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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
The Screen-Free Summer campaign invited digitally exhausted travelers to unplug in West Virginia.
Communities

West Virginia Tourism wins gold Adrian award for ‘Screen-Free Summer’ campaign

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Tourism has earned international recognition for its consumer branding efforts, receiving a Gold Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International for its “Screen-Free Summer” campaign. Now in its 69th year, the Adrian Awards are the world’s largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition, honoring … Read more

West Virginia University (WVU) has reached a 10 year high in applications, according to university President Michael T. Benson.
Communities

WVU reports 10-year high in applications as graduation, retention rates climb

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is seeing its most substantial application numbers in a decade, alongside steady gains in student retention and graduation rates, signaling momentum as the flagship institution prepares for commencement and the next incoming class of Mountaineers. WVU President Michael T. Benson shared the update Friday, Dec. 19, during a meeting … Read more

Few assets owned by West Virginians generate as much pride or economic return as its state parks and forests. (Photo courtesy West Virginia State Parks)
Attractions

Why West Virginia’s state parks matter now more than ever

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West Virginia’s state park system approaches, officials say the network of 48 parks and forests has become an essential pillar of tourism, conservation, and community development. Few assets owned by West Virginians generate as much pride or economic return as its state parks and forests, according to … Read more

Resort officials reported four to five inches of overnight snowfall, providing skiers and snowboarders with unusually high-quality conditions for opening day. (Photo courtesy Snowshoe Mountain Resort)
Recreation

Snowshoe Mountain opens 2025–26 ski season with fresh snow, free lift tickets

by David Sibray

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain, the largest ski resort in the Mid-Atlantic, opened the 2025–26 winter season Friday with a fresh burst of natural snow and strong early turnout. Resort officials reported four to five inches of overnight snowfall, providing skiers and snowboarders with unusually high-quality conditions for opening day, according to Patti Duncan, president … Read more

Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants, and backyard mixed flocks are highly susceptible to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. (Photo courtesy Ditya Tma)
Agriculture

West Virginia confirms new avian influenza in backyard flock in Jackson County

by David Sibray

RIPLEY, W.Va. — State officials have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock in Barn on Cabin Fork in Jackson County, West Virginia[/caption] West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt said backyard flocks are especially susceptible during winter migrations. “As we enter the winter migration season, this case should serve … Read more