Gov. Jim Justice today unveiled the West Virginia Department of Tourism’s 2024 summer bucket list. The list, which includes iconic West Virginia adventures like waterfalls and nature hikes, provides a guide to summer travel in the Mountain State. Those who complete the bucket list and share photos on their social channels will have a chance to win a free four-night fall getaway.
The official 2024 summer bucket list highlights 10 bucket-list-worthy activities in West Virginia and is the perfect way to kick off summer. It was carefully curated based on the most popular content on WVtourism.com and includes broad categories that allow travelers to create their own unique road trips across West Virginia. The list includes: chase waterfalls, take a road trip, enjoy a natural wonder, dine at a local restaurant, plan an overnight adventure, try a water excursion, visit a park or public land, explore a mountain town, take a picture on an Almost Heaven swing and go for a hike.
Travelers can visit WVtourism.com to print out their bucket list and find trip ideas.
For the last six years, the department of tourism has invited travelers to share their favorite #AlmostHeaven places and moments on their social channels in honor of the state’s birthday.
The results have been incredible. Tens of thousands of posts have been seen tens of millions of times, showcasing every corner of the state. Recent research shows that the number of people planning vacations based on what they see on social media is at an all-time high. The West Virginia birthday campaigns have boosted travel in West Virginia and transformed perceptions of the state. Suddenly, the state has become one of the hottest tourism spots in the world, consistently making top-destination lists such as National Geographic, Outside Magazine, Frommer’s, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast Traveler.
“It’s been phenomenal to watch as we’ve put West Virginia on an international stage over the past several years,” said Chelsea Ruby, West Virginia Tourism secretary. “Who could have dreamed that West Virginia’s tourism industry would be booming like this? Not only are our numbers exploding but the world is taking note. I can’t thank Governor Justice enough for leading us to this point.”
Entering the sweepstakes is easy.
- Step 1: Plan one’s adventure — Build one’s own unique itinerary to ensure a person checks off all 10 bucket list items on one’s adventure across West Virginia.
- Step 2: Explore and share — Hit those country roads, and be sure to share updates on one’s social media channels using #AlmostHeaven.
- Step 3: Enter to win — Visit WVtourism.com and confirm one has completed the bucket list challenge for a chance to win.
Those who complete their summer travels list by Aug. 15 can verify their participation in the challenge and be entered to win a sweepstakes for a free four-night, five-day ultimate fall vacation. The free trip includes unique autumn experiences in the nation’s third-most forested state, including a walk under the New River Gorge Bridge, an ATV adventure, and dinner at a James Beard award-winning restaurant.
To get started planning your bucket-list-worthy travels, visit www.WVtourism.com/summer-bucket-list.
