CHARLESTON, W.Va. โ West Virginiaโs premier online magazine for travel, history, and outdoor adventure, West Virginia Explorerย is celebrating its 25th anniversary by unveiling a series of new logos and a fully redesigned website, including an expanded webzine and comprehensive online travel guide at WVExplorer.com.
Founded in 1999, West Virginia Explorer has evolved from a niche publication into a trusted 12,000-page resource that attracts millions of visitors annually, from curious travelers and outdoor enthusiasts to natives rediscovering the state's beauty.
โWhen I launched West Virginia Explorer a quarter century ago, I could never have imagined how it would evolve,โ said David Sibray, founder and publisher. โOur mission has always been to celebrate and share West Virginiaโs natural wonders and cultural treasures โ and now, with this redesign, weโre ready to reach more people than ever before.โ
The redesigned WVExplorer.com provides a more immersive and user-friendly experience, enabling readers to easily navigate thousands of feature articles, travel itineraries, maps, and local guides.
The webzineโs clean new look reflects the fresh branding, while its robust travel guide puts information about West Virginiaโs trails, towns, events, and landmarks at readersโ fingertips.
Behind the scenes, the technology powering the site has remained on the cutting edge thanks to Technology Director Jonathan Moore, who has led the development of the siteโs secure and innovative infrastructure since 2001.
โOur priority has always been to keep West Virginia Explorer reliable, safe, and fast for every reader,โ said Moore. โThis upgrade not only enhances security but sets us up to grow in ways we once thought impossible.โ
As the stateโs premier online travel magazine, West Virginia Explorer has earned praise for championing lesser-known destinations alongside popular landmarks, such as the New River Gorge and Seneca Rocks. Its team of writers, photographers, and contributors continues to uncover hidden gems, local lore, and adventure opportunities across all 55 counties.
The anniversary redesign is only the beginning of a broader expansion, according to Sibray. Readers can expect more interactive maps, downloadable guides, and community features in the coming months โ all part of a vision to help residents and visitors alike experience West Virginia in all its wild and wonderful glory.
Moore said the logo will make its public debut at an event in August, where West Virginia Explorer fans can have their photo taken with Sibray.
"You'll be able to take photos at the photo wall at our event, made possible by Showtime Photo Booth," Moore said. "They're the premier choice for photo booth rental in Indianapolis, and while we're nowhere near Indianapolis, we've found them to be perfectly suited to promotion here."
To explore the new site and plan your next adventure, visit WVExplorer.com.
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I left West Virginia 50 years ago, but I still love it so much. Wish I could go back.
It's been great to reconnect with my roots through your informative articles I receive in my emails. Here's to another great 25 years!
I really enjoy the articles and photos in this publication and appreciate the opportunity of receiving them through email. I greatly miss my home state of West Virginia, and this publication helps take me home. Thanks to all who contribute.
I have finally moved back to my West Virginia mountains after 50+ years. You have the knowledge base for exploration & learning. Many thanks, your information is the exact connection that I needed.
I have finally moved back to my West Virginia mountains after 50+ years. You have the knowledge base for exploration & learning. Many thanks, your information is the exact connection that I needed.