Economic Development
Grants of up to $100,000 available in W.Va. for pre-1872 preservation projects
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As part of the nation’s 250th-anniversary commemoration, officials at the
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Clyde Craig
Clyde Craig is a staff writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011. He has been a writer with the explorer since 2018. He can be reached at 304-575-7390 or at craig@wvexplorer.com.
Biking
Gravel, bikepacking network connects towns across Monongahela National Forest region
MARLINTON, W.Va. — A new gravel and bikepacking network connecting 12 towns across the Monongahela National Forest region, colloquially called “the Mon,” has launched, offering more than 60 curated cycling routes across eight West Virginia counties. The network, launched by the A lone motorist travels US-250 through the Monongahela National Forest. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. … Read more
Kayaking and Canoeing
Horsepower restrictions removed on five small lakes in West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Including changes that expand boating access on several small state lakes, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced updated boating regulations for 2026. Approved during the 2026 Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature and effective immediately, the new regulations remove horsepower restrictions on several lakes while maintaining no-wake requirements. … Read more
State Parks, Forests
West Virginia state parks seek seasonal employees for summer 2026
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State parks in West Virginia are hiring seasonal employees for the 2026 summer season, and local residents are being encouraged to apply. Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks, said seasonal employees are needed annually to maintain the parks. “As visits begin to pick up with the return of warmer … Read more
Dining / Nightlife
Six state park restaurants in West Virginia to host Mother’s Day luncheons
GRAFTON, W.Va. — Six state park restaurants in West Virginia will host Mother’s Day lunches and buffets on May 10, offering families across the state a scenic and memorable way to celebrate. Parks offering a special lunch include Five park restaurants will host special Mother’s Day lunches and buffets on May 10, 2026. Ann Jarvis … Read more
Culture
West Virginia bottler wins silver award at international water competition
BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — Le Sage Natural Water, of Lesage, has been awarded a silver medal for its purified water at the 36th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition in the eastern panhandle of the Mountain State. The world’s most prestigious and longest-running water competition, more than 100 entries from five continents competed this … Read more
Communities
West Virginia uniquely prepared to dominate 21st-century outdoor economy
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is uniquely prepared to dominate in the 21st-century outdoor economy of the U.S., thanks to its unmatched potential for outdoor recreation, says a spokesman for The Nature Conservancy. The state is attracting new residents in record numbers as a result of its capacity for outdoor living, an economic reality as … Read more
Communities
We asked AI how its own data centers could pollute West Virginia. Here’s what it had to say
(The following article was generated partly by ChatGPT in response to a prompt about how data centers pollute. As ChatGPT is powered by data centers, one might expect it to lean toward a positive statement about the impact on West Virginia.) DAVIS, W.Va. — Data centers rarely look like polluters. They don’t belch smoke stacks … Read more
Communities
Flood risk outpaces warnings, advocates say, as W.Va. considers changes to resiliency fund
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the W.Va. House of Delegates considers changes to Senate Bill 390, the West Virginia Rivers Coalition warns that the state risks narrowing its flood strategy at a time when disasters are becoming more frequent, more costly, and more destructive. The organization points to a growing gap between early-warning technology and long-term … Read more
Communities
Inaugural W.Va. Outdoor Economy Summit to unite leaders around $2.1 billion growth
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s outdoors are more than a scenic backdrop. They’re a strategic economic asset. That message will take center stage February 17–18, 2026, when leaders from across the state and region convene for the inaugural West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center. Presented by the Charleston Convention … Read more