Meeting in the Mountains

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. For the ultimate meeting experience, all you have to do is sit back, relax and sip a cup of coffee—or a glass of sweet tea, if you will—while you enjoy the splendor of Mountain Mama right outside your window. We’ll take care of the rest.

“In recent years, West Virginia has grown tremendously as a must-see destination area,” says AJ Dennison, marketing director for Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley. “People are learning about our beautiful state and the gorgeous mountains we call home. It’s a perfect getaway from the large crowds and loud noises of big cities to a place to slow down and enjoy life.”

As a four-season state with stunning sights and abundant recreational activities, you can host your meeting any time throughout the year with confidence that there will never be a shortage of entertainment—whether you find yourself lodged among the snow-capped mountains of Appalachia, driving through the Rhododendron blooms in spring or ziplining above the vibrant treetops in autumn, West Virginia truly offers unforgettable adventure year-round.

For example, Charleston, the state’s capital, is a gateway to outdoor adventure, according to Veronica Ratcliff, director of marketing and sales for the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

“Visitors often use the Capital City as their home base as they explore wild, wonderful West Virginia,” says Ratcliff.

“Charleston is just an hour’s drive from the newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, featuring whitewater rafting, canopy tours, mountain climbing and biking.”

Photo by Oglebay.

Another example is Oglebay in Wheeling, which offers four golf courses, an aerial challenge course, fishing, paddle boats, a climbing wall, Segway tours, horseback riding, hiking trails, biking trails and paved walking paths.

“We are central to the East Coast, and our terrain provides areas that are not drastically affected by inclement weather,” says Herb Faulkenberry, vice president of sales and marketing for Oglebay.

Not only does the state offer the ideal weather conditions for any occasion, but it also appeals to anyone looking to host a meeting in a unique setting. The perfect combination of urban and rural—from lush green backdrops overlooking quiet rivers in the New River/Greenbrier Valley area to lively city energy right outside your window in Mountaineer Country—the Mountain State has it all.

“West Virginia, as a state, has a variety of potential settings that offer meeting planners a wide spectrum of venues, with locations ranging from historic to corporate. Most provide the necessary amenities that meeting planners are seeking,” says Faulkenberry.

Also, if you’re looking for luxury without the hefty price tag, West Virginia is just the place.

“West Virginia is a great meeting destination for the tri-state area. Conveniently nestled in the beautiful mountains with exclusive amenities, an event or conference in West Virginia would be more cost-effective than our surrounding metro states,” says Dennison. “The budgetary benefits of hosting meetings and events in West Virginia compared to secondary or even tertiary markets in the same neighboring states is often a major factor for decision makers.”

According to Ratcliff, food and beverage costs in West Virginia have been up to 80% lower than large metro areas like Nashville, Detroit and Chicago.

Another, often overlooked, highlight of the state is its proximity to major surrounding cities.

“When meetings and event planners are looking for convenient, centralized locations, most might be quick to overlook the Mountain State,” says Channing Moran, general manager of Hotel Morgan in Morgantown. “But if you step back and look at a map, our location regionally is within a four to six hours drive of several major cities, including Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Richmond and Washington, D.C., just to name a few. West Virginia also offers a variety of venues from historic boutique hotels to sizeable full-service resorts nestled in state parks.”

If you decide to stay in the Capital City, you’ll find yourself within convenient driving distance of not only the entire state of West Virginia but most of the country as well.

“Charleston is within a day’s drive of 70% of the U.S. population and is easily accessed by three interstates: I-64, I-77 and I-79,” says Ratcliff. “In addition to its convenient drive-to location, Charleston is served by Yeager Airport, the largest commercial airport in West Virginia, with service provided by American, Delta, Spirit and United Airlines.”

Hoping to bring the family along? From outdoor recreation to shopping, there are plenty of family-friendly adventures to be had here.

Photo by Travel Berkeley Springs.

“We quite often enjoy hosting families and even large family reunions,” says Matt Omps, general manager for the Country Inn of Berkeley Springs. “The Berkeley Springs area offers shopping, antiquing, fine dining, art galleries, spas, caves, brew pubs, golf, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more. Being right next to the mineral springs, families and children love playing in the mineral pools on warm days.”

In Parkersburg and the greater Mid-Ohio Valley region, visitors can expect plenty of shopping opportunities and a homage to the arts.

“Parkersburg is home to a bustling art scene with multiple live theaters, exhibits and even an artisanal giftshop,” says Travis Stephens, digital marketing manager at The Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa. “Guests will find much to do with their families in and around Parkersburg. Discover World on Market is slated to open in 2023, which promises to be a STEM-based, hands-on learning center for youth and their families. Parkersburg Arts Center regularly updates incredible exhibits, and the Smoot Vaudeville Theatre shares a long history with Parkersburg and still features the finest musical acts. The Actors Guild of Parkersburg is one of the most prolific acting groups in West Virginia, with many plays throughout the year.”

As for the Capital City, guests can enjoy ample boutiques, independent eateries, art galleries, museums and public art displays.

Whether you come for the rugged natural beauty or stay for the hospitality, West Virginia truly has something for everyone.

“The state of West Virginia provides the perfect escape from city life,” says Stephens. “What’s more, our beautiful state is central to many of the nation’s top population hubs.”

So, next time you’re looking for a location to hold your big event or meeting, take a chance on Almost Heaven and let our country roads take you home—we promise you won’t regret it.