Sample Wheeling Itineraries

Day One

8:00 AM

       Start your day with a walk / job / bike ride on some of Wheeling's 17 miles of paved rail trails. The east / west section runs parallel to Interstate 70 and features multiple exercise stations and the Hempfield Viaduct. The north / south portion runs along the Ohio River, where you will pass the lovingly restored homes of Victorian Old Town

9:00 AM

       Pause for a fresh roasted cup of Breakfast Blend or a Bagel at Wheeling Coffee and SpiceWVs oldest coffee roaster. For a heartier breakfast, pull off the trail and stop at either the Bridge Grill on Main or Saseens Restaurant on Market Street. Both offer diner-style menus at prices that are kind to your wallet.

10:00 AM  Historic Centre Market

       At over one hundred-fifty years old, Centre Market is West Virginias longest continuously operating Market house. Youll find a wide variety of collectibles as well as a selection of unique eateries. Be sure to sample Coleman's Fish markets world- famous fish sandwich. Gourmet Magazine called it the "#1 fish sandwich in the country!"

1:00 PM  Oglebay Resort

       Over 1600 beautiful acres of recreation await visitors at Oglebay Resort, or as locals call it, The Park. Golfers can choose to play any of the three 18-hole courses, or simply sharpen their skills on the Par-3 course or driving ranges. In fair weather guests can purchase an activity wristband that provides access to most park activities and attractions: tennis, swimming, miniature golf, and pedal boating. For an indoor adventure, explore the Good Zoo, Schrader Environmental Education Center, and the Carriage House Glass & Mansion Museums. If you want a more relaxed agenda, take a stroll on the arboretum trail (which leads through Bissonnette Gardens), and find a shady picnic site to relax.

5:00 PM  Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center

       All that fresh air has turned thoughts towards dinnerbut theres more fun to be had before your meal! The Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center has more than 2,200 slot machines, live greyhound racing and simulcast betting, and regularly scheduled events in the Oasis Show Room. After some gaming fun, head to one of the five dining venues located all under one roof. Grab a sandwich or slice of pizza at the Pirates Cove Food Court, a steak salad at the Breezeway Caf￩, ample options at the Islander Buffet, dinner with a view in the Terrace Dining Room, or first-class cuisine at the Pointe Steak House (open for dinner only).

7:30 PM  Victoria Vaudeville Theater (Saturdays)

       Find out where Elvis has been all this time! Hes been headlining the Saturday night show at the restored Victoria Vaudeville Theater. The first half of the show features talented regional entertainersa number of whom have been session recording artists in Nashville and have recorded their own music. The second half is a heartfelt tribute, Memories of Elvis, where the King returns through vocal stylings and audience interaction. Two solid hours of family-friendly entertainment.

Day Two

8:00 AM  Oglebay Resort

       Get your day underway with the hearty Mountaineer breakfast buffet in Oglebays Ihlenfeld Dining Room, located in their Wilson Lodge. Order a custom-made omelet, a Belgian waffle, or sample staples like fluffy scrambled eggs and thick sliced country bacon. Enjoy the view looking out over Schenk Lake, while enjoying a second cup of coffee. Then cap off your meal with a stroll around the park to enjoy the stunning landscape.

10:00 AM  Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum

       Everyone is a child again when they visit the Toy and Train Museum in Elm Grove. This fully restored Victorian school building houses an ever-changing collection of model trains and layouts, as well as antique dolls, action figures and specialty collectibles from days gone by& The Museum features an impressive assortment of toys & artifacts from the world-famous Marx Toy Company, which was located in Glen Dale, WV.

11:30 AM  Victorian Old Town

       Wheeling has one of the largest per-capita collections of Grand Victorians architecture in the U.S., and a large collection of it can be found in North Main Streetalso known as Victorian Old Town. House tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays May-December, but there are a number of establishments which are open year round. The Eckhart House offers a delightful gift shop on their first floor, and with a reservation, groups can request an authentic high tea, which is served in the second floor parlor. After a bit of shopping, wander across the street to Uncle Petes Restaurant. In warmer weather you can dine on their covered deck and watch the river traffic while you enjoy their specialty sides and sandwiches.

      Wheeling Suspension Bridge - As you depart Old Town, be sure to notice the Wheeling Suspension Bridge (on your right as you head south on Main Street). At one thousand-one feet in length, this historic structure has served travelers for over 150 years as a means for westward travel.

1:00 PM  WV Independence Hall

       Wheeling is the only city in the country to have been the capitol of two different states during its history: The Newly Restored State of Virginia (Loyal to the Union), and West Virginia. Take a tour of the building known as the Birthplace of West Virginia. Independence Hall was Wheelings Federal building and Post Office at the time of the American Civil War, and its courtroom was used for the debates that established statehood. Completely restored and full of interesting artifacts from the era.

2:00 PM  The Historic National Road (see detailed itinerary)

       The arrival of the countrys first federally funded highway made Wheeling the Gateway to the West. This sixteen-mile stretch of road is the shortest of those found along the six-state expanse, but West Virginias is the only segment uninterrupted by modern construction and development. As you leave Independence Hall, head east on Market Street. The first landmark youll reach is at the crest of Wheeling Hill. On your left is a bronze statue of a Mingo Indian, who has welcomed travelers on Rte-40 for close to 100 years. Glance to your left and you will have a view of the site known as McCullochs Leap. Major Samuel McCulloch saved the residents of Ft. Henry by diverting a group of raiding Indians and leading them on a chase to the crest of the hill. He and his horse made an heroic leap over the edge in order to escape capture, and both survived the terrifying plunge. National Road is dotted with entertaining and historically significant stories, and the best way to experience its legacy is to pick up a copy of the National Road Driving Tour at the Wheeling Visitors Center in the Downtown before you begin your journey. The West Virginia portion of The Road ends at the Pennsylvania state line, and you can access Wheelings newest shopping destination, the Highlands.

2:30 PM  The Highlands

       In 2004, Wheeling joined an exclusive club when it became home to the tenth Cabelas Outdoor Outfitters store. This unique shopping experience is the focal point of the Ohio Valleys newest attraction, The Highlands. Since the construction of the anchor store, the surrounding area has blossomed into a retail / recreation destination which is unmatched in a 50+ mile radius. Shopping, dining, lodging, movies and theme park excitement will meet the needs of every visitor.

7:00 PM  Evening Entertainment (*free; **donation)

       Summer  Memorial Day  Labor Day

        - Pickin in the Park (Tuesdays)*

        - Waterfront Wednesdays*

        - Cascading Waters (nightly June-August)*

        - Sunday Concert Series *

       Winter

        - Festival of Lights (nightly Nov 1-Jan 1)**

        - Wheeling Nailers ECHL Hockey

       Spring

                - Ohio Valley Greyhounds Indoor Football

       Year-round

        - Artworks Coffeehouse (First Fridays)*

        - Mountain Moon Coffeehouse (monthly)

        - Stifel Fine Arts Center  cabaret & jazz performances (Saturdays)

- Towngate Cinema / Theatre (Fri-Sun  check schedule)

- Victoria Vaudeville Theater (Saturdays)

        - Wheeling Island Racetracks Oasis Room - Friday Night Fights, concerts regularly scheduled

        - WesBanco Arena  concerts, sporting events, flea market / craft sales

        - Wheeling Symphony  pops & classical concerts monthly (Thurs OR Fri  check schedule)

Oglebay Resort

Museums of Oglebay Institute

      Carriage House Glass

Situated adjacent to the Mansion, the Oglebay Institute Glass Museum is a treasure house of sparkle and glitter. Featuring over 3000 examples of Wheeling Glass made from 1829-1939, the glass museum displays cut lead crystal, Victorian art glass, Peachblow, pattern and depression and Northwood's carnival glass and many other glass examples showcasing Ohio Valley history. Every visitor to the Mountain State will enjoy viewing the largest piece of cut lead crystal ever made, The Sweeney Punch Bowl. Five feet tall and weighing 225 pounds, this crystal treasure is world famous - a remarkable masterpiece of Victorian glass.

      Mansion Museum

Period antiques, glittering glass treasures and fun heritage activities await visitors who stop and explore The Mansion Museum. Conveniently located just minutes from Interstate 70, the two museums sit atop a picturesque hill above Wheeling, WV, once know as the gateway to the west. Located in the nationally acclaimed Oglebay Resort the Mansion is surrounded by landscaped lawns and gently rolling hillsides amid Oglebay's seasonally changing gardens.

Built in 1846 by Hanson Chapline, Oglebay Institute's Mansion Museum was originally an eight-room farmhouse. The Wheeling Mansion went through seven different owners before it was purchased by Earl W. Oglebay in 1900. Mr. Oglebay made the mansion and its surrounding grounds his family's summer estate, and he called the estate Waddington Farms. Upon his death in 1926, after many renovations and expansions of the mansion, Mr. Oglebay willed his estate to the city of Wheeling in order that it become a facility for education and recreation for the region. The mansion became a museum in 1930.

Schrader Environmental Education Center

       Oglebay Institute's Environmental Education Department provides opportunities that foster personal relationships with nature while encouraging stewardship of the environment. The center was named for Henry Stifel Schrader, in honor of his generous bequest towards its construction. The building itself is constructed almost entirely from recycled or earth-friendly materials. From geothermic cooling and solar heating, to recycled Wheeling newspapers for insulation and recycled automobile tires as flooring, the building is a model of modern construction practices. The EarthTrek Exhibit Hall, bird observation areas, and a children's awareness area teach children about their impact on the worlds ecosystems and gives them hands-on opportunities to learn about the environment. The facility features a variety of programming throughout the year: bird watching, maple sugar collecting, herpetology, and campfires.

Golf Courses

      Par-3 - Everyone can enjoy the game on the Par 3 Golf Course. Its located right next to the lighted 30 tee driving range. Clubs are available.

      Crispin Course - At 5,670 yards, this very playable course is open year-round for players of all ability levels. A favorite for regional golf tournaments for over 50 years, the Crispin course is situated in the heart of Oglebay offering ever-changing views of the resort and surrounding hills.

      Speidel Course - Challenge your game on this spectacular course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The multiple tee placements allow the course to play from 7,000 yards (championship tees) to 5,515 yards (forward tees). Home to the West Virginia LPGA Classic for 11 years, this course is sure to provoke conversation as well as settle some bets!

      Palmer Course - The newest course at Oglebay is a par 71-championship layout with six par-three holes, seven par-four holes and five par-five holes. It ranges in distance from 6,800 yards from the championship tees up to 4,200 yards from the forward tees and is designed to accommodate golfers on all skill levels. This new layout takes advantage of the existing terrain and with the addition of strategically placed bunkers, attractive mounding and generous greens.

      Good Zoo

Visitors of all ages will find something pleasing at our zoo, which is dedicated to the memory of a seven-year-old boy named Phillip Mayer Good, who loved nature. Come and visit over 80 species of animals nestled in 30 acres of flowers, trees, hills, and valleys. Watch our native North American animals - river otters and rare red wolves in their natural habitats, and also visit our new South American spectacled bears, plus an ocelot, red pandas and tamarin monkeys. And, don't miss our exhibits featuring species from Africa - meerkats and naked molerats!

The success of a meeting is important, and the staff of the Wheeling Convention Bureau is here to help. Convention Services can assist meeting planners with pre-convention planning, liaison work with civic officials, entertainment and leisure activities. Let us know what you need.

Pre-convention Planning and Counseling

• Guidance and assistance from early planning stages to end of convention. 
• Serve as impartial liaison between meeting planner, city's facilities and convention-related services.
• Available to meet with your planning committee to answer questions or offer suggestions.
• Entertainment and Leisure Activities
•  Assist with pre- or post-leisure activities.
• Work with meeting planner in arranging spouse or special functions during conference.

Publicity

• Prepare and distribute news releases prior to convention.
• Alert media to arrival of convention and request on-site coverage.
• Convention Bureau will provide listing of local radio, television and print media to aid in securing publicity.
• Brochures are available on Wheeling area attractions, events, hotels and restaurants.

Civic Officials Liaison

• On behalf of your organization, the Bureau will contact civic officials for letter of welcome for your attendees.
• Bureau will request speakers to extend a brief welcome to your delegation.