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
2014 Pipestem Season Pass

Pipestem introduces season pass to outdoor performances

Fans of Pipestem Resort State Park and outdoor entertainment may wish to invest in a season-long amphitheater pass being provided for the first time. Sixteen varied engagements are scheduled on the stage in the Summers County highlands from May 24 until August 23, and officials expect the package to appeal to frequent guests, according to Kim Hawkins, … Read more

News Item: Ceredo Raid

Abolitionist experiment “Ceredo” lecture May 6

John Brown wasn’t the only abolitionist to make history in West Virginia. While Brown launched his raid at Harpers Ferry in 1859 to arm slaves, Eli Thayer established his colony “Ceredo” in 1857 to peacably demonstrate the efficiency of free labor. Author and historian Kenneth Bailey will discuss the history of Ceredo, West Virginia, at … Read more

View from ski lift at Canaan Valley State Park, Tucker County, Allegheny Highlands Region

Guests not likely to notice Canaan management transfer

The July 1 transfer of management of Canaan Valley Resort State Park to a second hospitality-management company won’t likely result in obvious changes, according to officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The new management company, which operates lodges and resorts in Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, and South Dakota, is not anticipated to significantly … Read more

Golfers tee off at Pipestem Resort State Park

W.Va. park courses offering expanded access packages

Three state park golf courses in West Virginia are providing guests full-season 2014 passes that include lodge stays, meal discounts, and access to other park courses.  According to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, passes are now available at Twin Falls, Pipestem, and Cacapon resorts and include two rounds of golf at other state park courses, … Read more

Mountains near Williamson, WV, to host Rally in the Valley

Landscape, roads help draw thousands to motorcycle event

The roar of motorcycles is already reverberating in the Tug Valley of southwestern West Virginia, into which more than 15,000 motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to descend May 1-4 during its third annual Rally in the Valley. Organizers say winding back-roads and a singular landscape have helped make the celebration so successful — perhaps more successful … Read more

Sgt. Peter H. Butler

Harpers Ferry event explores U.S. Colored Troops

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — Harpers Ferry National Historical Park this weekend hosts a two-day commemorative event exploring the 1864 recruiting party held there for the newly established U.S. Colored Troops only five years after John Brown’s raid and attempt to free and arm slaves. “Desperate Courage: Raising a New Army of United States Colored Troops” will … Read more

New River overlook at ACE Adventure Resort, New River Gorge

Trail weekend at Gorge resort attracting more participants

OAK HILL, W.Va. — Now in its eleventh year, the annual trail maintenance weekend at ACE Adventure Resort on April 26-27 is attracting more participants than ever, in large part because the event has become a tradition, officials say. Sixty-six volunteers and counting are signed up to prep the trails for another season of hiking, biking, … Read more

Smoke wreaths Idol Point, New River Gorge, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Forest fire burning southeast of New River Gorge Bridge

UPDATE (9:47 a.m., 4-24-2014): The fire that swept the wall of the New River Gorge southeast of the New River Gorge Bridge was 90 percent contained as of 9 a.m. Thursday morning, according to ranger Leah Perkowski-Sisk of the National Park Service. Based on the weather forecast and continued suppression efforts, she said, full containment … Read more