| Cairo, W.Va. - North Bend State Park encourages visitors to enjoy outdoor activities as autumn approaches. Group coordinator Kristi Steed believes in creating affordable options to stay overnight at the park. North Bend State Park is a popular destination, for the day or for the stay.
Ken Zebo is an exceptional naturalist who enjoys introducing park guests to outdoor activities and sharing nature. Zebo schedules activities such as hikes and walk, nature study and nature center visits on a daily basis in addition to special event planning on a year-round basis.
North Bend State Park Special Events September - October
· A Butterfly Festival celebrating the Monarch Butterfly is scheduled for Sept. 2-5 at North Bend Lodge lawn area. The weekend features live butterflies and caterpillars, presentations about the Monarch Butterfly and other activities.
· Music by "Pullman Road" is scheduled Sept. 3 at North Bend's outdoor amphitheater from 7-9 p.m. There is no fee to attend and enjoy string and bluegrass music. Band members include: Jonathan Summers - vocals, mandolin, octave mandolin, bass drum; Matthew Shay - violin; Bruce Kahler - vocals, guitar; Eric Bordonada - bass, guitar; Gwen Kahler - vocals, bass drum; and Pam Hoskins - percussion.
· Homecoming Hues Artist Retreat returns to North Bend Sept. 6-11. Kitty Gorrell, in cooperation with the park, organizes this unique, educational and entertaining event that is open to all painters with the desire to expand their painting skills through outstanding classes and special assembly programs. This is a packaged event and pre-registration is available through event organizer, Kitty Gorrell, 304-684-7975.
· Nature Wonder Weekend is Sept. 16-18 and marks the 44th year for this annual "wild foods" weekend. The event explores the bounty of wild foods while celebrating the wonder of nature. Hikes, special guest speakers, and a wild foods social hour are part of the festivities. Reservations are required and can be made by phoning 304-558-2754.
· Take a 10-mile Hike Oct. 8 on the North Bend Rail Trail. Hikers interested in participating should contact the park in advance. Shuttles are provided. Bring a lunch and plenty of water for this fall trek.
· A Quilters' Getaway is planned Oct. 27-30 with instruction and time spent on quilting projects.
Overnight At North Bend
"Fall" in Love with West Virginia runs Sept. 11 - 29 at North Bend. Designed for mid-week getaways, the offer is for two nights in a deluxe 2-bedroom cabin. The package encourages hiking and fishing while visiting the park. "Or sit and relax and enjoy the quiet," said Steed. The package includes a boxed lunch for an outing or on the cabin deck, a special gift basket from Ritchie County merchants and a future stay discount at North Bend. The price is $199 for two nights, lunch, and taxes.
Pedal and Paddle is a mid-week stay at North Bend lodge for two that includes two nights at the park lodge, boxed lunches for a day and two outdoor excursions. The excursions are up to four hours of canoeing or kayaking on North Bend Lake and biking for up to four hours on North Bend Rail Trail. Canoe/kayak and bicycles are provided with the package. The cost of $199 includes lodging for two consecutive nights, a boxed lunch for two, equipment rentals and taxes. Reservations are required. Pedal and Paddle is available through Oct. 27.
Many travelers look forward to fall and autumn colors. Great Rates Falling is a rate reduction at the lodge in October for leaf peepers, according to Steed. "We forget many states don't have deciduous forests. Fall colors are one of the state's calling cards. We see more and more people avoiding busier weekends and opting to stay during the week to enjoy the landscape. A great rate is an added bonus." North Bend standard room rate is $$77. Great Rates Falling is $59 for guests staying Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights in October.
Other Fall Into Winter bundles include: "Christmas in the Country" on Dec. 24 and 25; the Great Getaways, Nov. 1, 2011 - March 31, 2012, and year-round prices on honeymoon and anniversary packages and other discounts.
North Bend State Park is located near Harrisville and Cairo off U.S. Route 50. The park features year-round interest with full-service lodge, restaurant, meeting rooms, vacation cabins, campgrounds, hiking trails, North Bend Lake for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, picnicking and North Bend Rail Trail access.
For North Bend information, visit www.northbendsp.com or call 304-643-2931 for events, accommodations or area information.
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