Lodging and Real Estate
Snowshoe Mountain announces 2026 summer events, launches new music fest
SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Officials at Snowshoe Mountain, in
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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
Fishing
John Terry catches record-breaking tiger trout in lake at Seneca State Forest
MARLINTON, W.Va. — John Terry, of Gallagher, in Kanawha County, set a new state record for tiger trout on March 19 by catching a 29.13-inch, 11.04-pound tiger trout from Seneca Lake in Pocahontas County. The trophy catch surpasses the previous state length record of 28.7 inches recorded by Mike Connelly in 2011 at Krodel Lake … Read more
Economic Development
West Virginia launches “Ascend Heroes” initiative to attract veterans
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia has launched an initiative to attract veterans to the state. According to state officials, “Ascend Heroes” will attract veterans with financial incentives, providing opportunities for them to live and work in the state. Created in partnership with the state government, the Wing-2-Wing Foundation, and West Virginia University, the Ascend West … Read more
Culture
Ancient stone walls on Armstrong Mountain are no old-timer’s tale
MONTGOMERY, W.Va. — If you grew up in southern West Virginia, you might have heard old-timers speak of the mysterious stone walls on Armstrong Mountain, strange ruins hidden in the woods just beyond the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Handed down as fireside tales, stories of their construction and purpose may have become … Read more
Travel / Transportation
Swing fever in West Virginia has inspired social media challenge
CHARLESTON, W.Va.—The quest to visit as many “Almost Heaven” swings as possible in West Virginia has sparked a tourism contest that gives winners the opportunity to help select the site of a future swing. The challenge invites travelers to visit some of the more than 50 scenic swing locations in the state and check in … Read more
Fishing
Buckhannon teen Rohr catches record-breaking golden rainbow trout
SMOKE HOLE, W.Va. — Hunter Rohr, 15, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has caught a golden rainbow trout that set state records for length and weight, according to biologists with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Rohr caught the 28-inch, 11.84-pound trout in the Smoke Hole section of the South Branch of the Potomac River in Pendleton County … Read more
Communities
This may look like a 1980s Pizza Hut, but it’s a vacation rental in West Virginia
Fayetteville, W.Va. — What began as a search for an affordable retirement option has turned into one of southern West Virginia’s most imaginative tourism ventures. Nate Adams and his wife, Rachel Adkins, are the founders of Appalachian Escapes, a growing collection of themed vacation rentals near the New River that combine art, storytelling, and Appalachian culture. … Read more
Fishing
Reedsville man catches state record chain pickerel in Preston County pond
REEDSVILLE, W.Va. — Matt Born, of Reedsville, in Preston County, West Virginia, has caught a new state-record chain pickerel at a pond in the county. He landed the 27.95-inch, 5.65-pound fish on April 21 using a homemade spinner on a four-pound test line, according to biologists with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Born broke his … Read more
Attractions
West Virginia State Parks Foundation launches online merchandise store
HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has launched an official online merchandise store, offering supporters a new way to celebrate West Virginia’s parks while directly supporting projects across the state park system. The online shop features T-shirts and sweatshirts showcasing the distinctive “Love WV State Parks” logo, highlighting the state’s parks, forests, … Read more
Communities
Study finds WVU and its health system account for 17% of West Virginia’s economy
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University and the WVU Health System together generate $14.3 billion in annual economic impact in West Virginia, accounting for approximately 17% of the state’s gross domestic product, according to a newly released independent study. The analysis, conducted by national consulting firm Tripp Umbach, found the combined operations at the university … Read more