Clyde Craig

Clyde Craig is a 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.
Outdoor Economy Photo: Jay Young (IronArchMedia.com)

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 and … Read more

West Virginia Travel Safety: The Mountain remains a generally safe place to visit, particularly given its low violent crime rate. But safe travel here depends on understanding terrain, distances, and conditions that differ sharply from those in more urban states.

West Virginia Travel Safety: What it means for residents and visitors in 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Travel safety in West Virginia is shaped less by headline-grabbing crime and more by geography, weather, and the realities of rural travel. For West Virginians and the growing number of tourists drawn by the state’s mountains, rivers, and small towns, that distinction matters.Recent tourism data show steady growth in outdoor recreation, heritage … Read more

Communities once defined by vacant upper floors and underused downtown buildings are seeing renewed interest in housing from remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

Webinar examines housing stairway safety in growing West Virginia small towns

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As remote work reshapes where Americans choose to live, small-town housing in West Virginia has emerged as a central issue in the state’s economic revival. Communities once defined by vacant upper floors and underused downtown buildings are seeing renewed interest from remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Translating that momentum into lasting … Read more

At ski destinations like Snowshoe Mountain, midwinter typically marks the heart of the season.

Jan. 15 marks Midwinter Day, but the most wintry weather is ahead in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — By mid-January, many West Virginians will notice a subtle but welcome change: daylight is beginning to stretch a little longer each afternoon. That small gain of sunlight can create the impression that winter is already easing its grip. Meteorologically speaking, however, the opposite is true. January 15 is widely recognized by climatologists … Read more

Winter Energy Resilience at Snowhoe Mountain

WVU: Federal funding could lower bills, boost winter energy resilience in West Virginia

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Winter in West Virginia can be unforgiving, especially for households and businesses already struggling with high utility bills and the threat of losing heat when ice storms, extreme cold, or surging demand strain the electric grid.West Virginia University researchers say improving winter energy resilience is key to maintaining power and controlling costs. … Read more

United Van Lines, in its 49th Annual National Movers Study, ranked West Virginia as one of the country’s leading state for inbound moves in 2025

W.Va. a top state for inbound moves as Americans seek affordability, outdoor living

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is emerging as one of the nation’s top destinations for inbound moves, according to new data from United Van Lines, underscoring a broader shift toward smaller states, outdoor access, and affordable living.United Van Lines, in its 49th Annual National Movers Study, ranked West Virginia as one of the country’s leading … Read more

Sports that grew quickly after the 2020 covid pandemic, pickleball is played on a small court with a perforated plastic ball and is valued for its easy learning curve and strong social appeal.

These five sports are rapidly growing in West Virginia communities

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Sports in West Virginia will always include Friday-night football, high school basketball, and hunting and fishing, but the landscape is changing.A handful of “next wave” sports are gaining players quickly. Proponents say that’s because they suit modern life in the state’s small towns. They afford shorter learning curves, vibrant social scenes, lower … Read more