Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Sunday, Aug. 13 

A national publication ranks Huntington as 3rd in the country for lowest cost of living…Want to be featured in a tourism ad? Now’s your chance! The state is seeking volunteer models for promo shoots…and the Clay Center celebrates 20 years with “The Possible Dream” exhibit…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CNBC –  U.S. News and World Report has released its ranking of the Top 10 cities with the lowest cost of living, based on the median gross rent and annual housing costs for mortgage-paying homeowners.

No. 3 on the list is the Huntington-Ashland, West Virginia-Kentucky-Ohio metro area (known locally as the “Tri-State”). The region spans seven counties and is located along the Ohio River.

Of the three cities in the “Tri-State,” Huntington, West Virginia is the largest.

According to Zillow’s Home Value Index, the average Huntington home value is $115,370, up 1.4% over the past year. The area is most known for its various outdoor destinations, including several parks and lakes.

If you’re considering a move to Huntington, learn more at www.livability.com/wv/huntington.

Read more:

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/27/cheapest-places-live-us-us-news-world-report.html

 

#2 – From WV COMMERCE – Do you have a love for West Virginia and want to show off what makes our state so special? We have an exciting opportunity for you! Join the West Virginia Department of Commerce’s volunteer model registry and get a chance to be featured in our upcoming publications and ad campaigns!

Our registry is open to anyone who loves West Virginia and wants to help us tell its story. By signing up, you’ll become part of our shortlist of potential models for future shoots with various clients such as the WV Department of Tourism, State Parks, and the WV Film Office. We’re looking for all types of people who have a passion for our state and want to be a part of something special.

Register now:

https://commerce.wv.gov/modelregistry/

 

#3 – From BLACK BY GOD –  This summer, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia in Charleston is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its exhibit, “The Possible Dream.” 

The name of the exhibit comes from a quote from one of the founding members, John McClaugherty, during the initial fundraising for the Center.

“You have to have a dream, and you can’t curtail it,” he said. 

This quote was featured in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, and several years later, McClaugherty’s dream of having visual and performing arts and sciences under one roof came true.  

Now, that dream is to be celebrated with a gallery that showcases some of the most prominent pieces collected throughout the Center’s history. The artwork includes some famous artists or those with regional ties or who had personal exhibitions at Sunrise or the Clay Center.

Overall, 20% of the artists in the collection are native to West Virginia. 

Read more:

https://blackbygod.org/articles/community/clay-center-celebrates-20th-anniversary-with-the-possible-dream-exhibit/

 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

 

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Saturday, Aug. 12 

“What Makes You Wonderful” celebrates the 1-year anniversary of the WV Film Office…Adam Payne discusses what inspired him to launch the brand-new YNST Magazine…and, attention, small business owners in Wheeling--Sola Salons is looking for tenants at The Highlands…on today’s daily304. 

#1 – From WV.GOV –  “What Makes You Wonderful” dives into the glitz and glamor of the West Virginia Film Office’s one-year anniversary, and oh, what a year it’s been! We had the privilege of sitting down with the one and only Dave Lavender with the WV Film Office to find out about all the incredible behind-the-scenes action.

From notable film productions to heartwarming indie projects, we talk about how the WV Film Office is working to make West Virginia a true Hollywood of the East! But hold your horses – this episode isn't just about rubbing shoulders with A-list stars; it's about how you can become a part of this cinematic revolution.

Listen to the podcast:

https://www.wv.gov/daily304/archives/Pages/WMYW-Celebrates-the-WV-Film-Office-One-Year-Anniversary.aspx

 

#2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  “Innovators and Entrepreneurs” profiles Adam Payne, the Editor in Chief of “YNST Magazine.” This captivating media outlet aims to bridge the gap between creatives in Appalachia and the rest of the world. 

Payne sheds light on his motivation behind starting the magazine, the incredible talent he discovered in West Virginia, and the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

“I was doing a bunch of things simultaneously at West Virginia University, and I was seeing first-hand the incredible musicians, theater makers, designers, and dancers that were at the University, and I was astounded by the level of talent that was alive in West Virginia,” he said. “Simultaneously, I was working at the WVU Launchlab and was seeing first-hand all the incredible small businesses and startups that were coming out of West Virginia. At the same time I was like ‘How are people not seeing this!’ So, we decided to start a new publication.”

“Innovators and Entrepreneurs” is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/ynst-magazine-spotlights-appalachian-creatives-in-yeswv/

 

#3 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – An innovative new beauty and health destination, one capable of housing up to 21 small businesses within its walls, recently opened at The Highlands in Wheeling.

Sola Salons already has two tenants that have set up shop — Magnolia Day Spa and Destiny Salon Studio. Sola’s owner is looking to fill more spots under his roof.

“The thought of having 21 private studios under one roof in one secure common space where business owners have 24/7 access is unheard of,” says West Virginia Sola Salons owner Jerry “Jermac” McGlumphy of their unusual business model.

With the building boasting 4,500 square feet and a total of 21 private studio rooms, McGlumphy is still on the hunt for new clients. For the ribbon cutting, he hopes to have at least eight businesses in the building.

 

As a move-in bonus, Sola Salons will pay for a business’ first year of insurance and provide another $400 bonus to cover other expenses, such as styling tools and hair dye.

 

Read more:

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/community/2023/08/sola-salons-to-rent-spaces-for-small-business-owners-at-the-highlands/

 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

 

What Makes You Wonderful talks to Samantha Nygaard with WV Pedal Pals about the family-friendly bike tours she does with groups around the City of Charleston. Find out what you can learn and the friends you can make in this lates podcast, as well as how you can get involved in the next ride!

You can find out more information by joining the Facebook group WV Pedal Pals or emailing Savannah at [email protected]

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Friday, Aug. 11 

Mercer County prepares for $100 million sports complex…a Morgan County couple achieves their dream of opening a trail store (with a little help from WV SBDC)…and, Ho ho ho! Santa Claus is coming to Cass, so get your train tickets in advance…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVVA-TV –  The Mercer County Commission recently held a public hearing regarding a $100 million Economic Development Authority project that is slated to start construction in 2024.

The Ridges Sports Complex and Expo Center will be located right off Exit 9 in Princeton. The complex will consist of multiple sports fields;  a commercial area that will welcome retailers, restaurants and lodging; and a parks and recreation area for walking trails, playgrounds and a dog park.

The commission voted to approve the land on which The Ridges will be built to be its own economic district.

“It’s important to note that no taxpayers are going to have their taxes raised,” Economic Development Authority Executive Director John O’Neal said. “The County Commission is not having to dedicate any money out of their budget for this. This allows us to create a district to allow funding to occur based on future dollars created within the district.”

Read more:

https://www.wvva.com/2023/07/27/massive-100-million-sports-complex-expo-center-coming-mercer-county/

#2 – From WV SBDC –  Trail Depot is the newest outdoor enthusiast spot in Morgan County. Owners Alex Teixeira and Amanda-Hollins Teixeira saw opening the Berkeley Springs store as an opportunity to spread their love and passion for the outdoors with visitors and locals alike. 

“We have the opportunity to fill this store with anything and everything we’ve ever wanted, but we never got ourselves,” said Alex Teixeira. 

To help make their dream a reality, the couple reached out to the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and have been working with two business coaches from the  Eastern Panhandle office.

“They filled a niche that wasn’t being served,” Business Coach Michael Boyd said. “Berkeley Springs is a mecca for weekend visitors and people who love the outdoors. This shop serves that need and elevates the whole experience in Morgan County.”

Business Coach Carol Goolsby, who also teaches at Shepherd University, used her unique position in education and business to connect her students to Trail Depot. The students helped the shop with their inventory and merchandise, supply chain, research, marketing, and more. 

“It’s been a really valuable experience for Amanda and Alex as a small business starting out and a valuable experience for students as well to be able to work with a real business, helping them build and develop to the place they are today,” Goolsby said.

Visit Trail Depot on Facebook to learn more about the outfitter.

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/trail-depot-berkeley-springs-first-outdoor-shop/

 

#3 – From LOOTPRESS – Better hope you made the “nice” list, because Santa Claus is returning to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park this Christmas!

The highly anticipated steam-powered journey will depart from the Cass depot, taking passengers on a ride along the scenic Greenbrier River. The excursion is estimated to last between 75 to 90 minutes and will feature beautifully decorated and heated coaches.

A limited number of seats will be available inside the historic Chesapeake & Ohio caboose located at the rear of the train, providing a unique and nostalgic experience.

Children participating in this magical journey will be in for a treat, as each one will receive a special surprise gift during the ride. 

Departures for the Santa Claus train rides will commence on December 1st. For additional information and tickets, visit www.mountainrailwv.com/tour/christmas-at-cass.

Read more:

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lootpress.com/santa-claus-returning-to-cass-scenic-railroad-in-december/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1691524686296225&usg=AOvVaw1tEFa1YGLulGwWlkVblgbP

 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

After coal became king in West Virginia, out-of-state barons extracted the blood, sweat and tears of the miners, forcing them into indentured servitude with company towns, while leaving them to work under dangerous and sometimes fatal conditions. The travail of the miners and their families set the stage for coal’s next chapter. 

 

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Thursday, Aug. 10 

Big Bear Lake is the mountain biker’s best-kept secret…See the stars at Watoga--West Virginia’s own Dark Sky park…and learn helpful tips for your exporting business--#YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From BIKE MAG – Thirty miles east of Morgantown, Big Bear Lake is situated on roughly 5,000 acres of deeded RV camp lands consisting of small villages and unincorporated communities intertwined with some 50 miles of world class singletrack.

The trails originated from a 1980's motorcycle race series that ran through the area called the Blackwater 100. From those roots, Mark Schooley began to develop more mountain bike specific trails in the mid 90's.

The property now hosts a bike festival and other races throughout the year.

With a 20 mph speed limit on community roads, residents ride exclusively on golf carts, described as “a quirky, slightly odd, and largely endearing trait of Big Bear Lake.”

Watch the video to learn more!

 

Learn more:

https://www.bikemag.com/news/big-bear-mtb-haven

 

#2 – From WIDE OPEN SPACE –  Gazing up at starry night skies hoping for a shooting star sighting may just be the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Why not plan a Dark Sky Road Trip this summer?

DarkSky (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association) has certified more than 200 locations around the world as official Dark Sky Places. These include American parks, reserves, and even some Urban Night Sky Places where you can gaze at the night skies near large cities, traditionally places where light pollution can make stargazing more difficult.

In 2021, West Virginia's Watoga State Park received an International Dark Sky Park designation. It is managed for dark skies along with two other state-owned properties in the area, including Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and Calvin Price State Forest. Monongahela National Forest is also nearby, providing an additional area with darkness.

For assistance in planning your Dark Skies adventure in Almost Heaven, visit www.wvtourism.com/stars.

Read more:

https://www.wideopenspaces.com/dark-sky-stargazing-road-trips-across-the-us/

 

#3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – With a population of more than 450 million consumers and 30 member states, the European Economic Area is a thriving market with plenty of opportunities for first-time and experienced West Virginia exporters. Selling your products in the EU comes with some challenges that require some additional work and planning, but the effort can lead to lucrative results — the EU is the third largest economy in the world.

This month, we’ll look at the European Conformity marking, also known as a CE marking. This mandatory regulatory marking for certain products signals that your business is committed to delivering safe and reliable products that meet essential safety, health and environmental requirements defined by EU regulations.

Compliance with CE marking standards is not only essential for your product to have successful market access but necessary to build consumer trust in the EU. Think of it as a key to getting your product into the European market. 

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/ce-marking-what-is-it-and-does-my-business-need-one/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 9  

#1 – From WV NEWS –  NASA’s Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and officials hope that the key work that the facility does for the agency is successful for the next 30 years.

The IV&V Facility’s main mission is to routinely examine software on developing NASA missions to determine any glitches or failures in the system ahead of launch, allowing for the project — be that a manned mission, a satellite launch or another science project — to be as successful as possible once it’s on the launch pad.

Facility Director Wes Deadrick said the IV&V Facility employs 260 contractors and 50 civil servants for a total of 310 people, the majority of whom live and work in West Virginia. In addition, the facility had an estimated economic output of $140 million in 2022.

Deadrick said that moving forward, the IV&V facility will continue supporting the many NASA missions in the works, whether those be satellites, probes, manned missions or something else. He added that he thinks the agency at large — and other external entities — will make more use of the facility’s service.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/statejournal/news/nasa-iv-v-facility-in-fairmont-west-virginia-turns-30/article_fbbb3290-26f6-11ee-bfdd-bf4c19e3b12a.html

 

 

#2 – From THE TRAVEL  –  Charleston is not just West Virginia's capital; it's also the cultural hub of the state and has just everything for everyone. Vacationers traveling from big cities like Pittsburgh, Charlotte and Lexington can reach Charleston in less than three hours. One of the city's major draws is its spectacular scenery, which also gives it an incredible charm of a small town because much of it is wilderness. 

Plan on visiting? Check out some of these must-sees in the Capitol City:

Tour the West Virginia State Museum. (It’s free!) Attend a concert at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences. Shop at Capitol Market. Visit Cato Park, and more!

Visit www.charlestonwv.com to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven adventure in West Virginia’s capital city!

Read more:

https://www.thetravel.com/things-to-do-in-charleston-west-virginia/#pay-respects-at-the-veterans-memorial

#3 – From WV.GOV –  With over 111,000+ small businesses, representing over 98% of all businesses, along with employing nearly half of all employees, entrepreneurs and small business owners are the backbone and driving force behind West Virginia’s growing economy.

To help entrepreneurs and small business owners be successful, we have cultivated and built a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the state to ensure that you can access the resources you need, when you need it.

Whether you have an idea for a new product or service, need funding to start a new business, or an existing company that is poised to grow and expand, we are ready to help you and your business be successful in Almost Heaven – Yes, West Virginia!

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/entrepreneurship/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  
Today is Tuesday, Aug. 8  

Discover small town charm in Almost Heaven…Black Appalachian storytellers, learn how you can win a fellowship…and Marshall bioreactor composter is the first of its kind to be used as a university--#YesWV…on today’s daily304.

1 – From WORLD ATLAS – West Virginia is rightfully known for its majestic landscapes and outdoor recreation. Astonishingly, over three-fourths of West Virginia is also covered in lush forest, with a range of flora and hilly landscapes to traverse, many with sparkling mountain streams, rushing rivers, and calm lakes.To explore these spectacular slices of nature amongst the rugged and awe-inspiring Appalachian Mountains, look no further than West Virginia’s small towns. From Summersville to White Sulphur Springs, from Point Pleasant to Berkeley Springs, these communities thrive and come alive during the summer months. 
Visitors come from near and far to enjoy some of West Virginia’s most magnificent pockets of nature alongside the comforts and charms of local restaurants, cozy accommodations, and unique attractions.

Check out www.wvtourism.com for Almost Heaven road trip suggestions.
Read more:
https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/these-small-towns-in-west-virginia-come-alive-in-summer.html

2 – From WOAY – The National Association of Black Storytellers wants to honor and celebrate Black Appalachian storytellers.
The association is sponsoring the 2023 Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship to support black storytellers native to and residing in Appalachian states. 
The fellowship is partly funded by Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachia Living Traditions Program and South Arts as part of the In These Mountains, Central Appalachian Folk Arts and Culture initiative.

NABS is offering a $5,000 award to represent fellows in each of the six eligible states and a one-year membership to the association. 
The deadline to apply is August 20.
Learn more:
https://woay.com/national-association-of-black-storytellers-providing-fellowships-to-appalachian-storytellers/

#3 – From FOOD MANAGEMENT – The Sustainability Department at Marshall University is partnering with Sodexo to support the school’s creation of the XACT Systems BioReactor, the state’s first commercial composter and the first technology of its kind in the world to be used at a university.
Amy Parsons-White, sustainability manager of Marshall’s Sustainability Department, says she is eager to share products from the university’s compost with the community at local farmers markets and plans on using these sales to continue funding the program.
The facility is designed to curtail roughly 750 tons of waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill, which aligns with Sodexo’s corporate commitment to easing the impact of climate change through reduced carbon emissions, sustainable food sourcing and responsible waste management. 
Read more:
https://www.food-management.com/colleges-universities/sodexo-works-marshall-university-high-volume-composter

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Monday, Aug. 7 

Want to go camping in Almost Heaven? There are many options beyond tents and RVs--from treehouses to yurts--check it out!...WV Invests helps students earn an Associate’s Degree at no cost…and officials from the Monongahela National Forest are excited about WV’s own U.S. Capitol Christmas tree…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV LIVING – Camping is America’s quintessential summer pastime, and the Mountain State is an outdoor paradise. As more and more folks flee urban environments looking to disconnect from everyday life, improve emotional well-being, and reconnect with relationships, West Virginia has become a go-to destination.

Want to be a happy camper? WV Living offers a guide to the best places in Almost Heaven for tent camping, RV camping, glamping, and more. You can even stay in a yurt, teepee, fire tower or geodome!

To learn more about camping destinations in wild, wonderful West Virginia, visit www.wvtourism.com or www.wvstateparks.com.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/be-a-happy-camper/

 

#2 – From WDTV – Between tuition, supplies and housing, the average cost of college in West Virginia is over $16,000 for in-state residents, but one program is cutting that cost to almost nothing.

Pierpont Community and Technical College in Fairmont is one of 27 West Virginia campuses covered by the WV Invests Grant.

The grant covers tuition and mandatory fees of West Virginia residents pursuing a Certification or Associate’s Degree in the state.

Pierpont’s Executive Director of Admissions, Jenni McConnell, says one benefit to this program is that the money is available right from the start.

“There’s a push for more accessibility of education. You can see that with some of the loan forgiveness and other programs, but this is one the front end to make education accessible and affordable so you don’t have to take out loans and hope someone else will pay it back for you,” McConnell said.

Visit WV Invests to learn more about the grant program.

Read more:

https://www.wdtv.com/2023/07/20/wv-invests-grant-covers-tuition-costs-associates-degree/

 

#3 – From METRO NEWS –  This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will hail from the Greenbrier Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest.

Jim Kaufmann, Director of the Capitol Grounds for the Architect of the Capitol, selected the tree, a 63-foot tall Norway Spruce.

The Greenbrier Ranger District produced the “People’s Tree” to the U.S. Capitol back in 1970. It was also a Norway spruce. A red spruce was also provided from the Gauley Ranger District in 1976.

The Monongahela National Forest said the tree will be harvested in early November then will make its way to Washington, D.C. later in the month.

“It’s a great honor for our district to once again provide the People’s Tree,” said Jack Tribble, district ranger for the Greenbrier Ranger District. “Our staff is excited to be a part of the project, including the harvest and packaging of the tree, to ensure it has a safe trip to Washington, D.C., this fall.”

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/24/u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-will-come-from-west-virginia/

 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Sunday, Aug. 6  

Volunteer WV offers free training for your community organization…Plan a romantic escape to a small town in Almost Heaven…and a Kearneysville distillery gets its due…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From VOLUNTEER WV –  Volunteer West Virginia offers FREE virtual training to help your program grow. The session will cover volunteer management basics, including creating strong volunteer positions, volunteer recruitment and volunteer retention.​

 

The next training session will take place on Aug. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Sign up now!

 

Register:

https://volunteer.wv.gov/OtherPrograms/Pages/Rural-Volunteer-Management-Training.aspx

 

#2 – From WV TOURISM – With its pristine natural beauty, picturesque mountainous terrain and unique small towns, West Virginia has plenty of amazing locations for your next romantic escape. Explore the best West Virginia has to offer with your special someone on these charming retreats.

Relax and unwind in Lewisburg, dubbed “America’s Coolest Small Town.”

Enjoy signature cocktails and romantic city views from a rooftop lounge in Huntington.

Treat yourself and your loved one to a spa visit in Berkeley Springs. 

Get back to nature at Seneca Rocks in the Monongahela National Forest. 

 

Explore the hip college shops and restaurants of Morgantown.

 

Sound good? Check out West Virginia Tourism for more romantic getaway ideas!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/your-next-romantic-getaways-in-almost-heaven/

 

#3 – From WV LIVING – In 2016, when brothers-in-law Wylie McDade and Brian Halbert were nearing retirement, they decided to go into business together. They tossed around a few ideas and decided upon opening a distillery.

That dream became a reality in April 2021, when the Devil’s Due Distillery opened its doors in Kearneysville. The name is a nod to the brewing phrase “the devil’s cut,” which refers to the bit of distillate that is absorbed by the casks.

“Distribution is our main focus,” says McDade. “We’re in 45 or 50 liquor stores throughout the state, and here soon we plan to go to more states.” 

The company sells straight bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, maple whiskey, and vodka.

Along with her brother, Olivia McDade works ‘round the clock on advertising and merchandising. “We love merchandise like clothing and barware. A ‘boutique distillery’ is how we describe it,” she says. 

Plans for the immediate future include expanding the property to make room for food trucks and event hosting.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/devils-due-ing-fine-and-dandy/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.