By Amy Shuler Goodwin
With so many things to see and do in West Virginia, it’s easy to see why folks are saying, “I want to go there and do that!”
Our wild, wonderful destinations, attractions and amenities not only have people talking—they have people traveling. According to the 2013 Overnight Visitors Study by Longwoods International, 15.2 million overnight trips were to West Virginia that year, up from 13.6 million in 2009. The study also shows what folks were doing while they were here. Favorite activities, according to the study, included shopping, visiting a landmark, exploring a national or state park, fine dining, fishing, visiting a casino and touring museums.
According to the study, the average travel party size is 3.2 people, and the average number of nights spent in West Virginia is 2.6. The study also concludes that the state is a year-round destination in which all four seasons attract close to an equal share of visitors. With that information, it can be surmised that many of the state’s visitors are looking for activities that can be experienced in every season and perhaps packed into a long weekend.
So where do you start in a state that offers so many fascinating adventures? That’s easy. The GoToWV team prides itself on providing outstanding customer service and creating personalized itineraries that inspire, wow and make you say, “I want to go there and do that!”
Shopping
Visitors can begin their unique shopping experience near Beckley at Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia, a showcase of West Virginia-made products and artistry or visit www.tamarackfoundation.org and build your own WV Arts Trail, a list of studios to explore nearby. The Capitol Market in Charleston and Centre Market in Wheeling are both great destinations for local food and shopping, and Berkeley Springs is known for its boutique shops, art galleries and spas. Lewisburg, dubbed “Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel magazine, offers a number of farm-to-table restaurants and shopping options, as well as small-town charm.
Landmarks and Historic Sites
West Virginia’s mountains and rich history lend themselves to a unique and varied touring experience where the drive is just as exciting as the destination. History buffs can enjoy the Washington Heritage Trail’s 18th- and 19th-century charm in the Eastern Panhandle. They can also step back in time with a visit to the site of the infamous John Brown raid at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, see where Lewis and Clark prepared for their journey to the West, stand on a Civil War battlefield or hike the West Virginia section of the Appalachian Trail. The Heritage Farm Museum and Village in Huntington, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and the Hatfield-McCoy feud trail in Southern West Virginia also offer opportunities to explore West Virginia’s rich heritage.
National and State Parks
West Virginia’s national and state parks offer unique experiences ranging from nature hikes and high-flying adventures to relaxing accommodations and scenic beauty that appeal to visitors of all ages. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park provide an opportunity to experience living history tours, museums and other special events honoring 19th-century heritage. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Cheat River from Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown. Ride the aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park to do a little trout fishing, horseback riding or play a round of golf. On the New River Gorge National River, there is access to popular state parks, such as Hawks Nest and Babcock, and whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, rock climbing, family campgrounds and great restaurants.
Fine Dining
West Virginia’s diverse culinary heritage provides an opportunity to showcase local farms, farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants and a number of culinary destinations and events. Chefs in the finest restaurants are using locally produced Appalachian favorites to create gourmet fusion dishes. The Cast Iron Cook-Off encourages participants to try their hand at what Chef Dale Hawkins calls New Appalachian Cuisine. Restaurants like Café Cimino in Sutton, Savannah’s in Huntington, the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown and the numerous restaurants found at The Greenbrier Resort all offer travelers a dining experience that is sure to please every palate.
Fishing
With over 20,000 miles of streams and more than 100 public fishing lakes, the Mountain State provides anglers with a variety of year-round fishing opportunities and experiences. Streams and small public fishing lakes are stocked with rainbow, brown, brook and West Virginia golden rainbow trout. You can also cast for smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish and musky.
Casinos
West Virginia’s casinos and racetracks—Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack and Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort—promise an exciting night on the town with live entertainment, dining, table games, slot machines and greyhound or thoroughbred racing. The Greenbrier Resort now offers a Monte Carlo-style casino with slots and a variety of table games.
Museums
Trace the history of West Virginia from prehistoric times to the present at the West Virginia State Museum. Browse juried fine art exhibits at Huntington Museum of Art. Explore the history of West Virginia’s military contributions at Mountaineer Military Museum. Tour a schoolhouse and a sawmill at West Virginia State Farm Museum. There is also the possibility of rediscovering your childhood at Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum in Wheeling.
For more information on adventures in West Virginia, visit www.gotowv.com or call (800) 225-5982.
