Adventure Economy: How Transportation Tourism is Thriving in West Virginia

According to the West Virginia Division of Tourism’s annual report, the Mountain State generated $14 in taxes for every $1 spent on advertising in Fiscal Year 2016. As the state continually searches for ways to increase revenue and diversify its struggling economy, organizations such as Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (DGVR), the Hatfield McCoy Trail System and Racer Productions are providing massive opportunities for statewide economic development and diversification.

Preserving Appalachia: One Meal at a Time

Nestled in the southern part of Harrison County, WV, a winding stream runs through a 180-acre piece of land known as Lost Creek Farm. For more than 150 years and six generations, Lost Creek Farm was a full-scale, highly productive vegetable, poultry and cattle farm cared for by the family of Amy Dawson. Today, Dawson and her partner, Mike Costello, are working to reinvigorate the land and restore it to a fully operational farm.

Small Business Saturday: Shop Small, Shop Local

Long lines and chaos are hallmarks of the holiday season starting late on Thanksgiving night with the madness that is Black Friday. Shoppers wait hours outside of box stores to purchase smart TVs and iPads at discounted prices. However, in small towns across West Virginia, the true sentiment of the holiday season is brought to life on Small Business Saturday. Downtowns light up, locals venture out to find thoughtful and heartfelt gifts for loved ones, and small business owners welcome shoppers with open arms.

Fall Foliage: Six Ways to See the Colors

It’s no secret that the Mountain State hosts breathtaking fall colors, from the burnt oranges of the Northern Panhandle to the brilliant yellows of the Greenbrier Valley, but the variety of ways in which the state’s autumn beauty can be experienced might come as a surprise.

In the Chef’s Corner: Mia Margherita

The staff at Mia Margherita in Bridgeport, WV, is proud to be the first and only coal-fired pizzeria in the Mountain State, but Scott Duarte, operator of the restaurant, wants people to see they have much more to offer than pizza.

Crafty Collaborations

In West Virginia, it isn’t difficult to drink local when it comes to craft beer. With more than 20 breweries currently operating in cities and towns all over the state, each is working to provide quality beer at a reasonable price, and many are finding ways to source their ingredients from local farmers and purveyors.