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,
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
December Insta-greats
December in the Mountain State was a wild ride, and nothing short of wonderful! You’ve managed to capture and
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
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
November Insta-greats
As the holiday season gets into full swing, it’s nice to see what traditions folks come together for around the
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
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
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
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
October Insta-greats
From Bridge Day adventures to Halloween traditions, it was a month full of excitement! Here are some of our
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?
Earn that spa dip: 6 adventures near the nation’s first spa town
There’s more to Berkeley Springs than the soothing, historic mineral waters. The mountain-shrouded hamlet is also a hub for outdoor
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.
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
Meet the Mothman
It’s been more than 50 years since residents of Point Pleasant woke up to these words stretched across the front
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
All WV kiddos probably remember this summer favorite
Remember when you were young and your parents took you for a day to Camden Park? Camden Park has entertained
Outside-In Climbing Gym
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
Offbeat ideas for solo travelers in the mountains
Looking for solo travel ideas that aren’t run-of-the-mill? Just change your approach! Traveling by yourself can be liberating. And it
ROBERT H. MOLLOHAN, JEFFERSON ST. BRIDGE
Central United Methodist Church (First Father’s Day Church)
6 places to get really, really off the grid
Ditch the laptop and cell phone at home and recharge YOUR batteries instead at one of these off-the-grid places in
May Insta-greats
May sure did fly by! From outdoor events and concerts to roaring waterfalls and quiet, starry nights, you captured some
June Insta-greats
This June brought out some of the things we love most about Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. Vibrant arts and
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
Best multi-day camp-and-trek trail trips
Trace some of the nation’s most atmospheric and historic camp-and-trek trails. In West Virginia, picturesque footpaths take you past historic
Insta-greats: 17 best mountain photos in April
Our state’s been pretty busy this month! Hail, Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome and April adventures made our top 17 list. Don’t
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
Meet the Roaming Gnome here in the mountains!
Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome is touring West Virginia! Have you seen a tiny bearded fellow in town? From late April to
4 best spring wildflower events in the Mountain State
Each spring, the ridgelines and shrouded forests in the Mountain State become a kaleidoscope of bursting blooms. There are
March Insta-Greats
It’s no secret that the Mountain State has some of the most breathtaking views, charming towns, and cutest animals around.
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
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,
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
Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex
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
7 jaw-dropping mountain wedding venues
Feel like shouting your love from the mountaintops? What better place to do it than the Mountain State? Whether 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Adrena-love: Aerial dates that might literally make you fall in love (maybe!)
West Virginia is the place for adventure— which is great for a budding romance! After all, it is said that doing
6 amazing things you can discover underground in WV
West Virginia is known for its breathtaking mountains, but some of its most fascinating sights can be found tucked into
Uncover fall along these scenic tracks
All aboard! As fall approaches, the West Virginia hillsides come alive with color, making it a perfect time to hop
Spooky (but not too spooky!) Halloween fun for the kiddos
Halloween is a popular holiday for adults and kids alike, but some events can get a little spooky for the
These daredevils parachute off a bridge— and you can watch!
It’s no wonder Bridge Day is the largest extreme sports event of its kind in the entire world. Who wouldn’t
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 off-the-beaten path, kitschy mountain stops in WV
Here in West Virginia— a state that certainly has its share of quirky festivals, stores and characters— we’ve got plenty
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
Lake Shawnee Amusement Park
Wild Blue Adventure Company
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
Biggest, longest & best-est of West Virginia
From classical to quirky, West Virginia boasts some of the biggest, longest and best-est events and attractions in the world.
Top this iconic rock formation for a jaw-dropping view
You’ll dig rock climbing at Seneca Rocks if you only have one quality—a love of true adventure. For beginners: Seneca
Best of August in WV
In August, the days grow shorter as summer winds to a close in the beautiful hills of West Virginia. There
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
7 Small but Vibrant WV Towns You’ll Need Several Days to Fully Explore
Our state is full of small towns. But our small towns, like our people, have more to them than meets
9 hidden outdoors spots only the locals know in WV
West Virginia has lots of popular outdoor spots that draw crowds, but we also have some amazing play spots off-the-beaten-track.
Give your kids a magical, memorable childhood: A West Virginia guide
We all have special memories from our childhood that we cherish. When we grow up, we find that making special
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
Z. D. Ramsdell House
The historical Zopher D. Ramsdell House, the first brick home built in Ceredo, sets along the banks of the Ohio
Thurmond Depot
Open From Memorial Day through Labor Day daily 10 AM to 5 PM Special Programs – Walking tours Exhibits –
The Old Brick Playhouse
Formerly the Randolph Garage Company, circa 1919, this late Edwardian style brick building is a contributing structure to the Downtown
The James Wylie House Bed and Breakfast
The Goff House-Historic Site and Antique Mall
Former home of militia Col. David Goff, this house was abandoned by the family and used as the Beverly Union
Taylor Books
Bookstore, Coffee Shop, Cafe’ |amp; Art Gallery! Located on Capitol Street in beautiful downtown Charleston, WV, Taylor Books is an
Stealey – Goff – Vance House
Historical home.
West Virginia State Capitol Complex
Information and reservations for touring the WV State Capitol Complex: Hours: Guided tours 9:30am – 3:30pm Monday thru Friday. Tours
Star Movie Theatre
A mom and pop neighborhood movie house in a Depression-era theater showing films since the early 1930s. First-run, mainstream movies
Spring Hill Cemetery and Park
Offering commanding views of the city, this cemetery includes a section with several Confederate soldiers’ graves. Its historical significance is
5 shocking mountain views from WV trails
The mountain state has no shortage of steep trails and wild hikes, but finding wide open, breathtaking views can sometimes