West Virginia Explorer West Virginia Explorer News
Browse

David Sibray

David Sibray is the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of West Virginia Explorer, a news and travel magazine devoted to the state’s history, tourism, outdoor recreation and economic development. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390 or at editor@wvexplorer.com
Volunteers gather on Peters Mountain near Franklin to help build a new trail system in the Monongahela National Forest during a hands-on trail-building workshop.
Hiking

New Peters Mountain Trail System takes shape in Monongahela National Forest near Franklin

by David Sibray

FRANKLIN, W.Va. — Nearly 30 volunteers braved rain, fog, and mud last week to begin construction of the new Peters Mountain Trail System, a project designed to improve public access to the Monongahela National Forest and strengthen connections between local communities and the region’s growing outdoor recreation economy. The trail-building training event, held on Peters … Read more

Stonewall Resort has announced the launch of a new 40-passenger tour boat offering scenic cruises on Stonewall Jackson Lake beginning June 15.
Lodging and Real Estate

Stonewall Resort launches new Mosaic Cruiser lake tours on Stonewall Jackson Lake

by David Sibray

WESTON, W.Va. — Visitors to one of West Virginia’s premier resort destinations will soon have a new way to experience the scenic beauty of Stonewall Jackson Lake. Stonewall Resort has announced the launch of the Mosaic Cruiser, a 40-passenger touring vessel that will begin offering guided lake excursions on June 15, adding another attraction to … Read more

West Virginia Fireflies: While fireflies have struggled in many places, West Virginia remains one of the strongest refuges for the insects in the eastern United States.
Wildlife / Conservancy

Why West Virginia remains one of America’s best places to see fireflies

by David Sibray

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Few summer experiences are as deeply woven into the culture of the eastern United States as watching fireflies flicker across a meadow after sunset. For generations, children spent warm evenings chasing “lightning bugs” through fields, collecting the glowing insects in mason jars before releasing them into the darkness. Those memories remain vivid … Read more

Blenko Glass Co. Inc. was among the 24 recipients of the 2026 Governor's Export Award.
Economic Development

West Virginia companies honored for expanding at 2026 Governor’s Export Award

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Thirty-four West Virginia companies have been recognized with the 2026 Governor’s Export Award for expanding into new international markets. Seven were first-time recipients. According to Matt Herridge, Secretary of the W.Va. Department of Commerce, the award is presented to companies that made their first export sale to a new country in the … Read more

Research supports the idea that destinations benefit when businesses remain open during peak visitor periods.
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia experts say tourist towns lose money when businesses close on Sundays

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As West Virginia communities increasingly invest in tourism and outdoor recreation, industry leaders say many destinations are missing opportunities to capture visitor spending when businesses close during weekends, particularly on Sundays. Tourism professionals across the state say travelers are more likely to spend money in communities where shops, restaurants, and attractions remain … Read more

Historian William Jones at Pence Springs
History / Prehistory

Hidden healing spring on historic Pence Springs resort grounds draws new interest

by David Sibray

PENCE SPRINGS, W.Va. — Historians in West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley are searching for answers about a little-known healing spring hidden on the grounds of the famed Pence Springs Hotel, a once-renowned mineral resort now on the market. While the sulfur-rich waters that made Pence Springs famous were widely promoted and carefully documented, far less is … Read more