Many wedding presents, Oglebay and wife's, as well as his daughter's, are displayed behind glass showcases in museum rooms. The wide hallways in the mansion have had showcases built into the walls. All these display a great amount of glass and china, mostly European, some American. Anyone who has spent time looking through antique books would recognize some rare and valuable pieces. All this, plus some glass and china are displayed in their authentic setting among the mansion furniture. Especially at Christmas, the Victorian home is decorated with a design to delight.

Besides glass and china, the museum includes a model railroad, Victorian clothing, and many pictures with explanations that tell the story of a family to whom home was important. It is a self-guided tour with audio in each room. You push the buttons. Just a few exceptions: in the entry room where you pay your admission and in the showcase rooms, attendants have introductions and explanations and are available to answer questions. This is really an excellent tour, so don't he deceived by the admission. The house is huge, lovely, completely furnished with fabulous Victorian furnishings, everything exceptionally polished and sparkling. It's also a very educational tour, where you can learn about everything from early agriculture to entertaining. I have taken this tour twice and will do it again.

There is a website for the shops: http://www.oglebay-resort.com/oglebay/shops.htm

The glass shop is really larger than it looks in the web picture, and some of the West Virginia glassware displayed there is really beautiful, some expensive, some not. Brands include Blenko, Fenton, and many others, some of the brands sold in department stores, but with a much better selection here. Prices should also be better, but not much, except sale items. The real attraction of the place is the wide selection, all West Virginia-made, and as West Virginians will tell you, "That's what Jackie Kennedy bought." Everyone is tempted and buys something, either elaborate or simple: a china lamp or a candle holder. There's always something for a few bucks or a couple thousand. Be prepared to spend a little time. There are concessions and tables if you get hungry.

Shopping at Carriage House Glass is free, but a glass museum on the basement level of the building requires an admission of a few dollars. I haven't seen it, but I have toured Oglebay Mansion, which is full of antique glass and china. (See museum entry.)

Hours vary during the holidays, so call ahead. Adults pay $5 for admission and students pay $2. Twelve and under are free with paid adult. Wilson Lodge and cottage guests pay a discounted price of $3.