5-Day Black & White Photo Challenge, Day 5

MAY 20, 2015 IN GENERAL, PHOTO CHALLENGE

I would be remiss in listing local “must sees” if I did not mention one of my favorite places on the PLANET: Oglebay Park on the outskirts of Wheeling, West Virginia. The park began with a moneyed family’s summer home (now on the National Historic Register) and has become a premier park system, unique in the United States. Its 1600+ acres sprawl across hills and valleys, ponds and a lake.  

Everyone and anyone can find something to do at Oglebay. There are three golf courses (a Par 3, a nine-hole and a championship 18-hole;) the Mansion Museum; a pool; tennis courts; Schrader Environmental Education Center; Good Zoo; a planetarium; a ski slope; Schenk Lake with paddle boats and fishing; picnic areas; an amphitheater; and miles of trails around the lake and all over the hills.

Wilson Lodge Resort & Conference Center has more than 270 rooms, a spa, conference center and two restaurants. There are also various sized cottages for rent.  

Special seasonal events include a huge Festival of Lights driving tour Nov to Jan; Fort Henry Days in Sept; OglebayFest in Oct (arts and crafts;) a Maple Syrup Festival in March.

When I was in college at nearby West Liberty, friends and I spent many a day picnicking and skiing and just hanging out in the sun at Oglebay. I love walking the trails around the lake, and it’s rare when I don’t see various kinds of wildlife: deer grazing, turtles sunning, Canadian geese paddling around a pond; ducks in the lake; dragonflies; cranes.

Regarding the next challenge nominee, one is not able to do it, and I should hear from another any time now.  Thanks so much for allowing me to participate—it was FUN!

Happy trails and safe travels…