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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
Chelsea Ruby And Governor Celebrate Tourism Boom
Communities

W.Va. officials announce record $7 billion annual tourism impact

by David Sibray

DAVIS, W.Va. — Officials are celebrating a record $7 billion annual tourism impact in West Virginia in 2022 — a 17 percent increase in visitor spending compared to pre-pandemic levels, far higher than the national overall 1 percent post-pandemic tourism recovery. Gov. Jim Justice joined more than 300 tourism-industry members to announce “West Virginia’s best … Read more

Elk In West Virginia
Attractions

Elk management tours return to Chief Logan State Park in West Virginia

by David Sibray

LOGAN, W.Va. — Tickets for guided tours of southern West Virginia’s elk management area are available and expected to sell out quickly, according to state officials. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and West Virginia State Parks announce the much-anticipated return of Elk Management Tours, which allow nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to witness … Read more

New River Gorge Bridge From New River in West Virginia
Recreation

Resort introduces half-day driving tours of New River Gorge

by David Sibray

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — An outdoor-adventure resort based in the New River Gorge region in West Virginia has added guided driving tours to its line-up of travel adventures. Adjacent to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Adventures on the Gorge has developed a half-day scenic driving tour showcasing the park’s cultural and natural history, according … Read more

A hunter addresses his dogs during an autumn hunt. (Photo courtesy Seth Schulte)
Hunting

W.Va. asks hunters to review new 2023-’24 hunting, trapping laws

by David Sibray

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. —  Officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are reminding hunters to review several essential changes to hunting seasons for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear before their seasons open this autumn. Included in the 2023-24 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, now available online at WVDNR.gov/hunting-regulations, hunters … Read more

Budding Tree In West Virginia in West Virginia
Communities

Aromatherapy can benefit substance-use recovery, WVU study finds

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Aromatherapy eases stress in people undergoing treatment for substance use disorder, which can enhance their chances of a successful recovery, according to West Virginia University research. The ongoing study incorporates the use of essential oils as an integrative therapy that is part of a bigger-picture model focusing on the whole person. Researchers … Read more