Pedal right out of DC, into history & charm
Bike right from D.C. into natural beauty to explore history and charm along the path to Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown.
Bike 36 bridges, 13 tunnels and a whole lot of history
Like the railroad culture of a century ago, you’ll revel in the beauty of western Appalachia as you “steam” down
Explore this historic island mansion, lit only by candles
Off the banks of the Ohio River in Parkersburg, a majestic neoclassical mansion raises from the river, surrounded by flowers
Inside look: the most historic event in the most elite extreme sport
Watch 100s of parachuters launch from the 876-foot-tall New River Gorge Bridge during the Bridge Day BASE jumping festival. The
6 totally free National Parks in the Mountain State
There are several National Parks to explore in the Mountain State—all with no entry fee! Pack your hiking boots and
What the heck is burgoo?! …Would you eat it?
In the hills of Appalachia lays a tradition that’s been stewing since before the Revolutionary War. For hundreds of years,
Aliens? The ‘Area 51’ you can actually go inside
ET phone Green Bank: This real alien contact site is right out of a sci-fi novel! There’s a surreal sight
5 longstanding favorites at one of WV’s oldest festivals
In its 80+ years, the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins has gotten BIG. But of all the excitement, here’s
5 best old battlefields to trek & explore
When it comes to the Civil War and other historic battles, West Virginia is a historic hotspot. If you like
Greek, Italian, Swiss… the best celebrations of WV’s patchwork heritage
West Virginia is a true melting pot of cultures— and we celebrate them all! From Greek and Italian to Scottish
Discover urban Appalachia’s renaissance at this unique open-air market
Get a peek behind the curtain of Appalachia’s artistic revival at the East End Bazaar in Charleston. The Bazaar’s colorful
Blast off with the real Rocket Boys
Rub elbows with the Rocket Boys themselves! In the 1950s, against all odds, a group of boys from a small
Meet the Mothman
It’s been more than 50 years since residents of Point Pleasant woke up to these words stretched across the front
This palace colors the mountains in a stunning celebration
Picture yourself carefree, dancing about surrounded by a rainbow cloud of colors at “America’s Taj Mahal.” Sounds great, right? Known
8 reasons WV is best of the AT
West Virginia’s stretch of the Appalachian Trail is short, but extra sweet. The extensive 2,200-mile AT weaves through West Virginia
7 things you didn’t know about WV’s Historic Theater Trail
The West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail’s grand old venues have a lot of fascinating history within their walls. 1. Several
50 years later, we’re still chuckling at the story behind this landmark’s name
The Summersville Dam is best known for recreation: it holds the 2,790-acre Summersville Lake– a prime spot for fishing, boating,
Top 5 ways to celebrate 101 years of National Parks
On August 25, 2017, the National Park Service turns 101! Get out there and enjoy West Virginia’s National Parks! Here
The ultimate romantic retreat, hiding just outside DC
Only about 1 hour from Washington D.C. is the perfect, but little-known romantic getaway: West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Take a
This string fest brings in the best pickers from around the globe
If you’re looking for some of the best fiddlers and banjo pickers around, look no further than Fayette County at
This ol’ barn: mail pouch barns
If you’ve spent any amount of time driving around the rural east or midwest, you may have noticed old
Explore Hatfield-McCoy lore & country on the waters
There’s a new way to explore America’s best-known family feud. We’re talking, of course, about the Hatfields and the McCoys.
Summer “school” is funner school
Just because school’s out doesn’t mean you can’t keep learning cool and interesting things. Here are some activities that are
5 most oddball museums
Some of the Mountain State’s museums have some … let’s say … “offbeat” memorabilia. Here are 5 museums that have
7 heroic stories behind WV’s war memorials and markers
West Virginia has a fascinating military history, even longer than the life of the state itself. The French and
Tall tales: John Henry & other folk legends
West Virginia’s hills have spawned dozens of colorful characters who went on to become immortalized in books, songs, movies and
The tightest rivalry in America’s favorite pastime
Just 12 miles separate the 2 minor league teams with the “closest rivalry in baseball.” The Princeton Rays and
Happy birthday, WV! 11 ways to celebrate (here & afar)
Happy birthday, West Virginia! Our great state turns 153 this year on June 20. Here are 11 ways for mountain
4 Unexpected Finds Along WV’s Country Roads
We all know the song that leads our Almost Heaven dreaming, a familiar tune celebrating 50 years of success in
6 surreal abandoned places you have to see to believe
Have you ever spied a crumbling old structure and wondered at the history behind it? These abandoned places in West
Escape to a world with no fast food, no stoplights
Get away from it all– traffic, crowds, even stoplights– in Monroe County, WV. Sometimes it is nice to step into
Remember these?
When it comes to antique and vintage treasures, West Virginia is an East Coast motherlode. Visit any town in the
How would you have fared on the wild frontier?
Every so often, whether you’re camping out in the woods, suddenly without cell reception, or even if there’s a cable
This ol’ barn: I do’s with mountain magic
Looking for a truly magical venue for your big day? One where you can see the stars and feel the
WV’s richest history lies deep underground
Take a fascinating tour through the earth in an authentic, restored, turn-of-the-century coal mine in Beckley. If you haven’t yet
Pre-Netflix nostalgia: “A night at the movies” the old-time way
Long before binge-watching seasons of TV shows and screens asking “Are You Still Watching?” there were dozens of drive-in movie
Have you visited WV’s National Parks? We bet you didn’t do this…
Southern West Virginia’s National Parks are known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The New River Gorge National River, Gauley
6 things you didn’t know about WV’s coal heritage
From the boom years of coal mining, to some of the most iconic labor movements in the nation, this black,
5 shows that come back year after year
Live theater in the Mountain State ranges from classic tales to contemporary dramas. Several are so popular, they return year
WV’s most historic music stage
Once a week, the uplifting chords of Larry Groce’s “Simple Song,” moving from major to minor, kick off another 2-hour
6 times West Virginia was vital to the Civil Rights Movement
West Virginia has been the centerpiece of several key events in African-American heritage– dating all the way back to before
Where to find and photograph these 10 WV icons
Here are some of the most photographed icons in the Mountain State, and where you can best capture a beautiful
7 must-see stops on the Civil War Trail
The story of West Virginia tells us much about our nation’s most definitive war. Originally a part of Virginia’s Old
The treasonous secret of this elegant island
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is certainly one of West Virginia’s most… interesting stops. It is a stately island in
There’s a town in WV literally named “Odd,” and that’s just the beginning
West Virginia has a bunch of small settlements, spread all over. They all needed names, and many of them had
How to move to that old-time mountain sound
Even if you don’t know which way to swing your partner or how to do-si-do, you can dance like a
The weird Alpine tradition you can also find in Appalachia
The Appalachian hills of West Virginia might not have too much in common with the rocky, soaring peaks of the
You’re welcome! 13 things WV brought the world
West Virginia has been a trailblazer from the very beginning. The state was formed on the eve of the Civil
Iconic quilt patterns and where to find them
West Virginia honors its long-shared quilting tradition with distinct Appalachian style. Quilting roots In days gone by, quilts played a
The art on these barns is unique, but that’s not all you’ll see
If you want to explore the Mountain State’s most scenic landscapes, just trace the trails of one of Appalachia’s most
You see a building. We see opportunity.
Potential: West Virginia has a lot of it. Especially when it comes to our historic structures. As part of a
Inside the WV communities that get “live local” right
Living local is nothing new to West Virginia. Since colonial and frontier times, West Virginia has been marked by self-sufficiency
WV’s Little Italy: discover European flavor in the mountains
A little taste of Italy is hiding in the West Virginia hills. Thousands of Italian-Americans settled in North-Central West Virginia
Parks with a past: History’s most notable mountain landscapes
Of the prestigious U.S. National Parks, there are “scenic” parks, and there are “historic” parks. They could not be more
How many of these 45 authentic WV experiences have you had?
West Virginia has never been one to follow the trends— I mean, we exist because we created our own state
Up your camping game: master primitive skills like a pro
Do you have what it takes to make it on your own in the woods? If not, you can learn!
10 nostalgic country toys from your childhood: then & now
The old-time country toys of yesteryear are every bit as enchanting as they were when you were young. In the
Uncover this peaceful palace in an unexpected place
Tucked into the mountains of Marshall County in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle is something you’d least expect to see: an
7 most unique old-time holiday events in WV
If the commercial bustle of modern America threatens to be a bit much for you this holiday season, never fear—
Off the beaten path in WV’s liveliest cities
West Virginia’s metro areas are full of opportunities to absorb what makes the Mountain State unique. Here are a few
Traversing the Mon: 9 must-see sites in WV’s massive national forest
The Monongahela National Forest: nearly 1 million acres of breathtaking scenery and mountain recreation. The woodland wonderland covers the north
Old spot, new feel: enjoy the fresh revivals of these 7 historic WV buildings
Old buildings in the Mountain State tell interesting stories. Not only do they reflect different types of architecture, they also
5 exciting ways to explore WV history on an outdoor adventure
As John Denver said, “Life is old there, older than the trees.” But the wild, adventurous spirit is as youthful
5 tidbits of true mountain folklore to simplify your life
Mountain folklore seems to be funny and sarcastic, but is actually direct and to the point, true to the Appalachian
Primitive Touch: How to give your home an Appalachian, country-cute ambiance
Primitive décor brings a homey, old-time feeling to every space. West Virginia’s traditional primitives are simple decorations, treasured for their
Cultural crawls of WV’s Certified Arts Towns
West Virginia’s official certified arts towns go above and beyond. They are THE places to visit for a dose of
17 most scenic covered bridges in the WV countryside
West Virginia’s covered bridges are some of the most photographed landmarks in the state. Set against a backdrop of autumn
5 near-forgotten ghost towns to explore in WV
Head to the National Park to explore surreal abandoned mining towns, full of rich history and rusted, towering equipment reclaimed by
5 mythical mountain monsters: Mothman, mummies & other creepy creatures in WV
Folklore is very alive in the hills of West Virginia, where stories are often passed down through tight-knit generations. Appalachia
13 spooky places that’ll make your spine tingle
The Mountain State harbors its share of ghostly entities, from Civil War soldiers to extraterrestrial beings to murder victims seeking
The ghost who gave legal testimony— no, really!
Just outside a Lewisburg in Greenbrier County, a typical black-and-white historical marker says something not so typical. “Only known case
Best of October in WV
In fall, West Virginia’s forests and trees alight into a fiery red, yellow and orange palette. What better time to
5 innovative musicians redefining WV mountain music
One of West Virginia’s most profound and longstanding contributions to American culture has been simple, earthy, acoustic music. We call
6 antique shops bargain hunters won’t want to miss in WV
If there’s anything a bargain hunter likes better than finding an unexpected treasure in an unlikely spot for a great
9 quiet mountain pastimes that will remind you of your WV home
As summer winds down, it’s time to relax and recharge before the holiday frenzy hits. Enjoy simple pleasures by revisiting
Harvest in the hills: Celebrating WV’s fall foods
The rains and heat of summer have done their work, and the fruits and vegetables are at their peak of
22 things you didn’t know about the legendary Gauley River
One of the best whitewater destinations in the world is right here in the West Virginia mountains. Have you heard
9 of the oldest buildings in WV have amazing stories
A state that’s known for literally creating itself during the Civil War is bound to have a storied history. West
7 things you didn’t know you could uncover in Harpers Ferry
The historic town of Harpers Ferry is perhaps best known as the site of John Brown’s famous raid on the
Best of September in WV
Ahh, fall in West Virginia. The temperatures of summer drop, the leaves begin to change and it seems as if
6 WV stores that have been passed down generations
In an era where convenient big-box retail stores are the norm at every freeway exit, finding local flavor and unique
8 towns that will make you want to move to West Virginia
You know you have had a great vacation when you start thinking about moving to the place you’ve visited. West
7 things you didn’t know you could do in WV
You already know that West Virginia is your destination for whitewater, mountain biking, and rock climbing. But we’ve got so
There’s actually plenty to hear in the US’s largest “Quiet Zone”
Eastern West Virginia is home to the nation’s largest “quiet zone.” When was the last time you heard only the
These 7 near-forgotten modes of transportation will whisk you away on a wondrous journey
While many old rail lines in West Virginia have been re-purposed into rail trails, a few of the vintage cars
7 natural wonders in the National Parks and beyond
The hills and hollows of West Virginia hide an amazing number of natural wonders, from craggy peaks to subterranean caves.
5 ways WV will throw you for a loop
West Virginia has great moonshine, bluegrass, and yes, plenty of great “country roads.” But there’s so much more to this
13 places in WV where they still do it the old-fashioned way
Modern life is full of interesting gadgets and easy conveniences, but it hasn’t always been that way. There are plenty
7 hands-on heritage sites the whole family will love
In West Virginia, you can turn back time and revisit history. Literally. The state has a uniquely rich and exciting