The Adventure Advisory, prepared and distributed by Wild, Wonderful West Virginia, highlights some of the many activities happening across the Mountain State. Additional listings are posted at www.GoToWV.com. Event organizers and promoters are encouraged to submit items electronically at http://GoToWV.com/partners/.
May 1: West Virginia Botanic Garden Wetland/Amphibian Walk, Morgantown
http://gotowv.com/event/west-virginia-botanic-garden-wetlandamphibian-walk/
Slip on your mud boots and join West Virginia University Professor Jim Anderson to get acquainted with some of the creatures that call the West Virginia Botanic Garden home! Learn about frogs, toads and other amphibians. This event is free and open to the public.
May 2-7: New River Birding & Nature Festival, Lansing
304-640-3778; http://birding-wv.com/birding-nature-festival.html
Marvel at more than 100 avian species on birding tours during this week long festival. The guided birding and nature excursions, world-class speakers, top-notch guides, tasty food, and a back-porch atmosphere make for an unmatched bird watching experience. Registration closes April 24 with the option of single-day or all-week packages.
May 4-8: The Greenbrier Birthday Celebration, White Sulphur Springs
The Greenbrier is celebrating 238 years of history and throwing a birthday party as its unofficial kickoff to the summer season. Stop in for Afternoon Tea, a beloved Greenbrier tradition, or choose from four days of birthday-themed events, activities and specials throughout the resort. Some events require reservations in advance.
May 6-8:16th Annual Festival of Inspiration, Moundsville
304-843-4128; http://palaceofgold.com/festivals.html
Get ready for three consecutive days of world-class kirtans, bhajans, dancing and feasting among the foothills of Appalachia! From lectures and workshops to entertainment and dramas, the Festival of Inspiration is one of the most inspirational and motivational events of the year. A registration fee of $200 covers 3 nights of lodging, meals, and access to all events. Kids 5 and under are free.
May 6-8: Circa Blue Fest, Martinsburg
contact@circabluefest.com; www.circabluefest.com
Immerse yourself in this three-day bluegrass festival in a beautiful 40-acre setting just outside of Martinsburg. Rain or shine, the festival will feature amazing performers and bands, as well as music workshops throughout the weekend. Local food vendors will be on site to serve up delicious delicacies all weekend. Tickets range from $25-$50 with camping options included.
May 7: 21st Annual North River Mills Day, Capon Bridge
304-496-7359; www.facebook.com/events/889455704459582
Kick back and relax at this old-village celebration. The day’s agenda includes story swappin’ and folk music jam sessions on the porch, art exhibits in “The Long Gallery,” blacksmith demonstrations, re-enactments, displays of steam engines, antique tractors, and Model A and Model T Fords. Arrive early enough and you’ll catch a guided hike up Ice Mountain!
May 7: Foam at the Dome, Charleston
304-767-9800; www.foamcwv.com
This highly anticipated inaugural event in the Capital City brings an evening full of music, arts and of course, craft beer! More than 40 breweries, 20 restaurant vendors and 20 local artists plan to make the event’s first year a memorable one. Advanced ticket purchase ($35) is encouraged.
May 7: Heritage Farm Museum and Village 20th Anniversary Spring Festival, Huntington
info@heritagefarmmuseum.com; http://www.wvvisit.org/calendar/events/994
Heritage Farm Museum & Village’s signature festival showcases Appalachian artisans that preserve the crafts of yesteryear. Between the Six Simple Machines playground, Generations Hall 20th century murals, blacksmithing, sheep shearing, wood-working and printing and much more, everyone in the family will find something to love about this springtime staple.
May 9-June 12: National Tour of Shakespeare’s First Folio, Wheeling
304-242-7272; http://oionline.com/firstfolio/
One of the world’s most famous books, the first collected edition of William Shakespeare’s plays, will be on display at Oglebay Institute’s Mansion Museum beginning May 9. As part the Folger Shakespeare Library’s national tour, a multi-panel exhibition with additional digital content and interactive activities will accompany the First Folio. The exhibit is free with admission to the Mansion Museum ($7).
May 10: Star Party with Solar System Ambassador, Capon Springs and Farms
304-874-3695; jonathan@caponsprings.net; www.caponsprings.net
Experience Capon under the cosmos with an in-depth exploration of the night sky. Greg Redfern, an adjunct professor/instructor of astronomy and a NASA JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) Solar System Ambassador, will lead an interactive presentation about outer space “The Sky IS Falling: Space Rocks and You.” Participate in a 45-minute discussion followed by a period of night sky observation.
May 13-14: 22nd Annual Bluegrass Festival, North Bend State Park, Cairo
304-466-1800; http://www.northbendsp.com/Special/special.html
This fun-filled weekend of pickin’, grinnin’ and singin’ includes a great number of bluegrass bands from West Virginia and beyond. Shop from local artisans, peruse merchandise from performing bands, or enjoy tasty snacks from the North Bend Outdoor Grill. Friday admission is $10, $25 on Saturday. Call before May 6 for advanced tickets at a reduced rate.
May 13-15: Webster County Nature Tour, Cowen
304-847-2627; http://www.visitwebsterwv.com/explore/webster-county-nature-tour/
Take in some of that fresh spring air by exploring among the hills of Webster County. The choice is up to you! Choose from tours of Elk Mountain, Bishop Knob, Cranberry Glades, Backfork of Elk or Kingfisher Trail, and then a special Sunday morning bird walk and meditation will round out the weekend of natural beauty. Participants are encouraged to register in advance.
May 14-15: Dogfest, Shepherdstown
304-876-2786; http://shepherdstown.info/events/shepherdstown-dogfest/
Shepherdstown goes to the dogs with this beloved celebration of furry friends. See dozens of breeds big and small in a dog show, street parade, flyball competitions, or participate in tricks and obedience workshops. Treat your pup to something special with a gift from the exhibitors area, including baked goods, accessories and more. All events are free and open to the public!
