Discover WV

Among the hills and hollows of the Mountain State live the legends of creatures from another realm. Two that have earned worldwide fame are the Flatwoods Monster, which is believed to have arrived in Flatwoods, WV, in 1952, and the Mothman, a terrifying presence that showed up in Point Pleasant, WV, in 1966.

There’s something about friendly competition that gets the blood pumping, and nowhere is there more opportunity for sportsmanship than West Virginia. In addition to endless outdoor adventures, the Mountain State is also host to a variety of activities sure to inspire a healthy matchup between friends, family members or even coworkers.

The Mountain State might be land-locked, but it is home to a host of beautiful lakes, rivers and waterfalls that can wow even the most zealous water lovers. In an effort to show off these stunning waterways, the staff at Discover West Virginia reached out to its readers for their best water destination photos, and, as always, they delivered. These photos showcase some of the state’s most striking scenery while also offering adventure lovers the chance to find their next destination for kayaking, swimming, fishing and boating. Grab your swimwear and your sunscreen and get out on the water in West Virginia.

Camping means different things to different people, and West Virginia’s accommodations do not discriminate. Whether you’re looking for a secluded tent site, a hookup for your RV or a comfortable cabin with all the amenities, there’s an ideal camping accommodation waiting for you in the Mountain State. Whether you’re camping or glamping, these five accommodation options will inspire you to get outside and explore wild, wonderful West Virginia like never before.

The Mountain State’s towering mountains, steep valleys and panoramic vistas are a major draw for both locals and out-of-state visitors who want to experience the wonders of Almost Heaven. Adventure seekers can find trails and scenic overlooks at every turn. For a unique taste of wild and wonderful, though, step off the beaten path and make your West Virginia experience unlike any other.

In July, Glen Jean, WV, played host to the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, which allowed scouts from across the globe to experience everything wild and wonderful about the Mountain State.

The holiday season is one of gathering with family and friends to celebrate traditions and blessings. In honor of the many Thanksgiving get-togethers, Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve countdowns that will take place in the coming months, West Virginia Executive magazine reached out to The Junction Restaurant and Saloon, Snowshoe Mountain’s most unique dining experience, for some seasonal cocktails that will give your upcoming event an extra special dose of holiday cheer.

The growth of the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, WV, has always been driven by its guests. In 1984, owners Erwin and Carol Asam added the inn to their restaurant so guests from Maryland and Washington, D.C., could enjoy dinner without worrying about driving home after.

Meet any native of Lisbon, Portugal, and they will quickly recall November 1, 1755. Known as All Saints’ Day, that is the day Lisbon experienced a sequence of three earthquakes ranging from 8.5 to 9.1 in magnitude, one of which was one of the deadliest in history. While the earthquake brought destruction through both a tsunami and fires, one area remained untouched from the devastation: Alfama.

When Cody Thrasher opened Cody’s Restaurant in 2016, he had one goal in mind: to modify the way people think about Appalachian cuisine. “I think the best way to describe my mindset is to use this example: what is the difference between an egg roll, burrito or the West Virginia pepperoni roll? The answer is that all are starch with meat, cheese or vegetable filling,” he says.

West Virginia’s beautiful hills and hollows are being showcased on televisions around the world, thanks to the release of “Fallout 76,” a post-apocalyptic role-playing video game. “Fallout 76,” which is set in the Mountain State, is the latest installment in a gaming series whose characters are emerging from a nuclear-safe vault 20 years after the Great War.

Location, location, location: it’s a tried and true trope that not only applies to real estate but also to creating the perfect wedding. For the couple seeking a romantic venue for exchanging their vows, there’s no better location than West Virginia. From mountains to valleys and the many gorgeous views in between, the state’s natural beauty is the one thing you can count on when your wedding day arrives.