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
New bison calf at W.Va. Wildlife Center

W.Va. Wildlife Center welcomes new baby bison

The newest resident of the West Virginia Wildlife Center at French Creek is accepting visitors. Born May 2, the female bison, who’s name has not yet been reported, is apparently hale, though a little unsteady, according to Rob Silvester, a wildlife biologist at the center. “A bison calf can walk almost immediately after birth, albeit … Read more

Map showing new ACE Festival Ground

New River Gorge resort unveils new festival ground

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Set to open with an inaugural concert June 6-7, the new 12,500-capacity festival ground at ACE Adventure Resort has been designed as a focus for outdoor venues for the New River Gorge region. Hosting its first Mountain Music Festival, the festival ground and stage is intended to support year-round programming on a … Read more

Lisa DeBarr

Debarr wins whitewater trip through WVExplorer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Lisa Debarr, of Charleston, originally of Buckhannon, has won a guided whitewater rafting trip for two on the New River with ACE Adventure Resort, according to David Sibray, editor and publisher of West Virginia Explorer. As per the terms of the drawing, Debarr entered by becoming a member of the West Virginia … Read more

Diagram of Meadow Creek Campground

New campground on New River will boost local travel

MAY 12, 2014 — Its construction delayed by a hard winter, the new flagship campground for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located near Sandstone and Meadow Creek, W.Va., in northern Summers County, will open in autumn, according to National Park Service officials. The 26-site campground will be the first on park property … Read more

Correction abbreviation for West Virginia

Which is the correct abbreviation for West Virginia?

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Throughout this publication, you’ll see West Virginia abbreviated in two ways: “WV” and “W.Va.” This is intentional. We follow journalistic guidelines that emphasize clarity, even if it means using different forms depending on context. Which abbreviation for West Virginia is correct? According to official style guides for American English, “W.Va.” remains the … Read more

Is W.Va. a northern state or southern state?

Is West Virginia a northern state or a southern state?

It’s an argument as old as West Virginia itself — is West Virginia a northern state or a southern state? Let us know what you think. Vote here. [poll=”2″]   Stay tuned for our North-South article On May 8, 2014, we’ll present the opinions of geographers, historians, social scientists, and include various other comments we’ve … Read more

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