Communities

Communities in West Virginia offers 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, along with 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.

Monster Trout Stocking

With changes, W.Va. trout stocking begins Jan. 2

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will start its 2018 trout stocking season January 2, though two stocking locales will be added to the schedule and one will be removed, according to Paul Johansen, chief of the division’s wildlife resources section. The 2018 stocking schedule contains several changes, Johansen said. The Greenbrier River in Pocahontas … Read more

Vacationers arrive at cabin near Fayetteville., West Virginia

West Virginia’s New River Gorge an ultimate winter retreat

Though whitewater rafting on the New River may have ended for the season, winter in the New River Gorge is an ideal time for woodland retreats, says a spokesman for one of the region’s chief outdoor-recreation resorts. Dave Arnold, vice-president of Adventures on the Gorge, says focus naturally shifts to growth and introspection during what … Read more

Anthony Scott, a shop foreman at Richwood Creations

West Virginian independence fueling crafts industry

The spirit of West Virginia independence is helping fuel its growing crafts industry, says an online merchant and the founder of Our-WV.com. Paul Thompson, of Buckhannon, who launched the site that represents more than 110 Appalachian artisans six years ago, says more West Virginians are turning to the Web to market arts and crafts when … Read more

White-tailed Buck

West Virginia’s buck, antlerless-deer seasons open Nov. 20

West Virginia’s traditional buck firearms season will start Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, and run through Dec. 2. Hunters should see plenty of deer this year due to the season opening close to the “rut,” or, mating season. November firearms deer season traditionally opens the Monday before Thanksgiving, so the season can start as early as Nov. 19 and as late as Nov. … Read more

Alliance urges Manchin, Capito to support preservation incentives

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is urging U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., to support the availability of historic tax credits utilized to attract investment in small towns nationwide. Many developers, property owners, and members of the alliance are concerned that tax reforms being proposed by Congress could eliminate credits … Read more

A black bear hides in a thicket in rural West Virginia

State to poll residents regarding black bears in W.Va.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is conducting a study of state residents’ opinions on and attitudes toward black bears and black bear management. According to Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the division, residents may receive a phone call from Responsive Management, a research firm contracted to conduct the study, asking them … Read more

Heron at Beech Fork State Park

Heron Festival set for Oct. 14 at Beech Fork State Park

Beech Fork State Park near Huntington, W.Va., will host its 2017 Heron Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14. A celebration of one of the park’s most notable residents, the event is also a day for family fun, including free pontoon boat and hayrides, children’s games, art and crafts, gospel music and other events and activities, according … Read more

Deer crossing rural road in West Virginia

40 percent of deer-vehicle collisions occur Oct.-Dec.

Officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are urging motorists to use extra cautious while driving in the fall when vehicle collisions with deer tend to rise. More than 40 percent of deer-vehicle collisions take place during breeding season between October and December, according to Tyler Evans, a wildlife biologist with the division’s … Read more