Our still spritely state is a mere 151, but it’s still cause for celebration!
How to celebrate in WV
- Eat a pepperoni roll! It’s our state food, an invention of the Italian immigrants working in the coal mines.
- Have an adventure! It can be as quick as a stroll or as adventurous as a climb.
- Do a nice deed. Be neighborly and kind to someone around you. Show your mountain manners.
- Enjoy the scenery. BridgeWalk has discounts for residents today. Or enjoy a hike.
- Support local business. Eat somewhere local, or go to the closest Mom and Pop shop.
- Go to an event around town. Enjoy what you have in your area to its fullest.
- Forage. Even if it’s just berry pcking or plucking honeysuckle, enjoy some of nature’s native flavor.
- Watch the wildlife. Can you spot a deer? How many birds? Maybe you’ll spot one of the Gorge’s falcons, or the state bird, the cardinal.
- Show your state pride. A Facebook status, a WV sweater, or just a conversation can show off your love for WV.
How to celebrate from afar:
- Listen to some roots tunes. Enjoy some bluegrass, folk, or other homegrown genre popular in the Mountain State.
- Better yet, listen to a local WV band. There’s plenty of talent in every style, so if roots tunes aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy some mountain music.
- Sit on the porch. Any porch. Bonus points if you have a rocking chair to sit in as you enjoy the open air. A beloved state passtime.
- Support a local entrepreneur. Plenty of local shops will send out their wares online. In the gorge alone there are several, including Blue Smoke Salsa and Tamarack.
- Sport a WV team shirt! Maybe one from West Virginia University, Marshall University, or one of our minor league baseball teams?
- Plan a trip. Sure, you’re not here for the birthday bash, but a belated visit is better than none.
- Share your love socially. Tell others how much the state means to you. Maybe you’ll inspire them to explore its wonder for themselves.
- Catch up on state news! There are plenty of media outlets you can access online.
- Make your own pepperoni roll or mountain meal. Ramps, cornbread, blueberry cobbler, fried green tomatoes, squash, fried trout, casserole… need we go on?
- Go out and meet people. There’s nothing more WV than being friendly.
How are you celebrating today?