Hidden Gems of Wheeling: Explore Your Own Backyard

WHEELING - Area residents seeking vacation spots don't have to travel far to explore fascinating "hidden gems" this summer.

The West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation has developed a new program, "Hidden Gems of Wheeling," spotlighting a dozen local treasures.

The goal of the Hidden Gems of Wheeling event is to encourage area residents to visit many of the cultural and historic sites in the community that might not be well known.

"We came up with the Hidden Gems idea to encourage people to visit local sites in the Wheeling area they may not know about," said Gerry Reilly, president of the West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation.

He added, "For example, a large number of residents do not know that the birthplace of West Virginia, and the most historic site in the state, is West Virginia Independence Hall located in downtown Wheeling."

Participating sites are as follows:

– West Virginia Independence Hall, 1528 Market St. It is a National Historic Landmark.

– The SMART Center, in its new location at 1410 Main St. The innovative facility is an interactive science center.

– Museums of Oglebay Institute: Mansion Museum and Glass Museum, both located in Oglebay Park

– Oglebay Institute's Schrader Environmental Education Center, also situated in Oglebay Park.

– Oglebay Institute's Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road.

– Oglebay Institute's School of Dance, 1330 National Road.

– Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theatre, 2118 Market St.

– Artworks Around Town, 2200 Market St. The gallery and art center is in the Upper Market House of the historic Centre Market.

– Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, 115 Skyway Lane, off Short Creek Road.

– Ohio County Public Library, 52 16th St. It is home to a vast collection of reading materials, a small museum and extensive archives.

– Wheeling Artisan Center Shop, 1400 Main St.

A "passport" to the participating sites has been created and will be available at each site. Between July 20 and Aug. 15, visitors may have their passport stamped at each participating location and then turn in their passport at West Virginia Independence Hall by Aug. 15.

The location and hours of operation of each site are listed on the passport. During the Hidden Gems observance, admission to each site is free to anyone who has a passport with them.

As an added incentive, individuals will have one entry in a drawing for every site they have stamped on their passport. The winner of the drawing will receive four free tickets to the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra's Symphony on Ice program scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3.

"We are very grateful that the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra has donated such a great prize for the drawing," said Maria McKelvey, secretary of the West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation.

"The prize is a great incentive for people to visit these important sites," she added.