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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
Map of the National Coal Heritage Area
Communities

Grant funding available for coal heritage projects

by David Sibray

The National Coal Heritage Area Authority is seeking proposals for funding for projects that support community efforts to interpret, preserve, and promote coal heritage resources in southern West Virginia. Projects must be located within the National Coal Heritage Area in Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, Wyoming counties and the … Read more

The New River Gorge Bridge arches across the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia.
Recreation

10K run, walk beneath New River Gorge Bridge set May 16

by David Sibray

A remarkable 10-kilometer running and walking race through the scenic New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia, could attract as many as 400 participants on May 16, organizers say. A first-of-its-kind challenge, the rim-to-rim race will follow a paved route beneath the New River Gorge Bridge and is already attracting interest nationally, according to Melanie … Read more

Tourists explore the restored Martinsburg Railway Station in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Communities

W.Va. secures funds for eastern panhandle train service

by David Sibray

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced today that the state has reached an agreement with Maryland to continue the Maryland Area Regional Commuter Train service to the Eastern Panhandle. Justice made the announcement while visiting the Martinsburg Railway Station—the westernmost terminal of the MARC Train system—and joined other state and local government leaders who helped … Read more

Visitors tour a line of decorated shops during the Bramwell Christmas Tour of Homes. (Photo: Mercer County CVB)
Culture

Bramwell Christmas tour adds new home being restored

by David Sibray

A historic village of lavish homes in a remote corner of West Virginia is adding a new landmark to its annual Christmas tour, hosted every second Saturday in December. Residents of Bramwell, West Virginia, once reputedly home to more millionaires than any other community its size, will open their doors to guests from 5-8 p.m., … Read more

Snow lays thick on the slopes at Canaan Valley Resort near Davis, West Virginia.
Recreation

Record conditions: Canaan to open slopes Dec. 13

by David Sibray

Officials at Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia will open its ski area’s slopes under record conditions on December 13, 2019—a day earlier than announced, thanks to upgrades in snowmaking systems. Ski slopes at the four-seasons resort are now blanketed by more snow than has been seen in more than 40 years, according to resort … Read more

Skiers celebrate the beginning of ski season 2019-2020 at Snowshoe Mountain.
Recreation

Ski season 2019-’20 opens at Snowshoe Mountain

by David Sibray

Ski season in West Virginia launched Friday morning at Snowshoe Mountain, where more than 12 slopes have opened to skiers and far more snow than usually lies on the ground. Despite a brief drizzle, more than 100 skiers attended the opening day festivities, and thousands are expected to arrive as autumn gives way to winter, … Read more

Hikers on Bald Knob survey they ski area at Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
Recreation

Canaan Valley skiing opens Dec. 14 with new capacity

by David Sibray

Opening on December 14, 2019, Canaan Valley Resort has invested in upgrades that will see more trails open earlier in the season and help crowds move faster. The resort located high in the Canaan Valley in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia has invested in nine fan guns, four tower guns, and five moveable … Read more