DISCOVER WEST VIRGINIA - West Virginia Department of Commerce

Something for Everyone
There is no better way to learn about West Virginia than
to get out and travel.
This special issue of Wonderful West Virginia magazine offers themed itineraries – some for
those traveling with kids and others for people whose tastes range from high adventure
to high art. Whether you want to enjoy one of our state’s historic main street shopping
districts, savor the local foods or check out unique science and energy museums, this issue
has something for everyone.
Visitors from near and far have taken notice of the flourishing opportunities in
West Virginia. Recently, Budget Travel called Lewisburg America’s Coolest Small Town.
Morgantown is on Forbes’ list for the Best Small Places for Business and Careers.
Located within 500 miles of half of the U.S. population and a third of Canada’s, the
Mountain State offers diverse cultural experiences and world-class outdoor recreation
activities that are both accessible and affordable. Travelers spend about $12 million dollars
each day, supporting 44,000 jobs in our state’s thriving service and hospitality sectors –
providing new entrepreneurial opportunities in a place that’s green and growing.
So, join us for a weekend or a lifetime. Discover West Virginia.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin
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Wonderful West Virginia (USPS–415-660; ISSN 0030-7157) is published monthly by the State of
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, 324 Fourth Ave., South Charleston, WV 25303-1228. Periodical postage paid at Charleston, WV.
Postmaster: Send changes to Wonderful West Virginia, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305-0669.
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editorial correspondence to the editor. Viewpoints of our authors do not necessarily reflect those of the Division. Copyright 2008 by State of West
Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Although reasonable care is taken, the editor and the Division of Natural Resources assume no responsibility
for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. It is the policy of the Division of Natural Resources to provide its facilities, accommodations, services,
and programs to all persons without regard to sex, race, color, age, religion, national origin, or handicap. Proper licenses/registration and compliance
with official rules and regulations are the only source of restrictions for facility use or program participation. The Division of Natural Resources is an
equal opportunity employer. Discrimination complaints should be directed to: Director, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Capitol Complex,
Charleston, WV 25305-0669. Wonderful West Virginia is a copyrighted publication and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part without the
express written consent of the editor.
To subscribe call 1.800.CALL WVA or visit www.wonderfulwv.com
Earl Ray Tomblin
Governor, State of West Virginia
Keith Burdette
Secretary, Dept. of Commerce
Frank Jezioro
Director, Division of Natural Resources
Emily J. Fleming
Assistant to the Director / Legislative Liaison
Wonderful West Virginia Administrative Staff
Harry F. Price, Publisher
Michael Bryant, Business Manager
Donna Flowers, Circulation
Commissioners
Jeffrey S. Bowers, Sugar Grove
Byron K. Chambers, Romney
Peter L. Cuffaro, Wheeling
Thomas O. Dotson, White Sulphur Springs
David M. Milne, Bruceton Mills
David F. Truban, Morgantown
Kenneth R. Wilson, Chapmanville
Section Chiefs
Harry F. Price, Administration
Curtis I. Taylor, Wildlife Resources
David E. Murphy, Law Enforcement
Kenneth Caplinger, Parks and Recreation
Joe T. Scarberry, Supervisor, Office of Land and Streams
Printed By
Chapman Printing Company
Charleston, Huntington, and Parkersburg, West Virginia
Editor: Kim Harbour
Design: Johanna Ellis – Lead Designer
Rob Russo
Project Management: Kim McHenry
Photography: Steve Shaluta, Jr. and
Ron Snow (unless noted)
Writers: Andrea Bond, Leslie Fitzwater,
Hoy Murphy, Courtney Sisk and
Catherine Zacchi
ABOUT THIS ISSUE: This special issue was
produced by the West Virginia Department
of Commerce. For more information:
West Virginia Department of Commerce
Marketing and Communications
90 MacCorkle Ave., SW
South Charleston, WV 25303
(304) 558-2003 • CommerceContactUs@wv.gov
Director: Kim Harbour
Administration: Rita Kee, Mona Dugas and
Hallie Sampson
Marketing: Kim McHenry, Lee Chatman
Mel Hobbs, Julie McKowen
Rob Russo, Steve Shaluta, Jr.,
and Ron Snow
Design: Johanna Ellis, Jessica Keaton,
Andrew Stout, and Barry Wooldridge
Media: Andrea Bond, Leslie Fitzwater,
Hoy Murphy, Courtney Sisk, and
Catherine Zacchi
Intern: Scott Kinard
Discover
West Virginia
Unexpected Itineraries of the Mountain State
2 High Adventure for Beginners by Hoy Murphy
Never climbed a rock wall or shot a clay pigeon or rode a zip line before?
No problem! In West Virginia there are places that help you enjoy high
adventure, even if you have low experience.
8 Main Street Attractions by Leslie Fitzwater
Family fun on your agenda? Look no further than one of West Virginia’s
Main Street communities. The hardest part of planning a Main Street
getaway is deciding which town to visit first.
14 American Civil War 150th Anniversary Tour by Courtney Sisk
It’s been 150 years since the start of the Civil War, the conflict from which
West Virginia was born. History comes alive at battlefields and historic sites
during special events to mark the sesquicentennial.
16 Power Trips: Mountain State Energy Tour by Catherine Zacchi
Take a tour of West Virginia’s power timeline, from production industries
of the past, to generation and conservation today, to advanced technologies
of tomorrow.
22 Art Sparks by Andrea B. Bond
Experience the wonderful in “wild and wonderful” when you explore
West Virginia’s wide array of art galleries and theaters, keeping your family
engaged and entertained all year long.
28 High-Tech Family Fun Tour by Courtney Sisk
Spark a love of science in the whole family with a trip around West Virginia
that’s both entertaining and educational.
34 Easy Being Green in West Virginia by Kim Harbour
Dreaming of someplace that’s green? Whether you want to start your own
eco-friendly business or visit one, West Virginia is the place for you.
Contents Page, clockwise from top left: Via feratta climbers, Circleville by Ron Snow, Wine cellar at Forks of Cheat Winery, Morgantown by Ron Snow, NASA
Independent Verification & Validation Facility, Fairmont by Ron Snow, Berta from The Cider Mill House, Hedgesville by Steve Shaluta Front cover: Cable-suspension
bridge between two vertical outcroppings of Tuscarora sandstone at Nelson Rocks, Circleville by Ron Snow Front cover, inset photos: Children at Clay Center,
Charleston by Ron Snow Shopping in Morgantown by Alex Wilson Back cover: Forks of Cheat Winery, Morgantown by Ron Snow
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