Communities in West Virginia offer residents a welcoming atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and a strong sense of connection to nature and neighbors alike. From charming small towns to vibrant cities like Charleston and Morgantown, West Virginia communities provide friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and access to outdoor recreation right at your doorstep. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, surrounded by the state’s beautiful mountains, rivers, and forests, as well as rich local culture, historic sites, and community events that bring people together.
With safe streets, local businesses, and a true spirit of Appalachian hospitality, living in West Virginia communities means enjoying a high quality of life and a supportive, tight-knit environment where everyone feels at home. Be sure to visit our Communities Travel Guide for information about communities in West Virginia.
While we at West Virginia Explorer tend to focus on the natural attractions and landmarks that define West Virginia, it’s hard to deny the excitement that surrounds the college football season here each fall. Over the years, West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Football has established a reputation as a consistently competitive program and one that tends … Read more
Fall color in high-elevation Tucker County will peak during the first ten days of October, says Brian Sarfino, who’s worked to determine exact schedules for autumn leaf change at Dolly Sods and in the Canaan Valley in West Virginia’s Allegheny Highlands. “Peak fall foliage comes in the first ten days of October. This is the … Read more
The online lodging marketplace Airbnb today released a report revealing its most “wish-listed” listings for home-sharing markets in West Virginia. The company’s online “wish-list” function allows users to save listings that they most desire to visit when planning trips to West Virginia. The wish-listed listings in the Mountain State are among the most remarkable on Airbnb’s … Read more
Searching for refuge from summer heat? If swimming isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps a jog through one of the tunnels along the North Bend Rail Trail in northern West Virginia might be. Ten tunnels through which the trail passes on its 72-mile course between Clarksburg and Parkersburg are sure to provide relief during the … Read more
A new pedal-train excursion that leads tourists along a glittering trout stream and deep into the mountains of central West Virginia has attracted more than 1,200 guests from 20 states in the last 30 days, according to spokesmen for the venue. “Most of what we’re seeing so far is from word-of-mouth or from Facebook,” conductor … Read more
West Virginia’s abundant land holds promise for agricultural prosperity for the state and its people, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. To ensure this valuable industry thrives for years to come, agribusiness owners, retailers and other stakeholders are being asked to give their input. The West Virginia Agriculture Advisory Board announced the first step in … Read more
Of all the wondrous healing springs in West Virginia, no other enjoys quite the pedigree that Berkeley Springs can claim. History, scenery, and hospitality blend beautifully here in the shade of Warm Springs Ridge, and there’s much to see and do, whether or you plan to wade or wander through cafes and specialty shops. Unlike … Read more
SLATY FORK, W.Va. — I travel US-219 through West Virginia often — mainly through the southern part of the state, but occasionally, I travel north. It seems my car knows the way, leaving my mind space to watch the countryside and daydream. I’ve found myself wondering where exactly I am during a trip. In the … Read more
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice today unveiled data that shows a 16.1 percent increase in state hotel occupancy. Combined with a robust average room rate, the occupancy increase also produced a 20 percent revenue increase in a year-over-year comparison. Joined by the state’s Tourism Commission and dozens of hospitality-industry representatives, the governor announced that the … Read more
Vacations are nice, and everyone should have one once in a while to rest and recuperate. However, it can get expensive, and it can be easy to spend a lot when you’re out there on the road. The smaller expenses, like eating out, souvenir shopping, and buying beverages such as coffee every day can really … Read more
