Helvetia (West Virginia)

There are ten historic buildings in town, including an original settler's cabin that has been converted into a museum.

Hiking trails to two waterfalls (Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa) or up to Potato Knob at 2,480 feet and Shupe's Chute waterfall. Trout rearing pond, swimming pool, basketball, volleyball, softball field, tennis courts, archery, badminton, croquet and horseshoes. On-site park store, and restaurant with wood panelling and wood-burning fireplace. Cabins and campgrounds available.

On US-219. West Virginia's highest state forest encompasses 9,474 acres of forest atop Rich Mountain, with abundant wildlife and flora. Eight hiking trails, picnicking, hunting, fishing and entertainment during the summer. Mill Creek Falls is at the northern end of the park. Cabins, cottages and campgrounds available, with bathhouse.

The Swiss version of Mardi Gras is held the last Saturday before Lent, in late February. Food (including fondue) and beverages, open mic music, a buffet at the Hutte restaurant, mask making, and a candlelight parade in the evening with costume judging and a square dance. At midnight, an effigy of Old Man Winter is cut down and burned. Admission free.

Held in nearby Pickens during the third Saturday in March, to celebrate the sugarmaking traditions of eastern West Virginia. The festival features a pancake dinner; artists; woodcarving, soapmaking and basket weaving demonstrations; a wood-chopping exhibition; a muzzle-loading contest; arts and crafts; a quilt show; square dancing; and live entertainment.

Is held in late April; Pickens also holds a ramp dinner the previous week. Volunteers prepare over 60 bushels of ramps, 300 pounds of ham, 60 pounds of beans, 480 pounds of potatoes, and 200 pounds of cabbage. The meal includes fried and fresh ramps, beans, ham, fried potatoes, applesauce, cornbread, drink, and dessert.

Sometimes called the Swiss Festival, is held the second Saturday in September. It features an Alpine parade with traditional dress and vehicles, a Swiss flag toss, the blowing of the Alpenhorn, Swiss music, costumes, songs and folk dances, square dancing, and farm stands selling fresh produce, homemade preserves, baked goods, cheeses and crafts. Funds are raised during the annual chicken supper on the third Saturday in August; dinner is $8, square dancing $5. Admission to the fair is free.