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4th Annual Parkersburg Paddlefest

Parkersburg Paddlefest is a fun-filled three day festival dedicated to people-powered watercraft. Kayaks, Canoes, and Stand-up Paddleboards are welcome to come and participate in this unique event. Point Park, at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, is the setting for the first two day’s activities, and the weekend concludes with a lake excursion on Sunday at North Bend State Park Lake.

Free Music Seminar

West Virginia's "Ambassador of Music" Dick McVey is leading this session in the historic Alpine Theatre. He is a 30-year veteran on the Nashville scene as an entertainer, producer and publicist. The event is hosted by the Jackson County School of Music. Contact Laurie Shultis on Facebook for information.

Rodeway Inn

Econo Lodge

Classic Plastics Toy Store

Beginning Craft Workshops

Several workshops geared for beginners are available near Ripley. Learn fiber stools with Dallas Skeen, dulcimer with Martha Turley, wool felting with Debbie Martzel, photography with Ron Gaskins, blacksmithing with Cody Fields, and stained glass with Troy Knight.

Blacksmithing & Pastels

The art of pastel painting is taught by Vivian Ripley and blacksmithing with Cody Fields are offered near Ripley.

October Craft Workshops

Five craft workshops are available near Ripley. Learn rug hooking with Diane Kelly, photography with Ron Gaskins, rug hookingwith Byron Young, dulcimer playing with Heidi Muller, and water colors with Jerre Watkins.

Fall Craft Workshops

A lineup of eight craft workshops is offered at the center near Ripley. Topics are landscape quilting with Judy Lilly, water colors with Jerre Watkins, basketry with Gail Hutchinson, photography with Ron Gaskins, woodcarving with Bob Barris, woodturning with Byron Young, nature printing with John Doughty and playing the bowed psaltery with Tish Westman.

Late Summer Crafts

Four week-long craft workshops are offered near Ripley. Learn water colors with Debbie Lester, stained glass with Troy Knight, woodworking with Byron Young, basketry with Debbie Martzel,

5 Craft Workshops

Five craft workshops are available. Topics are water colors with Debbie Lester, nature printing with John Doughty, woodcarving with Bob Barris, woodworking with Byron Young, and quilting with Judy Lilly.

Water Color Workshop

Artist Vivian Ripley is leading a week-long workshop on water color techniques.

Wild, wonderful fun on the Fourth

  West Virginia’s rich with hometown pride, and we sure know how to celebrate our nation’s birthday! From small-town picnics

Town guide: Parkersburg

Right where the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers converge is a town surrounded by colorful restaurants, breweries and historic attractions.

Crafts by the Lakes

Heritage crafts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Ranges. Blacksmithing, Stained Glass, Chair Weaving, The Art of Wool Felting, Photography classes offered in a relaxed get away weekend package.

Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two-Mile Race

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon begins at 8 a.m. in downtown Parkersburg and is the RRCA W.V. Championship. The rolling course will take you out of the city and into the scenic surroundings of West Virginia before looping back into the commercial area. You will finish the race to the cheers of thousands of spectators lined up on Market Street prior to the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival Parade. NEWS AND SENTINEL TWO MILE RACE: Starting line is at Third and Juliana streets at the Towne Square Parking Garage and the finish line is at Sixth and Market streets. The Two Mile Race is the RRCA West Virginia Championship. Race begins at 8:10 a.m. Awards will be presented at 10:30 a.m. at the Bicentennial Park area. Team trophies will also be awarded. All participants will receive a T-shirt. NEWS AND SENTINEL KIDS RACES: Aug. 20, 2017: Based on age, these events will have age- and gender-based races for children ages 11 and younger. The Tiny Tot Trot is for children ages 5 and under and the Junior Races are for children ages 6 to 11. The Tiny Tot Trot will start at 1 p.m. at Parkersburg High School’s Stadium Field and the Junior Races will follow. Runners in these races can register on race day starting at 11:30 a.m. and ending just prior to the start of the races. Participants may also pre-register by mail, online, or at the Runners Expo on Aug. 19. All participants will receive a medal and a T-shirt.

Fresh? How ‘bout straight from the vine! 6 you-pick farms

Whether you like your berries in pie, cobbler, or just straight out of the bucket – West Virginia is the

Town guide: Ripley

  Visit this western city for soul-satisfying cuisine, countless Fourth of July fireworks and genuine Appalachian moonshine. Dining The Downtowner

Five Craft Workshops

Week-long workshops at beautiful Cedar Lakes Conference Center feature fly fishing, wool art needle felting, blacksmith knife making, woodturning and twig furniture. Call Marsha Humphrey at 304-372-7860 for details.

Seasonal sips

Absence makes limited-availability flavor even better! Nature isn’t the only thing that’s seasonal. Visit West Virginia’s distilleries, wineries, and meaderies

Go ahead, mix business and play with blissful mountain ‘bleisure’ travel

Welcome to wild, wonderful Wi-Fi. Restore your spirit and keep tabs on the office while you travel. It’s possible to

Alpine Theatre 80th Anniversary

Alpine Theatre is a 120-seat venue that has been the site of entertainment since the 1930s. Part of the WV Historic Theater Trail, the 80th anniversary celebration includes a special showing of Disney's 1937 classic, "Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs." The show will have 1937 ticket and concession prices and special guests. It is located across from the Jackson County Courthouse at 210 W. Main Street in Ripley.

Downtown Streetfest

Head down to Capitol Street for Downtown Streetfest block party Saturday, Sept. 23. Meet up with friends and family between 4:30 and 9 p.m. for live music, food and drinks, kid's activities, pop-up shops and much more. Grab a bite to eat at your favorite downtown establishments and listen to some live music. Downtown Streetfest is sponsored by City National Bank, along with sponsorship support from the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Kanawha County Public Library and Tony the Tailor.

Make every moment count on these 48-hour family escapes

Wild, enchanting backcountry is yours for the weekend. West Virginia’s immersive adventure packages get everybody back to nature. Get ready

The Ravenswood Inn Bed and Breakfast

3rd Annual Mini Con

Super heroes and friends will be in Ripley for this event. Games, crafts, contests and quests will be part of the festivities. Costumes are encouraged.

May Craft Workshops

Weekend workshops on making jewelry, dulcimer playing and fiber weaving are planned. On May 12-14, artist Vivian Ripley offers an acrylic workshop. Contact Marsha Humphrey at mhumphrey@wvda.us or 304-372-7860 for details.

Road Scholar Workshops

Week-long craft workshops are scheduled for stained glass, creative writing, quilting, watercolors, flyfishing and woodworking. For information, call 304-372-7860 or email mhumphrey@wvda.us.

Craft Workshops

Road Scholar is coming to Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley. Workshop topics include basketry, quilting, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning. Contact Marsha Humphrey at 304-372-7860 for information.

Alpine Acoustic Concert

The intimate setting of the historic Alpine Theatre is the setting for this concert featuring: P.D. Bird & Friends, Scott Thompson, Ryan Willard and Luke White. Call 304-372-1637 for details.

Dirt Track Racing

A season of more than 20 Saturday night racing events is scheduled at I-77 Speedway. The dirt track is located just off Interstate 77, Exit 132 Ripley/Fairplain.

The sweetest day in the mountains— No, it’s not Valentine’s Day

Hint: every pancake should have this topping! Mountain State Maple Day showcases the sweetest industry in West Virginia: maple syrup!

Best winter weekends

Rain or shine, hot or cold, there’s always something exciting to do in the Mountain State. Discover real West Virginia

Sleep Inn – Ellenboro

8 memorable mountain Valentine’s Day dates for every budget

Valentine’s Day is your official excuse to woo. From affordable treats to glamorous outings, there’s something dazzling for your West

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

How many of WV’s 101 unique places to dine have you tried?

The winners of 2017’s “101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia” are up! This year was the first time

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

Air Force Concert

Rhythm in Blue is a 15-piece orchestra of the United States Air Force. The band is presenting a free concert in the 700-seat Ripley High Auditorium.

Meet Amos Skillett

Storyteller Jerry Vencill of Pounding Mill, VA offers a presentation as Amos Skillett, a circuit-riding preacher from the 1800's. It begins at 2:00 p.m. in the historic Alpine Theatre. Ripley's namesake is Harry Ripley, a saddleback preacher who died in 1830 as the community was being organized.

Jackson County Quilt Show

The 43rd annual show features basket quilts, demonstrations and market area.

10th Annual WV Chocolate Festival

Ripley will host the 10th annual WV Chocolate Festival on Saturday, April 8. The chocolate parade in downtown Ripley begins at 11 a.m. Vendors will offer everything chocolate at Ripley Elementary from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Afternoon entertainment will be provided by the bluegrass group The Cossin Brothers and the country sounds of Corey Hager.

37th Potter’s Gathering

Master potter Cynthia Bringle will lead the 37th annual workshop at Cedar Lakes Conference Center. Here's an opportunity to perfect your porcelain techniques on and off the wheel. She will be demonstrating various techniques to create an assortment of forms.

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

7 Hikes That are Even Better in Winter

You might not think of winter as a prime hiking season in the Mountain State, but some of these trails

Wild and Wonderful Arts & Crafts Festival

Join us July 6-8th at the Jackson County Fairgrounds ( 6 miles from Ripley), in Cottageville, WV! The Wild and Wonderful Arts and Crafts Festival is dedicated to bringing the community together through arts and entertainment. We have an excellent lineup of artisans whose works include handmade crafts and local musicians. We will have a Children's pageant, Cruise In, Quilt Show added this year! We also offer an excellent selection of food from well-known concessions in the area. Check out our Facebook page to stay up to date on the activities. https://www.facebook.com/events/195245891022124/. The schedule will be posted soon!

Score huge winter discounts on these cozy mountain cabins

Most folks rent mountain cabins in the summer— peak season for barbecues, rafting, hiking and warm-weather fun. But the best

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

You need these unique WV holiday ornaments for your tree

No tree is complete without some West Virginia flair. Wrap that blue garland, top it with a gold star and

Statts Mills RV Park and Cabins

Gifts that show off WV pride

  If you’re shopping for someone who holds West Virginia near and dear to their heart, look no further. From

Winter Wonder Weekend – North Bend State Park

It's full steam ahead to North Bend State Park and Winter Wonder Weekend 2017! Your stop is just the ticket for winter activities like sleigh riding (weather permitting), winter hikes, tours of the local area, programs, crafts and entertainment. Bill Beatty of Wellsburg, WV, is returning to provide an entertaining and informative program Friday evening that you won’t want to miss. The presentation will be followed by an ice cream social by the fireplace and performance by Stepping Stone Band. Saturday activities will include hikes, crafts, bingo, and door prizes along with more entertaining speakers and refreshments. Courtesy of Cal and Sharon Malcom, the weekend will include a display of “Railways in Ritchie County”, a miniature circus with operating model trains, including trains representing the narrow-gauge trains that operated in Ritchie County. Whether you long for bygone days of hearing that lonesome whistle blow or are passionate about trains and their history in the North Bend area, by making North Bend State Park your whistle-stop, you will find Winter Wonder Weekend to loaded with entertaining and informative experiences for all ages! Oh! and if there is Snow! Winter Wonder Weekend becomes an extra special weekend! Winter Wonder Express The link provides pricing and all activities planned.

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

Race to the Chimney

Santa has a full day planned in Ripley. It begins with "Race to the Chimney," a 5K race and 1.5 mile fun walk at 10 a.m. to benefit "America's Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration." The town's annual Christmas parade will follow at 11 a.m. After the parade, the kids may visit with Santa in the historic Alpine Theatre. Main Street Ripley will have it's annual Frosty Snowball Drop with specials from Ripley merchants. Free showings of the popular holiday comedy "Elf" are scheduled in the Alpine Theatre at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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,

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

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

Ruttenbucks Bar & Grill

New Year’s Eve “Night on the Nile”

Step out of 2016 and into an oasis as you channel your inner Cleopatra or King Tut and feel like a Pharaoh for an evening! Join us for a night of dinner and dancing all while being encompassed in the rich tones of Ancient Egypt. Bringing you Hit Play from Wheeling, WV, who will showcase all the top 40 hits from the Beatles to Bruno Mars, Journey to Adele. Finish the evening with a champagne toast and an exquisite overnight room. Please call 304-422-3131 to book your stay!

Festival of Trees

Come see the trees! This holiday tradition is a festive way to celebrate the holiday season in the Mid-Ohio Valley area. Decorators put their heart and soul into decorating over 30 trees and wreaths. They will be on display from Tuesday, November 15 through Thursday, December 1, 2016. No charge for viewing.

Best climbing areas in WV (and we’re not talking just NRG)

West Virginia is a climber’s Almost Heaven—and the New River Gorge may get the fame, but it’s far from the

6 ways to hit the Mountwood Trails

Mountwood Park outside Parkersburg has more than 50 miles of top-rated trails, with everything from traditional hiking to ATV excursions.

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

Rail trail Almost Heaven: Travel WV by bike

Ever been bike touring? Grab your cycle-friendly camping gear and hit the mountain rail trails. West Virginia has more than

Same dish: gourmet or homestyle? You decide

Sometimes nothing beats a good, old-fashioned home-cooked meal. But our creative chefs sure know how to add gourmet flair to

8th annual Little Princess Ball – North Bend State Park

Bring your little princess (ages 5 – 12) to North Bend State Park's 8th Annual Little Princess Ball. Celebrate with dinner, a father / daughter dance, arts and crafts, and much more! Dress your daughter in her favorite party dress and be prepared to make some special memories. Photos will be taken of fathers and daughters. Radio personality and DJ, Jack Horton from V96.9 in Parkersburg will be playing all your favorite hits. Stop by his booth and request your special song as you dance into the night. • There a special arts and crafts room open during the evening with games, activities, and arts and crafts for girls of all ages. • The North Bend Restaurant prepares a special menu for princesses and their fathers. • Take a break from the dance and make your own smoothie, choosing your favorite fruits to create a sweet treat! Back by popular demand! After the dance, come down to the lobby for a family friendly movie. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Movie rated G – PG. The Little Princess Ball is fee based. A lodging package is available in addition to evening only attendance. Reservations are required. The web link below provides more detail.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – North Bend State Park

Countdown the old and ring in the New Year at North Bend State Park. Enjoy great food, live music and dancing, refreshments, and a champagne toast at midnight. New Year's is always a sellout at North Bend. Call early for reservations. Neon Moon will be at North Bend to help you ring in the New Year in style with their renditions of popular songs from yesterday and today. This local band featuring Jerry and Lisa Queen has been playing throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley for years and will have you dancing your way right into 2017! The North Bend Restaurant will be featuring its famous New Year's Eve buffet, including a carving station with several entrées, assorted sides, and decadent dessert table; all served by the North Bend wait staff. Atmosphere is casual, dress comfortably and to have fun. Click the web link for greater detail. Advanced reservations required. Contact: 304-643-2931

North Bend State Park – (Dec 17) – BREAKFAST WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping at North Bend State Park Lodge for breakfast on their way to the North Pole. Come and join them for breakfast or just to stop by and get your picture taken. Don't forget to tell the jolly old elf all your Christmas wishes! 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet – Adults - $8.95; Children 12 and younger – Free.

Der Dog Haus Pub & Grill

Los Hermanos

The Boxcar

Blennerhassett Island State Park – (Nov. 13) – TREES OF OUR HERITAGE

Trees of Our Heritage - Holiday Kick Off begins a six week cultural exhibit: Trees of Our Heritage. Trees of Our Heritage are on display and include multiple countries, regions, and themes. Light refreshments are part of today's holiday spirit. Fee based, minimal cost. Light refreshments included. Groups welcomed. Call for event hours.

Blennerhassett Island State Park – (Oct. 22) – FALL DINNER CRUISE

A great fall evening event on the river! Blennerhassett Fall Dinner Cruise is a relaxing country-style dinner on board the Island Belle Sternwheeler. This cruise boards at Point Park in Parkersburg, WV. Advance reservations are required. Cruise price: $27 adult; $21 youth (3-12). Ticket price includes river cruise and dinner. Dinner is baked Tavern ham, baked potato, corn, roll, dessert, beverage. Boarding begins at 5:00 p.m. Call for tickets and reservations.

Choose your park Quest!

Do you remember those “Choose Your Own Adventure” books from when you were a kid? Explore the wilderness that way

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

The best wildlife spotting is a little off the shore

Spot some of our nation’s most regal creatures on a wildlife safari across the islands of a remote National Refuge.

Where to spot 9 rare and regal birds in the wild

West Virginia is a hotbed for unique and rare bird sightings. In addition to its own resident raptors and songbirds,

Hop fans: catch this fall trend quick!

Savor the fresh bite of wet-hop brews before they’re gone. Hops are harvested in the fall, so while they’re fresh,

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

Ripley Veterans Day

The famous Clydesdale horses will be leading the Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 in Ripley. The Military Honor March, which includes poster-sized photos of veterans from the Civil War through the current era, is a highlight of the parade. The parade will be followed by a ceremony led by local veteran's organizations at 11 a.m. Former P.O.W. Jessica Lynch is the guest speaker. A patriotic concert will follow from courthouse gazebo.

Cycling WV’s capital city

Charleston, WV, is not only the capital of the Mountain State, but also one of the nation’s capitals for cycling.

All the best mountain fall fests

  BASE jumping, apple butter, lumberjackin’— it’s fall festival time in West Virginia. Here are some our best mountain fests:

Apple-icious-est autumn: hand-churned apple butter, apple pie & so much cider

Remember the days of running around barefoot— the cool grass squishing between your toes and the crunch of an apple

Beat these 3 beastly WV hunting records

  Some truly impressive trophies have been recorded over the years by hunters and fishermen in West Virginia. Here are

7 best ways to enjoy a day at North Bend Lake

Hit the water or head to the trail to make the most of this picturesque lake and surrounding land. If

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

Elvis Barn Dance

Elvis impersonator Jim Forshey and The Time Machine Band will entertain at this benefit for WV's flood victims. Proceeds from the barn dance will go to Mountain Mission's Hope Fund.

Round Robin Fishing Tourney

The 2nd annual Children's Miracle Network Round Robin Fishing Tournament begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Woodrum Lake in southern Jackson County. The event continues Sept. 3 at O'Brien Lake and concludes Sept. 10 at Elk Fork Lake. Call 304-372-5250 for information.

Ripley’s “Do You Believe?” Ghost Walk

Take a creepy 1-mile stroll through historic downtown Ripley on the 3rd annual ghost walk. Storyteller Granny Sue and the Jackson County Players theatrical troupe share local legends including the untimely death of the town's namesake, Harry Ripley, and West Virginia's last public hanging in 1897. Walks begin at the Jackson County Courthouse at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22.

Mill Creek Adventure Day

Snakes, fish and birds of prey will be displayed as part of the 2nd annual Mill Creek Adventure Day from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 on the lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse in Ripley. The free event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Mill Creek and Main Street Ripley.

Aaaand the East Coast’s darkest starry skies are in…

The East’s darkest skies? The Mountain State, of course! West Virginia’s sparse population, remoteness, and lack of huge cities all

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 barnsides

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

Will Baisden Concert

The country music sound of Will Baisden & The Saddle Ridge Band will be performing in the historic Alpine Theatre. The venue is located at 210 W. Main Street in Ripley.

Ripley Car Show

The lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse will be filled with hot rods and antique cars.

Evening with Sinatra

Matt Snow, "The Cincinnati Sinatra," will be joined by a Marilyn Monroe impersonator at the historic Alpine Theatre, 210 W. Main Street in Ripley. Performances are at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dinner at the nearby Downtowner Restaurant is another option.

Craft Workshops

Seven workshops are offered at the Craft Center. Topics are stained glass, basketry, quilting, watercolors, woodturning, tinsmithing and creative writing.