The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
Free Time Opportunities |
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| Ansted, WV |
General tourism information The Grand Canyon of the East, the deep gorge created by the New River provides a wide variety of scenic beauty and outdoor adverture. This pristine whitewater rafting area also has mountain biking, horseback riding, rapelling, rock climbing, fishing, hiking and historic sites to explore. The area is rich in railroad, mining, and Civil War history. This is the area where miners clashed with coal industry leaders to demand better working conditions. Although many songs and legends remain to record this strong cultural history, most of the coal towns are gone, abandoned when the mines played out. Nature lovers will discover some of natures rares plants along woodland trails in the New River Gorge. The town of Beckley offers a large arts and crafts center called Tamarack and an exhibition coal mine open to the public seasonally. For additional information, visit www.callwva.com
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Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Tour
Ride a man-car inside a closed operational mine Exhibition coal mine and simulated historic coal camp, gift shop and museum. Open daily from April to November for tours guided by former coal miners. For additional information, visit www.beckleymine.com
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Tamarack
Large juried Arts and Crafts Center Discover timeless treasures in the nation's largest collection of juried handcrafts. Experience Tamarack's tranquil, hospitable atmosphere where everything you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell is made in West Virginia. Savor tasty treats prepared in The Greenbrier managed food court. Observe artists at work in five studios. Appalachian crafts of all kinds. For additional information, visit www.tamarackwv.com
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New River Gorge National River
The Canyon Rim Visitors Center provides spectacular views of the New River Gorge Bridge. This beautiful bridge is one of the longest single arch steel span bridges in the world. Handicap accessible overview and board walk overlooks available provide close-up views of this majestic bridge. You will want to visit the restored depot at the Thurmond Historic District (seasonal), Sandstone Falls, and various park hiking trails. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/neri
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Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park offers its guests 4,127 acres of serene, yet rugged beauty, a fast flowing trout stream in a boulder-strewn canyon and mountainous vistas to be viewed from several scenic overlooks. All of this variety is located adjacent to the New River Gorge National River and the heart of the whitewater rafting industry of West Virginia. The Glade Creek Grist Mill is a new mill that was completed in 1976 at Babcock. Fully operable, this mill was built as a re-creation of one which once ground grain on Glade Creek long before Babcock became a state park. Known as Cooper's Mill, it stood on the present location of the park's administration building parking lot. For additional information, visit www.babcocksp.com
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Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
Civil War Battlefield Site where General Rosencrans engaged the Confederates and forced them to evacuate an entrenched position held by General Floyd in September of 1861
For additional information, visit www.wvparks.com/carnifexferrybattlefield
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New River Convention and Vistor Bureau
Links to whitewater rafting and outdoor recreation outfitters. Hawks Nest state park is located adjacent to the whitewater rafting capitol of the east. This area features over a dozen rafting companies plus an assortment of additional recreational activities including rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails at various state and national parks and recreation sites. Visit the New River Convention and Visitors Bureau for a complete listing of local outfitters. For additional information, visit www.newrivercvb.com
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Kanawha Valley Community & Technical College
KVCTC is a comprehensive community and technical college that is committed to meeting the needs of students and the community. KVCTC is the starting point to many exciting careers and educational opportunities. Located in South Charleston, KVCTC offers twenty-three associate degree programs, credit and non-credit training for business and industry, and Road Scholar programming. KVCTC has an extensive off campus network of workplace based training sites. Students at KVCTC are highly-sought after by local employers because they possess the necessary career and technical skills that prepare them for employment. Education is the key to future success. For additional information, visit www.kvctc.edu
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Charleston Civic Center and Coliseum
Year-round entertainment, convention, exhibition and sporting events. Top rock, country, gospel and Broadway acts, circus, hot rod pull, wrestling, home show and sports show. The Civic Center Coliseum is a 13,500-seat showplace for concerts, and a 12,500 seat arena for basketball. For tickets and information on scheduled performances, call 304/345-7469. For information on meetings, conventions or trade shows, 304/345-1500. For additional information, visit www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com
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Charleston Town Center Mall
One of the nation's largest downtown enclosed shopping malls, featuring 130 specialty stores, three major department stores, Picnic Place and specialty restaurants. The Center Court Atrium with its waterfall and extensive greenery is a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Adjacent to Charleston Civic Center at Clendenin, Court, Lee and Quarrier Streets. Hours Monday -Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. 304/345-9525. For additional information, visit www.charlestontowncenter.com
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Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences
Considered one of the most ambitious cultural and educational undertakings in West Virginia, the Clay Center was established to serve the arts, science, and technology by bringing together performances in dance, music and theater, and educational programming and exhibits. This state-of-the-art facility includes Clark Performance Place, which includes the Maier Foundation Performance Hall, a 1,880-seat world-class theater, as well as the versatile Walker Theater. The Clay Center is also home to the Avampato Discovery Museum and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. 304/561-3500. For additional information, visit www.theclaycenter.org
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Governor's Mansion
Tours available on selected days Designed by Charleston architect Walter F. Martens and constructed in 1924, the 30-room executive mansion is a traditional Georgian colonial structure with a hospitable, homelike, yet dignified air harmonizing perfectly with the other buildings in the Capitol Complex. The ground floor contains state rooms featuring exquisite antiques and fine detailing while the second floor serves as the governor's private residence. Tours are conducted on Thursday and Friday between 9:30 am-11:30 am. Call to make reservations. 304/558-4839. For additional information, visit www.wvculture.org
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Hatfield-McCoy Trails
Whether it's riding an ATV, motorcycle, mountain bike, horses or just hiking, you can find a way to experience these exciting trails in the Appalachian Mountains. Hatfield-McCoy Trails is one of only 16 trail systems nationwide that is designated as a National Millennium Trail. Outfitters and equipment rentals, guided tours, and packages are available. For complete details call (800) 592-2217.
For additional information, visit www.trailsheaven.com
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Mountain Stage
National Public Radio West Virginia Public Radio's live two-hour arts performance show is hosted on Sundays at 6:00 pm at the Cultural Center Theater in the State Capitol Complex, with approximately 26 shows taped per year. The show features nationally and internationally recognized musicians. Mountain Stage is one of the most popular programs offered to Public Radio International's member stations and is heard on 130 PRI stations nationwide. Tickets available by calling TICKETMASTER at 304/342-5757, or at the door, beginning at 1:30 pm the day of the performance. For additional information, visit www.mountainstage.org
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Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center
Pick your own way to win with live greyhound racing and simulcast/off-track betting or try gaming with coin drop slots or video slots. Mardi Gras addition adds 57,000 sq. feet of gaming action. West Virginia's premiere entertainment attraction. Spacious climate controlled clubhouse and grandstand seating. Group package available. Enjoy a full-course meal in the First Turn Restaurant or the Mardi Gras Restaurant and Lounge. Exit 47 and 47A off I-64, Cross Lanes. 304/776-1000 or 1-800-224-9683.
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W V Power
The bases are loaded, the bat then sharply cracks and you watch as the ball disappears over the fence. Cheers erupt throughout the stands as the West Virginia Power makes another big score for Charleston! There's no better way to enjoy a summer evening than to relax with your family taking in a few innings. With more than 140 home games a season, the Class "A" affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers--a professional minor league baseball team--batters up plenty of action with home runs and strikeout pitching, and plenty of family fun with fireworks, giveaways and special promotions throughout the season. Catch a game from April through September at Appalachian Power Park. Class A Minor League baseball team, associated with the South Atlantic League and located in Charleston, WV. The beautiful Appalachian Power Park opened in April 2005. Location: I-77 South/I-64 East to 35th Street Bridge exit I-77 North/I-64 West to exit 95 (MacCorkle Avenue) to Route 61 North. Standard Game Times: 7:15 pm; Sun. 2:15 pm Telephone: (304) 744-4641 For additional information, visit www.wvpower.com
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WV Cultural Center
This magnificent Center houses exhibits in the State Museum and research materials in the Archives. The State Theatre features concerts, films, lectures, and theatrical presentations and Mountain Stage performances. The Cultural Center is open Monday through Thursday 9 am to 8 pm; Friday and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm; Sunday 12 to 6 pm. The West Virginia Archives is open Monday to Thursday 9 am to 8 pm; Friday and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. Closed on state holidays. For tour reservations call 304/558-4839 or 1-800-CALL-WVA For additional information, visit www.wvculture.org
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WV State Capitol
magnificant building Closest resemblance to the US Capitol, the WV State Capitol is considered one of the most beautiful capitols in the United States. The largest state capitol dome in the country graces this stone and marble Italian Renaissance structure. The 20th century classical architecture, designed by the famous Cass Gilbert features a 23 karat gold-leafed dome, and its landscaped grounds display many historical statues. Guided tours conducted Monday-Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Capitol open to public Monday-Saturday 9 am to 7 pm and Sundays 12 to 7 pm. 304/558-4839 or 1-800-CALL-WVA. For additional information, visit www.wvculture.org
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WV Veterans Memorial
A two-story monument on State Capitol grounds. Four monoliths dedicated to World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam display names of the war dead within the sanctuary of the classically styled Memorial. Ramped walkways over the oval reflecting pool affords easy access to the sanctuary display of some 10,000 names. For information contact Pat Pleska, Veterans Memorial Archives Manager, 304/558-0230. For additional information, visit www.wvculture.org
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West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra began on September 19, 1939, when 55 musicians gathered for their first rehearsal as the Charleston Civic Orchestra. The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra held its Inaugural Concert at the Maier Foundation Performance Hall at the Clay Center for Arts and Sciences on July 15, 2003. The WVSO is creating ground-breaking educational material, programs, and concerts that forge a path for educators and the average person to utilize music and music-related aspects to better their understanding of the world and universe around us. Our over-arching educational mission this season is to use music as a central platform to make connections to math, science, reading, and humanities topics. This season also sees a strong expansion of our programs into Ohio and Kentucky as the WVSO continues to hone a leadership role in educational and community outreach through Central Appalachia with continued national distinction. Offers over 20 concerts including symphonic, pops, opera, and ballet at the Clay Center for Performing Arts in Charleston. Call 304-561-3570 for schedule and ticket information. For additional information, visit www.wvsymphony.org
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Blenko Glass
Discover the ancient art of glass blowing and find yourself surrounded by beauty and fine workmanship at Blenko Glass. Many famous buildings and museums have been customers of Blenko Glass. Decorative glassware is on display in the visitors center and is available for purchase in the factory outlet display area. Blenko also has a museum with a designer's corner and and an exhibit of artistry. Observation deck tours are available to watch craftsmen at work. Located approximately 40 minutes from Charleston on Route I-64 W in Milton, WV. (304) 743-9081. For additional information, visit www.blenkoglass.com
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Fenton Glass
On I-77 North if traveling from Ohio or Pennsylvania Another highly prized glass collectible is Fenton Glass. Fenton is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the country. Visit the Fenton Glass museum that features glass made from 1907 to 1980, including the famous Carnival glass. A gift shop features first-quality, hard-to-find and retired pieces. Regularly scheduled tours allow visitors to watch as craftsmen create pieces. Fenton Art Glass is about an hour and a half's drive away in Williamstown, just off I-77N near Parkersburg. (304) 375-7772 or (800) 319-7793. For additional information, visit www.fentonartglass.com
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