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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 family bikes a park trail in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Recreation

National healthy-living campaign comes to southern W.Va.

by David Sibray

Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, and Nicholas counties in southern West Virginia have been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to participate as a pilot program to help residents lead healthier lifestyles. The Move Your Way campaign is designed to help residents understand how much physical activity they need to be healthy and … Read more

Ian Bode's poster celebrating Festivall is among the art works that uniquely celebrates West Virginia.
Arts

W.Va. Governor: Dollars spent on the arts multiplies by 23

by David Sibray

Each dollar spent on the arts in West Virginia turns into 23, the governor of West Virginia said during the fourth annual Arts-in-our-Communities Conference today at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, West Virginia. Governor Jim Justice addressed groups of artists from across the state during the two-day conference hosted by the West Virginia … Read more

Katherine Johnson and her family attended the dedication of a statue raised in her honor at West Virginia State University.
Communities

W.Va. State U. mourns gifted alumni Katherine Johnson

by David Sibray

Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, pioneering NASA mathematician, and West Virginia State University alumna Katherine Johnson passed away today at age 101, according to university president Anthony L. Jenkins. Jenkins lauded Johnson as one of the school’s most gifted and generous graduates, for which the Katherine Johnson Plaza was named last year. “Today is a … Read more

One of the first Tru by Hilton hotel properties in West Virginia is expected to open in Beckley, West Virginia (WV).
Communities

Beckley tourism leaders welcome Hilton hotel, growth

by David Sibray

Tourism industry leaders in Beckley, West Virginia, say they’re excited to welcome a Hilton-brand hotel to the community’s lodging mix, a sign of continued tourism growth and stability. The new hotel, part of the Tru by Hilton brand launched by Hilton Worldwide, arrives as the area is growing as a group travel destination, according to … Read more

A couple dines at Cafe Appalachia, a favorite new eatery in South Charleston.
Attractions

South Charleston becoming a top W.Va. dining destination

by David Sibray

A growing foodie’s paradise, South Charleston, West Virginia, may now boast the highest concentration of international restaurants in the Mountain State, according to some estimates. The city of 12,000 now boasts 60 restaurants, including nine Asian, five Italian, four Mexican, ten American, and four Mediterranian eateries, as well as four dessert shops and 36 chain … Read more

Farm manager Susanna Wheeler tends a garden at New Roots Community Farm near Fayetteville, West Virginia.
Agriculture

New River Gorge farm to launch online farmer’s market

by David Sibray

Technology is providing a boost for farming and agritourism in the northern New River Gorge Region, thanks to a partnership between a central-Appalachian agricultural collective and a community farm initiative near Fayetteville, West Virginia. Turnrow Appalachian Farm Collective will host a community dinner and launch party at Arrowhead Bike Farm near Fayetteville on March 6 … Read more

A peregrine falcon surveys Harpers Ferry from a cliff on Maryland Heights.
Recreation

Harpers Ferry closes some climbing areas to protect falcons

by David Sibray

Officials at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park are temporarily closing some climbing areas on Maryland Heights to accommodate a pair of nesting peregrine falcons. A pair of the fastest birds in the world are eyeing the cliffs on Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park as their nesting site. To provide the peregrine falcons … Read more

Putnam County, won first place with her representation of Dolly Sods.
Arts

Student quarter designs reveal iconic West Virginia images

by David Sibray

What do West Virginia high school students think about when they consider iconic West Virginia images? The winning entries for the 2020 Create-a-Quarter-for-West-Virginia contest reveal much. In conjunction with Presidents’ Day, the sixth installment of the Student Artist Series, was emceed by West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice, who established the series to promote the … Read more