Adventure Advisory

April 11, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Gail Justice
304-558-2003, ext. 337
gjustice@wvcommerce.org

West Virginia events through May 5

Endorphin FIX Adventure Race:April 20 – 21, Davis. Elite adventure athletes from the U.S., Canada and South America will be treated to West Virginia hospitality as they gather for the 16th Edition of the Endorphin FIX Adventure Race, widely touted as the “Toughest 2 day race in the U.S.” Canaan Valley Resort will serve as event headquarters. On the evening of April 20, Bear Paw Lodge will be the starting line, as team take off under the cover of night with headlamps blazing. The route, traveling through several state counties, will include mountain biking, trekking, navigating, whitewater paddling, and a return visit to Nelson Rocks Preserve Via Ferrata. For more information, call Odyssey Adventure Racing headquarters at 540- 444-4422 or Canaan Valley Resort at 304-866-4121.

8th Annual Chocolate Lover's Day: April 21, Morgantown. Visit downtown businesses from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. to sample wonderful chocolate delicacies while you stroll through historic downtown Morgantown and the wharf district. Your $5 admission fee gives you access to all participating locations. For additional information, please contact Barb Watkins at 304-292-0168 at Main Street Morgantown or visit www.downtownmorgantown.com.

14th Annual Uniquely West Virginia: April 21, Berkeley Springs. Sample state-grown wine from eight wineries and foods from various restaurants and markets. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $2. For additional information please contact Laura Smith at 800-447-8797 or visit www.berkeleysprings.com.

Annual Spring Bird Walks: April 21, 28 and May 5. Fairmont. Celebrate spring at Pricketts Fort State Park on a bird walk with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Walks are free and begin at 8 a.m. For additional information, please contact Melissa Dobbins at 304-363-3030 or visit www.prickettsfortstatepark.com.

17th Annual Elkins Ramp Festival and Cook-off: April 27 - 28, Elkins. Enjoy a traditional ramp dinner that includes ham, beans, fried potatoes, cornbread, drink and dessert. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10. Saturday festivities begin at 10 a.m. with cooks and chefs competing for cash and prizes. Contestants will offer samples of their food for $.25 per sample beginning at 1:45 p.m. Other activities include live music, arts and crafts, demonstrations, displays and concessions. For additional information, please contact Brenda Pritt at the Randolph County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 304-636-2780 or 800-422-3304.

43rd Annual Show-Me-Hike at Greenbrier State Forest: April 27 - 28, White Sulphur Springs. Begin this event on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. with an exhibit of local nature photography. Saturday begins with a bird walk at 8 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. spring wildflower hike and other walking tours throughout the day. Children's activities available with advance notice. Admissionis free. For additional information, please contact Greenbrier State Forest at 304-536-1944 or Old White Garden Club at 304-536-2500 or visit www.greenbriersf.com.

Jones Imboden Raid Civil War Weekend: April 27 - 29, Pricketts Fort State Park, Fairmont. This Civil War weekend commemorating the Jones Imboden Raid begins with kids day on Friday. School group tours begin at 10 a.m. Reservations and school tour admission apply. Saturday and Sunday events begin at 7 a.m. with reveille. Events such as ladies' teas, men's infantry drills, artillery demonstrations are scheduled for each day. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6 - 12. Admission also includes a tour of the fort and Job Prickett house. For additional information or reserve a school group tours, please contact Melissa Dobbins at 304-363-3030 or visit www.prickettsfortstatepark.com.

21st Annual Great Greenbrier River Race: April 28, Marlinton. Teams and individuals participate in this triathlon that includes a relay race comprised of running, canoeing and mountain biking. Race starts at 11 a.m. when runners begin from municipal park. Spectators are welcome. Pre-registration ends April 14 and is $40 for individuals and $35 per person per team. Registration onf race day is an additional $10. Registration fee includes a catered lunch, race tee shirt and activities after the race. Registration forms available at www.greenbrierrivertrail.com. For additional information, please contact Gail Hyer at The Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-336-7009.

Osbra Eye Memorial Walk: April 28, Charleston. Choose from a variety of naturalist-led wildflower walks on trails throughout Kanawha State Forest. Registration for walk is 9 a.m. and costs $5 for adults, under age 16 is $2. For additional information, please contact Kanawha State Forest at 304-558-3500 or visit www.kanawhastateforest.com.

4th Annual Great Wapocoma Canoe/Kayak Race: April 28, Romney. Spend a scenic day on or by the Potomac River enjoying canoe and kayak races. Other activities include arts and crafts, door prizes and live music at 1 p.m. Camping available by calling 304-822-5528. For additional information, please contact Bruce Nicholson at 304-822-7300.

Heritage Day at Adaland Mansion: April 28, Philippi. Visit Adaland Mansion that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Watch demonstrations of chair caning, basket making, weaving and glass blowing A breakfast buffet will be available at 8 a.m. A lunch will be served at noon, $12 for adults, $7.50 for children under 12, 5 and under are free. Reservations needed for breakfast and lunch. Lunch available with "Mrs. Stonewall Jackson", portrayed by Susan Church. The presentation by Susan Church is only $6 without lunch and free for children. Barn and mansion tours available. For additional information, please contact Ann Serafin at 304-457-2415.

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The West Virginia Division of Tourism produces this media advisory with the help of other agencies and tourism businesses across the Mountain State. If you wish additional information about coming events in the Mountain State, please contact Caryn Gresham with the Division of Tourism at 1-800-CALL WVA. If you are an event organizer or promoter and would like to have your event considered for inclusion in the Adventure Advisory, please contact Gail Justice at gjustice@wvcommerce.org.