West Virginia Explorer West Virginia Explorer News
Browse

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
Nothing compares to an old-fashioned bandstand, still at center of activity at Capon Springs.
Attractions

Legendary West Virginia springs attracting new audiences

by David Sibray

Legendary springs across West Virginia are attracting new audiences among health-conscious people longing for a return to simpler times. Once supposed curative, “healing” springs have attracted travelers in search of better health since the 1700s, says Jonathan Bellingham, whose family has managed Capon Springs for four generations. Now, these bubbling springs—which notably include Capon and … Read more

Cattle roam across a pasture near Lewisburg, West Virginia, in the Greenbrier Valley.
Agriculture

Farmers facing looming hay shortage; agencies provide tips

by David Sibray

Confronted with a potential hay shortage, three state agencies are advising cattle farmers in West Virginia how to maintain healthy herds. The looming shortage is most likely due to an unusually wet 2018 season, during which increased rainfall ruined and reduced hay crops. The W.Va. Department of Agriculture, the state Farm Service Agency, and the … Read more

Chestnut-sided Warbler by Randy Bodkins
Communities

New River college to offer nature, birding classes in March

by David Sibray

New River Community and Technical College is offering classes in bird-watching and nature exploration in March at its campuses across southeastern West Virginia. Students can expect to learn about bird species, habitats, and activities in the bird-watching classes and plants, animals, and the environment in the nature-exploration classes. Families are encouraged to participate, says Jenni … Read more

A honeybee pollinates a dandelion in West Virginia
Attractions

North Bend hosts free beekeeping program Feb. 28

by David Sibray

Lushly forested West Virginia is a ideally suited to the production of rich, golden honey, and North Bend State Park is fostering the industry this year by hosting a free beekeeping program February 28. Master Beekeeper Janet Clayton will host a free program at 6:30 p.m. at the park lodge during which she will discuss … Read more

No longer standing, a large home in Stotesburg was among few structures the remained after coal played out in the Winding Gulf in Raleigh County, West Virginia.
Culture

Historian looks for patterns in vanishing town names

by David Sibray

Bacontown, Battleship, Black Oak Bottom — though they no longer exist, these vanished communities are among nearly 300 towns that historian Carl Wolfe has cataloged in Raleigh County. And he’s asking past and present county residents to help find more. Having witnessed the boom-and-bust economy of coal mining, Raleigh County, in southern West Virginia, is … Read more

Division of Natural Resources Director Stephen McDaniel and Gov. Jim Justice announce an $11 million investment in new outdoors adventures coming to Pipestem Resort State Park in 2019.
Attractions

Gov. Justice: Pipestem state park to add zip-line, canopy tours

by David Sibray

Governor Jim Justice today announced an $11-million investment package for Pipestem Resort State Park that will include new outdoor-adventure infrastructure and updated park accommodations. Beginning this spring, visitors to Pipestem, in southern West Virginia, will be able to enjoy a new splash park, lake adventures, guided trout-fishing trips, stand-up paddleboard tours, rock climbing and rappelling … Read more

David Sibray, editor and publisher of West Virginia Explorer, explores a mountain stream.
Arts

WVExplorer.com breaks million annual readers mark

by David Sibray

West Virginia Explorer is now reaching more than a million readers annually! If you’re an advertiser, you’ll be happy to know that visitors had 1,170,018 opportunities to click-through to your website this month (as of 8 a.m. this morning). If you’re a reader, it means there’s plenty of fun in store as we travel the … Read more

Historic Reeds Mills stands along Second Creek in Monroe County.
Attractions

West Virginia’s endangered properties list to open year-round

by David Sibray

There’s often no time to waste when rescuing a historic landmark, which is why West Virginia’s Preservation Alliance is expanding its endangered-properties program to accept nominations and provide assistance year-round. The alliance will continue to publish its anticipated list of endangered properties annually, but staff will now provide assistance as soon as submissions are approved, … Read more