Discover WV

Hassle-Free Nuptials
A wedding day can be extremely exciting, joyful and full of love, but it also has the potential to be stressful, demanding and expensive. According to The Knot’s annual The Average Wedding Cost, According to Data, the average wedding in West Virginia costs $31,000.

Love in Living Color
The wedding day. It’s a momentous occasion in a couple’s life that often creates overwhelm at the prospect of deciding how to capture every moment and feeling.

Vacation with Fido
Traveling with your favorite, four-legged, furry friend can be stressful. Whether you are a new pet parent taking your puppy on her first road trip or a long-time pet parent bringing your senior dog to her favorite hiking trail, it is important to plan ahead.

Impressive Peaks and Remarkable Valleys
Known as the Mountain State, it is no surprise that West Virginia has some of the most impressive peaks in the Appalachian region. With the highest mountains come the lowest valleys, and each offer their own unique appeal for locals and tourists alike. From camping and hiking to arts and entertainment, West Virginia’s peaks and valleys are almost heaven.

Make Waves
West Virginia may be known as the Mountain State, but did you know it also has over 32,000 miles of rushing river water, 121 public fishing lakes, nearly 300 rivers and creeks and countless private ponds?

Experience Christmas in Almost Heaven
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.

Tales From the Honeymoon Trail
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.

In the Chef’s Corner: The Forks Restaurant and Inn
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.

Lights, Camera, Appalachia
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.

In the Chef’s Corner: Meals of the Mountain Lakes
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.

Summertime Fairs & Festivals in 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.

A Mountain Biking Movement
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.