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West Virginia culture is a captivating blend of rich Appalachian traditions and vibrant high culture infused with the jazz of surrounding U.S. cities like Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. The state is renowned for its deep-rooted Appalachian heritage, which is showcased through folk music, storytelling, and traditional crafts such as quilting and woodcarving. Visitors can experience this authentic culture at local festivals and heritage museums throughout the Mountain State. At the same time, West Virginia also embraces high culture, with world-class performances at the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, acclaimed theater productions at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, and art exhibitions at the Huntington Museum of Art. This unique mix of mountain traditions and refined artistic offerings makes West Virginia a true cultural gem in the heart of Appalachia.

Worst Floods in West Virginia History
Culture

The five worst floods in West Virginia history and why the state is so vulnerable

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Heavy rain can quickly turn West Virginia’s normally quiet creeks and rivers into destructive torrents, a danger that again confronts parts of the Mountain State as flash flooding threatens communities this weekend. The danger is hardly new. West Virginia’s steep mountains, narrow valleys and dense network of streams have produced some of … Read more

The West Virginia Turnpike winds through the mountains between Charleston and Princeton. State troopers, highway workers, and residents once told folklorist Dennis Deitz of strange encounters along the old mountain highway.
Culture

State troopers told strange stories about this West Virginia highway—the W.Va. Turnpike

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Long before Interstate 77 became the modern four-lane highway travelers know today, state troopers and maintenance workers along the West Virginia Turnpike were telling some remarkably strange stories. One officer described a glittering object hovering above the mountains. A maintenance supervisor who insisted he didn’t believe in ghosts recalled an antique military … Read more

State Fair of West Virginia in August
Culture

100 Years of Tradition: Celebrating the centennial of the State Fair of West Virginia

by Clyde Craig

FAIRLEA, W.Va. — The State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and proponents say there’s never been a better time to attend the August 7-16 celebration. From humble agricultural roots to an entertainment-packed event that draws more than 200,000 visitors annually, the fair stands as a cherished tradition, uniting generations of families, … Read more