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 raft launches into the Gauley River during an exciting excursion with River Expeditions.

Cool autumn weather could super-charge Gauley River rafting

The return of autumn could result in an end-of-season boom for whitewater rafting on the Gauley River, the legendary West Virginia destination for paddling in fall. “I expect that after temperatures cool off, we could see a more traditional Gauley season,” says Heather Johnson, co-owner of River Expeditions. “It’s been a beautiful fall, but I … Read more

West Virginia University has announced plans to open a new facility in the Equities House in downtown Charleston, West Virginia.

WVU expanding its Charleston presence with new office space

West Virginia University is expanding its presence in Charleston, West Virginia, leasing two floors in Equities House, a central downtown office building that will become home to several university offices. President Gordon Gee lauded the university’s move secure its presence in the state’s capital city. “Charleston is the business and cultural heart of West Virginia,” … Read more

The Five River Campground extends along the valley of the Cheat River north of Parsons, West Virginia.

October pow-wow in Tucker County moves, expands

To accommodate a larger attendance, the inaugural gathering of Native Americans for song and dance on the Cheat River on October 5-6 has been moved to a larger venue. The “We Are Still Here” pow-wow—celebrating the native history of West Virginia—has been moved to the Five River Campground at Parsons, in Tucker County, which will … Read more

Whitney Bsharah, marketing consultant for WVExplorer Magazine.

W.Va. tourism marketer looking for industry insights

Distance is helping Whitney Bsharah help West Virginians reach tourists, and as a native living abroad she’s observed changes in what audiences think about the Mountain State. “I will always miss home, but I think living in Richmond helps give me insight into how people feel about visiting the state,” she says, “and that’s turned … Read more

Clark Hall stands near the highest point on the campus of Glenville State College in West Virginia.

Glenville State College unveils new transfer program

Already enjoying increased enrollment, Glenville State College is unveiling a new program that prospective students can use at home to determine the transferability of previous coursework. The system is designed to help students understand how their transfer classes may equate to classes at the school and apply to degree requirements, according to registrar Ann Reed. … Read more

Miners are armed for battle during the West Virginia Mine Wars.

Mine Wars scholar: new generation rediscovering conflict

A new generation is discovering the history of the West Virginia Mine Wars, says a scholar who will speak as a guest lecturer Oct. 3 at the West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Beckley, West Virginia. Waged between 1912 and 1921, the conflict erupted as miners fought to secure better working conditions in coal … Read more

Homemade butter awaits a West Virginia home-cooked meal.

How to make butter at home—West Virginia style

The process of making butter is known to be older than civilization, and a limitless variety of butter-making methods certainly exist—ranging from the production of ghee in southern Asia to bog butter in northern Europe. Simply put, the making of butter requires that microscopic globules of butterfat in cream be agitated, or churned, until the … Read more

The White Hollow Trail descends through Kanawha State Forest near Charleston, West Virginia.

Six West Virginia parks to offer guided autumn hikes

Autumn is an ideal season for woodland walks and, to celebrate, six West Virginia state parks and forests are offering guided hikes with park naturalists in October 2019. Participants will receive a special West Virginia State Parks hiking patch and are encouraged to stay overnight in parks where lodging is available, according to parks chief … Read more