West Virginia: A Local’s Guide to Spring in Almost Heaven

Tour Dates: April 21-26, 2027
Tour Arrival: Wednesday, April 21, 2027 – Arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Tour Departure: Monday, April 26, 2027 – Depart from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for Global Week in Bentonville, Arkansas
Cities/Towns Visited: Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Davis, Seneca Rocks and surrounding West Virginia communities

Experience why “Almost Heaven” accurately describes West Virginia on this unforgettable spring adventure through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the rich history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park with a local guide, enjoy local dining and shopping, and choose your own outdoor adventure with a kayak trip or a bungee jump over a spring-fed quarry lagoon. In historic Shepherdstown, take a spine-tingling ghost tour that blends folklore and Appalachian charm.

Continue into West Virginia’s spectacular mountain landscapes, following stops along the West Virginia Waterfall Trail at Blackwater Falls State Park, where spring brings rushing waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers. Take in the dramatic scenery of Seneca Rocks, savor a classic West Virginia-style hot dog at Yokum’s, and experience local brews and live music. Together, these experiences offer an up-close perspective on the history, adventure, food, and natural beauty that make spring in West Virginia truly Almost Heaven.

Destination Highlights:

Harpers Ferry – “Where History Meets Adventure”
Explore Harpers Ferry National Historical Park with a local guide and discover the stories embedded in one of West Virginia’s most historic communities. The area’s dramatic natural setting also creates opportunities for outdoor adventure, including kayaking and bungee jumping.

Shepherdstown & Charles Town – “Appalachian Stories and Local Charm”
Experience a more intimate side of West Virginia through local shopping, dining and Appalachian folklore. A Shepherdstown ghost tour brings regional stories and legends to life, while an overnight at Hillbrook Inn & Spa in Charles Town adds a relaxing complement to the journey.

Blackwater Falls State Park & Davis – “Spring in the Mountains”
Walk along the West Virginia Waterfall Trail at Blackwater Falls State Park. Spring transforms the landscape with rushing waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers, creating a spectacular setting for hiking and outdoor exploration.

Seneca Rocks – “An Almost Heaven Icon”
The dramatic landscape of Seneca Rocks – rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River – showcases the rugged beauty of West Virginia’s mountains.

Culinary

Local Dining
Independent dining experiences showcase West Virginia through the places locals know and love, adding a strong sense of community to the itinerary.

A West Virginia Classic
Near Seneca Rocks, taste a classic West Virginia-style hot dog at Yokum’s, turning a beloved regional food tradition into a memorable part of the mountain experience.

Local Brews
West Virginia brews pair with live music and mountain surroundings, offering journalists another way to connect with the state’s local culture.

Outdoor Adventure

Choose Your Own Adventure
Select your preferred level of adventure – Kayak or bungee jump – at Harper’s Ferry and experience West Virginia’s outdoors firsthand.

West Virginia Waterfall Trail
Stops along the Waterfall Trail at Blackwater Falls State Park showcase rushing spring waterfalls, wildflowers and mountain scenery.

Seneca Rocks
One of West Virginia’s distinctive natural landmarks provides a dramatic backdrop for exploring the rugged landscapes that define the meaning of “Almost Heaven.”

Arts, Culture and Appalachian Traditions

Harpers Ferry
A guided tour connects visitors with the people, history and stories of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, providing context through the perspective of someone who knows the community.

Shepherdstown
A ghost tour explores local folklore and Appalachian storytelling traditions, offering a different perspective on the history and personality of one of West Virginia’s communities.

Local Music
Live music provides another connection to West Virginia culture and complements the local food, beer, and mountain experiences found throughout the itinerary.

Story Ideas

1. West Virginia: The South’s Mountain Spirit
   Discover West Virginia’s distinct place in the American South through its Appalachian landscapes, mountain towns, outdoor adventures, traditional music and deeply rooted culture shaped by generations of life in the mountains.
2. Two Parks, One Journey
   Explore how West Virginia connects history and nature in one unforgettable trip through Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and Blackwater Falls State Park.
3. Ghosts of the Past: Haunted Legends of Harpers Ferry
   Share the spine-tingling stories that blend history with Appalachian folklore in one of America’s oldest towns.
4. Wild Beauty: Waterfalls and Wildflowers in West Virginia
   Explore the West Virginia Waterfall Trail and hike through vibrant wildflowers, cascading falls and breathtaking Appalachian scenery.
5. Appalachian Flavors: Dining in the Mountain State
   Experience West Virginia’s culinary delights, from comfort food to bespoke farm-to-table dining, to hometown craft breweries.
6. Small Towns, Big Spirit
   Meet the people and experience the warm hospitality and cultural traditions of West Virginia’s mountain communities.

Limited spots are available, and these Global Week Press Trips are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Don’t delay – contact your recruiter today to begin your exploration of West Virginia, Almost Heaven.