Explore the birthplace of the state of West Virginia, try out your luck at the Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center, watch West Virginia artisans design creative wonders of glass and chocolate, and live large in West Virginia's great outdoors. Take a rail ride past panoramic mountain views, hike into forested wilderness area or relax at historic museums and cities, to rugged outdoor adventures, your West Virginia tour includes the Oglebay Resort.
Day 1 & 2. Wheeling: (Wheeling CVB, www.wheelingcvb.com)
Wheeling, the birthplace of the state of West Virginia. Visit Independence Hall, built in l859 and noted as the birthplace of West Virginia. During the Civil War, this former Customs House was the site of numerous heated debates that culminated in the formation of West Virginia as the 35th state. The hall today offers special exhibits, programs and a film highlighting West Virginia's legacy.
The Capitol Music Hall, considered to be the jewel in the crown of downtown Wheeling, is home to many forms of entertainment with live country music shows, and Jamboree USA on Saturday night. With top country artists to national Broadway productions, the Capitol Music Hall is a full entertainment complex. From country to comedy, Broadway to rock.
Oglebay Resort, Wheeling's piece de resistance and by far its largest tourist attraction, is a vast complex of resort, zoo, mansion, championship golf courses, arboretum, garden center and 1,500 acres of municipal park. The Good Children's Zoo, also located at Oglebay, is a 65-acre natural habitat for North American animals--see 80 species of animals nestled in 30 acres of woodlands. The zoo also features a 1-1/2 mile train ride by the ostrich exhibit, plus bald eagles, cranes and turtles in the Wetlands exhibit. Rare and endangered species include an ocelot, red wolves, tamarin monkeys and red pandas. Visitors can pet domestic animals at the barn and enjoy hands-on activities in the Discovery Lab. The Benedum Planetarium presents laser and multimedia shows. Also see the state’s largest 0-gauge model train display.
Whatever your favorite outdoor pastime, Cabela’s has the equipment you need to make your next adventure a success. Explore 175,000 square feet of camping, hunting and fishing gear and apparel, all backed by our world-famous 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Cabela’s has something for the entire family including a deer museum, laser shooting gallery and a 55,000 gallon aquarium filled with trophy fish. Enjoy delicious wild game or traditional fare at the Powderhorn Grill Restaurant. Cabela’s is the World’s Foremost Outfitter!
Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center is “The Better Bet” with over 2,400 of the most popular slot machines including Wheel Of Fortune®, 151-room deluxe hotel accommodations, 550-seat showroom featuring live entertainment, meeting rooms, 4 restaurants and the thrill of live greyhound racing. Enjoy upscale dining at its best at The Pointe Restaurant, casual fare overlooking the gaming action at the Breezeway Café, the popular 70-item Islander Buffet, quick American or Italian choices at the Pirates Food Cove, delectable desserts and coffee at Jake’s Coffeehouse or the Terrace Dining Room overlooking live greyhound racing.
Day 3 & 4. Parkersburg: (Parkersburg/Wood County CVB, www.greaterparkersburg.com)
Fenton Art Glass Company. America’s finest handmade glass. Free guided factory tours available weekdays. Under the patient persuasion of master craftsmen using centuries old tools and techniques, world-famous Fenton glassware takes shape amidst a roaring baptism of fire.
Holl’s Swiss Chocolatier. Experience the pleasures of fresh, hand-crafted Swiss chocolates at Holl’s Swiss Chocolatier. Holl’s chocolates are created daily in small batches using only the finest ingredients to ensure quality and freshness. Founder Fritz Holl and his family invite you to experience the tradition of some of the finest hand-crafted chocolate in the world.
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Site of Aaron Burr and Harman Blennerhassett's plot to establish a southwest empire. Features the reconstructed Blennerhassett Mansion, guided tours, snack stand, narrated wagon rides, hiking trails and picnic facilities. Open May-October.
Oil and Gas Museum. Presents the story of the birth and development of the oil and gas industry through videos, pictures, interactive displays and artifacts, including how the accumulation of wealth from the oil industry impacted West Virginia statehood. Also includes expanded local industrial displays.
North Bend Rail Trail. Stretching 72 miles through 13 tunnels, rural countryside and several historic sites with mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, buggy rides and nature walks. Rental bikes available.
North Bend State Park. The 1,400-acre park includes lodge, campground, cabins, restaurant and recreational opportunities such as fishing, tennis, outdoor pool, miniature golf, playground, picnic shelters, hiking and biking trails.