For travelers looking to get the most out of their vacation dollars without limiting fun, the West Virginia Division of Tourism offers summer travel attractions and events.
“The summer months provide the perfect opportunity to showcase the Mountain State’s travel destinations,” says Betty Carver, West Virginia Division of Tourism commissioner. “Travelers will find a diverse selection of attractions, many of which are family friendly, a tank of gas away and conveniently located within a day’s drive of many metropolitan cities in the East.”
Those wanting to make travel plans will be able to find additional information and travel planning tools at www.wvtourism.com or by contacting the Tourism hotline at 1-800-CALL WVA.
Outdoor Recreation
The Mountain State has more than 100 golf courses that offer challenging greens, tough shots and breathtaking vistas. Enjoy the luxury of golf at resorts such as The Greenbrier and Stonewall, challenge your skills at state parks courses, and discover courses at city parks, county recreation areas and along quiet country roads. For more information, visit www.wvgolfing.com or request a copy of the new 2008-2009 state golf guide by calling 1-800-CALL WVA.
For more than 40 years, West Virginia has offered America’s best whitewater rafting experiences. Experienced outfitters will guide you through whitewater rapids that range from difficulty classes I through VI, so there’s an adventure for everyone. Many of West Virginia outfitters also offer kayaking options. For more information, visit www.wvriversports.com.
West Virginia has a large and enthusiastic boating and fishing population. More than 20,000 miles of streams and more than 100 public fishing lakes provide anglers of all ages with a wide variety of prospects. From bass boating to pleasure boating, there’s a place for avid boaters in West Virginia’s waters. Vacationers looking for a quality fishing experience will find it on miles of streams and more than 100 public fishing lakes. These areas provide anglers of all ages with a wide variety of prospects. For more information, visit wvdnr.gov.
The state’s country roads are a motorcyclist’s dream – sweeping curves and rolling hills with scenic mountain vistas. Great rides, friendly people and unique experiences await you in the heart of Appalachia. For more information, visit www.wvbyways.com.
West Virginia’s rugged terrain is perfectly suited to mountain biking. Across the state, bikers find great places to get off the beaten path and into the great outdoors. For more information, visit www.adventuresinwv.com.
Arts and Culture
This summer, West Virginia shines the spotlight on arts and cultural events. Take in a statewide collection of handmade crafts, arts and cuisine at Tamarack or enjoy folk art, music, crafts and traditions of the Augusta Heritage Center. Listen to a diverse range of musical artists on the internationally distributed Mountain Stage program or a series of concerts in July at the Wheeling Symphony. The Clay Center will host a range of performances and visual arts from the Summer Solstice program of Baroque music to the extraordinary tap dancing of Savion Glover. For more information, visit www.wvnights.com.
Heritage and Traditions
Watch West Virginia’s minor league baseball teams hit one out of the park. The Mountain State is home to three minor league baseball teams. Whether you decide to cheer on the West Virginia Power, the Bluefield Orioles or the Princeton Devil Rays, your day at the park will be complete with hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jacks. For more information, visit wvtourism.com.
Venture into the mountains of West Virginia on one of the state’s many railroads. With four major scenic train systems – Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Cass Scenic Railroad, Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad and Mountain State Mystery Train – to choose from, travelers can take their pick from day trips or vacation excursions. For more information, visit www.wvtraditions.com.
Experience the state’s coal mining heritage at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. This attraction takes visitors 1,500 feet underground through an authentic coal mine. As part of a $3.5 million renovation, the new company store structure, which features a welcome center, gift shop and museum, will open July 1. For more information, visit www.beckleymine.com.
West Virginia’s fairs and festivals showcase the state’s historical and cultural heritage and have become a long-standing tradition that draw people, young and old, to our state. This summer, enjoy fairs and festivals such as the West Virginia Coal Festival in Madison, Multifest in Charleston, Agusta Heritage Festival in Elkins and the State Fair in Fairlea. For more information, visit wvtourism.com.
Celebrate Independence Day in West Virginia with great food, live music, parades and the traditional fireworks show. Many places, including Ripley, Oglebay Resort, Shepherdstown, Thomas and Lewisburg, will host events to commemorate this special occasion. For more information about Independence Day events, visit wvtourism.com.
Contact:
Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003, ext. 319
tricia.t.sizemore(at)wv.gov