Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park.

Travel Goals

In the winter of 2018, I purchased a state parks poster from Charleston print shop, Basecamp Printing Company. The poster features an outline of West Virginia and numbered pins where all the state parks are located. There are 34 state parks, nine state forests and two rail trails that make up the state parks system. As a lifelong West Virginian, I had no idea there were so many places that fell under the state parks umbrella. This poster purchase set in motion the idea of trying to visit all 45 destinations.

The Return of Fall Festivities in West Virginia

The arrival of autumn in West Virginia is marked by a chill in the air, changing leaves and the celebration of harvests and haunts. This year, it will also be marked by the return of some of the Mountain State’s best seasonal events. After a year of cancelations, residents and visitors alike are looking forward to the fairs, festivals and attractions that characterize fall in Almost Heaven.

Blackwater Falls

Wild, Wonderful West Virginia

The year 2020 was supposed to be a year of great adventure for my family. It happened to be the singular year where several life events collided, including my 25th wedding anniversary with my wife, Lori; my 50th birthday; my son, Alex, turning 18; and his graduation from high school. Instead of parceling out small celebrations and purchases, we discussed and decided upon a large, encompassing visit to Ireland to bring the variety of our milestones together into one wonderful trip abroad in July.

The Greenbrier

The ArenaMend Classic

Interest in the Mountain State is growing. West Virginia is becoming more well-known for the beauty of its hills and hollows and the kindness and hospitality of its people. These factors are a big draw when it comes to attracting new tourists, residents, events, jobs and ideas to the state. With stunning outdoor scenery and historic and impressive resorts and hotels, West Virginia is open and ready for people to visit, explore and return.