A variety of activities and special events are planned at many of West Virginia’s state parks the weekend of March 21-23. From Pickin’ in the Park guitar weekend at Twin Falls to Amazing Amphibians at Cacapon State Park, there are plenty of reasons to visit and enjoy the first weekend of spring.
Women’s Getaway Weekend at North Bend State Park is March 21-23. The weekend features programs on exercise, makeup and hair, nutrition and health care. Designed as a retreat for women, the weekend event includes two nights lodging, some meals, all activities and programs and additional spa services. Advance reservation is necessary. www.northbendsp.com 304-643-2931
Pickin’ in the Park at Twin Falls State Park is an annual weekend in Wyoming County. Featuring Robin Kessinger, Robert Shaffer and Jim Ritchey, the focus is on guitar playing, styles and jam sessions. A weekend package and day-only attendance are options. www.twinfallsresort.com 304-294-4000
Family Game Night at Pipestem Resort is one of many special activities and events that are part of Spring Break at this Summers County vacation destination. The Game-Masters will be in the Conference Center for an 18-hole putting contest, Wii, cornhole, human Sorry! game, puzzles, board games and others. There is no cost to join in the fun. Callers indicating “I need a break” receive 20% off room rental rates from March 14 – April 24, 2014. Daily activities are posted online at www.pipestemresort.com. 304-466-1800
Amazing Amphibians is a nature program at Cacapon Resort State Park. Conducted by naturalist Renee Fincham, the half-hour program is a peek into the life of frogs, toads and salamanders. Fincham posts weekend activities including hikes, crafts, and interpretative walks at www.cacaponresort.com. 304-258-1022
Every Quilt Tells a Story, part of the Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show, will be presented on March 22 at 1:00 p.m. at the Museum of Regional History at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Presenter Susan D. Pierce is a W.Va. native. The fee for this presentation includes museum admission. Pre-registration is necessary as space is limited. Tea at the Blennerhassett Museum with Dian Braniff is Sunday March 23 at 2:00 p.m. Advance reservations are required and there is a fee. www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com 304-420-4800. Blennerhassett Island opens for the summer season on May 1.
Bird of the Month (BOM) at Kanawha State Forest is the backyard birds. Organized by master naturalist, Lynn Hartman, this activity features a bird each month and all ages are invited to learn more about the winged wonders in the area. Meet at the swimming pool building March 22 at 2:00 p.m. There is a “name that bird” contest, craft activities for children and hot chocolate. BOM listings are posted at www.kanawhastateforest.com under the Events tab (http://www.kanawhastateforest.com/BOM.pdf) or call 304-558-3500.
To learn more about activities and events at West Virginia’s state parks and forests, visit www.wvstateparks.com. Click “Find a Park” and discover deals, packages and event tabs on each website. Information is updated frequently.
