CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice today unveiled the 2024 West Virginia Vacation Guide, the state’s official travel magazine. Travelers can view the 112-page guide online or get a free copy mailed to them directly. Last year, the West Virginia Department of Tourism distributed over a quarter of a million printed guides to travelers across the nation and around the world.
“I could not be more excited about this year’s vacation guide because it showcases our state’s incredible beauty,” Gov. Justice said. “From the breathtaking views to charming mountain towns, this guide truly brings West Virginia to life, and we continue to prove that we’re the diamond in the rough. We have people from all over the world wanting to explore our state, and this guide serves as a big reason why interest is still on the rise.”
This year’s cover depicts a magnificent starry sky surrounding the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Monroe County. Using a special printing technique, the front cover is textured to give readers an earthy, sensory experience before even opening the guide.
“Showcasing our great state in what we do, and this magazine is our premiere printed piece. We’ve produced some amazing guides in the past, but this one is my all-time favorite. It is packed with stunning photography and features hidden gems in every corner of the state,” West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said. “This year, we are encouraging folks to not only order themselves a copy, but to also send one to friends and family members they’d like to see visit the Mountain State this year.”
The 2024 Vacation Guide was produced in partnership with Dotdash Meredith, a leading publisher that also produces Southern Living, Real Simple, and Parents magazines. This partnership has been recognized in the past by the U.S. Travel Association when West Virginia was recognized as having the top printed piece in the county two years ago. By partnering with Dotdash, the 2024 guide will be mailed directly to 100,000 Travel + Leisure subscribers in West Virginia’s target markets to encourage travel to the Mountain State.
Organized by seasons, this year’s guide highlights the multitude of activities to experience in West Virginia all year long. The “field guide” in the front of the book, is the introduction to the unparalleled sights and adventures that can only be found in the Mountain State. The guide also features a section all about the state’s arts and culture scene with a special story about artisans and creative entrepreneurs throughout West Virginia.
Four perforated postcards, with images from each of West Virginia’s distinct seasons make easy tear-away keepsakes and add an interactive element to the guide. There’s also a quiz that helps readers discover the road trip best suited for them based on their interests.