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
More than two million visitors spent more than $100 million in the counties surrounding those parks, representing a nearly 12 percent increase compared to 2023.

Tourism surge in southern West Virginia yields more than $108 million for local economy

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — A newly released report from the National Park Service shows that visitation and spending in the three southern West Virginia national park units delivered a significant economic boost in 2024. The data indicate that 2,080,330 visitors spent $108,387,000 in the counties surrounding those parks, representing a nearly 12 percent increase compared … Read more

Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin House at Kenova, West Virginia

Pumpkin Spice and Beyond: WVU expert explains the power of seasonal scents

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As autumn arrives in West Virginia, seasonal scents begin to fill homes — from pumpkin spice and cranberry to pine and gingerbread. A West Virginia University expert says these aromas are more than festive decorations. They can trigger powerful emotional and physical responses. Marian Reven, a registered aromatherapist and clinical assistant professor … Read more

The chairlift at Canaan Valley Resort State Park provides tours of the autumn landscape.

Chairlifts open for rides through one of West Virginia’s iconic fall destinations

DAVIS, W.Va. — Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia has opened its ski chairlift for 2025 fall foliage rides, offering visitors sweeping views of one of the Mountain State’s earliest and brightest autumn landscapes. The scenic chairlift, famously used during the Canaan Valley ski season, began fall operations this weekend and will run Fridays through … Read more