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West Virginia


After a hiatus where we prioritized international travel, we’re back at it and hope to complete our last 5 states this summer. First up, West Virginia! We flew into Pittsburgh, PA since it’s much closer to Grand Vue Park in Moundsville, WV than flying into the state capital, Charleston. It was only a bit over an hour drive.

For lunch, we stopped by Nana’s Pizza and Pie to try West Virginia’s official state food - pepperoni rolls. Per Food Network, pepperoni rolls were “created in West Virginia by Italian immigrants needing a hearty, delicious and, most importantly, non-perishable lunch to take underground while working the coal mines.” Perhaps I had low expectations imagining a Hot Pocket of some sort, but these pepperoni rolls were not that. Freshly made to order in 15 minutes, the handmade dough was my favorite part but the tasty tomato dipping sauce was a close second. 



We also enjoyed the loaded fries - oven baked and covered in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, crispy bacon, & sprinkled with parsely. Our older son exclaimed, “these are the best fries I’ve ever had!”



After lunch, we made our way to Basecamp Adventures at Grand Vue Park. Our 2 hours of fun started at 1:30 pm on the 35 feet high Aerial Challenge Course. Y’all I don’t know what I was thinking being 4’11” and not fond of heights, but I was definitely questioning my life choices once we got to the top. I was really glad my 11 year old volunteered to go first. Then, my 8 year old went before me so I could help him “reach” and transfer the safety equipment, but I was having a hard time doing it at my height. 




Our older son made it through 2 segments of the 6 segments aerial course but our younger son only 1 segment before wanting to come back. I was secretly relieved to then not have to go at all. 😅 They were scared (as was I) but I was so proud of them for their courage to step out and for conquering some of that fear. 



Next, we went on the Mega-Jump, which is also 35 feet high, for a free fall feeling. The staff suggested I go first so I could video the boys coming down. I agreed but then after getting all strapped in, working up the nerve, and walking up to the edge…I just couldn’t and chickened out. I was so thankful that my boys shook it off and still decided to go. I ended up coming down on the Rappel Wall on the opposite side of the platform which seemed less scary like coming down from rock climbing.



We then headed to the Bungee Trampoline where the boys enjoyed some high jumps, and our older son did his first trampoline front flip.


Last, we went to the Rock Climbing Tower, and our boys stayed the longest on this challenge. Our youngest climbed about halfway on the easy course, and our older son climbed more than halfway along with trying the medium and hard courses too.


I was personally looking forward to the Giant Swing from videos I had watched beforehand, but sadly, that challenge was closed for maintenance. Next time!


Pro Tip: Most schools in the Northeast don’t finish school for another 1 to 2 weeks, so Memorial Day weekend is a great time to visit. We were actually the only guests at our 1:30 pm ticket reservation and had the entire Adventure Park to ourselves!

Grand Vue Park also has zip lining, aquatic center/pool 🏊‍♂️, mini golf ⛳️, cabins, camping, hiking, and more. Would definitely love to come back with dad and sister when the boys are a bit taller 😜

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