In honor of West Virginia Day, West Virginia State Tourism launched their Summer Bucket List sweepstakes. Participants must check every box off on their bucket list by traveling around the state and visiting various destinations. The list includes a waterfall, a road trip, a natural wonder, a local restaurant, an overnight adventure, a water excursion, a park or public land, a mountain town, an Almost Heaven swing and a hike. Greater Parkersburg offers opportunities to check off multiple items for those participating in the Summer Bucket List challenge!

Road Trip – If you’re not local, the road trip is an easily completed task on your drive to Greater Parkersburg. Just snap a photo on your drive, and you’re done!

Local Restaurant – Greater Parkersburg is home to numerous delicious local restaurants, from high-end fine dining to craft breweries. Want to double up on your West Virginia journey? Register for the West Virginia Culinary Trail passport and check in at Chams Lebanese Cuisine.

For a full list of our dining partners, including some in Marietta, OH, visit greaterparkersburg.com/dining. For more information on the WV Culinary Trail visit wvtourism.com/culinary-trail/.

Overnight Adventure – Greater Parkersburg has plenty of lodging options, but the two most unique are the Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa and the Loghouse Homestead Bed & Breakfast. The historic Blennerhassett Hotel is an award-winning boutique hotel and the oldest hotel in the state. Enjoy fine dining and an overnight stay and mark off two spots on your bucket list.

Loghouse Homestead Bed & Breakfast doubles as a cabin and a museum. The Loghouse is hand-hewn in the style of the 1820s but with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, a stone fireplace with gas logs, a kitchenette and a tiled bath. The Loghouse Homestead will put that adventure in your overnight stay as it’s the perfect distance from North Bend State Park.

Water Excursion – As a river town, Greater Parkersburg has more than enough water-based excursions to go around. Paddle the Ohio River Water Trail or rent a kayak and enjoy a peaceful day on the North Bend State Park Lake. The more dedicated paddlers can even paddle to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. See a full list of kayaking opportunities at greaterparkersburg.com/kayaking/.

Park or Public Land – Greater Parkersburg is home to two state parks—Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and North Bend State Park. However, you don’t want to forget about the beautiful Mountwood Park, home to many recreational activities and even a museum. See a full list of our parks at greaterparkersburg.com/parks/.

Hike – There are a variety of hiking trails of all skill levels here in Greater Parkersburg. The North Bend Rail Trail stretches 72 miles through 13 tunnels, rural countryside and several historic sites. For those new to hiking, Fort Boreman Historical Park has a beginner-friendly hiking trail that’s great for all ages/ Visit greaterparkersburg.com/hiking/ for a full list of hiking opportunities.

How do I enter?

Take photos that match every item and post them on your social media using #AlmostHeaven. Once you’ve finished them all visit wvtourism.com/summer-bucket-list/ and submit! Entries will be accepted until August 14, 2024.

What do I win?

Entering the sweepstakes does not mean a guaranteed win, but those who do enter have a chance to receive a paid-for fall vacation including a 4-night stay, bridge walk tickets, New River jetboat ride, RailExplorers railbike ride, rafting excursion, ATV adventure, a dinner at a James Beard award-winning restaurant and more—all for two people to enjoy.

For more information, visit https://wvtourism.com/summer-bucket-list/.