Wheeling, WV - Welcome to a place where nature meets innovation, luxury meets sustainability, and your favorite meal might just have a little something extra — grown right on the property. Imagine this: a lush resort with five incredible restaurants, multiple golf courses, scenic walking trails, and oh yeah — 92 state-of-the-art towers dedicated to growing fresh, farm-to-table produce right on site. We’re talking about serious green-thumb action, all while providing educational resources for adults and kids alike. But the real magic? It all happens under the care of a truly outstanding lead grower, Nathan Harlan, and a team of professionals who’ve poured their heart and soul into creating something really special.
The Resort: A Green Oasis with a Side of Luxury
This isn’t your average getaway. Sure, you’ve got your classic resort offerings: five world-class restaurants that could easily compete for the title of “best meal of your life,” sprawling golf courses that might just make you want to take up the game, and peaceful walking trails where you can forget about the hustle and bustle. But the real star of the show? The farm-to-table philosophy that fuels it all.
Picture this: you’re dining at one of the resort’s fabulous restaurants, and the herbs, veggies, and even some of the more unique ingredients on your plate were grown right on the property. If that doesn’t scream “fresh” — we don’t know what does.
The Towers: Growing More Than Just Food
But how do they do it? Well, here’s where things get really interesting. The resort boasts 92 towers — yes, towers — dedicated to commercial growing. That’s 89 towers of veggies and herbs (and everything in between) for use in the resort’s restaurants, and 3 towers devoted to education. The goal? To teach both adults and kids the wonders of sustainable agriculture and give them a hands-on learning experience about where their food comes from.
The towers are part of a cutting-edge greenhouse that was retrofitted to be both modern and eco-friendly. Think of it as a greenhouse with a Ph.D. in sustainability. The team worked tirelessly for over 12 months with architects, general contractors, electricians, and plumbers to make sure every detail was just right. (Because if you're going to grow vegetables in style, you might as well make sure everything’s in top-notch shape, right?)
The Heart of It All: Education & Community Engagement
At the heart of this project is the commitment to education. The three towers dedicated to educational purposes are a key part of the resort's mission to engage the local community and visitors in learning about sustainable farming, food security, and environmental stewardship.
Whether you’re a curious adult looking to dip your toes into the world of gardening or a child with dreams of becoming the next great green-thumbed innovator, these educational resources provide the perfect opportunity to learn and grow — pun totally intended.
A Historic Greenhouse Gets a Modern Twist
Now, let’s talk about that historic greenhouse. Once a relic of the past, this greenhouse has been transformed into a shining example of modern agricultural technology. It’s a true collaboration between visionary architects, skilled contractors, and the many tradespeople who made sure every screw and seed was in the right place.
After over a year of meticulous planning and construction, the result is a greenhouse that’s both high-tech and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s a place where cutting-edge hydroponics meet classic horticultural knowledge — and the plants thrive because of it. The greenhouse is more than just a growing space; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when innovation and history come together.
Meet Nathan Harlan: The Green Thumb Genius Behind It All
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible leadership of Nathan Harlan, the resort’s lead grower. Nate, as he's known by those lucky enough to work with him, is not just a grower — he’s an educator, a visionary, and a downright nice guy. His enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture is infectious, and it’s no surprise he’s the one driving this green revolution on the property.
The Future’s Looking Green
Looking ahead, the future of this resort is all about growth — in more ways than one. As the resort continues to nurture its crops, expand its educational offerings, and connect with the community, it’s clear that they’re setting the bar for what a sustainable, eco-friendly resort experience can be. It’s a place where food, fun, and education all come together to create something truly special.
So next time you’re planning a getaway, why not choose a resort where the green isn’t just in the landscaping, but in the very fabric of the experience? With towers of vegetables, passionate growers, and a commitment to education, you’re sure to leave with more than just memories — you might just leave with a newfound appreciation for where your food comes from.
And hey, if you’re lucky, you might even catch Nate out in the greenhouse. He’ll probably be the guy with a giant grin— ready to share his secrets for growing the perfect tomato.
Take a look at this fresh batch of leafies, all set to make their way to the kitchens of Oglebay Resort! Fun fact: aeroponic towers not only produce higher yields, but they also use 98% less water. And when it comes to flavor and aroma? Aeroponically grown produce is truly in a league of its own!
For more history about Wheeling Park, check out this website: Detailed History of the Popular Destination Wheeling Park : Oglebay
James and Severin Garrett are featured below from Greenhouse Towers, who worked alongside Nathan and his team to get the towers from Tower Farms up and running!
