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Rich History , Bright Future
Urban Wonder in the Northern Panhandle
While geographically narrow , West Virginia ’ s Northern Panhandle is packed with possibilities .
Nestled in between the Ohio River and the Pennsylvania border , this area is home to unique tourism destinations , a rich history and growing industries .
“ The Northern Panhandle is a wonderful , small community that has so many resources , opportunities and experiences you would not typically find in a community of our size ,” says Erikka Storch , president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce .
West Virginia is known for its slogan , Wild and Wonderful West Virginia , alluding to the state ’ s rich opportunity for adventure and the area ’ s population of welcoming people .
“ When speaking about West Virginia as a tourist destination , everyone knows about wild and wonderful West Virginia ,
and I would 100 % describe the Northern Panhandle as the wonderful part . We are a little more urban , and we are closer in proximity to bigger cities ,” says Olivia Litman , marketing director for Visit Wheeling , WV . “ We don ’ t have whitewater rafting or extreme hiking ; as the hilliest part of the Appalachian Mountains , we are more urban than any other destination in the state of West Virginia .”
While the region might not be known for its extreme outdoor activity , the Northern Panhandle is home to beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities and serves as a hub for the arts .
“ We have great parks , including Oglebay , Wheeling Park , and Grand Vue ( in Moundsville ),” Storch says . “ Our community comes up with wonderful ways to utilize the resources we have , like our waterfront fairs and festivals . We have a great sense of community , and everyone is so friendly .”
Within the Northern Panhandle lies Wheeling , the state ’ s former capital , located about an hour from Pittsburg , PA , and bursting with arts and entertainment .
“ We have a great entertainment lineup ,” Litman says . “ There is constantly something going on in terms of our events . We are more so known for our arts and theater .”
A region with one of the most diverse populations in the state , the Northern Panhandle is a hub of culture , and its people are admirers of the arts . West Virginia ’ s Northern Panhandle has an abundance of fun activities for the whole family .
“ I have always loved it here , but I never love it more than when I get to see the tourists and visitors love it . I never truly realized just how special of a place it really was until I saw it through another ’ s eyes ,” Litman says . “ What I try to do every day is change the quality of life so the quality of each person ’ s visit is better .”
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