniquely West
How much of your state have you really explored? WV checklist
How well do you know West Virginia? Here’s your ultimate checklist! 1. Head to Philippi to see the state’s oldest
Take your sweet tooth WAY back in time at this historic candy shop
This Harpers Ferry candy shop is a museum— with edible exhibits! At True Treats Historic Candy, guilty pleasures are
Art deco entertaining: Add color and charm to your table with this classic-modern trend
One of America’s most iconic and collectible brands of dinnerware comes out of a small town in West Virginia.
No one knows how this town’s 90-year-old tradition started. But it’s a New Year staple.
The tiny town of Lenox is about 400 miles from the ocean, but somehow, their New Year’s tradition revolves around
This has got to be the quirkiest parade in the country
The distance from Lewisburg to Shanghai, China, is about 7,450 miles. No one really knows how, when or why
The 1 place to visit 8 National Parks
Harpers Ferry is such a gold mine for history and the outdoors, it’s part of 8 overlapping National Parks and
Want to understand the vibe of “America’s Coolest Small Town”? Stop here.
Vibe is tricky to put your finger on. For Lewisburg, a quaint city in southeast West Virginia, creativity sets it
3 camping recipes with an Appalachian touch
Want to upgrade your campsite cooking? Give it a hearty country touch with some age-old mountain advice. Here are
5 best ol-time stops in this National Park’s living history village
Harpers Ferry is perhaps one of the most unique places in the United States. The upper portion of Harpers Ferry is a
Get off the country roads for the best country cookin’
High on Snowshoe Mountain, the Sunrise Backcountry Hut is a gourmet dining experience you have to snowmobile 2 miles into
Ok, ok. You know the view. But do you know the story?
Tracing the rugged ridgelines and bluffs above Harpers Ferry, the Maryland Heights Trail is not just loaded with stunning views
5 things you didn’t know about Tu-Endie-Wei State Park
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park is one of the most well known places to explore outdoors in West Virginia. Thanks to
5 Most History-Rich Hikes in Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry is one of the most history-rich places in the country. Get fresh air and a fresh perspective on
Have you played America’s first-ever golf course?
Did you know you can still play America’s first golf course just like the olden days, with traditional wooden clubs?
Trek the sunken cave-like streets of this “town of rocks”
When you walk through Beartown, you’re literally trekking the sunken crevices of a massive rock formation that covers more than
5 spooky cemeteries you can explore
While you may not want to pile into a haunted house or take a guided tour this year, something else
WV’s believe it or not: are these ghost tales true or tall tales?
Can you tell fact from fiction? Here are 4 creepy stories from West Virginia. Some are true, and some are