West Virginia Explorer celebrates 25th anniversary with redesigned website, travel guide

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s premier online magazine for travel, history, and outdoor adventure, West Virginia Explorer 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.

© West Virginia Explorer LLC, 2025

“When I launched West Virginia Explorer a quarter century ago, I could never have imagined how it would evolve,” said David Sibray, founder and publisher. “Our mission has always been to celebrate and share West Virginia’s natural wonders and cultural treasures — and now, with this redesign, we’re ready to reach more people than ever before.”

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 webzine’s clean new look reflects the fresh branding, while its robust travel guide puts information about West Virginia’s trails, towns, events, and landmarks at readers’ 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 site’s secure and innovative infrastructure since 2001.

“Our priority has always been to keep West Virginia Explorer reliable, safe, and fast for every reader,” said Moore. “This upgrade not only enhances security but sets us up to grow in ways we once thought impossible.”

As the state’s 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 — 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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