Consider West Virginia as your next destination for a family trip! This wild and wonderful state offers an abundance of nature for a nature enthusiast like myself. Timber cutting and coal mining have done little to tarnish this beautiful mountainous state’s natural beauty. Whether you have a fine appreciation for Appalachian music or want to be surrounded by the beauty of nature, this is the state to visit! Don’t let the size of the Mountain State fool you. It’s deeply rich with treasures. A journey through West Virginia shows hidden gems and top attractions around every corner. West Virginia is one of the top states I have always wanted to visit. I was pleasantly surprised and delighted when the West Virginia Tourism Board reached out to me to spend 5 days exploring their state.
For 5 fun-filled days, I explored Wheeling, Morgantown, and Charleston, West Virginia with 3 other bloggers and their families. Each destination has so much to offer! This is why I’d suggest booking a longer journey to the state to cover everything. You could also try splitting them up into separate trips to make the most out of your traveling experience. Whether you choose to visit them all or one, I promise you that you will not be the least disappointed with what West Virginia has to offer. Spend a day or a week at any location to find your slice of Almost Heaven.
West Virginia is full of found and undiscovered attractions! Regardless of the refreshment and relaxation that you are looking for, you will discover plenty of opportunities among the mountains of West Virginia. It’s full of slow-paced, quaint towns that serve a wealth of photo opportunities! With each destination having so much to offer, I’m going to split them up in three different posts.
The Ultimate Almost Heaven Travel Guide
Wheeling, West Virginia: Where to Play, Eat, and Stay
Where to Stay
Oglebay Resort
More than 100 years ago, Earl W. Oglebay’s summer estate began a tradition of generous hospitality. The property was handed over to the Wheeling in the 1920s and became an unparalleled resort.
Oglebay still retains its scenic natural beauty today. Visitors can enjoy 1,7000 acres of leisure and overnight accommodations throughout the year. Oglebay’s centerpiece is Wilson Lodge, which offers 271 rooms, suites, and chalets.
The latest expansion and renovation project provides a fresh level of comfort and luxury for guests, including an addition of 59 premium rooms and the West Spa. In the premium rooms and suites, guests can relax and unwind from a long day at Oglebay Park.
Extra amenities include a flat-screen LCD TV, in-room coffee and tea, free high-speed internet access, refrigerator, wet bars, and balconies. After a well-rested night, wake up to their complementary and delicious breakfast in the Ihlenfeld Dining Room. With a vast selection of options to choose from, guests will not leave feeling hungry! Love omelets? I highly recommend visiting the omelet station for a freshly made omelet. Best of all, you can have your omelet customized!
Have a long day ahead of you? Stop by Sarita’s Coffee Bar, which is located in the lobby of Wilson Lodge. Sarita’s Coffee Bar serves barista-style coffee drinks as well as fresh bakery goods.
Entertainment
Oglebay Good Zoo
I love visiting zoos! Each visit is always different and exciting as the next since there are always new animals, exhibits, or both. I’ve made it a yearly family tradition by going there once a year. It’s a wonderful way for my children to see and learn about animals. I also like to venture outside of the familiar territory and visit other zoos, considering that not all of them are the same. The only drawback is that our zoo visits are sometimes cut short because of the hot, humid weather that we often experience when we visit in the summer.
We went on a guided tour at the Oglebay Good Zoo. Not only the day was the perfect day to go to the zoo, but this guided tour was such a learning experience. The breadth of Dr. Joe Greathouse’s knowledge about animals was so inspiring!
With over 50 species, 20 which are rare and endangered, Oglebay Good Zoo has plenty to discover. Observe many animals from red pandas and lemurs to cheetahs and river otters. Embark on an incredible journey behind the scenes at Oglebay Good Zoo. Guests will experience a golf cart tour of the zoo guided by a zookeeper. Learn about the animals and tour the zoo’s veterinary hospital.
The historic C.P. Huntington Train Ride takes visitors on a one-and-a-half-mile journey through the zoo. The red barn is filled with friendly domestic animals.
Oglebay Stables
While visiting Wheeling, Virginia, I tried something I have never done before: horseback riding. Pam Wattenbarger from Simply Southern Mom and I took a guided trail ride through the scenic woods at Oglebay Stables. Horseback riding for the first time was a scary yet exhilarating experience for me! My horse, Dakota, was pleasant, though. Oglebay strives to provide an enjoyable horse experiences for riders of all ages and skill levels. In partnership with the Bethany College Equestrian Team, Oglebay offers trail rides, pony rides, lessons, EAGALA services, camps, and more.
Where to Eat
The Glassworks Grill
Casual dining with artful menu items from gourmet burgers and artisanal pizzas to seasonal salads. Glassworks Grill in Wilson Lodge is the ideal place for meeting with friends and family with a variety of craft beer and fine wine. I have tried many Impossible vegan burgers and theirs is simply one of the best! Additionally, it is served with a side of your choice: onion rings, french fries, coleslaw, chips, or fresh fruit.
Route 88 BBQ & Brew
Route 88 BBQ & Brew is Oglebay’s newest dining venue! With an all-new menu along with an outdoor dining area complete with a fire pit, you can have an enjoyable meal. This casual dining spot is located at the Par 3 Driving Range off Route 88. They offer a selection of craft brews, which you can pair with their house-smoked beef brisket, chicken, or pork. Their meats are hickory-smoked low and slow with a homemade side of your choice. Have a taste for something spicy? You’ll love their pickled peppers!
Oglebay Garden Bistro
Offering a farm-to-table dining area overlooking Oglebay’s Terrace Gardens, Oglebay Garden Bistro is the perfect spot to have a relaxing dinner. Their menu features regionally sourced produce, free-range chicken + eggs, grass-fed beef, and handcrafted bread.
One of the most impressive things about Oglebay is that it isn’t hard to find vegetarian-friendly food, including this delicious Roasted Vegetable Baguette. I usually pass up dessert, but I couldn’t resist their Turtle Domes. So scrumptious! Not a vegetarian? I have heard that their vichyssoise is really good!
The longer I live, the more my mind dwells upon the beauty and the wonder of the world. – John Burroughs
West Virginia just looks so serene. Something out of a picturesque movie scene!
I mean yes please, never really thought about going to West Virginia but now it’s definitely on my radar! Thanks!
I have always wanted to vist West Virigina but never really got motivated to go. These pictures make me want to visit and take it this wonderful state
You’ll definitely have to visit West Virginia someday! It is so beautiful.
Lesha recently posted..The Ultimate Almost Heaven Travel Guide Part I: West Virginia
Who knew you could find such a picturesque resort in the middle of West Virginia. I have never been to that part of the country but I have to make a trip there and not miss that zoo.
How cool! I’ve never been to West Virginia before. It looks really pretty. I will have to get there one day.
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We recently had the opportunity to travel through West Virginia and it is a gorgeous state! We love to wander back roads finding campsites along the way. We’ve done it twice and are planning to go again when the leaves change color. Pinning!
Looks like a great place for a relaxing long weekend and some good BBQ. Well, aside from the snake at the zoo.
My wife and I are in the process of planning out a fall road trip to visit friends in Virginia and may be swinging through here. Thanks.
This seems like a really cool place in West Virginia to go with family. I’d really enjoy checking out the garden bistro.
We’ve actually discussed retiring to West Virginia in a few years. However, I will make travel plans before we make the ultimate decision, just to feel it out for ourselves firsthand. It really does look like it has something for everyone, especially families!
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It truly is a beautiful place and certainly has a little bit of everything for everyone!
Lesha recently posted..The Ultimate Almost Heaven Travel Guide Part I: West Virginia
This looks like absolute heaven to this California girl. The coffee, the animals, and all of those lovely trees are a dream. It would be perfect for a family vacation to really feel like a getaway.
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This resort reminds me of the one in dirty dancing. It was filmed in Virginia – is it near this place?
It isn’t nearby, but you’re right! It reminds me of Mountain Lake Lodge as well.
What an amazing place to go and explore! I have to admit I would love to look around the zoo – it looks so interesting and the food looks incredible. Wonder if I could talk my other half into us needing to go!
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Wow! I’d never thought of West Virginia as a vacation destination until now. I love that you shared about your experiences vacationing there with your family. The resort, activities, food and landscape are amazing! My husband and I are working through our bucket list, and now I’ve added WV to the list!
Thank you for this taste of West Virginia! I’ve never been and your post makes me want to visit and meander on those rolling hills, maybe go for a horseback ride, check out the zoo and relax in one of those stately rooms. It’s on the list now!
Wow. I would love to be sponsored to travel! West Virginia is really Gods country. Gorgeous.
I think of the old John Denver song when I think of West Virginia. It is every bit as beautiful as he sang it. Gorgeous.
We’ve driven through West Virginia a few times and it is really pretty. I need to go there and stay awhile, it looks like there is a lot to do there.
I cannot take my eyes off of the house interior. It is absolutely remarkable! West Virginia is a heaven in earth.
Wow! West Virginia is really a wonderful place! Wish I could be here right now and experience it’s beauty.
That’s a beautiful place to visit with family. All the clicks are amazing.
I love places where you can really rest be “away” from your usual reality. I live in the city. My daily life is so hectic. When I vacation, I look for places like this one.
I can relate to this! This is why I prefer this type of vacation as well.
Lesha recently posted..The Ultimate Almost Heaven Travel Guide Part I: West Virginia
Who knew West Virginia was such a nice place to visit?! I’ll have to start planning a trip soon. It’s not too far away from me.
I’ve never been to West Virginia before. I never knew it could be so beautiful. I really love seeing all your photos. They’re very lovely.
Thank you for visiting our beautiful state and for featuring Oglebay here in your blog. It’s been years since we visited the park, thanks for reminding me.
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Honestly, this looks like my kind of heaven! I would love to stay there and OMG ANIMALS!!!!! Looks like such a beautiful place to stay and enjoy some down time.
Whoa! Now I feel like I should also come to West Virginia! I always loved mountainous spots for getaways away from the city noise. Anyway, the resort looks so grand right from outside, and the interiors are no disappointment! Superb!
That looks like such a beautiful area. The resort looks so elegant!
This place sounds so interesting..! I haven’t been to West Virginia but I won’t dare to miss this zoo. I will definitely try to see this in person someday.
I wonder this place is missing in my bucket list. West Virginia looks amazing place to visit. I will definitely going to visit here soon. Thanks for sharing
You’re right about it almost looks like heaven! Such a nice guide to a beautiful place to visit!
Wow, it will be so much fun to have a vacation here. It feels cozy and near nature and farm animals. Perfection!
This looks like a fantastic place to visit. I may have to place this on my list of places to visit in the near future. Great photos and descriptions. Thanks for sharing!
West Virginia has always been on my bucket list and this article has a good itinerary and I think this will be my reference when I plan to visit. Thanks for sharing!
Looks like you had a great time! I went to WV for my anniversary last year, we got a cabin in the woods. It was SO romantic.
West Virginia looks like a lovely place to stay. I fancy a bit of that Route 88 BBQ and brew!!
How did West Virginia managed to stay out of my travel bucket?
I am going to update my list right now.
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I’ve never been to West Virginia before. Sounds like a pretty place to visit.
That resort just looks and sounds so fabulous. I love the beauty and vistas you get to see. And the grill would definitely be on my list of places to stop. Must have been amazing trip out to West Virginia.
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