Communities

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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.

Unnamed in West Virginia

W.Va. Agriculture enlisting public to choose new logo

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has announced a public voting period to determine the next West Virginia Grown logo, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. From February 19 until April 23, the public will have the opportunity to vote on three options being considered as the next logo for the program, Leonhardt said. … Read more

Map of 2018 Maple Syrup Days events in West Virginia

“Maple Days” in W.Va. to celebrate increased production

The West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association has announced two statewide “Maple Syrup Days” to celebrate during the 2018 maple season, according to the W.Va. Department of Agriculture. On Saturday, February 24, and Saturday, March 17, sixteen sugar shacks and maple operations around the Mountain State will open their doors to the public and retail … Read more

A Snowy Owl crouches in grass

Remarkable avian guests visit West Virginia in winter

Winter is the only season in which several remarkable species are present in West Virginia, and nearly every storm brings new avian visitors. One thing is certain: you’ll never see these rarities if you’re not out there looking. Get out, search a little, and you could be greatly rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. Snowy Owls … Read more

Farm at Shady Spring, West Virginia, Raleigh County, New River Gorge Region

Carrot, pumpkin, cucumber, cantaloupe break W.Va. records

Four new produce records were established in 2017 in West Virginia, the state Department of Agriculture announced today. A carrot, cucumber, cantaloupe, and pumpkin raised the bar for farmers statewide, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “We’re the only state in the region that has this type of program. We see it as a … Read more

West Virginia ramps cleaned and ready to eat. Photo courtesy Barbie Watson Howard.

Help build one of West Virginia’s chief guides to ramp fests

Do you have a favorite West Virginia ramp dinner or festival you’d like to share with the public? We’d like to hear from you. Now in its fifth year of publication, our guide to 2018 Ramp Feasts and Festivals is annually visited by more than 10,000 visitors, according to publisher and editor-in-chief David Sibray, who encourages readers to share the list … Read more

Farmstead near Duncan, WV, Jackson County, Mid-Ohio Valley Region

W.Va. small-farms, FarmHer conferences set for Feb 21-22

The fourteenth annual West Virginia Small Farm Conference begins on February 21 at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, West Virginia. “West Virginia has over 20,000 farms. Most of those operations are small. This gives West Virginia one of the highest percentages of small farms in the country,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “These … Read more

French Creek Freddie is inviting the public to join him Feb 2 at French Creek.

Public invited to Groundhog Day fest at W.Va. Wildlife Center

West Virginia’s official weather-predicting groundhog, French Creek Freddie will leave his den Feb. 2 to predict the approach of spring and is inviting visitors to join him at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center at French Creek south of Buckhannon, West Virginia. “We’re excited to see everyone come out this year, including those who travel … Read more

A black bear hides in a thicket in rural West Virginia

DNR reports second highest bear kill in W.Va. history

Hunters in West Virginia harvested 3,160 black bears during the combined 2017 archery and firearms seasons, which is the second highest recorded bear kill in state history. Due to more abundant mast production in 2017, the Division of Natural Resources expected a decrease in the archery harvest and an increase in the December firearms harvest … Read more