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Clyde CraigClyde 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.
Commercial real estate near New River Gorge National Park
Communities

Federal downsizing creates real estate opportunity near new national park

by Clyde Craig

MOUNT HOPE, W.Va. — Federal downsizing has created a remarkable commercial real estate opportunity in southern West Virginia near the nation’s newest national park—an opportunity that’s attracting plenty of attention after a price drop. Once home to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, a 34,568-square-foot office complex and large maintenance garage offers a rare blend of … Read more

Deer crossing rural road in West Virginia
Communities

West Virginia leads the nation in deer-vehicle collisions

by Clyde Craig

DEERWALK, W.Va. — Vehicle collisions with deer in West Virginia are more than just a nuisance. They’re a statistical certainty. For more than a decade, the mountainous Appalachian state has ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for deer-vehicle collisions. Drivers on West Virginia roadways in 2023 reported wrecks involving more than 10,000 deer, according to … Read more

Guests are invited to enjoy curated menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the best of Appalachian cuisine.
Attractions

West Virginia’s Farm-to-Table dinner series returns with scenic feasts, local flavor

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The highly anticipated Farm-to-Table Dinner Series to be hosted at 10 West Virginia state parks in 2025 will celebrate local flavors, scenic settings, and unforgettable dining experiences. Guests are invited to enjoy curated menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the best of Appalachian cuisine in serene and stunning park environments. Each … Read more

Founder David Sibray (left) and Technical Director Jonathan Moore review the addition of state parks information to WVExplorer.com.
Communities

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

by Clyde Craig

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 … Read more

David Sibray visits the monument to the Battle of Point Pleasant in one of the earliest communities in West Virginia.
Culture

The 12 oldest towns in West Virginia that still exist

by Clyde Craig

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — While parts of the mountainous interior of West Virginia weren’t settled until the early 1900s, two of its present incorporated communities were established before the American Revolution, and 10 were bustling before the 1800s. Particularly along the Ohio and Potomac rivers, settlement began early, often before indigenous residents had wholly retreated … Read more