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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
A steam-powered excursion train travels through the mountains at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. A new 100-site campground has opened at the popular railroad and outdoor recreation destination.
State Parks, Forests

New 100-site campground opens at popular West Virginia mountain destination

by David Sibray

CASS, W.Va. — A new 100-site campground has opened at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, adding a major new place to stay near the Greenbrier River and one of West Virginia’s best-known recreational trails. Slabtown Campground offers tent and RV sites, heated bathhouses, laundry facilities, and a camp store. Six campsites have electric, water, and sewer … Read more

Panoramic view of New River Gorge from Grandview Overlook in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia.
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia ranked America’s No. 2 most naturally beautiful state — here’s why

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has been ranked the second-most naturally beautiful state in America in a national analysis comparing the forests, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains of all 50 states. New Hampshire finished first, followed by West Virginia and Virginia. West Virginia also ranked ahead of Hawaii, Washington, and North Carolina—states widely associated with scenic tourism. … Read more

Students walk past historic Woodburn Hall on the West Virginia University campus in Morgantown. WVU has launched a program that allows qualifying high school seniors in Kanawha and Monongalia counties to be admitted without completing a traditional application.
Higher Education

WVU will automatically admit some high school seniors in two West Virginia counties

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University will automatically admit qualifying high school seniors in two West Virginia counties under a new program that eliminates the traditional college application and application fee. This year, the offer is limited to seniors in Kanawha and Monongalia counties with at least a 3.8 cumulative grade-point average who meet the … Read more

Pipestem Resort State Park’s aerial tramway descends into the Bluestone River Gorge amid autumn color. The park will host its first Oktoberfest Oct. 16–18, when fall foliage in the gorge typically approaches its seasonal peak. (Photo courtesy Perry Bennett Photography)
Festivals / Events

First Oktoberfest coming to West Virginia gorge as fall color peaks

by David Sibray

PIPESTEM, W.Va. — A West Virginia mountain resort overlooking a federally protected river gorge will host its first Oktoberfest in October, when fall color typically peaks along the Bluestone River. Pipestem Resort State Park has scheduled its inaugural Oktoberfest for Oct. 16–18, with events spread across the resort and into the Bluestone Gorge. On Saturday, visitors … Read more

Kanawha Valley historian Forrest Hull illustrated the old association between autumn, “Indian summer” and frontier stories in this drawing preserved with his writings. The terminology reflects the period in which Hull wrote and is reproduced here as part of the historical record.
Lore and Legend

Where are the autumns of yesterday? A West Virginia writer remembered a different fall

by David Sibray

CEDAR GROVE, W.Va. — Forrest Hull remembered autumn before foliage forecasts, scenic-drive maps, and photos of mountainsides ablaze with color became common ways to mark the season in West Virginia. “Where are the autumns of yesterday?” Hull asked in a 1970s essay appropriately titled “Yesterday’s Autumns.” He remembered little boys who “played so hard all … Read more