Summer is right around the corner in West Virginia, which means people are to looking for things to do in the warmer months. Here are some things to look into right here in the capitol area of the mountain state that will make summer 2018 one to remember:
1. Catch a Baseball Game
Take a break and grab some peanuts and crackerjacks. Baseball fans can head to the Power Park in Charleston to watch The West Virginia Power minor league baseball team. A full list of minor league teams in West Virginia can be found here.
2. Watch Live Music
Every Friday there is live music at the Levee in Charleston brought to you by Live on the Levee. Live on the Levee brings local music (and fair food) to Charleston that can be seen from the levee or along the Kanawha River.
3. Go to the West Virginia State Fair
Whether you go up for concerts, for carnival rides, or for fried food the West Virginia State Fair is a blast for all ages. The fair this year is August 9th to August 18th. Some of the musical acts are country stars Luke Combs and Chris Young. While at the fair be sure to grab a cinnamon roll, regardless of how long the line is.
4. Camden Park
West Virginia’s own amusement park; Camden Park is in Huntington. It is fun for the whole family. This summer is it 115th season! Go check out the park with your family and friends. Be sure to check out the haunted house ride. Disclosure, it really isn’t haunted.
5. Summersville Lake
Looking for somewhere fun to cool off and relax? Look no further than Summersville Lake in Nicholas County. You can go to the lake to jump off rocks, just be sure to not get caught! For those who aren’t as adventurous there is a beach area where you can tan and swim! You can also go camping at Mountain Lake Campground. There are also trails to hike to get the best views of the lake.
6. Homemade Ice Cream
Wanting to cool off? Grab a sweet treat to cool down! Some of the best homemade ice-cream, in my opinion, is from Austin’s Ice Cream and Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream. Austin’s is in both Huntington and Kenova. Ellen’s is on Charleston’s Capital Street! You can also get Ellen’s ice-cream at the Capital Market and Pepperoni Grill.
7. New River Gorge
The New River Gorge bridge is the largest arched bridge, and its home is right here in good ole West Virginia. While at the Gorge you can hike to get a better view of the river below or the top of the bridge. The bridge is a huge tourist attraction year-round!
8. Visit WaterWays Park
WaterWays Park is a waterpark located in Julian. The waterpark offers minigolf, five slides, and both a regular and children's pool.
9. Enjoy the arts with FestivALL
FestivALL is an annual event held in Charleston that celebrates the arts. Take the family and support local artists and their gifts. FestivALL 2018 is June 15 through June 26.
10. Wish West Virginia a happy birthday
West Virginia became it's own state on June 20, 1863. Every year people gather together in Charleston to watch fireworks and celebrate the birth of our home - the mountain state. This year WV will be 155 years old.