West Virginia, known as Almost Heaven, offers breathtaking landscapes perfect for family photo sessions year-round. From majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls to charming towns and serene lakes, these iconic locations create timeless backdrops for cherished family memories. Blackwater Falls State Park Blackwater Falls State Park is a premier destination for family photography, renowned for its scenic beauty and dramatic 57-foot waterfall with amber-tinted waters. Head to one of the accessi

Celebrate Thanksgiving in West Virginia surrounded by family, natural beauty, and unique adventures. From hiking to waterfalls and cooking in cozy cabins to hunting and historic explorations, create cherished memories with these expert-recommended activities: State Parks Experience Thanksgiving at a West Virginia State Park, where cozy cabins provide the perfect family retreat. Blackwater Falls State Park offers 26 year-round cabins, each equipped with a full kitchen ideal for holiday meals. Don

Thanksgiving evokes classic comforts like mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy. For a distinctive holiday feast, enhance your turkey and stuffing with timeless Appalachian flavors. Gather your family this Thanksgiving for trusted traditional recipes from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Squash Doughnuts Elevate your desserts with these unique squash doughnuts. Ingredients 2 tablespoons shortening 2 cups sugar ½ cup cooked mashed squash ½ cup sour milk ¾ cup flour ½ teaspoon soda

As autumn leaves burst into color and cooler breezes arrive, West Virginia—known as Almost Heaven—offers idyllic settings for a unforgettable proposal. Discover these five romantic fall hotspots: Oglebay Resort Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling provides a breathtaking mountain backdrop for your fall engagement. The resorts lush Bissonnette Gardens offer a serene escape filled with vibrant mums through late October. Celebrate in cozy cottages, explore diverse dining, and relax at T

Experience the warmth of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holidays in between in a charming West Virginia cabin, surrounded by loved ones. Discover these five inviting retreats in Almost Heaven, blending comfort, scenic beauty, and family-friendly adventures: Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins Nestled just miles from the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area along a private trophy trout stream, Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins offer an ideal holiday escape for outdoor-loving families. Whip up festive meals in the

Introduce a fresh twist to your familys Thanksgiving gathering. Delight guests with hearty, authentic Appalachian-inspired dishes from West Virginia, known as Almost Heaven. Sides In West Virginia, sausage gravy pairs perfectly with buttery biscuits. Elevate your Thanksgiving dressing with this comforting classic—it enhances any dish. Swap traditional dinner rolls for sweet cornbread. Enjoy it with soup beans, gravy, butter, or plain—its rich flavor shines in every bite. Infuse classic stuffing

Family, food, and fun define Thanksgiving. Elevate your feast with fresh ingredients from local farmers in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Our abundant farms and markets deliver authentic fall flavors for a memorable holiday. Discover these trusted local farms and markets to create a genuine farm-to-table Thanksgiving: Orr’s Farm Market In Martinsburg, Orr’s Farm Market stocks all your Thanksgiving essentials. Order fresh turkeys and pies in classic flavors like pumpkin, pecan, and apple. For home

Scenic overlooks, vibrant gardens, and serene waterfalls make West Virginia—known as Almost Heaven—an ideal destination for weddings and proposals. From mountaintop ceremonies with breathtaking vistas to romantic spots amid blooming flowers, find your perfect location in the Mountain State. Snowshoe Mountain Resort For unparalleled panoramic views, Snowshoe Mountain Resort stands out. Perched nearly a mile high in the Allegheny Mountains, it offers year-round vistas of the surrounding valleys. T

Twinkling lights, cozy blankets, and cherished loved ones create the perfect holiday magic. Embrace the crisp winter air in Almost Heaven, West Virginia, and immerse yourself in enchanting holiday festivities. Bundle up with hot cocoa, gather your friends and family, and experience these unforgettable drive-through lights festivals across the state. Winter Festival of Lights Oglebay Resort, November 7 – January 5 Recognized as one of the nations premier light displays, the Winter Festival of Lig

As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect Christmas tree is a beloved tradition for families. West Virginia is dotted with exceptional choose-and-cut tree farms offering a wide selection of fresh trees statewide. 1. Bluestone Nursery Bluestone Nursery, located in southern West Virginia, features a premier choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm. Families have created lasting traditions here for years, selecting from a diverse range of Spruce, Fir, Pine varieties, and even wreaths at affo

West Virginia, affectionately known as Almost Heaven, features some of the nations most treasured historic homes that open for captivating holiday tours each season. Step back in time to savor the enchantment of holidays amid grand architecture, festive decorations, and rich storytelling. Note: These popular annual events typically occur in December; always check official websites for the latest dates and details. 1. Bramwell Christmas Tour of Homes Annual mid-December event Step into Bramwell,

College football season is in full swing across West Virginias Mountain State. Whether youre cheering for the Mountaineers, the Thundering Herd—or both—game day here is electric. Make it unforgettable by transforming your visit into a full weekend of adventure and exploration. Morgantown After savoring pepperoni rolls, chanting “Let’s go Mountaineers,” exchanging high-fives, and belting out John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” keep the excitement going in Mountaineer Country. Head east t

Matt Welsch, a Wheeling native and owner of The Vagabond Kitchen, brings a deep passion for community to his cooking. He sources ingredients locally to create standout dishes. His distinctive style caught the eye of Food Network producers, leading to his appearance on Guy’s Grocery Games, hosted by Guy Fieri. In this grocery store-set competition, four chefs vie for a $20,000 prize through creative challenges. Welsch triumphed over his competitors with his macaroni & cheese and won the shopp

Celebrate the holiday season in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. This December, the Mountain State comes alive with unique festive events designed to get you outdoors, exploring, and making lasting winter memories. Plan ahead with our guide to these unmissable December attractions and festivals. North Pole Express December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13-22, Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad Experience holiday magic aboard the North Pole Express at Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. This enchanting train excursion travels

Discover iconic landmarks, soulful Appalachian music, and flavorful local cuisine in the New River/Greenbrier Valley. While endless experiences await, a 48-hour weekend getaway provides the perfect introduction to this West Virginia gem. Day 1 Start your journey in charming Fayetteville, just minutes from the legendary New River Gorge Bridge. This adventure hub offers endless hiking trails, world-class whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and vibrant locally owned eateries. Book t

This winter, craft the perfect getaway for friends or family in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Envision cozy evenings by the fire, sipping hot cocoa after thrilling winter adventures. Create lasting memories in this enchanting season. Blackwater Falls State Park Elevate your winter escape at Blackwater Falls State Park cabins, featuring inviting fireplaces and all essentials for comfort. Conveniently near the lodge, sled run, and stunning Blackwater Falls, the park offers an exhilarating sled run

The last Saturday in November is the perfect time to support small businesses. From specialty gifts to artisan crafts, West Virginias local shops have everything you need for holiday shopping. Discover these charming towns and buy local this Small Business Saturday: Lewisburg Explore Lewisburg, featuring a picturesque main street lined with inviting storefronts. This quaint town boasts boutique shops, delectable restaurants, and historic buildings. Pick up clothing, jewelry, and artisan goods at

West Virginia blanketed in fresh snow embodies the essence of Almost Heaven. These premier destinations offer breathtaking winter scenery, ideal for capturing unforgettable photos and creating cherished memories. 1. New River Gorge The New River Gorge delivers exceptional winter vistas from key overlooks at Canyon Rim Visitor Center, Hawks Nest State Park, Sandstone Falls, and Grandview. Explore dozens of miles of hiking trails for panoramic views. The 3-mile round-trip Long Point Trail culminat

Whether youre a seasoned skier or snowboarder or a complete beginner, West Virginias Almost Heaven delivers unforgettable winter sports experiences. This season, refine your technique or discover skiing and snowboarding for the first time at these world-class mountain resorts. Snowshoe Mountain Resort Snowshoe Mountain Resort, with its three distinct areas, is a premier destination for snow sports enthusiasts. The Snowshoe Basin Area boasts 41 trails serviced by seven lifts, offering diverse te

As the new year dawns, its the perfect time to set inspiring travel goals. These seven West Virginia-focused resolutions will help you embrace the Mountain States natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor thrills—making 2024 your most memorable year yet. 1. Explore All Nine Travel Regions West Virginia boasts nine distinct travel regions, each offering unique landscapes, cultural heritage, and history. From rolling farmlands to dramatic gorges, connect them via scenic country roads for authentic