CHARLESTON —  People looking for ways to spend their $600 IRS economic stimulus tax rebate checks need not look any farther than West Virginia, according to the West Virginia Division of Tourism.

CASS, W.Va. — Railroad fans from across the nation will gather at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park May 16 - 18 for the 2008 Cass Railfan Weekend, three days of historic railroading fun with steam and diesel engines

To legally operate a motorboat in West Virginia, passing a mandatory boater education course is required for anyone born after December 31, 1986. This requirement became law in January 2001. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources law enforcement officers are scheduling boater education classes at numerous locations across the state.

GREENUP, Ky. – The Annual Art in the Park Festival will be held on Saturday, May 10 at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.  Students from all four-area elementary schools will be participating in this event through art, drama, and music. Student-created artwork will be displayed in the Greenbo Lodge May 9-12. 

 DAVIS, W.Va. —  Golfers can enjoy a two-for-one day on the links at Canaan Valley Resort for the 40th anniversary celebration of the resort state park’s golf course Saturday, May 31. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. —  Gov. Steve Beshear today declared the week of May 10-18 National Tourism Week in Kentucky, noting the importance of tourism to the state’s economy.

DAVIS, W.VA. — There’s going to be plenty of heat when chili cookoff contestants fire up their stoves for the third annual Smokin’ in the Valley extreme chili cookoff at Canaan Valley Resort on Saturday, May 17. 

  CHARLESTON — An incredible natural spectacle is currently taking place all over the state as nearly 100 different species of birds journey from great distances to raise their young. Join bird enthusiast Doren Burrell for a special program about migratory birds. This free Lunchtime Lecture will take place in the Clay Center's art gallery on Wednesday, May 14 at 12:15 p.m.

GREENUP, Ky. – The Annual Art in the Park Festival will be held on Saturday, May 10 at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.  Students from all four-area elementary schools will be participating in this event through art, drama, and music. Student-created artwork will be displayed in the Greenbo Lodge May 9-12. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Central Ohio children and their families are invited to participate in the May 10 kickoff of "Explore the Outdoors," a statewide campaign that challenges children - especially those in grades K-5 - to get outside and reconnect with their natural world.

 FRANKFORT, Ky. — Turkey is one of the most sought-after game meats available. Whether frying, smoking or baking, the possibilities are endless for the turkey hunter with a taste for good eating. But what about all those parts that aren’t edible? Enterprising hunters have long used more than just the meat of their harvested turkeys. When turkey season ends, it’s a great time to sit down and try out a few of these projects.

COLUMBUS —  Ohio retained its standing this year as the nation's leader in Tree City USA communities with 249 participating cities, villages and other municipalities. This marks Ohio's 27th year as the top Tree City USA state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry.

 FRANKFORT — Parents now have two more weeks to sign their children up for summer conservation camps operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

NELSONVILLE, Ohio — Hocking Valley Scenic Railway has unique offerings not available at any other whistle stop.

LOUISA, Ky.—   Eagle Ridge Golf Course at Yatesville Lake State Park near Louisa  just re-opened for the season.

Lyle “Lefty” Meeks has been cutting hair in the town of Cass for the past 60 years. His barber’s pole still hangs where it always has in a shaded, quiet corner of the 107 year old lumber company town, now preserved as Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

GREENUP, Ky. — For a Mother’s Day treat this year, consider taking Mom to dinner at one of 17 Kentucky State Resort Parks. The Mother’s Day menu will be served from noon until 8 p.m. Sunday, May 11.

Beginning today Kentuckians can log on to the web site mykentuckybackyard.com and register for prizes as part of the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s “Discover Your Own Backyard” promotion that invites residents to visit state events and attractions throughout the summer vacation months

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohioans are encouraged to take advantage of "Free Fishing Days" that continue today,  Sunday, May 4 to experience the great angling opportunities Ohio has to offer. For these two days only, anglers may fish any of the state's public waters without a license.

 BARBOURSVILLE — The Bike The Park series is set for 2008 with mountain bike rides for all levels now set to roll through West Virginia State Parks