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

Today is Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Weirton bed & breakfasts team up with the local CVB to showcase the work of area artists…the new Heritage Highway joins four other scenic Mountain Rides throughout Almost Heaven…and West Virginia’s Paranormal Trail gets even spookier, with four more additions…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WEIRTON DAILY TIMES – Weirton area residents and visitors had an opportunity to tour three local bed and breakfasts and view a variety of art recently through a collaboration of the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Rivertown Inns.

Rivertown Inns is an umbrella for the three bed and breakfasts — Arabian Nights, Aunt Mary’s and the Sarah Miller House — which teamed for a revival of the CVB’s Art Hop event.

The bed and breakfast’s artistic guests were James Sulkowski, an oil painter from Canonsburg, Pa., and Devin Ashmore, a photographer from Weirton.

Arabian Nights owner Danielle Thomas said of the art hop, “I think it’s fantastic. I love the collaboration with the other bed and breakfasts. We all refer people to each other.”

An avid baker, she suggested a cookie crawl, in which visitors would be treated to cookies and other snacks made by local bakers, could be the next event for them.

Read more:

https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2024/10/cvb-bed-and-breakfasts-showcase-local-artists/

#2 – From METRO NEWS – Governor Jim Justice and West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby are celebrating the addition of a fifth new route for West Virginia Mountain Rides.

Heritage Highway, the new name for the 194-mile scenic loop, will lead travelers throughout the state’s southern region, starting in Raleigh County, down to Wyoming, down to McDowell into Mercer County and then to Beckley.

West Virginia Mountain Rides is a partnership between the Tourism and the West Virginia Department of Transportation to designate and promote the state’s most scenic country roads. 

Ruby and Justice praised everyone, especially the Division of Highways, that worked on these scenic routes, putting them together, cleaning them and keeping them free of potholes.

Heritage Highway joins Seneca Skyway, Capitol Circle, Cranberry Corridor and Birdeye Bend as a part of the rides that people can take. Ruby pointed out that they were not done adding routes to West Virginia Mountain Rides.

Visit wvtourism.com to learn more about Mountain Rides in Almost Heaven.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/10/14/west-virginias-mountain-rides-add-their-fifth-scenic-route/

#3 – From WV PUBLIC – Don’t look now, but West Virginia’s new Paranormal Trail just got a little bigger – and a lot spookier. 

In the three weeks since the West Virginia Division of Tourism launched its new West Virginia Paranormal Trail, nearly 5,000 visitors from 39 states and three different countries have already signed up.

Now, the trail has added four new destinations, for a total of 18.

Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf in Morgantown is one of the new attractions. Featuring creatures like Bigfoot, Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster, the indoor course incorporates the elements of “cosmic” mini golf, including blacklight and state-of-the-art video and audio systems.

Also new to the list: the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum in Sutton, the Silver Run Tunnel on the North Bend Rail Trail and the Hempfield Tunnel in Wheeling. 

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/paranormal-trail-draws-visitors-to-w-va-with-spooky-attractions/

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, Oct. 26, 2024.

A WVU fashion program digs into garment origin by partnering with agriculture…discover Almost Heaven at Plum Orchard Lake in the fall…and former NFL star and acclaimed motivational speaker Rocky Bleier will be the keynote speaker at the Governor’s Energy Summit next week…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From YNST – While most fashion programs focus on garment construction using mass-produced synthetic blends, WVU’s fashion program has sown new seeds for the industry, including the newly-forged Farm to Fashion class. 

This years-in-the-making curriculum is revolutionizing the way student designers understand the industry by partnering with the university’s agriculture program so they can learn about the origin of fiber and the laborious processes involved in creating textiles,

Working in tandem with existing textiles and sustainability courses, students are leaving the program with a regenerative, ecosystemic lens adept for ‘slow fashion’ — a distinctly different point of view than many of their peers across the globe.

Recent graduate Chelsea LaReina Hidalgo is one such designer. Check out the interview in YNST Magazine where she talks about her senior collection and how she made her three looks using fully biodegradable textiles, natural dyes and recycled wool. 

Read more:

https://ynstmagazine.com/look/sustainable-roots-how-wvus-fashion-program-is-sowing-couture-from-farm-to-fashion/

#2 – From MSN – Tucked into the hills of Fayette County, Plum Orchard Lake is the definition of Almost Heaven. In the fall, the oak-hickory forest that surrounds the lake makes for a beautiful blend of autumnal color.

If you've got your own kayak or a canoe, bring it so you can marvel at the incredible forest display from the water. There are also some docks around the lake where you can immerse yourself in the fall foliage show.

Its clear waters also are a well-known spot for summertime fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, sunfish, and crappie. 

To learn more about fishing opportunities in West Virginia or to purchase a fishing license, visit WVdnr.gov/fishing.

Read more:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/the-iconic-west-virginia-fishing-destination-for-pretty-lake-side-leaf-peeping-like-no-other/ar-AA1sesZt

#3 – From WV DED – The West Virginia Office of Energy has announced that Rocky Bleier, former NFL star and acclaimed motivational speaker, will be the keynote speaker at the 2024 Governor’s Energy Summit, taking place on October 29-30, 2024, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

Bleier, a four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is renowned not only for his athletic prowess but also for his inspiring journey of resilience and perseverance. After being awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service during the Vietnam War, he faced significant challenges in his recovery, ultimately overcoming adversity to achieve his dreams on the football field. 

“Rocky’s powerful story of determination and grit resonates deeply in today’s rapidly evolving energy sector, where innovation and perseverance are essential for success,” says Nicholas Preservati, director of the Office of Energy.

The conference will bring together leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across the energy sector to discuss the latest advancements in energy, sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies. In addition to Bleier’s keynote address, the event will feature expert presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration and driving positive change within the industry.

For more details or to register for the event, visit the Energy Summit page on the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/rocky-bleier-to-speak-at-the-2024-governors-energy-summit/

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, Oct. 25, 2024.

A $1.6 million grant will boost manufacturing and business potential in the Advantage Valley…West Virginia Wesleyan expands its Esports program to middle and high school students…and learn how the Jumpstart Savings Program can help you grow your business…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXECUTIVE – Advantage Valley, Inc., a regional economic development organization serving the nine counties of the Charleston-Huntington metro region, has been awarded a $1.6 million grant to support its Expanding Markets program. 

This three-year project — in collaboration with local, state and federal partners — is designed to diversify and create resilience in the manufacturing and business services sectors by driving growth, increasing market potential and strengthening regional supply chains.

This award is part of a recently announced $68.2 million award package supporting 65 projects in 188 coal-impacted counties through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in the coal industry.

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/advantage-valley-secures-1-6-million-grant-to-boost-manufacturing-sector/

#2 – From WDTV – The West Virginia Wesleyan Esports team has partnered with schools to create an Esports league for middle and high school students.

The West Virginia Scholastic Esports League is intended to connect students to their school’s athletics culture, Esports Coach Ethan Hayes says. Participating in Esports will help them work on their team coordination as well as help them build schedules and different technical skills.

The league is made up of schools across the state who will play against each other. Officials hope the league is eventually recognized by the state.

Read more:

https://www.wdtv.com/2024/09/30/wv-wesleyan-looking-grow-esports-across-state/

#3 – From WV JUMPSTART – Whether you’re looking to grow your business or just getting ready to go out on your own, the Jumpstart Savings Program serves West Virginia trade professionals throughout every stage of their careers.

The program is a state-administered career savings account designed specifically for current and future members of the skilled workforce in West Virginia.

Account owners may be able to save for tools, supplies, equipment, licensing and certification, and other business costs while enjoying special state tax advantages.

Any West Virginia taxpayer may claim a West Virginia personal income tax deduction of up to $25,000 per tax year for the money he or she puts into a Jumpstart Savings Account. Additionally, money withdrawn for qualified expenses may be tax-free.

Learn more:

https://wvjumpstart.com/what-is-jumpstart/overview

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.

Lord Dunmore’s war comes to a violent conclusion as Colonel Lewis & The Virginia Militia clashes with Chief Cornstalk and his Shawnee warriors in Pt. Pleasant, which would increase hostility between settlers and settlers, and severe American loyalty to England.

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

Today is Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.

More bang for your buck -- West Virginia Wesleyan College is ranked one of the south’s Top 10 Schools for Best Value…a new facility in Clarksburg will help train workers in the natural gas and hydrogen energy industries…and Metro Valley CVBs  host a tourism conference for local businesses and organizations…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MY BUCKHANNON – Building on a 134-year mission of academic excellence, service to others and equipping leaders, West Virginia Wesleyan College continues to gain recognition in prestigious college rankings. The college was ranked among the top 10 for Best Value in the South in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges and is listed as one of the Best Regional Colleges by The Princeton Review.

College Raptor, a leading college planning platform, also selected West Virginia Wesleyan College as one of its Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southeast, based on graduation rates, retention, student-to-faculty ratio, endowment per student and other metrics via the National Center for Education Statistics.

West Virginia Wesleyan College will host Fall Open Houses on October 26 and November 16, giving prospective students the opportunity to discover how they can find their place at their Home Among the Hills. For more information, visit www.wvwc.edu.

Read more:

https://www.mybuckhannon.com/a-hidden-gem-west-virginia-wesleyan-college-named-among-best-in-region-by-u-s-news-and-world-report-the-princeton-review/

#2 – From WV NEWS – A new training facility planned for Clarksburg will help train the workforce of natural gas and hydrogen energy workers, helping prepare the workers and the companies involved — Hope Gas and Ullico — for a bright, safe future.

The Edward M. Smith Natural Career and Life Skills Development Center will be a state-of-the-art training facility for Hope Utilities employees. Plans call for work on the project to begin this year, with the facility completed by the end of 2025.

The 20,000-square-foot facility will feature fully renovated classrooms, labs and a nearby “Safety Town” to provide real-life, hands-on training.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/theet/opinion/editorials/preparing-tomorrows-workforce/article_56093266-8749-11ef-a659-ab7cd8856c3f.html

#3 – From METRO VALLEY – Register today for an engaging one-day tourism conference in Hurricane, West Virginia, organized by various Metro Valley convention and visitors bureaus.

The Destination Metro Valley Conference takes place Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.

Participants will benefit from valuable insights provided by the West Virginia Department of Tourism, local tourism experts, and inspiring industry leaders. You will leave the conference feeling equipped, energized, and supported.

Learn more:

https://destinationmetrowv.square.site/

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, Oct. 23, 2024,

Forty high schools throughout West Virginia receive recognition for their efforts in helping students plan for college…a popular hiking trail in the New River Gorge gets additional parking spots…and are you brave enough to stay at a haunted campground on Sutton Lake?...on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV PRESS – Principals, counselors, and staff from 40 high schools across West Virginia were recognized this month for their efforts to inform students of higher education opportunities after graduation. 

The “Champion of College Access and Success” recognition awards are annually presented by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical Education to select schools that foster a college and career readiness culture within their communities.

Representatives from the Champion schools attended an award ceremony at Stonewall Resort in conjunction with a statewide summit focused on affordable college and career pathways. 

For more information about Champions of College Access and Success and college planning events, visit the College for West Virginia website at cfwvconnect.com/champion.

Read more:

https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/forty-high-schools-across-west-virginia-recognized-for-their-outstanding-efforts-to-help-students-plan-for-college/?utm_source=newsletter

#2 – From METRO NEWS – Visitors to the New River Gorge National Park can rejoice now that one of the park’s most popular trails has expanded parking.

Just in time for the Gorge’s annual Bridge Day celebration, Gov. Jim Justice joined Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby and officials with the West Virginia Division of Highways recently to welcome the additional 70 parking spaces at the Endless Wall Trail.

Ruby said the DOH first came out and widened the portion of Lansing-Edmond Road the trail sits off of, making it safe for the public to create an additional 30 parking spots. Then, just recently, DOH crews created the additional 70 more spots from a completely dense forest adjacent to the trail.

According to the Department of Tourism, the New River Gorge area sees about 2 million visitors a year.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/10/14/parking-expanded-for-the-endless-wall-trail-in-fayette-county/

#3 – From WV EXPLORER –While there are many remote campgrounds in West Virginia, few boast their own ghosts. Though only 30 minutes from Interstate 79, Baker’s Run Campground may feel remote due to how it tucks into the hills on the Elk River at Sutton Lake, and that's much of its allure.

According to most versions of the once-famous tale, the ghost is that of Jacob Beamer, who was fond of moonlight walks. He met his end one night when he was hit by a train. For many years afterward, his ghost was said to appear to wanderers at night as it searched for his missing head. 

Need more than a ghost to have a good time? Sutton Lake has recently become famous for alleged sightings of a Bigfoot, and the whole of the region is renowned as the site of the crash landing of the Flatwoods Monster.

And if that’s not enough, there are plenty of great opportunities for camping and fishing!

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/10/13/bakers-run-campground-headless-ghost-centralia/

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, Oct. 22, 2024.

Form Energy receives $405 million to speed up manufacturing at its Weirton factory…Ball Toyota’s owner is honored with the Distinguished West Virginian award for his company’s contribution to West Virginia schools…and discover the autumn beauty of Preston County…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WCHS-TV – Form Energy, a company that is beginning to produce a longer-lasting alternative to lithium batteries, hit a milestone this month with an announcement of $405 million in funding.

The money will allow Form to speed up manufacturing at its first factory in Weirton, West Virginia, and continue research and development, officials say.

Manufacturing long-duration energy storage at a commercial scale is seen as essential for lowering carbon emissions that are causing climate change, because it makes clean energy available when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.

Investment company T. Rowe Price led the funding. GE Vernova, a spin-off of General Electric’s energy businesses, and several venture capital firms were also involved.

Read more:

https://www.wchstv.com/news/local/form-energy-secures-405m-to-speed-development-of-long-awaited-100-hour-battery-in-wva

#2 – From LOOTPRESS – Ball Toyota owner Shawn Ball received the highest honor presented by a West Virginia governor recently as Ball was recognized by Gov. Jim Justice as the recipient of the “Distinguished West Virginian” award.

Ball was one of many state leaders – including brother and business partner, David Ball – present at the Woodrow Wilson Auditorium for a special panel pertaining to critical issues of student need being faced by schools across the state and nation.

The Ball Toyota Family of Dealerships announced a partnership with many West Virginia schools throughout their service area to which a $650,000 donation was made to assist students in need and school leadership to obtain and provide essential items such as clothing, food, hygiene products, and more. The donation comes alongside a $250,000 gift to Marshall University, emphasizing the family’s support for the university.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/shawn-ball-recognized-as-distinguished-west-virginian-by-governor-justice/

#3 – From WV NEWS – Preston County offers a stunning combination of natural beauty and rich historical experiences, especially during the fall. At the same time, its deep-rooted history provides visitors with ample opportunities to explore the past while enjoying the scenic landscape. 

Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Preston County offers an ideal blend of fall foliage and heritage tourism.

For those looking to take in the beauty of the season by car, several scenic drives in and around Preston County offer breathtaking vistas. Route 7, which runs through the county, is particularly notable for its winding roads and impressive overlooks. The winding Cheat River Canyon also provides an awe-inspiring backdrop of the river valley amidst the changing leaves.

Check out wvtourism.com to learn more and plan your fall getaway in Almost Heaven.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/stunning-natural-beauty-with-plenty-of-historical-tourism-opportunities-await-in-preston-county/article_377026a8-73b1-11ef-8c1c-7fcc1d240927.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 Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 

Register now for the 2024 Governor’s Energy Summit, set for Oct. 29-30 in Charleston…the US SBA WV Office seeks nominations for the 2025 Small Business Week Awards…and Jobcase helps you find your dream job in Almost Heaven, #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV DED – Former NFL star and acclaimed motivational speaker Rocky Bleier will be the keynote speaker at the 2024 Governor’s Energy Summit, set for Oct. 29-30 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

The annual summit brings together industry leaders, policymakers, educators and stakeholders to deliberate and explore groundbreaking solutions to advance energy resources and efficiency in West Virginia.

The event will feature two days of expert presentations and professional collaboration that will shape the trajectory of energy production in the state, laying the groundwork for West Virginia to become and remain a national energy leader.

For more details or to register for the event, visit the Energy Summit page on the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/rocky-bleier-to-speak-at-the-2024-governors-energy-summit/

 #2 – From WV NEWS – The U.S. Small Business Administration West Virginia District Office is now accepting nominations for the 2025 National and District Small Business Week Awards, including the highly anticipated Small Business Person of the Year Award. These awards recognize outstanding small business owners and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities.

Nominations must be submitted electronically through the SBA's District BOX account by 4 p.m. ET on December 5. For more information on submission guidelines, forms, and award criteria, visit the official SBA website at www.sba.gov/nsbw.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/business/sba-west-virginia-opens-nominations-for-2025-small-business-week-awards/article_028b2ddc-872c-11ef-80c8-734bae70865a.html

#3 – From JOBCASE – Interested in living and working in the next best thing to Heaven? Then say “yes” to a career in West Virginia!

Visit Jobcase.com to learn more about the benefits of living and working in the Mountain State. You can also check out the awesome job opportunities available in the area in some of the hottest industries. 

Learn more:

https://www.jobcase.com/ru/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, Oct. 20, 2024 

Just in time for Halloween, Fairmont launches its inaugural Frank-N-Stein Festival featuring craft beer and hot dogs…a local firm establishes a scholarship at Marshall for aspiring architects and engineers…and the WV Hub offers free online training to help folks make improvements to their communities…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS –  Make plans for the inaugural Frank-N-Stein Festival, a Halloween beer and hot dog festival coming to downtown Fairmont next week.

The event, set for Oct. 26, will welcome craft breweries from across the state, as well as local hot dog shops, to downtown Fairmont. Paying attendees will receive a souvenir mug with which to walk around and sample the many drinks on tap.

Main Street Fairmont Executive Director Alex Petry said the event will not only function as a fundraiser for the two organizations, but stand as a new fall event for the Marion County community, one he hopes will grow over the coming years.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/fairmontnews/news/marion-co-west-virginia-chamber-main-street-fairmont-to-hold-inaugural-frank-n-stein-festival/article_f42660c2-8569-11ef-a227-0f09182d89f9.html

#2 – From THE HERALD-DISPATCH –  ZMM Architects and Engineers has established an endowed scholarship fund with a contribution of $120,000 to the Marshall University Foundation, aimed at supporting engineering students from West Virginia.

Marshall University President Brad D. Smith says this is part of the “Marshall for All” initiative, which aims to alleviate financial burdens for aspiring engineers in West Virginia. 

Founded in 1959, ZMM is an award-winning architecture and engineering firm in the region, employing more than 65 professionals across West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/zmm-architects-establishes-endowed-scholarship-fund-at-marshall/article_baa9299e-873d-11ef-8341-d7fc9fe87452.html

#3 – From WV HUB – Are you ready to make a difference in your community?

The West Virginia Community Development Hub supports West Virginians with the tools and training they need to lead and spark positive change in their hometowns and across our state. 

The Hub offers free online courses on how to get started and form a team, how to strengthen and grow your team and how to strategically build community relationships.

Get started today and help build up your community!

Read more:

https://wvhub.org/onlinelearning/

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, Oct. 19, 2024 

Get a taste of farm fresh culinary offerings at Oglebay Resort…a live leaf map reflects where fall color is peaking in Almost Heaven…and the annual monster trout contest kicks off with fall trout stockings the week of Oct. 21…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV LIVING – A shining gem of Wheeling, Oglebay Resort & Conference Center offers a beautiful getaway with plentiful opportunities for food and fun. Get a taste of fresh produce at one of many noteworthy restaurants and wash your worries away at the resort’s spa.

Nate Harlan, head grower at Oglebay’s long-standing greenhouses, seeks to leverage hydroponic advancements to cultivate safe and sustainable crops--everything from herbs and greens to tomatoes and strawberries--in collaboration with the culinary team.

Overlooking terraced garden beds thriving with winter greens, the Garden Bistro—2023 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award winner—has become a beloved destination for locals seeking a casual yet novel dining experience. Harnessing the bounty of over 200 pounds of fresh greens and herbs cultivated in the greenhouses, the Garden Bistro promises to delight discerning palates from near and far.

As if that weren’t enough, Oglebay offers several other upscale and casual dining options as well as a spa offering luxury services. Visit https://oglebay.com to learn more and book your reservation today!

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/visit-oglebay/

#2 – From WV TOURISM – With fall finally here in West Virginia, you won’t want to miss the rolling hills of vibrant hues featured on the 2024 Live Leaf Map. 

As we head into the second half of October, the regions reaching peak will likely be the northern and eastern panhandles as well as parts of southern West Virginia.

Visit wvtourism.com/fall-map/ to get updates on fall color and suggested itineraries for leaf-peeping drives. 

As you travel through our mountains for your fall adventure, be sure to share your scenic foliage photos on social media using #AlmostHeaven. 

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/fall-map/

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – West Virginia will begin fall trout stockings during the weeks of Oct. 21 and 28, along with its third annual Monster Trout Contest.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock 35,000 pounds of trout weighing one to two pounds in 40 lakes and streams around the state and 6,500 pounds of monster trout weighing three to six pounds.

Gov. Jim Justice said the state will tag 100 monster trout with a bright pink tag, and anglers who catch one and submit a photo with the tag number online will be eligible to win a prize. 

Five recipients will be selected to win a grand prize, such as a weekend cabin stay at a West Virginia State Park or a Cabela's prize package. Entries must be submitted by Friday, November 22.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/10/10/wv-fall-trout-stocking-monster-contest/

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.