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WV Division of Tourism highlights spring tourist attractions
SOUTH CHARLESTON , W.Va. – With warmer temperatures and longer days ahead, the West Virginia Division of Tourism highlights events and attractions to showcase the best of spring in the Mountain State. For additional information, visit www.wvtourism.com or contact the Tourism hotline at 1-800-CALL WVA.
“ West Virginia is an ideal escape for many people in the East due to its variety of attractions and proximity to large metropolitan cities,” says Division of Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver. “Spring in the Mountain State brings with it a wealth of recreational possibilities, fairs and festivals and events and attractions that showcases the state’s unique heritage and history.”
Outdoor Recreation
Winter’s melting snow makes optimum rafting conditions in West Virginia. Thirteen miles of untamed river through Cheat Canyon offer rafters more than 30 rapids of Class II or higher rapids. Other rivers, including the Tygart, Potomac, Shenandoah and New, provide everything from an exhilarating rush to calm, mild float trips. Those looking for Class II-III whitewater action can head to Webster County April 5 and 6 for the 2008 Webster Wildwater Weekend River Festival on the Elk River. For more information, visit www.wvriversports.com.
Trout fishing is a year-round opportunity in West Virginia, but it’s best in the spring when the waters are still cold and the Division of Natural Resources (DNR) is well into its main trout stocking season. The Mountain State has more than 20,000 miles of streams and more than 100 public fishing lakes available to anglers of all ages. DNR stocks catchable rainbows, browns, brook and West Virginia golden rainbows from January through May in suitable waters. Premier fishing destinations include Cranberry River, Dogway Fork, Otter Creek, Blackwater River, Elk River, Back Fork of Elk River, Shavers Fork of Cheat River, Slatyfork section of Elk River, Williams River, and the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River. Fishing licenses may be purchased online at www.wvfish.com. Check the daily trout stocking reports by calling 304-558-3399 or visit online www.wvdnr.gov.
West Virginia offers many miles of trails through some of the most scenic areas in the United States. Enjoy wildflower and birding hikes conducted by West Virginia’s state parks and forests or special events such as full moon guided night hikes offered by the Wildernest Inn Bed and Breakfast. Bikers are able to enjoy trails on their own pace or take advantage of special events such as the Greenbrier River Trail Bike Trek or the Rail Trail Festival at North Bend State Park. For more information on events, visit www.wvtourism.com.
Fairs and Festivals
Spring weather brings with it an abundance of fairs and festivals to celebrate everything from the state’s music and arts to favorite foods. From the capital city to smaller mountain communities, visitors and residents alike will find something to capture their interest and whet their appetites in the spring of 2008.
The state’s cool mountain climates are home to uniquely pungent wild onions known as ramps, and communities including Richwood and Helvetia celebrate spring with ramp dinners and festivals. For people with something sweeter on their minds, Lewisburg and Morgantown are holding events that celebrate everyone’s favorite dessert, chocolate. Festivals like the Vandalia Gathering and the Scottish Festival and Celtic Gathering celebrate our heritage with music and dance. For more information, visit www.wvtourism.com.
History and Heritage
West Virginians are proud of their rich heritage and celebrate their history and traditions with events that showcase everything from the battles that were won to shape the state to the industries that drive her still today. Learn more about the Mountain State at one of the many heritage events scheduled throughout West Virginia.
West Virginia celebrates the 100 th anniversary of Mother’s Day this spring with concerts and commemorative events. A celebration of the importance of mothers, this holiday was first observed in Grafton in 1908. For a complete list of Mother’s Day commemorative events, visit www.mothersdayshrine.com.
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine takes visitors 1,500 feet underground through an authentic coal mine on the hillsides of New River Park. The mine will reopen for tours on April 1, revealing a newly expanded and renovated site. For reservations and rates, contact the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine at 304-256-1747 or visit www.beckleymine.com.
Visitors are able to take a look at West Virginia’s Civil War past in re-enactments such as the Battle of Lewisburg or the Jones-Imboden Raid at Prickett’s Fort State Park. Those wanting to experience the state’s locomotive history will be able to travel upon steam-driven locomotives up Cheat Mountain at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Other major scenic train systems include the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, where bald eagles are spotted on most of its trips; Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, where visitors can ride the rails and then enjoy a show at the American Mountain Theater; or the New River Train, with its beautiful scenic tours. For more information, visit www.wvtraditions.com.
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Spring Images
West Virginia Springs into Outdoor Fun
Events showcase West Virginia's history, traditions and heritage
Fairs and festivals celebrate West Virginia's food, music and arts
A New Year, A New You!
Activities and destinations to inspire a new you in the new year
CHARLESTON , W.Va. — From national to local favorites, West Virginia is well known for its winter activities and travel destinations, and what better way inspire a new you then to discover them all this new year. For additional information, visit www.wvtourism.com or contact the tourism hotline at 1-800-CALL WVA.
Winter outdoor fun
Winter in the Mountain State offers plenty of action to get your heart pumping outdoors. With a combination of the state’s long ski season, abundance of natural snowfall and proximity to major metropolitan areas in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, West Virginia is the ideal spot for winter adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skier, five premier resorts – Canaan Valley, Oglebay, Snowshoe Mountain, Timberline and Winterplace – provide unmatched fun for downhill skiers and snowboarders. If you would rather enjoy the scenery at a slower pace, consider cross-country skiing for a more cardiovascular-intensive experience at White Grass or Elk River Touring Center. For more information about skiing in West Virginia, visit www.westvirginiaski.com or www.wvwintersports.com.
Take it inside
When it’s time to go inside, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained in 2008. From the Cast Iron Cook-off at Stonewall Resort to Western Couples Weekend at Pipestem Resort State Park and the Great American Music Weekend, West Virginia has something to everyone. For more information on these events, visit www.callwvanews.com, or visit www.wvtourism.com for a calendar of events.
Escape with your sweetheart to a romantic bed and breakfast or a cozy cabin. The state’s bed and breakfasts offer a down-home luxury stay with charming rooms and genuine hospitality. To find a bed and breakfast or the perfect cabin for you and your special someone, visit www.wvweekends.com. West Virginia resorts offer special packages for a romantic getaway or for Valentine’s weekend. Many State Park lodges offer getaway packages with dinner, dances and overnight lodging. For more information about getaway opportunities, visit www.wvtourism.com or www.wvstateparks.com.
Enjoy some of the best chocolatiers in West Virginia. Holl’s is a master of the fine art of chocolate making in the traditional Swiss methods. DeFluri’s Fine Chocolates of Martinsburg was named the “Best Candy and Confectionary” in 2004 at the Americas Beverage Trade and Food Show and Conference for its Gold Leaf Collection of assorted truffles, as judged by a panel of top critics.
Pamper yourself with relaxing packages
Now through the end of March the Eastern Panhandle’s Cacapon Resort State Park and Berkeley Springs State Park are partnering to offer a Winter Spa Package. The package features one night’s lodging at Cacapon and one spa treatment at Berkeley Springs. Saturday, Jan. 26, Berkeley Springs plays host to the Spa Feast 2008. Sample more than 50 bodywork and health-enhancing treatments from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Country Inn at Berkeley Springs. For more information about the Winter Spa Package visit www.berkeleyspringssp.com or www.cacaponresort.com. For more information about the Spa Feast 2008 visit www.berkeleysprings.com/water/spafeast.html.
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs’ renowned resort, offers Winter Makeover packages that include three-night and five-night stays. The packages feature a one-hour daily workout, a session with a personal trainer to create a customized program, and a day at the spa where you’ll receive a Swedish massage, green tea facial and mineral manicure and pedicure. A personal shopping advisor assists with clothes, makeup, hair and jewelry selections. For details on this “in-spa-rational” workout, visit www.greenbrier.com. To make reservations, call 800-453-4858. To reach the hotel, call 304-536-1110.
Girlfriend getaways
Extend girls’ night out to a weekend getaway – for ladies only, of course. From quilting classes to white water rafting, West Virginia has something special to pique your interest. Don’t forget your checkbook! What girlfriend getaway would be complete without a little shopping?
It’s a guy thing
West Virginia is an outdoorsman’s paradise, even in winter. The state’s year-long fishing season boasts some of the best opportunities to fish during the winter months. Or you can try out that hunting equipment you got for Christmas during January’s and February’s small game hunting seasons. There is no reason to get cabin fever this winter season. For more information about hunting and fishing in West Virginia, call 304-558-2771 or visit www.wvdnr.gov, www.wvfish.com or www.wvhunt.com.
If you can’t make it into the woods, check out these indoor events: Central West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show, Jan. 19-20 at Flatwoods, the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show Jan. 25, 26 and 27 in Charleston, and the Dunbar Critter Dinner Feb. 16.
Groundhog Dayfeaturing French Creek Freddy
French Creek Freddy will be the star of the show on Groundhog Day, Saturday, Feb. 2, at the West Virginia Wildlife Center at French Creek in Upshur County. Bring the family along to watch Wildlife Center staff wake Freddy from his cold-weather slumber to predict whether we’ll see six more weeks of winter or if spring is on its way. Stay around to tour the Wildlife Center which features 28 different species of native West Virginia wildlife, including whitetail deer, otters, black bear, and even a mountain lion. The center’s open seven days a week, even during the winter months, and best of all there’s no admission charge! For more information, call 304-924-6211 or visit on-line http://www.wvdnr.gov/wildlife/wildlifecenter.shtm.
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What’s
New in West Virginia
(Bold
typeface denotes official WV Tourism listings. Other information
may be provided by partners)
2007 FALL STORY STARTERS
All Aboard: This Fall Ride the Rails in West Virginia
West Virginia is a train lover’s paradise and fall is the perfect time to visit--five trains within a 100-mile radius. There’s steam and diesel, long and short, flat and hilly terrain. The rides range from two hours to overnight sleepovers. One can get a taste of fall in the Mountain State by taking one trip or undertaking a week-long marathon of five trains in seven days.
Mountain Magic Tour
Welcome to West Virginia, a state of unparalleled natural beauty and extraordinary hospitality. Plan a weekend getaway in the Mountain State this fall, when brilliant foliage is at its peak and every turn on the road leads to a breathtaking overlook. The changing landscapes and mountain vistas of this tour have to be ridden to be believed.
Terrain Tubing at Canaan Valley Resort
New this fall, the Turtle Slide at Canaan Valley Resort offers visitors a ride down the slippery slope to outdoor fun. The terrain tubing course opened in July and is expected to run until late October. Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Tucker County introduced the first all-weather terrain tubing run in the state. The Canaan terrain ride is one of only a half dozen in the United States.
West Virginia Is Calling Contest - West Virginia Division of Tourism Launches Video Contest as Part of Campaign
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Take nine – great vacation ideas that is! - From border to border, West Virginia is your best travel destination. Spring into West Virginia - Lace the hiking boots, tune the mountain bikes and ATVs‚ get the camping gear and supplies in order‚ polish the golf clubs and make your way to the Mountain State.
Mini-Web Sites, E-News Offer Maximum Information - West Virginia tourism mini sites provide online browsers content-specific information for travel ideas.
What's New in 2007 - New rooms, new looks, refreshing escapes, and great stops.
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Winter
Fun in West Virginia Skiing and
more in the Mid-Atlantic's premier winter destination. 2006
marks 35 years of West Virginia's skiing industry!
West
Virginia holiday story ideas
-
21
great West Virginia gifts to give this holiday season
- Where to cut
your own Christmas tree
- Holiday
light shows across the state
- Tours
of homes decorated for the season and Santa visits
Governor
celebrates 35th anniversary of skiing in West Virginia at Canaan
Valley Resort State Park
Canaan
Valley Resort 35th anniversary pictures Hi-res!
Winter
photo gallery
(free for editorial use, hi-res also available)
Governor,
First Lady announce online exhibit that
celebrates West Virginia's birthday and history.
May 18,
2006 -- World-famous
Greenbrier Resort to undergo $50 million renovation in early
2007.
May
5, 2006 -- Governor announces $6
million expansion at southern West Virginia resort
park.
Clean
out your spikes, it's time for mountain
golf at its best.
Trace
your roots West Virginia is a hotspot
for genealogical research. Here's some resources to get started
on finding your ancestry.
Stories
Waiting to be Told
Bring
on the snow! If your audience is
in the Mid-Atlantic, then they are less than a day away from the
Mid-Atlantic's and South's best most incredible snow and events.
West
Virginia's Fabulous Fall Color. The
Mountain State is one of the most forested states in the nation.
Find events, suggested drives and the weekly fall color report.
 Fall
Press Kit - Great story ideas,
fall driving tours, fall foliage, fall color map, America's best
whitewater and more. Hi-res photos included.
Fall
photo gallery (free for editorial use, hi-res also available)
Gauley
Season. Considering West Virginia is THE place to
be for whitewater rafting this time of the year, why aren't you
on the river already? No other whitewater destination can boast
more fun, more consistency or more adventure than the Gauley River
each fall.
West Virginia-themed
movies
spark traveling fun!
Take
your horse camping! West Virginia State Parks' new campground
gives horse owners perfect access to 35 miles of bridle trails.
This and more at beautiful and quiet Camp
Creek.
Golf
on challenging courses designed by the sport's legends
West
Virginia's National Parks pack history and scenery
West
Virginia's agricultural bounty is fun and delicious
Media
Journals
Check
out our media journal series for loads of story ideas:
•
West
Virginia Adventure!
•
West
Virginia Heritage
•
Trails
for Every Traveler
Press
Kits
2006
TIA International PowWow press kit
2004-05
Winter/Spring Press Kit - From holidays to birding
to ramps to Civil War battles, this idea kit is sure to meet your
editor's and audience's needs. Hi-res photos included.
Winter
2003-2004 press kit (requires free Adobe Reader)
Winter
photo gallery
(free for editorial use, hi-res also available)
Fall
2003 press kit
Fall
photo gallery (free for editorial use, hi-res also available)
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