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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 skier maneuvers through powder at Canaan Valley Ski Resort. Photo courtesy Canaan Valley Resort State Park.

Recreation

Canaan resort wins multiple ski awards for third year running

April 3, 2019 by David Sibray

For the third consecutive year, Canaan Valley Ski Resort in northern West Virginia has dominated the Liftopia “Best in Snow” awards program for the southern U.S., which includes ski resorts in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. The resort was named No. 1 in the Beginner-Friendly, Most Challenging, Least Crowded, and Snow Consistency and Quality categories and … Read more

A youth watches golden trout swim at a West Virginia wildlife exhibit.

Fishing

W.Va. governor launches annual golden trout stocking program

April 3, 2019 by David Sibray

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and representatives from the state Division of Natural Resources today launched the West Virginia Gold Rush — the Mountain State’s annual golden rainbow trout stocking initiative. “I hope as many West Virginians as possible take advantage of the Gold Rush this year,” Justice said while visiting Babcock State Park. “Fishing … Read more

A hunter calls a gobbler during spring turkey season in West Virginia.

Hunting

West Virginia’s 2019 spring gobbler season opens April 15

April 2, 2019 by David Sibray

West Virginia’s 2019 four-week spring gobbler season opens Monday, April 15, and runs through May 11. Hunters can harvest one bearded bird per day with a season bag limit of two. The one-day youth season will be held April 13, the Saturday before the regular season. Youth at least 8 years old and younger than … Read more

The Old West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville now welcomes tourists. Photo courtesy David Gear.

Attractions

Old penitentiary now attracting more than 30,000 annual visitors

March 27, 2019 by David Sibray

More than 30,000 visitors now tour the old West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville every year, and officials say traffic is expected to increase as the landmark enters its 23rd year as a tourist attraction. Suzanne Park, executive director of the Moundsville Economic Development Council, says expanding media coverage and a concerted effort to market the … Read more

A yellow spring flower blossoms on an Allegheny ridge top.

Botany and Forestry

Use our ultimate guide to spring wildflowers in West Virginia

March 21, 2019 by David Sibray

After winter’s passed and before the trees leaf out, the West Virginia forest bursts into a profusion of colorful flowers. No one understood this Appalachian magic better than Earl Core, the naturalist for whom the 100-acre Core Arbortum at West Virginia University is named. Core literally wrote the book on West Virginia plants in 1952 … Read more

Kayaks await the annual Tour de Coal near the Upper Falls on the Coal River.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Early registration set for annual Coal River float trip

March 20, 2019 by David Sibray

Expecting to break attendance records again, organizers of one of the most popular river floats in the U.S.—the annual Tour de Coal—are opening registration early for paddlers who wish to participate in the June 15 event on the lower Coal River. More than 1,600 paddlers joined in 2018, according to Bill Curry, president of Coal … Read more

Communities

Craft beverage summit on tap for April 8 in South Charleston

March 18, 2019 by David Sibray

To bolster growth in the emerging craft-beverage economy—including the production of sodas, teas, beers, wines, and spirits—the Robert C. Byrd Institute will sponsor “Craft: A Farm-to-Bottle Summit” April 8 in South Charleston. Participants will explore ways that craft products can engage various interests in agriculture, hospitality and tourism to build markets for this growing business … Read more

The Powell Mountain goat once grazed the cliffs along US-19.

Culture

Fans of Powell Mountain goat concerned about its absence

March 17, 2019 by David Sibray

Fans of a solitary nanny goat that’s become a celebrity in central West Virginia are concerned about its apparent absence and are hoping someone can provide clues as to its whereabouts. Anne Johnson, a writer and photographer who’s become one of the goat’s best known protectors and devotees, spent Friday afternoon roaming the summit of … Read more

Scented boxwood hedges create form in the gardens at the Craik-Patton House.

Attractions

Charleston’s first board-built house still stands along Kanawha River

March 16, 2019 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Until 1834, nearly every residence in the Kanawha Valley near present-day Charleston was built of hewn timbers. Then along came James Craik, whose Greek Revival home, counted among the state’s best examples of Greek Revival architecture, still stands. Now a museum, an afternoon at the residence, “Elm Grove,” also known as the … Read more

David Sibray visits Old Stone Face at North Bend State Park near Cairo, West Virginia.

Attractions

Old Stone Face inspires new guide to rock faces in West Virginia

March 12, 2019 by David Sibray

As often as I’ve visited North Bend State Park, I only just found out about Old Stone Face —one of many fascinating landmarks at this park in the hills east of Parkersburg, West Virginia. This is the second time in a month that someone’s directed me to a “profile rock,” as they’re often called — … Read more

After killing Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr ventured to this legendary island in W.Va.

United Saints of America author discovers West Virginia’s unexpected Catholic landmarks

The W.Va. Culture Center at 50: The story behind one of the state’s great public treasures

Road closures planned across Monongahela National Forest as repairs, stream projects begin

WVU researchers help tourism communities grow without losing what makes them special

One in seven West Virginia children lose a parent or sibling. A free camp wants to help

Spotted lanternfly reaches Kanawha County as invasive pest spread across West Virginia

You’re not alone: Why driving anxiety happens—and how to keep it from taking over

The West Virginia farmer that some believed God struck down with lightning

West Virginia’s deadliest disasters—10 tragedies that changed U.S. history

Tiny West Virginia town celebrates America’s forgotten fruit with state Pawpaw Festival

Devil Anse Hatfield’s mountain preacher ended America’s most famous family feud

Big Rock: A Greenbrier River landmark where the Civil War didn’t end

Hunters can apply for rare deer hunts in West Virginia state parks

10 best hiking trails in West Virginia for scenic views and adventure

As autumn migration approaches, West Virginia sets seasons for dove, rail, woodcock

David Sibray

Canaan resort wins multiple ski awards for third year running

W.Va. governor launches annual golden trout stocking program

West Virginia’s 2019 spring gobbler season opens April 15

Old penitentiary now attracting more than 30,000 annual visitors

Use our ultimate guide to spring wildflowers in West Virginia

Early registration set for annual Coal River float trip

Craft beverage summit on tap for April 8 in South Charleston

Fans of Powell Mountain goat concerned about its absence

Charleston’s first board-built house still stands along Kanawha River

Old Stone Face inspires new guide to rock faces in West Virginia