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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 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

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

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

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

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

5 best old battlefields to trek & explore

When it comes to the Civil War and other historic battles, West Virginia is a historic hotspot. If you like

Spark! Imagination and Science Center

7 youth group trips they’ll never forget

Take the group on a wild, wonderful journey they’ll never forget. These mountains are full of adventure, but here are

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

Squeeze all you can from summer vacay! Weekend escape ideas

When your very own cities are packed with things to do, don’t vacation, STAYCATION! Whether you’re looking for history, an

5 most oddball museums

Some of the Mountain State’s museums have some … let’s say … “offbeat” memorabilia. Here are 5 museums that have

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

Marion County Genealogical Club

Best of June in WV

Here is just a sampling of some of the fun and exciting events this month in the Mountain State: 1.

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

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

Fostoria Glass Museum

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

Matewan Depot Replica Museum

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

A family spring break in Almost Heaven

West Virginia has all of the ingredients for a memorable spring break. Here are some great mountain getaway ideas: 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

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

Wetzel County Museum

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

Winter in bloom: brighten those winter blues with this wild, floral beauty

Break up the winter’s white pallette with the colorful hues of West Virginia’s wildflowers. Even when the greenery retreats and

Princeton Railroad Museum

Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center

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

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

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

This month only: sample every luxury in the country’s 1st spa town

By January, after all the holiday hustle and bustle, you may be in need of a little “me” time. Good

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

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

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.

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

Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)

Best of November in WV

As crisp fall days slowly creep into winter, the mountains of West Virginia come alive with festive fun. Here are

Cultural crawls of WV’s Certified Arts Towns

West Virginia’s official certified arts towns go above and beyond. They are THE places to visit for a dose of

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

6 antique shops bargain hunters won’t want to miss in WV

If there’s anything a bargain hunter likes better than finding an unexpected treasure in an unlikely spot for a great

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

Z. D. Ramsdell House

The historical Zopher D. Ramsdell House, the first brick home built in Ceredo, sets along the banks of the Ohio

WVU Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center

Conference center – handles groups up to 400. All types of equipment needed for any meeting, educational schooling, etc. Fully-equipped

West Virginia Heritage Crafts, Inc.

Artisan cooperative featuring all West Virginia-made craft items. Also mini-museum and Civilian Conservation Corps museum on site. Preserving Appalachian traditions

Watters Smith Memorial State Park

Historical park features a restored pioneer homestead, a pool, horseback riding and hiking trails. This facility is included in “A

Watoga State Park

Riverside Campground has 50 sites and is open from April 1 to October 31. Twenty five sites are reservable from

Tu-Endie-Wei State Park

The historical park celebrating the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant and Mansion House Museum that was built in 1796. There

Thurmond Depot

Open From Memorial Day through Labor Day daily 10 AM to 5 PM Special Programs – Walking tours Exhibits –

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

Szilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

The Szilagyi Center for Visual and Performing Arts is the former Rowlesburg School. It now houses the Greatest Generation WWII

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

Spencer Heritage Park

Visitors Can Tour A Fully-furnished One-room Schoolhouse, See A Working Oil Derrick, And Visit A Train Depot That Has Been

Shepherdstown Historic District

Established in the 1730s as Mecklenberg, Shepherdstown is the oldest town in West Virginia. In the wake of the Battle

Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation

Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site & Visitor Center

Site of the July 1861 Civil War battle for control of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. This early union victory catapulted Gen.

Restored One-Room Schoolhouse

Parkersburg Art Center

Founded in 1938 by members of the Parkersburg WV Woman’s Club, the Art Center is the oldest arts organization in

Monroe County Quilt Trail

County-wide trail of quilt patterns painted on large boards and hung on various barns and historic buildings.  Drive through our

Monongalia Arts Center

Monongalia Arts Center is committed to providing a home for the Visual, Performing and Literary Arts, through programming and educational

Mercer County Railroad Museum

13 places in WV where they still do it the old-fashioned way

Modern life is full of interesting gadgets and easy conveniences, but it hasn’t always been that way. There are plenty

Kumbrabow State Forest

This facility is included in “A Guide to Accessible Recreation in West Virginia.” Please check the Guide or the site

Kimball World War I Memorial

This building is reported to be the first ever dedicated to black veterans. It also served as an important recreational

Julia-Ann Historic Square District

Step into the past with a self-guided tour of Victorian grandeur. These were the homes of some of the most

John Brown Fort

Site where John Brown, his sons and at least five known black men (Lewis Sheridan Leary, Dangerfield Newby, John Anthony

Heritage Towers (Exhibit Facility/Museum)

This historic exhibit, titled “From Slavery to Statehood,” tells the story depicting African-American contributions in West Virginia. The historic event

Heritage Towers

Heritage Towers exhibits were created as a special tribute to a time-honored African American tradition nationally celebrated as Black History

Greenbrier Military School Museum

Now the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, this school (1812-1972) and the former Greenbrier College on Church Street had their

Geological & Economic Survey

The Geological and Economic Survey is West Virginia’s information center for geologic and geographic attractions, topographic and geologic maps, highway

General Adam Stephen House

Stone home of the founder of the town of Martinsburg, Revolutionary War General Adam Stephen. Constructed in the late 1770s

G. W. Henderson Plantation (Henderson Hall)

One of the few plantations left in the state is Henderson Hall in Williamstown. Built in 1836 overlooking the Ohio

Fort Edwards Foundation, Inc.

The Fort Edwards Foundation is an historical site dedicated to preservation of, and education about, a settler’s fort built here

Fenton Art Glass Company and Fenton Gift Shop

Though Fenton Art Glass Co. ceased traditional glassmaking in 2011, they continue to use more than a century of glassmaking

DuBois on Main Museum

DuBois High School, 1917-1956, was one of two black high schools in Fayette County, WV.  Black students came from the

Dr. Robert B. McNutt House

Dr. Robert McNutt House is located at 1522 North Walker Street, Princeton, WV. It is the only house left standing

Doddridge County Museum

Doddridge County Museum is a small county museum which houses artifacts and documents ranging from pre Civil War and forward.

Collis P. Huntington RR Historical Society

Railroad Excursions, outdoor and Indoor Museum and private railroad car rental. This facility is included in “A Guide to Accessible

Coal Heritage Museum & Arts CenterCoal Heritage Museum & Arts Center

A downtown museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of the coalfields for future generations. The museum contains memorabilia of the

Coal Country Miniature Golf & Batting Cages

Miniature golf with a coal mining theme, batting cages, pavilion, snack bar and clean restroom. Groups welcome. Other attractions.

Cliff’s Museum of Automobile Memorabilia

Museum of automobile history memorabilia in a 1940’s styled dealership; with 13,000 sq.ft. of collectables: WV license plates of all

Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences

Discover the excitement at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, where you can experience music, theater, art and

City of Princeton

City offices.

Chief Logan State Park

Campground with 26 sites all with electric and water hookups. 14 sites also have sewage hookups. This facility is included

Charleston East End Main Street

One of the oldest and most diverse neighborhoods in Charleston, the East End is an eclectic community with a funky,

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers excursions that transport you back in time and lets you relive an era when

Cass Historical Museum

Cass Historical Museum. The history of Cass and the regions logging industry come alive before your eyes. Through railroad artifacts,

Burning Springs Park

Money. Power. Politics. War. Prosperity. A self-guided tour presents the captivating stories of the nation’s first oil and gas field.

Bulltown Historic District

In 1863, Confederate forces led by William L. “Mudwall” Jackson, cousin of “Stonewall” Jackson, attempted to overtake Union fortifications on