Day 1
Travel day to
Wheeling, West Virginia where a sense of history surrounds you. Spend this evening with the dogs at
Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack for dinner and entertainment. Don’t forget to test your luck at the slot machines and newest table games.
Day 2
Spend this morning exploring
Centre Market, built in 1853, and its craft and antique shops as you stroll along the street. Lunch can be found at any of the many food stands in the market area. Next stop,
West Virginia Independence Hall, the State’s first capital. The Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features exciting exhibits, costumed guides and special activities dealing with the development of the State of West Virginia. Step back into your childhood at
Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum. If you played with it, it is on display here. Dinner and shopping round out the day with a stop at
Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter.
Day 3
Spend today exploring
Oglebay Resort, America’s largest municipal park. In the early 1900s, industrialist Earl Oglebay bequeathed his farm to the city of Wheeling for use as a park. Today, the 1,500-acre public resort offers something for everyone, from golfing to horseback riding to shopping. At Oglebay be sure to stop by the
Mansion Museum, home of
Wymer’s General Store, the
Good Zoo,
Bissonnette Gardens and the
Carriage House and Glass Museum. This evening, enjoy the wonders of
Cascading Waters or in the winter, the beauty of the
Festival of Lights.
Day 4
After breakfast, journey to
Bethany, home of Bethany College where 95% of the campus buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour the
Campbell Mansion, a 27-room home built in four periods, dating back to 1793. The Mansion was built by Alexander Campbell, a leading influence in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). After lunch, head north to
Newell and a tour of
Homer Laughlin China. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of restaurant dinnerware and is home to Fiesta Ware. A short journey south and your evening will be spent horsing around at
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort in
Chester, a thoroughbred horse track and home of the first video lottery slot machines in West Virginia.
Day 5
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and depart for
Moundsville and a tour of the official
Marx Toy Museum. The museum memorializes what was once the world’s largest toy manufacturer, Louis Marx & Co. Next, do hard time at the former
West Virginia State Penitentiary. Built in 1866, the prison was closed in 1995 and now provides educational and historic tours of life behind bars. Final stop before heading home is
Grave Creek Archaeology Complex, across from the prison. This prehistoric Native American burial mound was constructed between 250 - 150 BC. Relax on the way home, and plan your next trip to West Virginia.