Christmas at Oglebay

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Plenty of recreational opportunities and activities are available right inside the lodge. The indoor pool area is lushly landscaped and includes a hot tub, sauna, and fitness center. Nearby are a video arcade and the Hickman Lounge with a pool table and many other tables for playing games or working on crafts. A few weeks before our family reunion, we each received a list of activities scheduled during our stay. The kids enjoyed decorating their own racing car and creating dinosaur sand art during the day, while the adults participated in family pictionary and karaoke in the evenings.

My family received a group package rate of $99 per room per night. Included in this rate were a pass for the Festival of Lights and a free buffet breakfast for two adults per room per night. The breakfast buffet was held in the Ihlenfeld Dining Room, which provided views of snow-covered hills while we were dining. The buffet included just about every breakfast food imaginable and is probably one of the best that I''ve ever been to.

The rooms at the Wilson Lodge were clean and well-appointed. My room had a balcony off of it, from which I was able to view some of the lights from the Festival of Lights. My family also reserved a suite with a bar for family gatherings. We were also able to arrange a private banquet room for our annual family dinner and gift exchange.

Highlights of the zoo include: Discovery Lab; indoor exhibits of birds, bats, frogs, and other small animals; desert display with roadrunners and burrowing owls; a 3000 gallon fish tank; and barnyard animals. During the holiday there are also live reindeer adjacent to the outdoor patio of the main building. Due to the cold weather, that was as far from the main building as I got. I understand there are also bears, otters, bison, and red wolves on display.

If you go to the Good Zoo, don't miss the Miniature Railroad and Village or Laser Light Show at the Benedum Planetarium. During the holiday season, the laser light show is choreographed to Christmas music.

Our pass for the drive was included with our package at the Wilson Lodge. Normally, the expected donation is $5 per car, which is good for the whole season. There are collection booths soon after the entrance to collect this donation.

We started the drive around 9:30 or 10:00 at night and did not run into any traffic. We heard there was a little more traffic earlier in the evening. From what I've heard, the traffic can get pretty backed up earlier in the season. So, if you go earlier in the season, I recommend arriving there just before dark to avoid the traffic.

This season, the Festival of Lights runs through January 7, 2001. So, if you want to catch it, you'd better hurry!

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.

Golf Courses and Packages
Sled riding
Outdoor Pool and Tennis Courts
Walking Trails
Playground
Gardens
Stables
Seven specialty shops spread throughout the park
Six restaurants and refreshment stands throughout the park
If your family needs more space, cottages are available for rent as well. I'm sure I'm forgetting some of the activities/facilities available. Believe me, you and/or your family will not be bored. There are also plenty of attractions in downtown Wheeling. These include: gaming and entertainment at Wheeling Downs; Victorian homes; and various museums, shops, and restaurants.