Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Spend a cozy winter retreat at WV state park lodge, where you can enjoy everything from snow sports to spa sessions…discover history, outdoor recreation and more in Harpers Ferry…and learn how WV’s geology destined it to be a leading manufacturer of glass…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – Plan a winter stay at a West Virginia State Park Lodge. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures in the snow or a peaceful retreat by a crackling fire, our lodges offer the perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. 

For a thrilling winter adventure, head to Chief Logan State Park, where you can ride an ATV through snow-covered trails. 

There’s something magical about winter in Canaan Valley, and the lodge is the perfect base to experience it all, from skiing and snowboarding to snow tubing and even ice skating.

Prefer to stay indoors and relax? The Healing Water Spa at Cacapon Resort State Park is the perfect place to decompress. 

Head over to wvstateparks.com to read about all the winter adventures you can experience at our lodge parks and book your stay in Almost Heaven.

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/embrace-winter-at-west-virginia-state-park-lodges/

#2 – From THRILLIST – Exactly halfway down the nearly 3,000-mile Appalachian Trail, trekkers will come across the idyllic town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. But this picturesque village is way more than simply a rest stop when passing through along the route from Maine to Georgia.

Harpers Ferry takes travelers centuries back in time to experience an area rich in early American history. As home to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, this storied town offers seemingly endless on-site lessons in pre-Civil War and Civil War era history, plus soaring views of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and surrounding forests.

Add on biking and paddling opportunities, and you’ve got a small town that’s ready for an adventurous weekend getaway. So here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Harpers Ferry.

Read more:

https://www.thrillist.com/travel/washington-dc/things-to-do-harpers-ferry-west-virginia

#3 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – Amid West Virginia’s natural beauty are various Oriskany sandstone outcroppings that do more than decorate the landscape. The stone breaks into sand perfect for making glass, and within it is the natural gas needed to melt it. No other industry found such a serendipitous location as glass found in the Mountain State.

Tune in to The History Project to learn more about how West Virginia’s geology destined it to be a leading manufacturer of glass.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7bKBzK281E

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.

Christmas at the Fair returns to the State Fairgrounds, showcasing the sights and sounds of the holidays…Plum Orchard Lake gets some major upgrades…and The History Project details the time when West Virginia had four governors at once…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV DAILY NEWS – Christmas at the Fair returns on Dec. 5 for the fifth season at the State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg. 

This year, Christmas at the Fair will once again allow patrons to drive through and, on special nights, walk the property while enjoying the sights and sounds of the holidays. There is no cost, but monetary donations are accepted.

The event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, as well as Monday, Dec. 23 and Tuesday, Dec. 24.

GH Concessions will again have hot chocolate, coffee, funnel cakes, and deep-fried Oreos available for purchase.

Read more:

https://wvdn.com/148831/

#2 – From WVNS-TV – Thanks to the efforts of the local community, Plum Orchard Lake is a little closer to its former glory today than it was just a few months ago.

Responding to requests from the community, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources made some upgrades to the lake and wildlife management area in Fayette County.

Mark Scott, assistant chief of fish management for WVDNR Wildlife Resources, detailed some of the improvements made.

Updates include the purchase of three new floating docks, resurfacing the fishing pier, repaving sections of the road and adding a new roof on the firing range. A part-time hire also has been brought on to help maintain the area.

Plum Orchard Lake is one of the top producers of trophy-sized largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish in West Virginia. 

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/local-news/plum-orchard-lake-gets-needed-updates/

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – Think there's too much government? As complex as politics get in West Virginia, there was a time in the late 1800s when the Mountain State had four governors at one time.

During that strange election year, 1888, two gubernatorial candidates pulled in a like number of votes. Nathan Goff, Jr., appeared to be the winner, though Aretas Brooks Fleming contested the vote, and both took the oath of office.

Then, former governor Emmanuel Willis Wilson declined to vacate the office until the matter was settled. At the same time, Senate President Robert Carr came forth with the valid claim that the state constitution required the president to fill any gubernatorial vacancy. The matter wasn’t sorted out for two confusing years.

Check out the story in WV Explorer to find out which one was finally sworn in as the eighth governor of West Virginia!

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/11/18/the-time-west-virginia-had-four-governors/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

From cat’s eyes to NASA, Marble King’s influence runs deep…ski season is almost here! Check out the opening dates for your favorite ski resorts…and recover from the winter doldrums with a rejuvenating spa visit…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV COMMERCE – Marble King proudly calls West Virginia home, citing the strategic location and the hardworking people as key factors in their success. The company's deep roots in West Virginia have allowed it to thrive and continue its legacy of excellence.

Watch the video discover the legacy of Marble King and learn why the Paden City company says #YesWV.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=5KErW6eRjRK63UK0&v=_Py57rZbyQM&feature=youtu.be

#2 – From WV NEWS – Ski season in West Virginia is fast approaching, and enthusiasts can look forward to hitting the slopes earlier than usual for the 2024-25 season. While the opening dates can be affected by weather conditions, here’s what to expect for ski resorts across the state.

Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County is renowned for being among the highest and coldest spots in West Virginia, consistently leading the season’s openings. This year the resort’s ski season is slated to open Nov. 27 -- just in time for Thanksgiving.

Check out the link at wvnews.com for details on the opening dates for Timberline Mountain, Canaan Valley Resort, Winterplace Ski Resort and White Grass Ski Touring Center. 

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/2024-25-ski-season-opening-dates-for-west-virginias-top-ski-resorts/article_776a642a-a1d9-11ef-ab7d-e3c75a5f3fa3.html

#3 – From WV TOURISM -- Rejuvenation of both the body and soul is a guarantee when you vacation amid the rolling hills of West Virginia. From exfoliations to hot stone massages, the serenity is plentiful in Almost Heaven. Check out these one-of-a-kind spas at the heart of infamous mountain resorts for luxurious pampering like you have never experienced before.

From The Resort at Glade Springs to Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in a pampering session in Almost Heaven.

Watch now:

https://wvtourism.com/5-must-visit-spas-for-your-next-resort-stay-in-almost-heaven/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.

The West Virginia identity tech hub drives local innovation…learn about the diverse array of employment opportunities in #YesWV…and WVU’s School of Dentistry launches a major expansion…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV BUSINESSLINK –  West Virginia is undergoing a remarkable shift toward innovation and technological advancement, with local entrepreneurs at the forefront of driving economic growth. 

The West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub plays a pivotal role in this transformation, focusing on how digital identity technologies can support and empower local businesses. By connecting with the broader West Virginia entrepreneurship ecosystem, WVDITH fosters collaboration, innovation, and the growth of homegrown businesses across the state.

Learn more about how WVDITH strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem through access to digital tools and resources, partnerships with local incubators and accelerators, and more.

Read more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2024/10/31/supporting-local-entrepreneurs-and-businesses-how-the-west-virginia-digital-identity-tech-hub-wvdith-is-empowering-local-innovation/

#2 – From WV COMMERCE – West Virginia offers employment opportunities in several growing industries throughout the state. 

One of those industries is the professional, scientific and technical services sector, which comprises establishments that specialize in performing professional, scientific and technical activities for others. 

Peyton Ballard is a former West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services consumer who works in the field as a manager of entrepreneurship. Watch the video as he discusses employment opportunities in #YesWV.

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v35Ph9l4qv0

#3 – From WV PRESS – Construction is set to start in the new year on an extensive West Virginia University School of Dentistry expansion and renovation project being supported, in part, by a $12.6 million award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

The multiphase project encompasses approximately 50,000 square feet in the Health Sciences Center on the Morgantown Campus.

The first phase will focus on modernizing and integrating the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics clinics, Faculty Group Practice and Dr. W. Robert Biddington Center for Dental Innovation back into the Health Sciences Center from their current location at Suncrest Towne Centre. Phase two will focus on areas that include a surgical suite, specialty clinics and administrative and academic offices.

The state’s only dental school, WVU offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery, a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and advanced education programs that help address workforce shortages in West Virginia and across the country. 

Read more:

https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/wvu-awarded-12-6m-for-renovations-to-enhance-dental-education-patient-care-in-west-virginia/?utm_source=newsletter

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we get all the details on one of the best live concerts the region offers - the Mountain State Music Showcase. The event is set for Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street. 

Justin Puett talks about the amazing lineup of live, local talent and why supporting the local music scene is so important. 

This year you’ll get to listen to original works by Woodbine, Nathan Bess, Annie Neeley, Makenna Hope, and Dalchord. Doors open at 6:30 and it’s open to the public (donations are kindly accepted). 

For more information start here: https://www.folkloremusicexchange.com/

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.

Advantage Valley welcomes new board members and expands economic development efforts…WV Tourism adds two more Almost Heaven swings for scenic photo opportunities…and can you guess WV’s oldest restaurant? Hint…it’s in Parkersburg…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – Advantage Valley, Inc. has announced the appointment of nine new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a wealth of expertise and commitment to the region’s continued growth. 

In addition to expanding its board, Advantage Valley has appointed Sam Lever as the new Expanding Markets Coordinator. 

The Expanding Markets program, recently boosted by a $1.6 million POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), is a three-year effort to diversify and strengthen manufacturing and business services in the region. The program’s goals are to support 225 businesses, foster 200 new jobs, and attract $25 million in new investments by increasing market reach and bolstering local supply chains.

Read more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2024/11/15/advantage-valley-inc-welcomes-new-board-members-and-expands-economic-development-efforts-with-new-hire/

#2 – From REGISTER-HERALD – The West Virginia Department of Tourism has added two new Almost Heaven swings to the Mountain State, one at the Resort at Glade Springs and the other at Mason-Dixon Historical Park.

The Resort at Glade Springs is a family-friendly oasis in Raleigh County offering championship golfing, spa services, on-site dining, outdoor adventures and more.

Mason-Dixon Historical Park is located in Monongalia County on the border of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

This brings the total number of photo-ops to 31 that can be found throughout each of the state’s nine travel regions. Travelers are encouraged to share their swing photos on social media using #AlmostHeaven. 

Visit wvtourism.com for more information and locations of the swings. 

Read more:

https://www.register-herald.com/news/life/two-new-almost-heaven-swings-tucked-within-west-virginia-s-scenic-landscape/article_e6479900-a36c-11ef-9ddb-97df538093e1.html

#3 – From CONNECT-BRIDGEPORT – Whether you're after homey Italian joints that still make pasta like nonna, old-school taverns that have served beer and bites for a century, or saloon-style restaurants with plenty of Old West spirit, America has its fair share of historic places to eat. 

The folks at Lovefood.com have rounded up the oldest restaurant in each state that still serves great food today.

In West Virginia, the North End Tavern can trace its roots back to 1899 when it was established as a little neighborhood pub. Since then, the Parkersburg eatery has become a local favorite restaurant and brewery with a solid fuss-free menu including a selection of well-made appetizers and sandwiches. Try the signature burger or plump for German-inspired sandwiches, such as fried bologna and smoked liverwurst. 

Read more:

https://www.connect-bridgeport.com/connect.cfm?func=view§ion=News&item=Web-Site-Lists-West-Virginias-Oldest-Restaurant-and-its-Going-Strong-Just-a-Quick-Trip-on-Route-50-West57413

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.

Winterplace ski resort announces major upgrades coming soon…Clarksburg food truck serves up “Delish-US” Italian food…and Marshall County students learn valuable career and technical education skills…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL –  The ski lifts — and much more beneath them on Flat Top Mountain in Ghent — are in the process of undergoing massive face lifts at a popular outdoor state destination.

In late October, Winterplace Ski Resort officials announced a two-year, multimillion-dollar capital investment plan prior to the start of the 2024-2025 ski season this winter.

Prime projects include upgrades to Winterplace’s snowmaking system, slope lighting, HVAC improvements in the Resort Center, and the installation of new LED lights.

The resort has already added 50 more slope lights, with 200 more coming next summer.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/dailymailwv/daily_mail_features/winterplace-announces-multimillion-dollar-capital-investment/article_a323a2c8-96f5-11ef-a5e6-0370a7ee01eb.html

#2 – From WBOY-TV – The wheels on the Delish-US WV Food Truck started going round and round in April of this year, and over the past seven months, its crew has attended festivals and events across north central West Virginia to serve some delicious goodness.

Most of the menu is inspired by Owner and Chef Robert Tiano’s Italian-American background, with crowd favorites like pastas and panini. With the winter months almost upon us, Tiano said that the truck will begin serving soups. 

The Delish-US Food Truck is open six days a week. For locations and menus, check out their Facebook page.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/local/restaurant-road-trip/restaurant-road-trip-delish-us-wv/

#3 – From MSN – The Department of Economic Development and WVU Industrial Extension teamed up recently to teach Marshall County students vital skills in Career and Technical Education. 

During the CTE workshop, John Marshall and Cameron High School students learned about leadership, problem solving and process improvement – skills that go beyond the classroom and can be used in any field.

Through workplace simulations and team exercises, students learned how to be industry ready and prepared to tackle any challenge that comes their way. 

Manager of continuous improvement Randy Kowalczyk says it was exciting to work with such engaged students and provide them with a toolbox for success.

Read more:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/west-virginia-students-learn-cte-skills-that-go-beyond-the-classroom/ar-AA1u6sAG?ocid=BingNewsVerp

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.

Java lovers, get your caffeine on: download an app to the Mountaineer Coffee Trail, check in to coffee shops, and earn a prize…congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition…and with archery season here and buck firearm season coming up, the WVDNR reminds hunters to be safe…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From VISIT MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY – Are you a coffee or tea enthusiast looking for a unique adventure? Do you love supporting local businesses and exploring new communities? Then we have an exciting initiative just for you! The Mountaineer Country Coffee Trail is a curated list of cafés, coffee houses, and tea rooms across Mountaineer Country, each offering its own blend of flavors and experiences.

All you have to do is download the app on the website or search for “Visit Mountaineer Country” in the App Store of Google Play, then check in to coffee shops on the trail. Once you visit 10 or more, you can win an exclusive tester bag of Coopers Rock Coffee Blend from Portland Coffee!

Use #MountaineerCoffeeTrail and tag @VisitMountaineerCountry on social media to share your adventures. 

Learn more:

https://www.visitmountaineercountry.com/mountaineer-country-coffee-trail/

#2 – From WV PRESS – Leaders of the West Virginia Hive have announced the winning entrepreneurs who presented their business strategies at the 2024 Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition earlier this month. 

Entrepreneurs from across the region showcased their innovative business strategies, vying for more than $5,000 in prize winnings to support their ventures.

The first-place winner is Derek Miller for Waymaker’s Meadows (Monroe County). Second-place went to Keatley Michael for ParTee Rentals (WVU Tech/Raleigh County).

The WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. Visit wvhive.com to view the complete list of winners.

Read more:

https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/entrepreneurs-shine-at-2024-pitch-southern-west-virginia-business-idea-competition/?utm_source=newsletter

#3 – From WTOV9 -- Archery season is here, and buck firearm season is right around the corner, with many hunters heading to the woods and into tree stands. 

Captain Warren Goodson of the West Virginia DNR Law Enforcement teaches hunting education courses across the state and has some helpful tips.

“Wear a full restraint system while you’re up there in the woods, don’t walk around with that not there, and be careful how you load and unload that crossbow that you’re carrying, Goodson said.

West Virginia’s buck firearm season starts on November 25th and is considered the most popular time to hunt in the state. Hunters are reminded to wear blaze orange, practice firearm safety, and follow all hunting regulations.

Read more:

https://wtov9.com/news/local/west-virginia-hunters-gear-up-for-hunting-season-with-safety-tips-from-dnr#

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.

West Virginia boasts its fair share of talent, and that includes musicians--check out some talented artists that hail from the Mountain State…Breeze Airways launches a nonstop flight from Charleston to New York City…and in Native America history, did you know the Kanawha Valley once had the highest concentration of burial mounds in North America?…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – Nothing soothes the soul quite like mountain music, and in West Virginia, there is plenty of just that.

Whether you’re into traditional country music or looking for unique covers with tons of Appalachian energy, you are sure to find a catchy tune from a West Virginia musician.

Renowned country music star Brad Paisley doesn’t hesitate to pour his Mountain State heritage into his music. Paisley grew up in Glen Dale in the Northern Panhandle. 

Contemporary Christian artist Michael W. Smith grew up in the small Wayne County town of Kenova. 

Head over to wvtourism.com to learn more about West Virginia’s talented musicians.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/these-music-stars-are-local-legends-in-west-virginia/

#2 – From WV PRESS – Traveling to the Big Apple just got easier for West Virginians in the Charleston area. Breeze Airways has launched nonstop service from West Virginia’s Capital City to New York-Newark, New Jersey, with fares starting from $49* one way. 

This marks the newest destination served by West Virginia International Yeager Airport, along with Myrtle Beach, SC, and Tampa and Orlando, FL.

Yeager CEO and Airport Director Dominique Ranieri said the NYC route fosters new opportunities for tourism and business growth in the region.

Learn more about Breeze’s flight offerings via its website or app.

Read more:

https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/west-virginia-celebrates-inaugural-breeze-airways-new-york-newark-flight/

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – The Kanawha Valley in western West Virginia once had the highest concentration of burial mounds in North America, though most were destroyed.

According to archaeologist Darla Spencer, author of Woodland Mounds of West Virginia, more than 400 mounds have been recorded in West Virginia, and their presence was once so extensive that explorers couldn't believe they were of Native American origin.

Scholars long ago proved that indigenous peoples had raised the mounds. Today you can still find ancient mounds in South Charleston and Dunbar in the Kanawha Valley.

A professor of Native American studies at West Virginia University, Spencer examined the Grave Creek Mound in Moundsville, and 16 other mounds and mound groups of mounds in West Virginia in her book.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/11/14/kanawha-valley-once-had-highest-concentration-of-burial-mounds/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGi9CNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfDGw_xp08mLrhWOclC5_rarOBI34yH9qTqYJd-OWmrAAuiViVI0XH9n-Q_aem_WYR1n8ZVOmTfFeNKCWL3_g

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.

Discover why more companies are saying #YesWV to the state’s friendly business climate…and boy, do we have the holiday celebrations for you--in the beautiful mountains of Pocahontas County and at state parks throughout Almost Heaven--with Christmas trains, Thanksgiving buffets and more…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From POCAHONTAS COUNTY – It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Spend the holiday season in the scenic mountains of Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The event calendar is packed with merriment, from annual parades to family-friendly gatherings. 

Some can’t-miss seasonal events in Pocahontas County include a Christmas train at Cass Scenic Railroad, a drive-through holiday lights show at Boyer Station Campground and a Village Christmas Celebration at Snowshoe Mountain. 

Check out the calendar for more festive events and get ready to celebrate!

Read more:

https://pocahontascountywv.com/8-holiday-events-to-enjoy-in-pocahontas-county/

#2 – From WV DED – Many smart companies, whether they are starting or expanding their operations, are already benefiting from the opportunities found in West Virginia. Global leaders such as Clorox, Toyota, NGK Spark Plugs, Procter & Gamble, Infor, and Northrop Grumman choose West Virginia for their facilities. Additionally, a multitude of companies chose to expand their operations here.

Affordability, prime location, quality of life, world-class workforce, workforce training and more -- those are just some of the reasons why West Virginia’s pro-business climate gives your business the advantage and opportunity needed for success.

You can join the ranks of other great companies who call West Virginia home. Connect with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development today!

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/advantage-west-virginia/

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – Looking for that perfect seasonal getaway? West Virginia State Parks offer a variety of holiday traditions that showcase the best of the season. From festive meals and cozy gatherings to special events for the whole family, the state’s beautiful parks provide a perfect setting for celebrating. 

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a holiday getaway or simply take part in a unique local tradition, these events across our parks are sure to make your season brighter. Check the events calendar to find fun and festive events like Thanksgiving buffets, a cookie bakeoff and holiday market, Breakfast with Santa, drive-through holiday light shows and more.

Planning to stay for a bit? Visit wvstateparks.com to book your cozy cabin or lodge room!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/add-these-festive-west-virginia-state-parks-adventures-to-your-holiday-bucket-list/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.