Discover WV

It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year again, and we’re feeling thankful to be spending it in Almost Heaven. While our state is a sight to behold any time of year, the magic that accompanies the Christmas season adds a little extra sparkle and cheer to an already beautiful place.

Life has taken my last few months on a whimsical whirlwind of adventures, beginning with marrying my best friend. On June 3, 2023, Eric Udermann and I tied the knot, and on June 5, we embarked upon our month-long honeymoon escapade across the pond. Herein lies our tales on the trail.

Since its opening in December 2012, the owners of The Forks Restaurant and Inn have strived to create a space that West Virginians can be proud of.

From the small screen to the silver screen, and probably on your smartphone screen, the state of West Virginia is amping up its push for more high production film projects to be shot within the Mountain State. The film industry has created an unprecedented creative economy across neighboring Appalachian regions from Pittsburgh and Cincinnati to Wilmington and Atlanta, says Dave Lavender, apprenticeship program coordinator with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development. Lavender works within the West Virginia Film Office, which assists crews looking to film in the state and helps promote the state’s potential as a location for filming.

The Mountain Lakes region is a top destination for anyone looking for a good bite to eat. From everyday Appalachian comfort food to upscale, modernist cuisine, this region has a little bit of everything. While there are many must-visit restaurants in this region, we have selected three that you’ll certainly want to check out as you’re enjoying your stay in this special part of Almost Heaven.

Every season in West Virginia has something special to offer, and summer is no exception. Whether it’s catching fireflies in mason jars, drinking lemonade on the front porch, pitching a tent beneath the stars or picking wildflowers on the side of winding country roads, most of us would agree that summertime in the Mountain State is almost heaven.

With prime topography in the mountains of Appalachia, mountain biking is growing exponentially in West Virginia as it becomes an international destination for the sport. There are miles of trails throughout the state and new ones continuously popping up to meet the increasing demand. The diverse mountain biking trails allow novices and experts alike to find their perfect ride. Compiled here are some of the best trail systems in the state.

Culture is an invaluable part of our world and always has been. It creates a united identity and binds communities and people together in a profound manner. The preservation of culture is essential to continually transform our world for the better and generate new, unique ideas for solving complex problems. Culture brings together diverse voices and experiences, which is necessary for growth and lifelong learning as well as for preserving heritage.

With big city amenities wrapped up in small-town charm, eye-catching views, outdoor recreation and plenty of southern hospitality, Almost Heaven is the picture-perfect place to host your next meeting or event. With ample budget-friendly options and an easy drive to some of the biggest cities on the East Coast, you’ll quickly see why the state is becoming a primary destination for those looking to gather in a place of convenience, generosity and natural beauty.

Most people recognize West Virginia as a destination for those seeking adventure; rafting, hiking, biking and climbing are all popular throughout the year. What many may not know is that West Virginia is also a great wedding destination for all seasons. For couples looking to tie the knot, the natural beauty of the state shines in spring, summer, fall and winter.

One of the very first steps in planning a wedding is determining the venue for the ceremony and reception, and choosing a venue with an on-site wedding planner and coordinator offers many benefits for soon-to-be-wed couples. West Virginia is home to a few wedding venues that offer wedding planning and event coordinating services—just one perk among many others of tying the knot in Almost Heaven.

As our world continues to expand its urban developments to fit the needs of an ever-growing population, it is taking a toll on our skies due to a lesser-recognized type of pollution: light pollution. Artificial light leaves millions worldwide with starless skies. The unnatural brightening of the night sky causes a myriad of negative effects, like the disruption of both the natural ecosystem and humans’ innate circadian rhythm, for example.