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The unofficial start to summer in West Virginia

Summer is just around the corner! And West Virginia is the place to be. This season is truly a magical

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

Did you know: Mother’s Day was created in West Virginia

The term “mountain mama” calls to mind our beloved state anthem, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” But are you familiar

This one-day West Virginia yard sale is the largest on the East Coast

Did you know West Virginia is home to the largest one-day community yard sale on the East Coast? Each May,

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

7 Days, 7 Ways to Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week

May 5-11, 2019 is National Travel and Tourism Week—an occasion established by congressional resolution 35 years ago to celebrate the

Celebrate Free Comic Book Day in West Virginia

In an era of big box stores and online shopping, the neighborhood comic shop has stood the test of time,

How to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in West Virginia

Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the Mexican army defeating the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5,

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

12 months, 12 festivals & events in West Virginia

Throughout the year, the Mountain State is home to some of the most unique and fun festivals and events. From

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

Celebrate Earth Day in West Virginia

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide every April 22 in an effort to promote a healthy, sustainable environment. There are many

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

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

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

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

4 local bookstores to browse bestsellers

There’s just something special about browsing the shelves of a local bookstore and breathing the ink from those freshly printed

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: Romney

Officially chartered in 1762, this city is 1 of the 2 oldest in West Virginia. Dining Main Street Grill harkens

The perfect fall day in West Virginia

Apple cider. Pumpkin carving. Corn mazes. Bonfires. Fall is one of the best times of the year, and there’s no

You can find pumpkin-flavored everything at WV’s largest pumpkin festival

At only one-and-a-half square miles with a population of about 2,500, the tiny river town of Milton boasts an impressive

West Virginia’s oldest movie theater is still going strong

West Virginia is home to dozens of grand old theaters harboring a century’s worth of memories dating back to the

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: Martinsburg

Fresh, traditional cuisine, whimsical entertainment and 19th-century attractions— that’s Martinsburg. Dining The Colandrea family has owned King’s New York Pizza,

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: Wheeling

Victorian charm, quaint attractions and soul-satisfying cuisine makes “the Friendly City” an idyllic weekend trip. Dining Puckish yet sophisticated, Later

Town guide: Beckley

Beckley is southern West Virginia’s largest population center, and a major shopping and entertainment center for thousands of the Mountain

Mountain murals: 5 stops for a DIY public art tour

The Mountain State is full of funky art galleries and sophisticated art museums. But during the warmer months, get your

5 things your out-of-state spouse ought to know about your WV roots

West Virginia is an anomaly. We do things differently around here, so you may find it hard to describe your

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.

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

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

These WV destinations get named to best lists All. The. Time.

West Virginia stacks up national and international recognition for its small-town charm, wild beauty and adventure. But there are a

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

Meet every wanderluster’s globe-trotting hero, the Roaming Gnome, right here in WV!

Travelocity’s famous Roaming Gnome is heading across West Virginia! The Roaming Gnome had so much fun eating and drinking his

You think you know pizza? Not till you try this weird (but delicious) twist

  Imagine this: A crisp square of pizza comes out of the oven, baked piping hot with a slightly sweet

Adventurous eaters: head around the world in 80 dishes

West Virginia is a culinary melting pot of international dishes from around the world. Get a taste of several different

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

Uncover Hidden Gems in West Virginia by Geocaching

Remember those epic summer camp scavenger hunts when you were a kid? Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt for the

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 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

Cycling on the Paint Creek Scenic Trail

There’s no wrong way to travel through West Virginia. Even the interstate has incredible views of the diverse scenery that’s

How to spend a weekend in Charleston (outdoors & about town)

West Virginia’s capital city has a rich old-school charm, but a modern scene and a small-town feel. Charleston has the

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

This tiny mountain town is an outdoor adventurer’s dream

We’re going to let you in on a little secret— deep in West Virginia, there’s a prime destination for art

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

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

Meet the Mothman

It’s been more than 50 years since residents of Point Pleasant woke up to these words stretched across the front

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

7 films you didn’t know were made in or about WV

Dozens of movies have been filmed in or about West Virginia, including “We Are Marshall,” the story of the 1970

Kids’ summer bucket list: 7 must-have adventures

Kids may be heading back to school soon, but there is still time to make some memories. You might choose

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

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

6 wildest WV fair traditions

You haven’t seen wild till you’ve been to a fair in the Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. Our old-fashioned fairs in

7 best free family activities in WV

Adventure abounds in the hills of West Virginia— and lots of it is free! In West Virginia, families can enjoy

The trail that takes you right into the heart of mountain music

Real mountain music lives loud on West Virginia’s Route 219. Along this Mountain Music Trail, stop off at venues, festivals,

Best of May in WV

It’s finally May, and the Mountain State is celebrating in style with a whole bunch of outdoor events. The sun

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

Taste Almost Heaven’s Wildest Food

West Virginia’s favorite perennial peaks in April. You can taste delicious, oniony ramps across the state in community dinners, your

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

Best reasons to visit WV in April

Spring is a great time to be in West Virginia— and you can see why from these April events! 1.

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

Mountain artists’ takes on traditional pottery

Potters in West Virginia pack the natural beauty and heritage of our region into purposeful works of art for everyday

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

Best of March in WV

Wondering what to do in the Mountain State in March? Here are 7 best bets: 1. Last Hurrah Snowshoe Mountain

9 grandest old arts centers in West Virginia

So many theaters in the Mountain State still shine with their original 20th century grandeur. Take in a performance at

Discover your inner artist at these 7 WV art studios

Take home a piece of your own handiwork next time you go gallery hopping. Arts centers around the Mountain State

7 mountain arts events that transform the whole town

Immerse yourself in West Virginia’s rich creative talent with community-wide celebrations! Here are 7 mountain arts events that transform the

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

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

The world’s biggest water tasting event. (Yes, really!)

It’s kind of like the Oscars, but for water. Every February for the past 25 years, the little town of Berkeley

Say “I love you” with the sweetest of the sweets

Switch it up this year and impress your sweetie with goodies whipped up in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. These local

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

Move over, Punxsutawney Phil. This critter’s got the scoop on mountain weather

  We all know the tradition of Groundhog Day. But did you know that West Virginians have their own groundhog

St. Albans Founders Day

The 15th Annual St. Albans Founders Day will be held on Main Street, Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 10am –

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

Ever had “cellar cider”? It’s not what you’re used to

A new duo of craft brewers are infusing the Greenbrier Valley with a set of spirits that harken back to

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

Family Fun on the Slopes and Beyond

Recapture the childlike magic of the season with your own kids in #AlmostHeaven. Winter has a way of capturing some

If your kids have enough “stuff,” here’s a gift idea.

Technology is wonderful. But the truth is we all need time to unplug— especially kids. With access to their favorite

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

24 resolutions to add to your bucket list this year

There are so many things to see and do in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia that it can be a bit

Simplify with a small-town holiday in the hills

  Rediscover the simple wonders of the season in the West Virginia hills. Step into the quaint charm of small-town

1 trail that charts 5 charming small towns

The 136-mile Washington Heritage Trail traces the footsteps of George Washington through picturesque 18th century towns in the Eastern Panhandle.

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

11 winter shows not even snow should keep you from

The holidays in West Virginia are packed with fun theatrical offerings – from symphony performances to ballets to plays –

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

7 things you didn’t know about this iconic WV artistry

West Virginia’s distinct style has sprouted many unique, distinct artistries, but one of its most iconic and sought-after is handcrafted

Safe & Seasonal: Holiday Light Displays in Almost Heaven

Everyone is looking for the perfect way to enjoy the season while staying socially distanced. Look no further than these