Mountain lakes Archives

Join Us for the First Annual “Living History Encampment” at the WV State Wildlife Center!

Imagine being able to walk through 150 years of American history! A new event at the Wildlife Center, a "Living History Encampment", will make this a reality in 2016. Our very own "Mountain Man" and his "Living History" demonstration was a huge hit in 2015. On August 6th and 7th, we're going to expand on this educational theme and add reenactors from a multitude of time periods, spanning from Pre-Colonial times through the Civil War era. Regular admission fees ($4 for Adults 16+, $2 for Children 6-15, Free for Children under 6) will apply for this two day event.

Your guide to the New River Gorge SUP Race

Grab a board and hit the waves— in a land-locked state. West Virginia’s lakes and rapids are perfect for the

Biggest, craziest ice creams to cool down with

Take your ice cream game up a notch or 2! Nothing pairs better with a hot summer’s day than a

Best of July in WV

Summer is just now heating up! Here is a sampling of some of the great events taking place in the

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

Best summer sizzle & splash

Temperatures are rising, BBQ is smoking and water parks are calling! These staple summer favorites go hand-in-hand and are the

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

Share the simplest joys of mountain summer

Before video games, Wifi and hi-def TV, there were tents on the lawn, fireflies and stone skippin’. This season, take

11th Annual Spiker Farm Bull Ride

The Spiker Farm is located in Jane Lew. Hillside seating-Bring a lawn chair! Rain or Shine. No Alcohol. No pets Please. Food Vendors available for purchase. This is a family event with something for all ages. Limited amount of advanced tickets printed and will be sold July 1st-July 14th while supplies last at Southern States in Weston (Only one Location). Advanced ticket price: Adult (age 13 and older):$12 Child (age 6-12):$8. Gate price: Adult $15 Child $10. Ages 5 and under free.

Lewis County Fair

The Lewis County Fair is a one-price gate. No additional charges to ride any of the carnival rides. So, bring the entire family for a fun-filled week of Live Entertainment, Rides, Mud Bog, Demolition Derby and fun, Family Games. All for the modest price of $10.00 (over 1 year). And we didn't forget a wide range of Food and Concession Stands for the kids and the small child in all of us!

Gal getaways: Treat yourself

Whether it’s a celebration or a chance to reconnect with college or childhood friends, a gal getaway in West Virginia

Hit the West Virginia water— hard

You can take part in just about any watersport that you can think of in the Mountain State. Whether you’re

Celebrate WV Day at the WV State Wildlife Center!

Come celebrate the State! This year's celebration will feature a 1,700 gallon Mobile Aquarium. This will provide a unique opportunity to view a variety of fish that are native to West Virginia. We will have a fish biologist on site, and we'll also have opportunities for visitors to learn about fish identification. Kids in attendance will have an opportunity to learn how to cast a fishing pole. As always, we'll be serving cake in honor of the State's birthday so come and celebrate with us! The Wildlife Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and regular admission fees will apply ($4 for Adults 16 and older; $2 for Children 6-15; Children 5 and under admitted Free). From Buckhannon, follow Route 20 South for 12 miles. Turn left on Alexander-Helvetia Road (Route 11) and the Wildlife Center is located ¼ mile ahead on the right.

National Trails Day at the WV State Wildlife Center

Come hike the Old Oak Trail! This intermediate-level trail winds through a mature hardwood forest below the paved exhibit loop. Back by popular demand, we'll have our very own Mountain Man who will be present at the weather shelter near our large fishing pond. Come and see a side of the Wildlife Center that you may not have been aware of! The Wildlife Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and regular admission fees will apply ($4 for Adults 16 and older; $2 for Children 6-15; Children 5 and under admitted Free). From Buckhannon, follow Route 20 South for 12 miles. Turn left on Alexander-Helvetia Road (Route 11) and the Wildlife Center is located ¼ mile ahead on the right.

Leisure at the lake (or river!): 6 best boating escapes

There’s a lot to do on West Virginia’s waterways, from tubing to kayaking. But have you tried any of these

Little Kanawha River Trail’s Inaugural Folk Float

New event in conjunction with the West Virginia State Folk Festival. Beginning at the Sand Fork access site, exit 79 off I-79, travel 13 miles to the Sand Fork access site on the left, or two miles from the town stop light, floaters will head towards Glenville and finish at the Brooklyn access site. You should arrive just in time to view the town parade at 11:00 and join the children’s activities at noon in the park!

5 best places to try the fastest-growing watersport

Stand-up paddleboarding– known as SUP– is one of the easiest watersports (or outdoor activities of any kind, for that matter)

Unique, home-grown finds from WV’s farmers markets

Stop in any farmers market in West Virginia, and you’ll find a beautiful variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and other

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

“ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE” AT SAGEBRUSH ROUND-UP

The Buckhannon Community Theatre is proud to announce its upcoming production of “Always, Patsy Cline” directed by Jason A. Young. “Always…Patsy Cline” is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.

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

Sarge’s Dive Shop

Summersville Lake Marina, Inc.

WV Day Festival

The 4th Annual West Virginia Day Festival will be held at the Holly Gray Park in Braxton County just miles from the Flatwoods exit and nestled in the beautiful mountains of North central WV. Admission ADULTS $10 Kids 12 & under FREE Gates Open at 9 am Events kick off at Noon Motorsports, Car Show, Family Fun and more! Check back soon for details

Hillbilly Proud

Nicholas County Potato Festival

The Nicholas County Potato Festival will celebrate 47 years in September of 2016. There will be a pet pageant, mashed potato and tater tot eating contests, corn hole competition, firemen's parade, 5 K race/walk, spud hunt, sack race, entertainment, grand parade, potato idol competition, car and tractor shows, hot wing eating contest, farmer's market, amusement rides. Food, fun and great neighbors!

Summersville Dam 50th Anniversary Celebration

Summersville Dam will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a big celebration August 19-21 at Battle Run at Summersville Lake. There will be a re-dedication ceremony, time capsule, triathlon, kids activity area, entertainment, ski shows, boat parade and fireworks. There will also be vendors and concessions. Dam Tours will be offered on Sunday, August 21 to the public.

Music in the Mountains Bluegrass Festival

37th Annual Music in the Mountains Bluegrass Festival June 21-June 24, 2017. This is an outdoor festival. A Pavilion is available at the rear of the concert area. Bring your own chairs - Chairs may be set out on a first come first served basis. By mail: Adams Bluegrass, LLC PO Box 98 Dahlonega, GA 30533 e-mail: info@adamsbluegrass.com By phone: 706-864-7203 Office 706-265-0655 Cell

4 most rewarding rock climbs for beginners

We’re the Mountain State, and mountains have a lot of rocks and cliffs that are perfect for climbing (even if

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

The Little Bahamas… in WV?!?

Summersville Lake is one of the most popular destinations in West Virginia for boaters, swimmers and waterskiers— but what’s below

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.

Here’s where to find the springiest wines

As West Virginia blooms, local wineries squeeze nature’s goodness into big glass bottles! Get a taste of spring with these

Your inner foodie will flip for these 9 dine-around events

Attention foodies: the Mountain State is full of flavor, and ready for you to take a bite! These festivals, cook-offs

7 amazing mountain hikes even the kids will love

Share wonder with your kids on a jaw-dropping mountain hike. Even these rolling Mountain State trails can be smooth enough

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,

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

Buckhannon Community Theatre presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”

Be Our Guest for your family favorite story of Beauty and the Beast! Buckhannon Community Theatre presents this age old story of the bookworm Belle, overly-confident Gaston, and the terrifying Beast who simply needs a little compassion and kindness. Directed by Jeremiah Smallridge, this will be a show you don't want to miss. Please see our web-site for ticket prices and reservations. Performance times: Aug. 11-13 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.

“Always, Patsy Cline” presented by the Buckhannon Community Theatre

Buckhannon Community Theatre is proud to announce its upcoming production of "Always, Patsy Cline" directed by Jason A. Young. "Always…Patsy Cline" is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline's friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. The musical play, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy' unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight…27 songs in all. The show's title was inspired by Cline's letters to Seger, which were consistently signed "Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline." This show is a traveling production, with performances in Clarksburg, Fairmont, and our home location of Buckhannon, WV. If you have conflicts, please consider attending one of our other performances. You may purchase tickets on our web-site provided. NOTE: Buckhannon locations TBA. There are senior and student discounts for tickets at $10.

“Always, Patsy Cline” presented by the Buckhannon Community Theatre

Holly River State Park – (3/4) – MEET HOLLY RIVER

Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. Meet Superintendent Ben McCune at the park office anytime between 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. to learn about summer events and to answer any questions about cabin rentals and camping. Cabins reopen for the 2016 season on the first Friday in April. Find more Meet Parks activities for March 4-6, 2016 at wvstateparks.com.

Best WV wines & spirits for every palate

Let your personal palate lead you to the best WV wines & spirits for your tastes. Most wineries make a

Custard Stand Food Products Shark Tank Watch Party

Join us for a special Watch Party as Dee and Angie Cowger of Custard Stand Food Products pitch investors on SHARK TANK, the Emmy Award-winning reality show on ABC.

7 country trends for your mountain “I do’s”

Trace the roots of the rustic country wedding trend back to its inspiration: the Mountain State. Of course couples are

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

Arts Festival

The Main Street Arts Festival is the best way to talk to WV artisans, watch as they demonstrate their work, and immerse yourself in Buckhannon’s small town charm. Artists across the state of West Virginia are featured each year, bringing talented professionals from the Tamarack and more to downtown Buckhannon, WV. WHAT TO EXPECT: During the Main Street Arts Festival, the Downtown Buckhannon Historic District hosts artists at Jawbone Park to set-up booths throughout the Park. Visitors stroll the area as they meet artists, watch them work and buy a souvenier. Outdoor music & performances continue throughout the day and feature both on-stage and on-street performances. Also happening is the Children's Festival at Stockert Youth Center and the Farmer's Market at Jawbone Park. The Farmer's Market gathers local land owners to showcase West Virginia fresh veggies, jams and more! Want to be an Artist at the Main Street Arts Festival in Buckhannon? Click HERE! CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES: The entire day will be family fun. Interactive and hands-on activities have been planned for children of ALL ages! Full-Face painting, Marionettes, Origami, Clay sculptures and Circus acts! Join the fun at Jawbone Park.

Shrek The Musical

Set in a mythical “once upon a time” sort of land, Shrek the Musical is the story of a hulking green ogre who, after being mocked and feared his entire life by anything that crosses his path, retreats to an ugly green swamp to exist in happy isolation. Suddenly, a gang of homeless fairy-tale characters (Pinocchio, Cinderella, the Three Pigs, you name it) raid his sanctuary, saying they’ve been evicted by the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad. So Shrek strikes a deal: I’ll get your homes back, if you give me my home back! But when Shrek and Farquaad meet, the Lord strikes a deal of his own: He’ll give the fairy-tale characters their homes back, if Shrek rescues Princess Fiona. Shrek obliges, yet finds something appealing–something strange and different–about this pretty princess. He likes her. A lot. But why does she always run off when the sun sets? This show will be held at the Virginia Thomas Law Performing Arts Center on the campus of WV Wesleyan College. Information about Ticket Sales will be added soon. Performances will be held at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of WV Wesleyan College on the following dates:

WV’s Largest Yard Sale

Each August thousands of people browse WV’s Largest Yard Sale to fulfill their favorite summer pastime. Join us as we welcome visitors in search of amazing bargains while they enjoy Small Town Charm! Past years of WV's Largest Yard Sale have seen hundreds of yard sales lining the streets of Buckhannon and Weston and spread throughout Upshur & Lewis Counties. All yard sales are within a 1 hour driving radius, so plan to spend some time enjoying our historic towns and beautiful scenery!

Always, Patsy Cline

Always, Patsy Cline is based on the true story of Patsy Cline's friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger. Having first heard Cline on the "Arthur Godfrey Show" in 1957, Seger became an immediate and avid fan of Cline's and she constantly hounded the local disc jockey to play Cline's records on the radio. The relationship, which began as fan worship evolved into one of mutual respect. It is the kind of relationship that many fans would like to have with their heroes. The play focuses on the fateful evening at Houston's Esquire Ballroom when Seger hears of Cline's death in a plane crash. Seger supplies a narrative while Cline floats in and out of the set singing tunes that made her famous--Anytime, Walkin' After Midnight, She's Got You, Sweet Dreams, and Crazy--to name a few. Information about Ticket Sales will be added soon! Performance Dates will be: May 12th: 7 PM May 13th: 7 PM May 14th: 2 PM

Into the Woods

Everyone's favorite storybook characters come together for a timeless yet relevant piece and rare modern classic. The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King's Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. Performances Will Be: Thursday, April 21st: 8 PM Friday, April 22nd: 8 PM Saturday, April 23rd: 2 PM

27th Annual Grape Stomp Wine Festival

Join us for the 27th Annual Kirkwood Winery Grape Stomp Wine Festival. Come enjoy two days of wine and bourbon tastings (no bourbon tasting/sales on Sunday) visit the food and craft vendors, our gift store, stomp some grapes or join in the grape eating contests, get your photo taken in the Happy Little Photo Bus, take a covered wagon ride, dance around or relax in your bag chair and take in all the tunes provided by our exciting line up of entertainment!!! Saturday features Will Jones, The Long Point String Band, Krista Hughes Band, Marteka and William Lake, and The Confederate Railroad. The fun continues on Sunday with covered wagon rides, vendors and more live entertainment featuring Sammy Murphy, The Band Wagon Band, Ed Davisson and the Davisson Brothers. Fun for the whole family!!! Under 12 - Free Admission; 12 to 20 - $5; 21 & over $15; $20 day of event at gate. Advanced tickets may be purchased at First Community Bank and United Bank in Summersville, or by calling Kirkwood Winery at 1-888-498-9643.

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

Irish Spring Festival

Mar. 13 and 17-20: 35th Irish Spring Festival and Irish Road Bowling, Ireland (WV) 304-452-8962; www.angelfire.com/wv/irishspringfestival The Irish Spring Festival is a celebration of Scots-Irish heritage, but just as much a celebration of awakening the Appalachian Spring. Most activities take place Mar. 17-20. Some activities and attractions include: costume contest, arts and crafts, harp music, Irish themed food and drinks, The Lucky Charm Pitch (horseshoes), Tour de Shamrock, Snake Chase (10K walk/run), cornhole, and Irish Road Bowling also known as Irish Long Bullets.

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

Jerry Run Summer Theater

Webster Realty, LLC

Elk River Retreat

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

WV Woods and Water Expo

The WV Woods and Water Expo is an outdoor recreation show and will feature vendors with everything and anything that has to do with the great outdoors--biking, boating, RV and camper, hunting and fishing, ATV's, kayaking, and more! Meet Curtis Fleming of Fly Rod Chronicles and Wade Boyles, the WV Turkey Calling Champion on Saturday and Jeremy Allen of Appalachian Trophy TV on Sunday.

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

WV Quilt Festival

The WV Quilt Festival is held in Summersville, WV every June at the Summersville Arena & Conference Center. There are over 150 quilts on display, vendors, concessions, classes and more.

Weston’s Memorial Day Parade & “VET-Together”

Weston’s Memorial Day Parade at 11am and the “Vet-Together” at the Mountaineer Military Museum (will begin immediately following the parade). For Vet-Together details please phone 304-472-3943 or contact Bob Golden 304-269-2210 for parade details

Brew-HaHa Weekend

The Fearless Fools will return to entertain with their hilarious improv comedy and we'll serve over 15 awesome craft beers (including selections from Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, Sam Adams and Lagunitas) along with a delicious 'pub fare' buffet for the perfect night out!

Romantic Rendezvous Weekend

This Valentine's Day weekend, celebrate lakeside at Stonewall Resort with a Romantic Rendezvous package designed specifically for you and your special someone. Starting at just $299/couple, this package includes: Overnight Lodge Accommodations Deluxe Dinner Buffet for Two in Stillwaters (Friday Menu | Saturday Menu | Sunday Menu) Two Free Drinks per Reservation (Wine, Beer or Cocktails) Live Entertainment in TJ Muskies in the Evening A Chocolate Dessert Plate and Bottle of Champagne Delivered to Your Room Breakfast Buffet for Two in Stillwaters Unlimited use of the Heated Indoor/Outdoor Pool and Jacuzzis Tax and Resort Fee not included. This package is available for Feb. 12th, 13th and/or 14th. Please make dinner reservations (304.269.8880) immediately as space is very limited in Stillwaters.

A Taste of the Spanish Coast

Gather your friends and join us for a very special tapas culinary event! On Saturday, February 6th, Stonewall Resort will bring you this exciting Spanish tradition for the fourth year in a row! During this event, sample a wide variety of Spanish fare paired perfectly with an exciting selection of Spanish wines that will enhance the delicious tapas menu. Many of the wines featured this year are rated 90 or higher by The Wine Advocate or The Wine Spectator. Plan now and see why this delicious event sells out each year! This package starts at just $249/couple and includes Lodge accommodations on Feb. 6th, 2016 Entry for two to the Tapas-Style Culinary Event from 7-9pm (Includes Spanish wine, tapas and Spanish Guitar performance) Based on double occupancy. Tax and resort fee not included. Not applicable to group. Additional people may be added to the package.

Winter Wellness Weekend

Focus on your plan for an improved lifestyle in the midst of nature! The Winter Wellness Package is great for couples, friends or family members and includes lodge accommodations on Friday night, followed by a full day of wellness workshops and healthy meals on Saturday. This package starts at just $179/couple but is also available for individuals, or larger groups. You may also add Saturday night to your stay for just $109 more! Tax and resort fee not included. Package includes accommodations for Friday night only, but you may opt to add Saturday night. Not applicable to groups. Additional people may be added to the package. Call 304-269-7400 to book now!

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

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

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

West Virginia State Parks – NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS

Ten state parks in West Virginia have lodges. Each with overnight accommodations and restaurants. Most with NYE activities planned including dances. Find information on the Full Calendar at www.wvstateparks.com. Parks featuring dinners/dances are Chief Logan Lodge, North Bend, Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley, Cacapon, Pipestem, Twin Falls, Stonewall Resort and Tygart Lake.

Pure mountain ingredients that add WV flavor to your meal

If you’re thankful to live in West Virginia, there’s no feast more fitting than one created with the state’s pure

5 smooth, easy biking trails for a family ride in WV

For a lot of us, learning to ride a bike was the first unabashed freedom that we experienced as

2016 Almost Heaven BBQ Bash

Only Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) sanctioned BBQ Competition in WV with Governor's Proclamation making it the WV State BBQ Championship and the WV Cup for the Mid Atlantic BBQ Assoc. (MABA). Professional and Backyard BBQ Competitions (over $10,000 in Cash Prizes & awards) with the WV Grand Champion earning an entry into the Jack Daniels Worldwide Invitational BBQ Tournament. Check out our website and Facebook page for information and event updates. Family fun with rib & wing eating competitions, Piglet Zone (kids activities), Dessert Competitions, People's Choice BBQ Pork Sampling Contest, Pig Mania (painted pig contest), WV Crafters & Vendors, WV Craft Beer Garden, and LOTS of delicious BBQ for the public! Celebrate WV Day with a special salute to the WV National Guard and recognition of area Polio Survivors & Families. 45 professional BBQ teams, from 10 states, competed in the 2015 event, with more expected in 2016. Come join us for lots of free fun for everyone (nominal fees for some specialty activities).

Let someone else cook this holiday

If the thought of cooking and carving a 10+ pound bird is terrifying to you— not to mention all of that

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

4 places to pamper yourself on a WV getaway

Want to spend your vacation laying back in a sauna, soaking in a hot tub or getting a massage? Well,

Wind the day away on these 6 porches with gorgeous mountain views

We don’t know what it is about West Virginia porches, but they almost demand that you stop and sit. Whether

6 fun trips for toddlers in WV

If your kiddos are knee-high to a grasshopper, taking them on trips can be challenging— unless you bring them to

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

Born Old Concert

Born Old is Paul Gartner (banjo, guitar & vocals) and Doug Van Gundy (fiddle, guitar, mandolin & vocals). Recently guests on National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage program, they perform regularly throughout West Virginia and surrounding states, and have been featured at both the Appalachian String Band Festival (Clifftop) and Vandalia Gathering annually for over a decade. They have also taught at many festivals and music camps, including the Augusta Heritage and Allegheny Echoes workshops. The duo plays traditional old-time music from West Virginia, as well as early country classics from the great artists of the 78 rpm era, including The Carter Family, Charlie Poole, Uncle Dave Macon, and others. Gartner and Van Gundy have been making music together for 15 years, giving performances that are traditional and informative without sacrificing a very high energy, raucous, fun factor.

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

Puzzles in the sky: aerial obstacle courses in WV

If you’re looking for a fun, unique challenge for the whole family (or group)— look up! Aerial challenge courses give

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

6 destinations you and the little ones will love– separately

Sometimes on your getaway, you want a little time away from the kiddos. So take them to West Virginia, where

7 best places to catch the big game in WV

West Virginians love their sports, and a lot of us love kicking back local brews and eating good food while

Country Store and More

Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins

Cheers to a new chapter in WV craft drinks

The art of crafting Mountain State wine, spirits and beer has changed a lot in recent years. Only a decade

WV FILMmakers Festival

The first West Virginia FILMmakers Festival was held in the spring of 2001 at the Landmark Studio for the Arts in historic Sutton, West Virginia. Co-founded by Kevin Carpenter and Steve Fesenmaier to showcase West Virginia’s best filmmakers. Films are now shown primarily at the Elk Theatre, a Historic 1930s one-screen theater on Main Street in downtown Sutton. Filmmaking seminars, other festival activities, and after-parties with live music are held at the Landmark Studio for the Arts. Hosted every October, the festival has become the singular celebration of West Virginia Filmmakers. The festival is characterized by enlightening films, networking opportunities, live music, and great parties. The West Virginia FILMmakers Festival is a wonderful venue for meeting filmmakers, actors, and industry contacts, while experiencing the latest produced films reflecting trends, techniques, and technology. This three-day festival takes place every year on the first weekend of October with screening taking place in Historic Downtown Sutton, WV at the Elk Theatre. All access passes can be purchased before the festival at the official website listed below for $25. Passes at the door are $30 or $10 per screening. See event website for all details.