With spectacular mountain vistas, idyllic lakes and verdant forests, it’s no wonder John Denver immortalized West Virginia in song. Add amazing history from George Washington’s time in Berkeley Springs to Stonewall Jackson’s home in Lewis County, mix with top resorts like The Greenbrier, Stonewall and Snowshoe Mountain, and planners have the perfect melody for an unforgettable meeting.
Resort Areas
In the southeast corner of the state amid the Allegheny Mountains is The Greenbrier Resort, a legendary vacation spot for more than 200 years. With 10 lobbies, 721 guest rooms and more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, The Greenbrier can handle any group in style. In the 20th century, The Greenbrier was the top secret second home for Congress in case of nuclear war, but now the Cold War-era bunker area plays host to James Bond-themed parties for groups. With the recent opening of the new Casino Club area, planners can now reserve the original gaming area for a private casino night. Downtime activities range from learning falconry or off-road driving to some quiet time on the resort’s four championship golf courses.
Greenbrier County also has other venues for small to midsize meetings, including the historic Carnegie Hall, which was built in 1902 and has 6,000 square feet of event space. For large events or trade shows, the State Fair of West Virginia Event Center offers 40,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space.
The area entertains mostly the corporate and association markets, but Greenbrier County has its sights set on other groups as well, according to Rachael Stebbins, director of marketing and communications for the Greenbrier County CVB.
"We have several meeting venues in the county that are perfect for the SMERF markets as well and hope to grow that business," she says.
Next door in Pocahontas County is Snowshoe Mountain, a ski resort also known for more than 100 miles of mountain bike trails. Planners can leave enough time for attendees to squeeze in a snowboard lesson or round of golf in between conference sessions. The resort offers more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 15,400-square-foot Expo Center.
Just north is Tucker County, home to the Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center.
"It’s a gorgeous place to have a meeting," says Bill Smith, director of the Tucker County CVB. "The resort can handle up to 350 for a meeting or 650 for a reception."
The resort is also a prime spot for skiing in the winter. Both Canaan Valley and nearby Blackwater Falls are state parks, which means unspoiled views, beautiful scenery and plenty of hiking trails. Blackwater Falls also offers meeting space.
Near the state’s center is Lewis County. Roanoke’s 208-room Stonewall Resort, set amid verdant rolling hills and along a pretty waterfront, features a spa, full-service marina, golf course and 22,000 square feet of conference space, including a 15,000-square-foot conference area and a 7,000-square-foot Exhibition Center.
Other venues include the historic WVU Jackson’s Mill, where Stonewall Jackson grew up, and Lambert’s Vintage Wines, which features wine tours, tastings and catering.
In the southern region just east of Greenbrier County is Beckley, home of the Resort at Glade Springs. The resort offers two golf courses, 15,000 square feet of meeting space, skiing at nearby Winterplace Ski Resort and themed events for groups, including an Appalachian Mountain party. Area attractions include Tamarack, featuring regional crafts and products plus a 22,000-square-foot conference center.
Charleston
West Virginia’s capital city, located along the Kanawha River, is compact, walkable and filled with diversions, including tours of the West Virginia State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion, West Virginia Cultural Center and West Virginia State Museum.
"We have the Charleston Civic Center directly across the street from the largest mall east of Mississippi, and within a five-block area there are seven hotels and 30 restaurants," says Patty Bradley, director of the Charleston CVB.
Off-site venues range from the Appalachian Power Park baseball park to the Clay Center for Arts and Sciences.
In addition to the Charleston Civic Center, meeting space is also available at the Charleston Marriott Town Center and Embassy Suites Charleston.
Huntington
In the western corner of the state is Huntington, home of Marshall University and a variety of attractions. Bikers will appreciate the motorcycle museum at Charlie’s Harley-Davidson, while history buffs will enjoy Jenkins Plantation and Heritage Station, a renovated railway station that contains a locomotive, shops and a historic bank once robbed by Jesse and Frank James.
Heritage Farm Museum and Village is a unique off-site venue recreating the area’s Appalachian heritage. Marshall University has a variety of meeting spaces and accommodations for groups in campus residence halls during the summer.
Meeting facilities include the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, with more than 80,000 square feet of space, and the Pullman Plaza Hotel.
Morgantown
In Morgantown, history and outdoor adventure mix with a lively college atmosphere from West Virginia University (WVU).
White-water rafting is just minutes from downtown on the Cheat River, and the Rail Trail System is a 55-mile network of walking paths along the river. Downtown Charleston is home to an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, while Forks of Cheat Winery is available for group wine tastings and tours.
Meeting facilities include the new Morgantown Events Center at Waterfront Place, with 30,000 square feet of space; the 14,000-seat WVU Coliseum; the Waterfront Place Hotel; and Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa, featuring more than 25,000 square feet of meeting space, two championship golf courses and views of Cheat Lake and the rolling hills.
Wheeling
Along the banks of the Ohio River is the historic town of Wheeling, home to part of historic U.S. Route 40. Created in the early 1800s, this was the first federally funded highway, and along this road is a bevy of heritage treasures, including 11 historic districts, national landmarks, bridges and architecture. Groups can hold an event at the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum or enjoy high tea at the Eckhart House in Victorian Old Town.
Facilities include the 268-room Oglebay Resort and the 6,000-seat WesBanco Arena.
Eastern Panhandle
The cities of West Virginia’s eastern panhandle boast breathtaking scenery and an intriguing history. From the historic spas of Berkeley Springs (originally named by George Washington) to venues like the Boydville Mansion and Historic McFarland House in Martinsburg, planners can seamlessly weave local heritage and culture into meetings and downtime.
Meeting facilities include The Inn and Spa at Berkeley Springs, the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Shepherdstown and the Woods Resort and Conference Center near Martinsburg.
State Parks
West Virginia is overflowing with natural beauty, and several state parks provide the perfect getaway for small to midsize groups with lodging, meeting space and adventures ranging from golf and tennis, to hiking, horseback riding and boating.
Among the options are Chief Logan State Park near Charleston, Twin Falls Resort State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park near Beckley, Hawks Nest State Park near the New River Gorge, Cacapon Resort State Park at Berkeley Springs, North Bend State Park near Parkersburg and Tygart Lake State Park near Morgantown.
Freelancer Beth Bartlett enjoyed listening to Country Roads while writing this article.
