First Fridays is back

LEWISBURG, W.Va. -- First Fridays After Five returns from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 1 in Lewisburg.

The North House Museum and Greenbrier Historical Society will give free tours of its African-American History Exhibit every half-hour from 5 to 7 p.m.

In celebration of its second anniversary, Stella's will serve a complimentary glass of champagne with every dinner entrée.

Live music can be found at the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center (Strum Sum Band), Harmony Ridge Gallery (disc jockey G.Biv), and Plants Etc. (Django Burroughs).

Wolf Creek Gallery will give away a free backpack with any Big Star Jeans purchase.

Romantic retreat

WESTON, W.Va. -- Stonewall Resort is offering an overnight "Retreat to Romance" package for Feb. 15-16 or 16-17.

"We designed the package so that guests can enjoy just being together or partake in activities like a couples massage, outdoor walk, relaxing by the roaring fire in our Grand Hall or playing cards in the cozy library without feeling rushed or busy," says Steve Ludwig, director of sales and marketing.

The package rate starts at $259 and includes one night's lodging, dinner for two, live entertainment in TJ Muskies Lounge, two complimentary drink tickets and breakfast for two.

To see each evening's menu, visit www.stonewallresort.com and visit the "Valentine's Package," listed under the "Packages & Specials" link.

Stonewall Resort recently received a Four Diamond Award from AAA for the 10th straight year.

To make reservations, or for more information, contact the resort at 304-269-7400 or visit www.stonewallresort.com.

Music at North Bend

CAIRO, W.Va. -- Area musicians will add some energy during "Sundays in the Park" at North Bend State Park in January, February and March.

"Music livens and warms what can be cold, wintry Sundays," according to park activities coordinator Ken Zebo.

From noon until 2 p.m. on most Sundays, guests at the Sunday dinner buffets will be entertained by live music in the lodge lobby. The buffet is served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Musicians or groups scheduled include: Jan. 27 and March 3 and 17, Scott Cain on hammered dulcimer; and Feb. 10 and 24, Steve Ritter on acoustic guitar.

Find more information about North Bend State Park at www.northbendsp.com or call the park at 304-643-2931.

Military weekend

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. -- Snowshoe Mountain Resort is holding its Armed Forces Winter Salute March 1-4.

The Pocahontas County resort's three-day event features deals on lift tickets and lodging for service members of all branches of the military. Modified slalom races, on and off snow competition and après-ski events are planned, including a concert by Uncle Kracker in the resort plaza.

Packages start at $237 per person for lift tickets and lodging for two days plus concert ticket. Call 877-441-4386 for information or to make reservations.

Blennerhassett history

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. -- "A Journey Through Time" is the theme for four Sunday history programs in February at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.

The free winter lectures take place at 2 p.m. Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Light refreshments will be served.

Attendees should register to confirm attendance by calling 304-420-4800 by Feb.1.

On Feb. 3, Illene Evans will portray Harriet Tubman, a slave active in the Civil War as a nurse, spy and soldier.

On Feb. 10, Doug Wood will portray Ostenaco, a leader of Cherokee warriors who allied with Virginia military leaders against northern tribes fighting with the French during the French and Indian War.

On Feb. 17, historian Louise Zimmer will give the talk "The Lost Islands of Wood County," about Wood County's eight Ohio River islands.

On Feb. 24, Hank Arbaugh will give a history of the ballads and songs of Appalachia -- their origins, sources, musical style, old-world beliefs and legendary figures in certain songs. He'll embellish his talk with music and audience interaction.