West Virginia Explorer West Virginia Explorer News
Browse

Communities

See our Communities Travel Guide

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.

It Pays To Be In The Zone 1
Communities

Many Greenbrier, Pocahontas businesses eligible for benefits

by Clyde Craig

Many businesses in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties may be eligible for benefits as a result of their locations in federally designated “Historically Underutilized Business Zones” or “HUBZones.” The Robert C. Byrd Institute is joining the U.S. Small Business Administration and Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation March 26 in presenting a free workshop on the matter … Read more

Craft beverage summit on tap for April 8 in South Charleston. Photo courtesy Robert C. Byrd Institute.
Communities

Craft beverage summit on tap for April 8 in South Charleston

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

Cattle graze in Jackson County, near Ripley, West Virginia
Communities

W.Va. offering veterans scholarships to Appalachian Grazing Conference

by Bianca Bosworth

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture today announced the availability of education and training scholarships for veterans to attend the 2019 Appalachian Grazing Conference March 7–9 at the Marriott Hotel at Waterfront Place in Morgantown. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt said the department hopes to inspire many veterans to farm. “It is our mission at … Read more

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

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