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Bianca Bosworth

Born in Charleston, Bianca Bosworth spent years traveling the world as a travel nurse and freelance writer. In 2009 she returned to West Virginia to pursue a career in writing and mountaineering. She now calls Putnam County home.
Candace Evans leads a yoga course at Fayetteville, West Virginia.
Recreation

Five reasons West Virginia town has become yoga destination

by Bianca Bosworth

Long a mecca for hiking, biking, climbing, and paddling vacations, Fayetteville is gaining attention nationally as an ideal destination for yoga retreats.The town of just more than 2,000 residents boasts 20 yoga instructors, and healing-arts venues are growing, according to Candace Evans, an instructor at New River Yoga.“Fayetteville is definitely a yoga destination now,” Evans … Read more

Campers gather around a fire in a West Virginia forest.
Recreation

Governor amends dry-weather ban to permit some campfires

by Bianca Bosworth

Due to dry weather conditions, Gov. Jim Justice last week restricted outdoor burning in West Virginia, but today amended his proclamation to allow for campfires in state and federal recreation areas under specific conditions, according to Andy Malinoski, a spokesman for the W.Va. Dept. of Commerce.At the request of officials with the West Virginia Division … Read more

The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Attractions

W.Va. Historic Preservation Awards winners announced

by Bianca Bosworth

In advance of Saturday’s annual preservation awards banquet in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia today announced the winners of its 11th annual preservation awards.The banquet and ceremony are being held at the newly restored Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in the Clarksburg National Historic District, according to Daniel Parker, executive director … Read more

Fireworks explode above the campus of Glenville State College on the Little Kanawha River. (Photo courtesy Glenville State College.)Fireworks explode above the campus of Glenville State College on the Little Kanawha River.
Communities

Affordability, student support boost Glenville enrollment

by Bianca Bosworth

Affordability and student-support initiatives are boosting fall enrollment at Glenville State College, which welcomed 425 new traditional and online students this semester, bringing total enrollment at the school to 1,540.According to Dr. Kathleen Nelson, staff and faculty efforts combined with scholarships and low tuition rates have helped the school build its enrollment.“Our faculty and staff … Read more

Exhibitors explain their craft at the West Virginia Makes Festival.
Culture

West Virginia’s largest maker festival set for Oct. 4

by Bianca Bosworth

Makers of all ages will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights Oct. 4 during West Virginia’s largest maker festival on the Huntington campus of Marshall University.The sixth annual “West Virginia Makes Festival,” hosted by the Robert C. Byrd Institute, is a celebration of creativity and ingenuity in all their forms, according to organizers.Artisans, inventors, … Read more

Maryland Heights, as seen from Loudon Heights, rises at the southern terminous of South Mountain at the Potomac River.
Attractions

Maryland Heights Trail closes weekdays for tree maintenance

by Bianca Bosworth

One of America’s favorite hiking trails will be closed weekdays through mid-October while diseased trees are removed, according to officials from the National Park Service.Starting Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, the Maryland Heights Trail in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will be closed on weekdays for the removal of diseased trees, which have the potential … Read more

The Gravy Soppers perform at the Appalachian Heritage Festival at Shepherd University.
Culture

Shepherd hosts annual Appalachian Heritage fest Sept 20-28

by Bianca Bosworth

(NOTE: The time of the movie on September 20 has been changed to 7 p.m. and the final event, storytelling with Adam Booth and Diane Macklin, has been changed to September 27.)Shepherd University’s 24th-annual Appalachian Heritage Festival will take place during the week of September 20-28 and features the work of Affrilachian poet and storyteller … Read more

West Virginia is offering discounts on all lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites to those seeking shelter from Hurricane Dorian.
Attractions

W.Va. opens parks to travelers who seek shelter from Dorian

by Bianca Bosworth

West Virginia has opened its state parks to travelers seeking shelter from Hurricane Dorian, offering a 50 percent discount on park cabins, campsites, and lodge rooms.West Virginia Governor Jim Justice emphasized the welcoming nature of state residents while making the announcement Wednesday morning.“West Virginia stands ready to welcome anyone who may be in need of … Read more

The West Virginia Tourism Office’s new television commercials took the industry’s top honor at the U.S. Travel Association’s Mercury Awards on Aug. 20, 2019.
Communities

W.Va. tourism commercials win top national award

by Bianca Bosworth

The West Virginia Tourism Office’s new television commercials took the industry’s top honor at the U.S. Travel Association’s Mercury Awards on Aug. 20, according to Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby. The Tourism Office and its renowned “Almost Heaven, West Virginia” campaign was recognized by the National Council of State Tourism Directors in the category Broadcast Advertising: … Read more