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Take in some of West Virginia’s most scenic spaces from a unique perspective.
This story was originally published in the April 2023 issue of Wonderful West Virginia.
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Written by Taylor Maple
Photography courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism
Beautiful vistas aren’t hard to come by in West Virginia. Here, backyards turn into mountains boasting views that may as well be painted on the sky. Sparkling streams weave through fields before pouring into vast rivers that cut through dense forests like branches of lightning.
The urban areas that dot these Appalachian hills offer charms, too. Historic buildings and generations-old shops nestle between trendy restaurants and stylish boutiques. And even in the hustle and bustle of town, you’re probably not far from a waterfall, a gorge, a cave, or a peak.
Almost heaven, indeed.
For the ‘Gram
West Virginians know this beauty well, but the West Virginia Department of Tourism wants to make sure the rest of the world does, too. And what better place to spotlight it than social media—where the reach is unending and the potential to reach new audiences who may be unfamiliar with the state is just a few clicks away? With the new Almost Heaven swings, the department is shining a spotlight on what it has deemed “West Virginia’s most Instagrammable views.”
Located in picture-perfect locations across the state, these sturdy but elegant Almost Heaven wooden swings are quite literally made for photo ops.
“We know the power of social media,” says Lauren Hough, public relations manager for WV Tourism. “We felt like we needed something really tangible that folks could go visit when they visit the state, or even for residents who like to travel around the state in their spare time to go and snap photos.”
The swings—each adorned with “Almost Heaven” written in script at the top—frame everyone who sits in them with a picturesque window into the region. In Charleston, a waterway flows behind them, the state Capitol building peeking through the trees in the distance. In Cacapon Resort State Park, they’re flanked by a mountaintop view that stretches for miles before the horizon brushes the clouds. In Blackwater Falls State Park, a canopy of bright green trees crests over them. Each one invites a pose, a selfie, a shot together with their companions taken by someone passing by. And importantly, each one shows a glimpse of what makes West Virginia special.
Swingin’ It
The swings’ homes were carefully selected based on where the Department of Tourism noticed social media users were already finding great shots. With a little help, it was determined that these photo ops that were already well-loved by locals and eagle-eyed tourists could become even more of a widespread spectacle. “We analyzed over 100,000 social media posts and gathered that data to figure out where exactly we were going to put these swings,” Hough explains.
None of the locations that came out on top as most popular were particularly surprising, Hough says, although they do serve as a reminder of some spots that could go unnoticed by folks from another part of the state and visitors from other parts of the country. “I think maybe the one that’s most surprising is in the Eastern Panhandle—Cacapon Mountain,” she continues. “I mean, it’s a gorgeous overlook, so it’s no surprise that lots of people snap photos there. But I think maybe that is one that’s underrated—more of a hidden gem.”
The project was a quick turnaround. The idea came about in the department in the first month or so of 2022, with staff realizing how they could help support the social media spread of these beloved spots. By May, the swings were complete and ready to be distributed. “We’re really thankful that they were able to make this happen, because they are large swings,” Hough says.
The swings were designed and produced in partnership with the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center. “They wasted no time getting started on the project and really brought it to life,” Hough says. Once the structures were built and perfected, the Boone County Career and Technical Center’s truck driving program then made sure they got to their predetermined destinations. “They were awesome in helping get these swings all over the state, and it wasn’t an easy task.”
This collaboration among various organizations, offering folks work and an opportunity to hone skills while they’re at it—all for the goal of celebrating the state they call home—underscores the spirit of the project as a whole. “We definitely like to try and partner with local entities,” Hough continues. “No matter what project we’re working on, we want to make sure we’re supporting West Virginians, too.”
Fun for All
Since the eight swings were installed across the state last year, they have certainly been put to good use—just check the #AlmostHeaven hashtag on Instagram to find plenty of evidence. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Hough says. “Since we launched this program back in June, our social media team has seen so many posts rolling in of people using the swings and taking photos there, so we’re really happy with how it’s turned out.”
There’s also a wonderful diversity in who is finding joy in these spots, Hough notes. When someone hears of a swing being installed, they might think it’s something for kids—a playgroundesque toy to set the little ones loose on while the adults stay back. And when someone hears that a spot has been cultivated for a social media moment, they might think that only Gen Z is interested. But that’s not what these swings are about.
They’re fun for kids, yes, and perfect for Instagram, but they’re clearly meant for everyone to have a moment with. “What’s been great to see is the multigenerational response to the swings,” Hough says. “It’s not just been kids getting enjoyment out of this photo op, but grandparents and college students, families and couples. So I would say that the swings are for everyone, and they really do seem to be well-loved by all.”
According to Hough, the mission to spread the word about great West Virginia vistas does not stop here. Moving forward, the department aims to offer a way for counties, cities, and towns to install Almost Heaven swings in their necks of the woods. “We are planning to put more up,” she says. “We’re working with different partners around the state, whether that be convention and visitors bureaus or smaller entities, so that they can purchase a swing through our cooperative advertising program and have a swing in their area. We were kind of surprised by how many people wanted these installations in their areas.”
That excitement to share their favorite spots highlights the pride West Virginians have in their state and their desire to bring people to share it. And when it comes to the ever-changing nature of tourism, it’s smart of WV Tourism to look toward the future. Now more than ever, folks are bookmarking TikToks to find their next vacation spots, following Instagram accounts to know where the hidden gems along their road trips are, and discovering places through social media that they may have never otherwise thought to visit. The next time someone is scrolling for travel inspiration, one of these Almost Heaven spots just may be at the top of their feed.
“We see the power in getting the word out about West Virginia because we know as residents how wonderful it is, but how are other people who aren’t from here supposed to know unless we get the word out that way?” Hough says. “We know how popular social media is, so I feel like using that to our advantage is a good thing. It’s never going to hurt when we put positivity about our state into the world.”
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