West Virginia has stories worth telling — and Dusty Martin is one of the voices making sure the world hears them. As the Executive Director of Travel Berkeley Springs and one of the voices behind WV Travellers, Dusty sits down with Corey and Kelsey to talk about the future of West Virginia tourism, authentic storytelling in the digital age, and how small towns can shine on the big stage.

From the charm of Berkeley Springs and the legacy of its famous spas, to the power of local creators changing how outsiders see our state, this episode is all about WV pride, purpose, and progress in Almost Heaven. 🌄

🎧 Whether you’re a traveler, creator, or just love WV, this one’s for you.

#AlmostHeavenAlwaysUs #WestVirginia #WVTravellers #BerkeleySprings #WVTourism #WestVirginiaPodcast #WVCreators #TravelWV #AppleButterFestival #WestVirginiaProud

Is it really illegal to whistle underwater in West Virginia? Did lawmakers ever declare the pepperoni roll our official state food? And what about the Black and Tan Coonhound — is it really the state dog?

In this episode, Corey puts Kelsey to the test in a brand-new game: Almost Heaven or Almost Crazy? She has to guess True or False as we run through some of the most viral WV claims seen on TikTok, listicles, and trivia posts online.

Play along and see how many you can get right as we fact-check pepperoni rolls, strange state symbols, Green Bank, Harpers Ferry, and other legendary Mountain State “facts.”

From Bridge Day to pepperoni rolls, haunted prisons to glowing pumpkin houses — fall in West Virginia is packed with adventure. In this episode, we share 10 must-do activities that capture the best of the season.

Add in small-town festivals, WVU football traditions, cozy cabin getaways, and of course — West Virginia’s iconic fall eats like pepperoni rolls, apple butter, and chili nights.

Whether you’re a lifelong Mountaineer or planning your first trip, these 10 must-do activities capture the magic, mystery, and flavor of autumn in Almost Heaven.

What else defines West Virginia? In Part 2 of West Virginia Unpacked: 100 Things That Define Us, Corey and Kelsey share 50 more traditions, places, and stories that make the Mountain State unique.

This episode dives into the outdoors, symbols, and legends that shape WV culture — from the New River Gorge Bridge and Dolly Sods to deer season, coal mining pride, WVU spirit, and even cryptids like the Flatwoods Monster and Mothman.

Whether it’s hunting and fishing, fall football, Appalachian landscapes, or local lore passed down through generations, these 50 cultural essentials show why West Virginia is more than a place — it’s a way of life.

Perfect for Mountaineers, Appalachians, or anyone curious about WV culture, this episode captures the pride, humor, and heritage of the Mountain State.

👽🎉 Seventy-three years ago, the Flatwoods Monster terrified a small West Virginia town. Today, “Braxxie” is a cultural icon with her own museum, roadside chairs, and even a birthday convention.

In this episode, Corey and Kelsey explore how one night of panic in 1952 turned into decades of pride, tourism, and folklore. From the original sighting to Braxxie’s modern-day celebrity status, this is the story of WV’s cryptid queen—From Fear to Fame.

💬 Who’s your #1 West Virginia cryptid: Mothman or Braxxie? Let us know—we might read your answer on the show!

What defines West Virginia? Is it the food, the music, the mountains, or the faith? In this episode of West Virginia Unpacked, Corey and Kelsey break down 100 things that define WV culture — from pepperoni rolls, coal mining, and small-town football to church potlucks, Appalachian music, and even ghost stories.

This first half of the list explores the roots, identity, community traditions, and foodways that make the Mountain State unique. From family reunions and porch-sitting to ramps, biscuits, and banjo music, each part of West Virginia culture tells a story of resilience, pride, and belonging.

Whether you’re a born-and-raised Mountaineer, someone who left and feels the pull to come home, or just curious about Appalachian life, this is the ultimate WV culture episode. Corey and Kelsey share stories, laughs, and commentary on the traditions that make West Virginia more than just a place — it’s a way of life.

Keywords included naturally: West Virginia, WV culture, Appalachian traditions, pepperoni rolls, Mothman, ghost stories, West Virginia food, banjo music, coal mining, church potlucks, Mountain State pride.

Mel Street had one of the most unforgettable voices in country music — gritty, emotional, and real. He was rising fast, topping charts, and becoming a honky-tonk icon. But behind the music was a deeper pain that too many people never saw coming.

On his 43rd birthday, Mel Street took his life — just as his career was peaking.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with his great-nephew, Joshua Street, to talk about Mel’s life, legacy, and the personal story behind the fame. From Southern West Virginia to country music stages, we explore how his roots shaped him, how his struggles stayed hidden, and why his story still matters today.

🎙 Topics include:

• Mel’s rise in classic country music

• His signature sound and WV influence

• Mental health and silence in Appalachian culture

• What the family carries forward now

• Honoring legacy while breaking cycles

A heartfelt, honest look at music, family, and the weight of unspoken pain.

Take a walk on the wild side with us at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek! 🦬🐻

In this episode of Almost Heaven, Always Us, Corey and Kelsey share their visit to one of the Mountain State’s most affordable and family-friendly attractions. From spotting black bears and bison up close, to exploring the trails, and even tracking down what might be the best pepperoni roll in West Virginia, this trip had it all.

Whether you’re planning a WV family adventure, looking for a hidden gem day trip, or just love hearing stories about life in the Mountain State, this episode is packed with history, food, and wild encounters you won’t want to miss.

The West Virginia State Fair 2025 just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and we went all-in to see if it really lives up to the hype. From fried food favorites like cinnamon rolls, strawberry shortcake, donuts, pizza, funnel cakes, nachos, and the famous corn on the cob… to midway rides that’ll test your stomach, adorable farm animals, and one-of-a-kind shows like Sea Lion Splash and the Moogician (yes, that’s magic + cows)… we tried it all.

In this episode of Almost Heaven, Always Us, we walk you through the WVU building, 4-H exhibits, and the West Virginia building, collect stickers, and chat with vendors and locals along the way. We cheered on our nieces and nephew showing animals, laughed through the pig races, played mini golf, visited the WV Tourism Airstream, and took in a grandstand show.

Whether you’re a first-timer planning your trip or a local who never misses the fair, this episode is your full-access guide to the State Fair of West Virginia — complete with tips, highlights, and our honest verdict on whether the 100th Anniversary Fair was worth it.

Join Corey and Kelsey as they uncover one of West Virginia’s best kept secrets — Audra State Park. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Barbour County, Audra offers a mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty that few places can match.

In this episode of Almost Heaven, Always Us:

• We set up camp right on the Middle Fork River, with the kids riding bikes and scooters through the campground like it’s the summer of ’95.

• We hike the legendary Alum Cave Trail, where natural rock showers turned the cliffside boardwalk into a one‑of‑a‑kind outdoor water park.

• We discover the Rock Cliff Trail, bursting with colorful wild mushrooms like something out of a fairytale.

• We cool off in one of the cleanest rivers in West Virginia, and wrap up the day with campfire cooking and stargazing under the mountain sky.

• And — we have a surprise wild encounter you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a West Virginian at heart or just love exploring hidden gems across America, this episode will inspire you to add Audra State Park to your bucket list.

✨ Subscribe to Almost Heaven, Always Us for more stories that celebrate the people, places, and adventures that make West Virginia unforgettable.

#WestVirginia #AudraStatePark #AlmostHeaven#WVPodcast #TravelWV