The West Virginia Division of Tourism touts the state as “Wild, Wonderful,” and with good reason.
During the four seasons that grace the Mountain State, locals and visitors alike are thrilled to get outside to experience its natural bounty via engaging pursuits.
Whether it’s a fun team-bonding activity, an alfresco meal or an open-air reception, visiting groups will appreciate time in West Virginia’s great outdoors.
Resort Areas
Groups meeting at While Sulphur Springs’ The Greenbrier have a year-round menu of outdoor teambuilding activities to choose from, including off-road driving, scaling the Alpine Climbing Tower, horseback riding and the ancient sport of falconry.
“Not many can say they have participated in such a unique activity,” says Kristi Godby, media relations manager at Greenbrier County CVB. “The bragging rights alone are reason enough to sign up.”
The Greenbrier also accommodates outdoor dining at Kate’s Mountain Lodge, a rustic venue that Godby says is surrounded by gorgeous views of the Allegheny Mountains.
“It’s perfect for casual group functions,” she says, adding, “the outdoor pool at The Greenbrier, with its expansive views of the Allegheny Mountains and the greens of the Old White TPC golf course, is perfect for a reception or meal.”
And in Lewis County is Stonewall Resort, which offers paddle boating.
“It’s a wonderful teamwork exercise because you can’t move the boat without paddling together and working together,” says Chrissy Richards, executive director at the Lewis County CVB.
Also in Lewis County is Mary Conrad Park, which is situated on the banks of Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park. Here, groups can take a hike and enjoy lunch in a picnic shelter.
Lambert’s Winery, which serves woodfire oven pizza, salads and cheese/pepperoni trays, also offers outdoor seating for group meals.
Charleston
“Nestled in the mountains along the Kanawha and Elk rivers, Charleston is an outdoor town,” says Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Charleston CVB. “In minutes you can be out in the woods or frolicking on the river.”
Opportunities here include kayaking on the Kanawha, Elk and Coal rivers during summertime, and hiking and mountain biking in Kanawha State Forest, which is particularly picturesque during autumn when the trees are bursting with color.
“Go unescorted or ask for a forest ranger-guided tour for your group,” Bailey says. “The Charleston CVB can arrange for box lunches at one of many picnic areas.”
Back in town, the State Capitol is situated in a park-like campus that Bailey recommends for group receptions, and attendees may compete in a Charleston CVB scavenger hunt, during which they’ll use smartphones to find hidden gems around downtown.
For an outdoor meal function, groups should check out Tidewater Grill, which specializes in blackened swordfish and other fresh seafood dishes.
Huntington
A walking tour of historic downtown Huntington, which boasts 59 architectural treasures, including the circa-1928 Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, is a terrific introduction to the city.
According to Tyson Compton, president of the Cabell-Huntington CVB, Barboursville Park, spreading over 750 acres, is also an ideal place for a group outing.
“From tennis courts to fishing lakes, hiking trails to an archery range, they’ve got something for everyone,” he says.
La Famiglia, a family-owned restaurant downtown, serves authentic Italian cuisine and has outdoor seating for group meals.
Groups can also arrange a catered meal or reception at Heritage Station, a circa-1887 train station that today features a patio that promises a relaxing time.
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Morgantown
West Virginia University’s Adventure Outdoor Education Center, a state-of-the-art challenge course located in Morgantown, is situated in a beautiful wooded environment.
The center’s canopy tour is comprised of three ziplines, an aerial bridge and a tandem rappel station to exit the course, according to Cynthia Coffindaffer Colasante, director of marketing and visitor services for the Greater Morgantown CVB.
Rafting is also available for groups seeking a fun outdoor Morgantown activity.
“The Cheat River offers scenic beauty and a thrilling white-water experience,” Coffindaffer Colasante says.
For an outdoor meal or reception, Oliverio’s Ristorante on the Wharf, a Tuscan-style bistro, and Coopers Rock State Forest are popular options.
“Oliverio’s back patio provides river views and accommodates up to 80 people comfortably,” Coffindaffer Colasante says, adding the pavilion at Coopers Rock is a wonderful setting for picnics. “The 1,200-foot cliff and rock overlook that captures the entire Cheat River Gorge is a view that will keep your group members talking for a long time.”
Martinsburg
The Martinsburg-Berkeley County CVB offers two geocaching trails, including a new trail to debut this June, that take participants to scenic locations throughout the county.
“Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt,” says Samantha Cronk, communications assistant at the CVB.
She also recommends a 24-stop self-guided walking tour through downtown Martinsburg, during which attendees will learn about the history that shaped the city.
If the group is in town in October, attendees can check out the annual Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival.
“Taste the gooey goodness of homemade apple dumplings, run in the Apple Trample 5K, cheer on Queen Pomona in the parade and visit the craft fair,” Cronk advises.
She adds groups will enjoy hiking or biking Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area’s numerous trails, which are filled with views of waterfalls, rapids, wild-blooming flowers, rock formations and lush vegetation.
Parkersburg
From Parkersburg, groups can hop aboard the Island Belle sternwheeler for a scenic ride to Blennerhassett Island State Park, located on an island in the Ohio River.
“While on the island, visitors learn about the romantic history of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett,” says Mark Alan Lewis, president and CEO of the Greater Parkersburg CVB. “The island experience includes a tour of their lovingly reconstructed mansion, and period-costumed docents share the story of the Blennerhassetts’ tragic downfall. Visitors may also enjoy a narrated horse-drawn covered wagon tour of the island.”
Blennerhassett Island also accommodates group receptions and meal functions, as does the patio at Spats Restaurant, located in the historic Blennerhassett Hotel.
“Attending one of the wide variety of local fairs and festivals is another great group option,” Lewis adds. “From Mansion by Candlelight, held every October on Blennerhassett Island, to Taste of Parkersburg, the region’s premier wine and food event, there is a fair or festival that would be of interest to almost every group.”
Southern West Virginia
Home to New River Gorge National River, southern West Virginia is a wonderful place for attendees to partake in laid-back activities, from bird-watching during the New River Birding Festival to dining at restaurants like Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill, which has seating outside with great views of the New River Gorge.
At the group-friendly Smokey’s on the Gorge, attendees can share buffet favorites such as barbecue wild boar ribs, rainbow trout and grilled quail while enjoying views of the New River Gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge, according to Lisa Strader, communications manager for Visit Southern West Virginia.
A walk across the New River Gorge Bridge, which is 851 feet above the New River and has a 24-inch-wide platform, is a favorite area activity year-round.
“Fall brings spectacular colors to this adventure and winter gives you an unadorned view of the river and the mountains around it,” Strader says. “If you’re really lucky, you may even see peregrine falcons, who have chosen the bridge as their home.”
An unexpected outing in this land-locked region, Strader adds, is a tour of the Summersville Lake Lighthouse, which sits near the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
“The climb to the top is challenging but doable, and the view of Summersville Lake is worth every single step,” she says.
The area is also home to ropes courses, ziplines and canopy tours, as well as white-water rafting adventures on New River.
