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

Today is WEDNESDAY, June 21 

Take a step back in time to Berdine’s Five and Dime…book a stay in some truly unique accommodations at WV State Parks…and plan a weekend getaway to White Sulphur Springs and its music and arts festival…on today’s daily304. 

#1 – From WBOY Clarksburg – Five and dime stores are one of America’s older traditions, but one West Virginian five and dime has stood the test of time.

Berdine’s Five and Dime (5 and Dime) in Harrisville has upheld the age-old tradition of selling its miscellaneous inexpensive wares to the community for longer than any other currently existing store. And it all began in 1908 with two brothers.

After attempting to establish a store in Weston, Lafayette and K.C. Berdine chose to move their establishment, “Hunt & Berdine’s Five and Dime,” from Pennsylvania to the Ritchie County town of Harrisville.

In 1983, the Six family purchased the store from owner Fred W. Berdine and chose to take their own approach to renovating the establishment. Wanting to go back to its “original look and feel,” the new owners threw away the store’s “modern improvements.” The store today looks much like it did when it first opened. 

Learn more at www.berdinesfiveanddime.com.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/only-on-wboy-com/americas-oldest-five-and-dime-is-in-west-virginia/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwAR0qVJs9jjtu5LJ-inbhvCWds1IXlvtaz1am3st20ElAOkuRMYovc2PRzlw

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Sometimes a getaway calls for extra special accommodations. From yurts to backcountry cabins, West Virginia state parks and forests offer a range of unique dwellings that will become just as much a part of your memories as the area’s natural beauty and recreational offerings.

Consider a stay in the historic company houses at Cass Scenic Railroad. Sleep in a nomad-inspired yurt. Hike to a ranger outpost cabin. You’ll find plenty of options. Visit www.wvstateparks.com and book your stay today!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/plan-a-memorable-stay-in-a-unique-dwelling-at-west-virginia-state-parks/

#3 – From WV TOURISM –  Tucked away in Greenbrier County in southeastern West Virginia is White Sulphur Springs – a destination that may be known to few but should be explored by all. It is home to a one-of-a-kind art scene, unique shops, delicious cuisine options and exciting attractions. 

Each year, this quaint downtown community plays host to a celebration of art, music, food and culture. The Dry Creek Music and Arts Festival on June 23-24 is a full weekend of live music, art vendors, local food, spirits, brews and activities for the entire family. 

While you’re in town, you can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many local restaurants lining Main Street. Plan to stay through the weekend so you can enjoy a bike ride on the Greenbrier River Trail or kayak on the Greenbrier River. 

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/festival-life-in-a-quaint-west-virginia-town/

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, June 20

Go fly a kite-- at the annual Spruce Knob Kite Festival…Historic Jim’s restaurant celebrates 85 years…and a new series pays tribute to the creativity and ingenuity of WV crafters…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From EXPERIENCE-LEARNING – Go fly a kite! Experience Learning hosts its 4th annual Spruce Knob Kite Festival on June 24 from noon to 8:30 p.m. 

Activities include kite making, kite flying, monster kite demos, games, hiking and more. There will be concessions and a beer garden opens at 2 p.m. Live music is scheduled for the evening.

Primitive camping is available on site and payment will be accepted at the welcome tent. If you’re looking for a place to stay or non-camping accommodations, nearby Yokums Vacationland and NROCKS have some great cabin options.

All proceeds from this event will support scholarships for campers and participants with financial need. 

Read more:

https://experience-learning.org/camps/kitefest/

#2 – From METRO NEWS –  A Huntington institution celebrated a major milestone earlier this month. Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House turned 85.

Jim Tweel opened the restaurant in the same location in 1938. It’s still owned by the Tweel family today.

“Being a restaurant and surviving for 85 years in the same family is pretty historical,” said current owner Larry Tweel who still runs the shop with his wife Sally. 

“There are some restaurants that have survived that long, but not very many. We are only surviving because of the wealth of talent my dad was able to recruit from 1938 until he died in ’05.” 

Jim’s has always been a fixture in Huntington and hosted some big names through the years. Those included John F. Kennedy who ate there when he campaigned for President during the historic 1960 primary in West Virginia. The restaurant was also part of the set of the movie “We Are Marshall” in 2006.

View a menu at www.jimsspaghetti.com.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/06/09/historic-jims-restaurant-turns-85/

#3 – From MOTION MASTERS – Motion Masters presents a new documentary series, “West Virginia Makes” -- stories about the diversity of crafts and products made in West Virginia -- some with fans around the globe.

West Virginia Makes will be broadcast statewide on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Each hour-long episode will feature a collection of stories that will entertain, inspire, and educate. This multi-part series will celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of West Virginia.

The number of episodes aired will depend on financial support from the state, from foundations and from corporate underwriting. Learn how you can be a maker and help West Virginia tell its story.

Watch the video:

https://motionmasters.screenlight.tv/shares/y5v7gKquYoPNBLT7gxMC72P4xxRLH9AD

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, June 19 

WV State Parks offers tips for first-time campers…sunset rafting trips return to the New River Gorge…and the Mountain State is poised to become a leader in clean energy--#YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – From scouting and family trips to backcountry excursions, many fond memories are made with friends and family around a campfire.

While camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities, not everyone has been fortunate enough to have gone camping. That’s OK because it’s never too late to start. Camping can be an affordable and accessible way to experience the outdoors.

If you’ve never been camping before and are exploring the possibility of camping in West Virginia, the folks at West Virginia State Parks offer a few tips to help you plan a successful trip.

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/camping-for-the-first-time-in-a-wv-state-park-or-forest-follow-these-pro-tips-and-best-practices/

#2 – From WV EXPLORER – Old-time river rafters know that nothing compares to a sunset whitewater journey through the New River Gorge in West Virginia. The long shadows and warm evening breezes make for a transcendent romantic experience.

Thanks to increased travel to the new national park, the Adventures on the Gorge  resort and rafting outfitter is rekindling its sunset excursions on the New River.

"With the national park in place, we felt it was time to bring the old trips back. It's a remarkable time to see the river. Any old-time rafter will tell you that evening is one of the best times to raft there," said Roger Wilson, CEO of the iconic company near the New River Gorge Bridge.

Adventures on the Gorge has introduced lower New River “Sunset Dinner Trip” on Fridays and Sundays this summer from June 2 through Sept. 3. Learn more at www.adventuresonthegorge.com.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/06/02/sunset-rafting-trips-in-new-river-gorge/

#3 – From WV EXECUTIVE –  For years, energy leaders, environmental experts and government entities have been working to find ways to decrease and divert greenhouse gases emitted into the atmos­phere while burning fossil fuels. While resources like coal and natural gas will continue to be part of West Virginia’s economy and the U.S. energy policy for years to come, advancements in carbon capture and sequestration can help mitigate the risks associated with their biproducts.

“As we develop new, advanced energy technologies, fossil fuel resources will provide the energy America continues to need to power our grid and economy and to remain the superpower of the world,” says Senator Joe Manchin. “That said, we have a responsibility to produce and use our fossil fuels cleaner than anywhere else, and carbon capture, utilization and sequestration can help us to do just that.”

Combined with the energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law helps provide billions of dollars in loan opportunities, tax credits and grants to incentivize carbon capture investments.

Eight billion dollars in funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law were designated for clean regional hydrogen hubs, which require CCS if the hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels. This is an exciting prospect for the Mountain State, which is located in a region with enormous natural gas resources

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/the-future-of-energy/

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, June 18 

Planning a stay at a WV State Park? Check out the great dining options nearby...WVU’s Robotics Team places No. 1 at an international event--Let’s go, Mountaineers!...and, speaking of robots, troops undergo high-tech field training in Almost Heaven…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – There’s plenty to do at West Virginia state parks and forests, from hiking, biking and fishing to swimming, horseback riding and more. But what to do after you’ve worked up a big appetite? Satisfy your rumbling tummy with a delicious meal from a local eatery!

If you’re staying at a lodge park, you can always enjoy a hearty meal served at the park restaurant. (Check the calendar for upcoming special Farm-to-Table Dinners at the lodge parks.) In the meantime, here are a few other options you’ll want to check out.

Rent a historic CCC cabin at Babcock State Park and rest assured your dining options will be plentiful in the area. Take a drive over to the lodge at Hawks Nest State Park where you can dine while enjoying a stunning view of the New River Gorge. As you head into the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, you’ll find lots of great dining options in the area. 

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/foodie-travel-guide-to-west-virginia-state-parks/

#2 – From WVU TODAY – It’s official: The West Virginia University robotics team is the best in the world.

Team Mountaineers topped dozens of other teams from 10 countries in a competition to design and build the next generation of Mars rovers during the 2023 University Rover Challenge held May 31-June 3 at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah.

The student-led, cross-disciplinary team comprises more than 75 undergraduate students and five graduate student mentors from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

“This win is also the fruit of six years of hard work by hundreds of WVU students, including those who are currently here and who have graduated, those who have been to Utah and who have stayed back, those who boldly proposed new ideas and those who were quietly making sure everything worked perfectly,” said  Yu Gu, team faculty adviser and mechanical and aerospace engineering associate professor. 

Read more:

https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2023/06/05/wvu-robotics-team-wins-international-mars-rover-challenge

#3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  If you’re a fan of action movies, you’d be pleased to know that some real-life military training exercises happened in West Virginia recently. 

The Civil-Military Innovation Institute hosted a military field training exercise and experimentation event, known as Driving Innovation in Realistic Training Days 23-001, in partnership with the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and the 101st Airborne Division. It was held at CMI2’s Adaptive Experimentation Facility in Fola, West Virginia, which is actually a repurposed coal mining facility. 

The event allowed soldiers to participate in and lead the development and field testing of emerging tactics and technology while bolstering their operational skill sets through challenging, realistic exercises. The event was designed to emulate future operational environments the soldiers could experience in an age of intensifying technology and threats. In short, it was a chance for soldiers to have fun, learn some new skills, and prepare for whatever the future might bring them.

Although West Virginia may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of defense companies, recent events show that the state has a lot to offer. With its world-class military training facilities, strategic location, and business-friendly environment, West Virginia is an ideal location for defense companies that want to develop new tactics and technologies and work closely with the military. 

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/robots-in-yes-west-virginia-say-what/

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, June 17 

Wheeling is rewarded for its revitalization efforts…plan your WV State Parks fishing adventure… and Blenko Glass pays homage to the state’s coal history with its 2023 WV Day piece…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WTRF Wheeling –  You can see it in all of the hard hats and orange cones—Wheeling is in the middle of a makeover.

Much of that investment is thanks to a small but committed group that just received national recognition for their work.

For the fifth time, Wheeling Heritage has been accredited by Main Street America. The non-profit recognizes efforts to preserve and revitalize downtowns across the country…specifically with historic sites and new business.

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/preserving-history-and-boosting-small-business-gives-wheeling-heritage-national-accreditation/

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS –  Get your family hooked on fishing by taking them to a West Virginia state park or forest. Our lakes and streams are stocked with trout, bass, bluegill and other sport fish. State parks and forests are some of the best places for new anglers to catch a fish, and many of our top spots are easily accessible for people of all skill sets. But before you head out on your trip, make sure you have a current license and stamps. If you don’t have one, purchase one today at www.wvfish.com.

Learn more -- and book your trip -- at www.wvstateparks.com.

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/things-to-do/fishing/

#3 – From THE HERALD-DISPATCH – Blenko Glass is launching its West Virginia Day pieces. This year’s items draw inspiration from the coal industry.

New for 2023, “Specimen” is the first multimedia West Virginia Day Blenko piece. It is a deep purple piece of glass, made in a dump mold to resemble a lump of coal, sitting on a wooden plinth under  a vivid tangerine specimen jar dome lid with a turquoise flame knob.

A companion piece, “If It Ain’t Broke,” resembles an oversized lightbulb made in crystal crackle glass with a turquoise spiral thread as its opening.

“Specimen” will be available today at noon. It is expected to sell out quickly. Those interested in purchasing are encouraged to create an account on the Blenko website and pre-fill purchase information.

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/blenkos-west-virginia-day-pieces-rich-with-symbolism-celebrate-history-of-coal/article_287d04f1-0441-5e99-a0e6-0fad3065bbf3.html

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 FRIDAY, June 16 

Plan your Almost Heaven camping getaway and choose your setting, from Seneca Rocks to North Bend State Park…state grant will help fund Wild, Wonderful Woods celebration in Elkins…and explore these eerily beautiful abandoned places…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From SOUTHWEST JOURNAL –  West Virginia, known as the “Mountain State,” is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse ecosystems, it offers an array of camping spots that cater to all levels of adventurers. 

Whether you prefer the tranquility of a secluded forest or the thrill of a mountain hike, West Virginia has something for everyone. Check out some of the top camping spots in the state, including the Monongahela National Forest, Greenbrier State Forest, North Bend State Park, and more. 

Start planning your Almost Heaven camping getaway today!

Read more:

https://www.southwestjournal.com/camping-west-virginia/

#2 – From THE INTER-MOUNTAIN – A local nonprofit facility will receive a prestigious state grant.

The West Virginia Humanities Council, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, recently announced that the Kump Education Center is the recipient of a minigrant that will partially fund an upcoming Wild, Wonderful Woods celebration at the historic Gov. Kump House on Saturday, June 24.

The grant will assist in creating interpretive panels and other display materials focusing on the Mountain State’s rich forest heritage and how it impacted the region’s economy and character.

The celebration’s highlights include many children’s activities, such as making ornaments for the National Christmas Tree, which will be harvested from the Monongahela National Forest this year.

Local musicians will provide entertainment, and the KEC’s popular Pie Auction will return at 2 p.m.

Read more:

https://www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2023/05/center-set-to-receive-state-grant/

#3 – From THE TRAVEL –  Visiting abandoned places is one of the most exciting adventures to have, and West Virginia is home to many of them. Besides being eerily beautiful, West Virginia's abandoned places force one to pause and think about what they were like when they were once inhabited.

For anyone eager to learn more about these old neglected structures, once-loved places, and tales of days past, here's a handful of the most popular abandoned places West Virginia has in store for curious travelers (and most come with interesting stories, too).

Explore Virginius Island. Set on the Shenandoah River near Harpers Ferry, the island once hosted factories, mills and other industrial establishments. 

Tour the old Lake Shawnee Amusement Park in Princeton -- but beware! It’s rumored to be haunted. 

Hike to the old Kaymoor Mine site in the New River Gorge National Park, where you’ll see remnants of the coal mining facility and town that once resided there. 

Read more:

https://www.thetravel.com/abandoned-places-in-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 THURSDAY, June 15 

Waterstone Outdoors owner Holly Fussell shares visions and goals for the Fayetteville store…Grab your paddle and head for the river--it’s the annual Tour de Coal float trip…and CleanVision is bringing 40 jobs to its Kanawha County facility--YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Holly Fussell, owner of Waterstone Outdoors. The Waterstone team dedicates itself to providing quality outdoor and climbing gear to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

“We want to be your first stop on any New River Gorge adventure, and we want to be that place where you wrap up and reflect on your day. Waterstone has always been a place to get inspiration, quality gear, great advice, and a sense of connection.” 

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. Subscribe to the daily304 YouTube channel so you don’t miss an episode!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et0eOLKFQAc&list=PLbTIXU2Zp-Km1gNK2YeXfnsVd91rSHh0b

#2 – From WV TOURISM – Craving a day on the water? Cool off  with a one-of-a-kind float trip on the Coal River. The Tour de Coal is an annual event organized by the Coal River Group with the goal of revitalizing the Coal Rivers and their communities. 

This annual flatwater float trip has grown into one of the nation’s largest and attracts thousands of paddlers from dozens of states to the area. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, June 17. The 12-mile float trip begins in Tornado and ends in St. Albans. 

While planning your trip to the Coal River, make sure to allot some time to enjoy Yak Fest. This is a simultaneous event coordinated between the City of Saint Albans and the Coal River Group that features live music, art, food and craft beer vendors and all things kayaking related. Festivities begin Friday evening, June 16, and run through Saturday evening.

Learn more:

https://wvtourism.com/dont-miss-this-summers-tour-de-coal/

#3 – From WCHS-TV – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced 40 full-time jobs are coming to Quincy as part of a $50 million investment.

CleanVision Corp. is building a manufacturing facility in the eastern Kanawha County community to convert plastic into clean energy. A worldwide corporation, this would be the first manufacturing facility for the company in the United States.

“It couldn't be a better place for us," Dan Bates, CEO of CleanVision Corp., told Eyewitness News.

By the start of next year, the old 84 Lumber building in Quincy will be converted into a recycling facility.

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/recycling-company-to-bring-manufacturing-facility-to-quincy-wv#:~:text=CleanVision%20Corp.%20is%20building%20a,company%20in%20the%20United%20States.

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 Jill Upson about all the activities and performers you'll see at this year's Juneteenth celebration at the WV State Capitol Complex this Saturday, June 17, from 5-9 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone so bring your lawn chair and get ready for an evening of family fun! 

The emcee and Master of Ceremonies is national touring comedian Simply Shanell and the headlining performer is grammy-nominated Dru Hill. The stage will also feature talented and leading performers from all over the Mountain State. Get ready for the bounce houses, a gaming trailer, local foods, and a variety of arts and creative features to make your weekend one to remember. 

You can find more information here. 

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

Today is WEDNESDAY, June 14 

Six communities are tapped to participate in the Accelerate WV program…Plan a getaway to Blackwater Falls and check out the new renovations… and small businesses band together to open mini malls--YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS –  The West Virginia Community Development Hub has announced the first group of communities that will participate in the Accelerate WV program.

The Accelerate WV program is part of the Community and Business Resilience Initiative work as part of the larger Appalachian Climate Technology Coalition.

Those communities are: Wayne, the Fairfield community of Huntington, the West Side of Charleston, Webster County, Ronceverte and Princeton.

The Hub -- along with Advantage Valley; AFV Educate; WV Brownfields Centers; and The WV Hive, part of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority -- will work alongside the six communities to help create Economic Resilience Plan, complete pre-development for a sustainable green development project aimed at revitalizing the local business districts, and connect the teams with needed private and federal funding.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/statejournal/news/west-virginia-community-development-hub-selects-first-communities-for-accelerate-wv/article_e32231be-ff34-11ed-9581-afeb3447a63c.html

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS – The serenity and beauty of West Virginia is now on the next level with the newly renovated Blackwater Falls State Park. Located in Tucker County among the trees of the Allegheny Forest, your next destination for downtime is a welcoming experience from the moment you arrive. 

Upgrades include everything from landscaping to lodge rooms and cabins, to updates at The Smokehouse restaurant. There’s also updated and expanded ADA accessibility. 

Book your reservation today and get ready to explore the park’s breathtaking beauty -- from crashing waterfalls to stunning overlooks -- along with outdoor adventures like hiking, biking and fishing. 

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/blackwater-falls-makeover-makes-it-a-destination-for-downtime/

#3 – From WTOV9 –  A business trend has been picking up across the country, and Wetzel and Tyler counties were quick to join in with their own “mini malls on main streets.”

The vendor-style stores share a name and a roof, but inside, they’re filled with multiple local small businesses.

It’s all the rage for small town cities, according to Sharon Campbell, executive director for Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce.

“It's a great fit for rural communities, and when I say trend, we are seeing that trend across the country,” she said. “Small businesses really are the economic engine of communities, so we are really excited about this trend and we're capitalizing on it.”

Read more:

https://wtov9.com/news/local/mini-malls-on-main-streets-trend-catching-on-in-wetzel-tyler-counties

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.

The daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are proud to present our second Mountain State Music Concert from the Folklore Stage in Charleston, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. This week's guests include Makenna Hope and Alabaster Boxer! It's a concert from your couch! Sit back, relax and enjoy LIVE music from West Virginia.