Cultural and recreational activities in West Virginia: Appalachian music and folk traditions. Annual Mountain State Forest Festival. Outdoor adventure sports and activities. The Greenbrier resort and historic sites. Scenic hiking trails and state parks. Vibrant arts and crafts community. Whitewater rafting in New River Gorge. West Virginia Wine and Spirits Trail. Historic Civil War landmarks and museums. Sprawling golf courses and resorts.
Appalachian music and folk traditions
Appalachian music in West Virginia is a rich cultural tradition that brings communities together through old-time music, characterized by instrumental and vocal elements passed down through generations, often featuring instruments like the fiddle and guitar, and deeply rooted in community gatherings and storytelling. This music is a fusion of heritage from immigrant populations, including Celtic and European influences, and is celebrated through various festivals, concerts, and informal pickin' circles across the state.
Annual Mountain State Forest Festival
The Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia, promotes the state's natural resources and cultural heritage through over 100 events, including lumberjack competitions, parades, arts and crafts exhibits, and the coronation of Queen Silvia. This festival attracts between 75,000 and 125,000 visitors annually and you can learn more about it on their official website.
Outdoor adventure sports and activities
West Virginia offers a wide range of outdoor adventure sports and activities, including aerial tours and ziplines, rock climbing and caving, whitewater rafting, hiking, snow sports, water activities, unique adventures like aerial parks, ATV and motorsports, mountain biking, and horseback riding, all set amidst expansive parks, lush forests, and diverse trails. Discover these thrilling opportunities to explore nature and indulge your adventurous spirit at the Visit WV Outdoors website, where you can plan your next unforgettable experience in West Virginia's stunning landscapes.
The Greenbrier resort and historic sites
The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities, including historic tours, geocaching, horseback riding, Polaris RZR and Slingshot driving adventures, and various sports like pickleball and shuffleboard. The resort also features fine dining at multiple restaurants, a casino, and a mineral spa, all set within its 11,000-acre historic property. For historic sites, West Virginia is home to notable attractions such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, which provide immersive experiences into the state's Civil War and industrial history. For more information, visit The Greenbrier website.
Scenic hiking trails and state parks
West Virginia offers a plethora of scenic hiking trails and state parks, including iconic hikes like the Long Point Trail, Endless Wall Trail, and Seneca Rocks Trail. The extensive trails in areas like Dolly Sods Wilderness and Coopers Rock State Forest provide diverse outdoor adventures for all skill levels and interests. Explore more about these breathtaking outdoor experiences at the West Virginia Tourism website, where you can find detailed information to plan your next adventure.
Vibrant arts and crafts community
West Virginia boasts a vibrant arts and crafts community, with certified arts communities like Morgantown, Wheeling, and Lewisburg that offer a range of activities, including live performances, art classes, and exhibitions. These communities provide affordable access to arts education, support local artists, and host various cultural events and festivals, contributing to the state's rich cultural heritage. For more information on these efforts, visit the official arts website of West Virginia.
Whitewater rafting in New River Gorge
Whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge, West Virginia, offers diverse experiences with trips on the Upper and Lower New River sections. The Upper New is suitable for families and younger rafters with Class I-III rapids, while the Lower New features more challenging Class III-IV+ rapids, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced rafters. For more details on these thrilling adventures, visit the website for New River Gorge Rafting. This destination provides an exceptional blend of gentle waters for novices and exhilarating challenges for seasoned enthusiasts, ensuring an unforgettable rafting experience.
West Virginia Wine and Spirits Trail
The West Virginia Wine and Spirits Trail, also known as the Country Roads Wineries and Distillery Trail, offers visitors the opportunity to discover some of the best wines and moonshines in the state. The trail includes free tastings and guided tours at various locations, ensuring a special and enriching experience for those exploring West Virginia's wine and spirit-making heritage.
Historic Civil War landmarks and museums
West Virginia Independence Hall stands as a pivotal historic site, offering free admission to exhibits that feature Civil War battle flags, the original post office, and a restored courtroom. This remarkable location also hosts various lectures, school tours, and Civil War programs. For those keen on exploring West Virginia's rich Civil War history further, landmarks such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park are essential visits. These sites provide remarkable historical insights, living history demonstrations, and engage visitors with activities like hiking and battle re-enactments. Additionally, the Mercer County War Museum sheds light on the military history of southern West Virginia through three floors of artifacts, photos, and memorabilia, honoring veterans from the Civil War to present-day conflicts. Together, these sites collectively narrate the compelling story of West Virginia's involvement in historical conflicts.
Sprawling golf courses and resorts
West Virginia offers a plethora of sprawling golf courses and resorts, including notable destinations like Cacapon Resort State Park, Oglebay Resort, The Greenbrier, and The Resort at Glade Springs. Each provides championship courses, luxurious amenities, and stunning mountain views that cater to golfers of all skill levels and offer a range of recreational activities beyond golf. For more details, explore the West Virginia Tourism site, which highlights these exceptional getaways.