SAINT ALBANS, W.Va. — One of the best things about living in West Virginia is the opportunity to experience its cycles of growth. Whether in the lush forests along the Ohio and Potomac rivers or among the balding peaks of the Alleghenies, few places on Earth are as seasonally differentiated as the Mountain State.
Biologists point out that few other temperate mountain landscapes undergo such seasonal extremes in temperature, and few grow as green as West Virginia in spring. States to the south may remain warmer through winter, though their spring is not always so vivid.
Outdoor conventions that celebrate the state's verdure kick-off in March—an ideal time for outdoor enthusiasts to hone their craft and prepare for a season of gardening or outdoor work. Alfresco lovers can take in the sights at their peak in April, and everyone can enjoy the state's strawberries come May! Here are several venues for exploring the best of spring in West Virginia.
(If you're aware of a springtime event that's not listed here, please get in touch with our editorial department at the link at the bottom of this page and let us know.)
WSAZ Home & Garden Show
March 10-12, 2023
Garden enthusiasts and homeowners can learn to make the most of West Virginia's horticultural largess at the three-day Home & Garden Show exposition in Huntington's Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Events include seminars presented by home-and-garden experts and master gardeners and displays featuring areas leaders in decor, imports, exports, housing, wholesale, manufacturing, processing, and distributing. Ticket information will be available on the WSAZ webpage soon.
Walks at W.Va. Botanic Garden
March 18, 2023
West Virginia's botanic garden in Morgantown features plant life specific to the Appalachian region. Its Nature in Spring event includes a walk and discussion led by education director Erin Smaldone, who will discuss the seasonal behavior of plants and animals in the garden and the wild. This is an event for all ages and will cost $5 for garden members and $15 for non-members.
W.Va. Master Gardener Association’s Conference
March 31-April 2, 2023
Hosted by West Virginia University at the Charleston Conference Center, eighteen collegiate speakers will present a variety of practical and scholarly talks related to gardening and ecology. Despite the name, the event is open to all levels of gardeners. Registration and other details will be available soon on the WVU Extension website.
West Virginia Ramp Festivals
April-May 2023
Feasts and festivals that celebrate the wild mountain delicacy known as the ramp, or rampion, are celebrated throughout the highland counties in April and May. Ramps, or wild leeks, were among the first vegetables to appear in the forests in spring, and their appearance was celebrated gratefully by early mountaineers. For a list of upcoming ramp dinners, visit our Ramp Fairs & Festivals page.
New River Gorge Wildflower Weekends
April-May 2023
The National Park Service each year coordinates a series of wildflower walks in the New River Gorge region in south-central West Virginia. The walks are free of charge and open to the public unless otherwise noted. One benefit of attending the walks is watching wildflowers reveal themselves as hikes descend from cooler upper elevations along the rim of the gorge to lower warmer climes along the river. Participants in outdoor events are encouraged to wear good shoes and bring water, snacks, field guides, binoculars, and a camera. Visit the park website for more information.
Kanawha / Chief Logan Wildflower Walks
April 1 / April 23, 2023
Wildflower walks are being led at Chief Logan State Park near Logan on April 1 and at Kanawha State Forest near Charleston on April 28. Both events include multiple hikes and are ideally located for residents of West Virginia's metro-valley region. The valleys south of the Kanawha along the Coal, Big Sandy, and Guyandotte rivers are part of one of the most extensive unbroken forests in the U.S. and are filled with delicate specimens, including the rare "Guyandotte Beauty."
Wildflower Weekend at Yew Mountain Center
April 22-24, 2023
See what's springing up in the forest at the Yew Mountain Center in Pocahontas County. Shop at its native plant sale, take a guided wildflower walk, engage in arts activities for all ages, do the rugged Ramp 5K challenge, learn about forest farming, and enjoy ramp pizza. Lodging available. Visit yewmountain.org for registration and more details.
W.Va. Strawberry Festival
May 13-21, 2023
Once considered the ideal location in the state for strawberry production, this annual event in Buckhannon highlights the crop through week-long festivities and fairs celebrating all things strawberry. The strawberry festival provides entertainment for all ages, including a carnival, parades, pageants, band competitions, an antique car show, and a 5K race. Event details may be found on the festival website or Facebook.
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