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
Happy 36th birthday to Mountain Stage!
There’s a spring in the mountain and it flows down to the town. From the river to the ocean it
Wetzel County Museum
What’s the password? West Virginia speakeasies uncovered
Speakeasies harken back to the Prohibition era, when alcohol sales were illegal in the United States. People gathered in secret
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,
Randolph County Museum
If your group is planning a retreat, you’ve gotta check these stops out
Researching the activities. Booking the tickets. Collecting the money. Making the cabin reservations. Packing the sandwiches (2 with no mayo!),
Town guide: Romney
Officially chartered in 1762, this city is 1 of the 2 oldest in West Virginia. Dining Main Street Grill harkens
Morgantown Flour and Feed Co.
Meet West Virginia’s unique fruit: the pawpaw
Have you ever tried a pawpaw? This oblong, greenish brown or yellow fruit that has a sweet, custard-like flavor similar to
Old Hemlock Foundation
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: Elkins
Elkins is a mountain oasis rich with history, outdoor fun and beautiful art. One trip here and you’ll love this
Man-cations: ATV and off-road escapes
Take your vacation for a spin in the Mountain State. If your weekend needs some horsepower, West Virginia’s ATV trails
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: 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
Explore this turn-of-the-century town of millionaires
Tucked into the mountains in a bend of the Bluestone River, the tiny Mercer County town of Bramwell has a
Town guide: Ripley
Visit this western city for soul-satisfying cuisine, countless Fourth of July fireworks and genuine Appalachian moonshine. Dining The Downtowner
The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
Busted ATV Resort
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
Town Guide: Bluefield
Head south for savory cuisine, carefree entertainment, and intriguing history in “Nature’s Air-Conditioned City.” Dining While you’re in town, check
Town guide: Buckhannon
Fresh meals, outdoor attractions, and lively festivals define this Upshur County city. Dining At C.J. Maggie’s, indulgence is the main
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
This will definitely convince you to take a family spring break in the mountains
Are you hoping to take the family on a spring break trip this year but want to keep it safe?
Town Guide: Point Pleasant
Situated at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers, Point Pleasant has long been an important transportation hub, dating
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
4 WV podcasters you should be listening to
Here are some stellar podcasts you might be surprised are either produced in West Virginia or by West Virginia natives:
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
9 stunning photos that capture winter in West Virginia
The Mountain State in winter is a sight to behold. Every contour and fold stands in sharp relief, revealing
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
5 really (really) unconventional WV activities
So you think you’ve tried everything the Mountain State has to offer? Check out these unconventional activities that are uniquely
7 adventures the grandkids will never forget
What better way to spend time with the grandkids than to relive fond memories from your own childhood? These fun
You don’t need a date to do these anti-Valentine’s activities
So you’re single on Valentine’s Day, huh? Just because you don’t have a sweetheart on this holiday doesn’t mean you
Nontraditional getaways for you and your sweetheart
Still want to plan time with your sweetheart but aren’t exactly a dinner ’n’ a dozen roses type of couple?
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
Driving I-79? Stop here.
I-79 truly gives travelers a little taste of about everything that makes West Virginia great: mountains, rivers, cities, historical sites,
Ranson Convention and Visitors Bureau
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
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
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
River House Lodge
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
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
A storybook holiday escape in the mountains
Thousands upon thousands of tiny glistening lights unite in one of America’s largest light displays: the Winter Festival of Lights
These unique historic homes only open for the holidays
West Virginia’s most historic homes are open for tours during the holidays— and for some of these vintage gems, it’s
11 top Mountain State traditions to start this holiday
Start new traditions in the Mountain State this holiday season. Share Mountain State memories with folks you love most— decorating together,
4 mountain adventure inns
If you like a little (or a lot of) adventure with your quaint B&B retreat, these inns have an extra
The most romantic and upscale retreat you’ve never heard of
If you’re looking for a less clichéd and more off-the-beaten-path romantic vacation, Parkersburg, West Virginia is your sweet escape. A
Morgantown, underground: 5 best undiscovered spots in WV’s most vibrant nightlife scene
Morgantown is a college town known for its vibrant nightlife, but sometimes the best finds are off the beaten path.
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
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
Need motivation for your mountain run? How ‘bout a drink!
To the uninitiated, the Mountain Momma Hash House Harriers (M2H3), may seem like an unorganized horde of people running wild
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
Profile: Came for the outdoors, stayed for a lifetime
West Virginia attracts a unique type of transplant. Being born a mountaineer is one thing, but folks who move
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
This might just be WV’s most scenic rail trail
One of West Virginia’s mountain rail trails sticks out above and beyond the rest when it comes to scenic beauty:
5 tips for taking on the Greenbrier Geocache Trail
There’s a whole new way to discover one of West Virginia’s most popular regions: the Greenbrier Geocache Trail. Never
Beyond the pinnacle: 4 more things to discover at Coopers Rock
Sure, everyone loves Coopers Rock’s vistas. But there’s a ton more to explore at this unique park, too. That panorama
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
The Flatwoods Monster Chairs
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
Road, rail & mountain trail: all the best biking in Parkersburg
If you lean toward bike adventures with plenty of solitude and a side of history, then you’ll love Parkersburg, West
Don’t let this guy undersell you— he farms the best cross-country ski trails in the East. (Yes, farms.)
Chip Chase is a living proof of the vibrancy that comes from living your dreams. Talking with Chip is like
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
3 odd facts about this underground wonder
The other-worldly underground formations in Lost World Caverns have some history that is… interesting, to say the least. Sitting 120
A river guide’s reflections: life on the water
For Matt Knott, owner of River Riders and longtime whitewater rafting guide, Harpers Ferry is synonymous with world-class paddling. “I
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
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?
Meet the whitewater pioneers of the mighty Cheat River
In West Virginia’s remote Allegheny Mountains, the mighty Cheat River flows north for 162 miles. Whitewater pioneers charted its thrashing
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
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
3,000 glittering pumpkins, 1 lawn
Imagine literally thousands of hand-carved pumpkins glittering at you from 1 Victorian home— and not just flickering, but choreographed and
WVU Jackson’s Mill Farmstead & Heritage Programs
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
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
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
September Insta-greats
With September came some of the first signs of fall in the Mountain State— cool, crisp evenings, hints of
6 Best Fall Hikes in the Mountains
There’s no better time to take a hike than in the fall, when your feet crunch on crisp autumn leaves
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