West Virginia is more than coalmines and mountains. Within the Appalachians is a land filled with a unique and diverse culture that includes Bluegrass music, Civil War re-enactments and numerous museums.

Visitors to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park can experience what it was like to live in the region two centuries ago. The island is accessible only by sternwheeler from Point Park in Parkersburg, and the island features the reconstructed 18 th century mansion of Harman Blennderhassett, who had been an alleged conspirator with former Vice President Aaron Burr to establish a new nation in the Southwest. The museum is open year round, Monday through Saturday from 9am until 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm until 5pm.

If you’re heading to Charleston, you can take a visit to the Cultural Center , which is located within the State Capitol Complex. This official showcase for the arts includes the West Virginia State Museum, State Theater and State Archives, which houses the history and genealogy library. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 9am until 8pm, and Friday and Saturday from 9am until 6pm, and Sunday from 12noon until 6pm.

The best of what the Mountain State has to offer in culture, heritage and arts can be seen at the Tamarack in Beckley. This complexes houses a performing arts theater, a fine arts gallery and food court managed by the Greenbrier, where you can sample that tastes of West Virginia. Open daily from 8am until 8pm.