Although
a part of Virginia in the early 17th century, West
Virginia followed its own destiny when Virginia
seceded from the Union in t861. West Virginia was granted official
statehood two years later.
Today,
the Mountain State oontinues to more than hold its own as a vacation destination offering up everything from a unique history and culture to those famous blue grass and hillbilly rock festivals held every summer.
Plus, year round, there's West Virginia's spectacularly stunning scenery that inspired one American songwriter to sing its praises as 'almost heaven,.,,"
Starting with the state's No.1 tourist attraction, Harper's Ferry National Historical Park you'll find head-spinning historical associations -- including visits by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Lewis and Clarke, as well as being the site of several important Civil War battles -- all set in a colorfully scenic backdrop of mountains and rivers.
Top West Virginia tourist attractions include Harper's Ferry National Historical Park (left); Cass Scenic
Railroad State Park (middle); and The Greenbrier Resort, rated among America's top hotels (right).
More top seasonal vacation destinations include the luxurious Greenbrier resort in White Sulfur Springs, with more "wow" factor attractions at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park featuring an 11-mile long steam-driven passenger railroad.
A culture fest of music,art, theater and
dance with
a party atmosphere kicks off
summer
in Charleston at FestivALL in June,
Check out our 2024 West Virginia travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information.
Happy travels!
May 11 - May 19, 2024 -- West Virginia Strawberry Festival Buckhannon - Enjoy the big parade and carnival rides, browse the Strawberry Gift Shop, the Arts & Craft Show at WV Wesleyan College, and feast on strawberry treats.
May 24 - May 26, 2024 -- Vandalia Gathering Charleston - Listen to the finest pickin', fiddlin' and strummin' at this annual music fest including food vendors, arts & crafts booths, and old-timey activities for the young'uns.
June 7 - June 16, 2024 -- FestivALL Charleston - Downtown is the scene for cooking demonstrations, stage productions, music concerts, a kids' art show, and lots more in a rousing kickoff to summer.
Through July 2024 -- Augusta Heritage Festival Elkins - The Augusta Heritage Center puts on its annual culture fest including the blues, Cajun and bluegrass music, dance performances, traditional crafts and more.
July 30 - August 3, 2024 -- Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festval Parsons - Love bluegrass? Get your fill with eight days of concerts by top musicians.
August 8 - August 17, 2024 -- State Fair of West Virginia Fairlea - There are A-list performers in the music concert lineup plus carnival rides, all your favorite deep-fried everything, along with farm animal exhibits and lots, lots more.
August 8 - August 10, 2024 -- Heritage Music Blues Fest Wheeling - Head to the waterfront for this annual celebration of blues singers and bands on two stages.
August 30 - September 1, 2024 -- West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival Clarksburg - Everybody's Italian at this Labor Dzy weekend bash featuring delicious food, music concerts, kids' activities and the big parade.
Once you've seen all the obvious and popular West Virginia destinations, off-road attractions await at every turn throughout the state.
Take Blackwater Falls State Park, for instance. If you want to avoid the seasonal tourist crowds, this beautiful stretch in the Allegheny Mountains near David, WV opens up a whole other private vista (with no cell phone service for those on working vacations). There is the impressive Blackwater Falls, of course, but also don't miss Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook for more great photo ops.
While state parks have all the usual amenities like bathrooms and restaurants, you'll really be roughing it with 30-minute hike up to the remote Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, sitting high atop Peters Mountain near Waiteville. If you're traveling from August-November you'll almost be eye-level with raptors of all descriptions including hawks, eagles, falcons, and osprey who are swooping by on their annual migration. But at other times of year it's still well worth the hike just for the incredible views.
See the West Virginia underground with stalactites and stalagmites of the Lost World Caverns.
For a change of pace from the West Virginia's heights, take the plunge down below the surface to the Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg. Here you can go on a 45-minute self-guided tour through a magic wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. or book the Wild Tour to discover undeveloped parts of the cavern. Either way, the cave stays at a constant 52 degrees throughout the year for a literally very 'cool' experience. Pack a jacket.
Finally, if you're staying in or around historic Weston, WV don't miss a side trip to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (AKA the Weston State Hospital). The 160-year-old institution has some macabre stories to tell with both historic and special paranormal ghost tours available ..; if you dare. And if you;ve forgotten to buy souvenirs this trip don't miss the gift shop!
More about West Virginia travel & tourism around the Web:
West Virginia Tourism - Check out a complete guide including hotels, lodging & restaurants, information on
outdoor recreation, art & culture, plus West Virginia facts & trivia,
photo gallery, maps & driving tours.
West
Virginia Attractions. Roadside America - Discover offbeat attractions throughout
the state including looks at the West Virginia State Penitentiary tour, the world's
largest teapot, and more weird & wonderful West Virginia.