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

Today is Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Learn about all the amazing places and interesting people that put the “wonderful” into “wild and wonderful”… Discover the beauty of Almost Heaven on a float trip along WV’s water trails…and save money on your back-to-school shopping with the upcoming sales tax holiday…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WMYW – Discover amazing places to go ​and interesting people to meet on the daily304’s weekly podcast, “What Makes You Wonderful.”

Host Tiffney Lopez connects with other local leaders and experts to share fun events, take you to uniqu​e places to visit, and venture down literary roads of local reads. 

We uncover wonders that make West Virginia truly ​ext​raordinary -- from a pack goat outfitter on the Greenbrier River Trail to Huntington’s new minor league baseball team. 

Tune in to “What Makes You Wonderful” and let the magic of the Mountain State inspire you!

Listen now:

https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/what-makes-you-wonderful/

#2 – From WBOY-TV – If you aren’t a huge fan of hiking or biking, there’s another type of trail that you can use to explore the Mountain State. 

Check out some of the scenic flatwater trails in north-central West Virginia. Flatwater trails are ideal for more leisurely and “gentle” activities like canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding, tubing, or just drifting along and fishing. 

Plan a float trip on the Upper Monongahela River, the West Fork River or the Upper Cheat River. If you don’t have your own boat, nearby outfitters provide rentals and shuttle services. 

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/water-trails-in-north-central-west-virginia-to-paddle-instead-of-hike/

#3 – From WV NEWS – West Virginia families can look forward to saving money during the upcoming back-to-school shopping season with the state's sales tax holiday, scheduled for early August.

From August 2-5, West Virginians can take advantage of tax exemptions on a broad range of items, helping families reduce costs as they prepare for the new school year. 

Eligible items include clothing and footwear, computers and tablets, sports equipment and more. Visit the West Virginia Tax Division online to learn more. 

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-sales-tax-holiday-for-back-to-school-shopping-in-august/article_bb68c22e-43b1-11ef-960a-33ee5df5a5b3.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 Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

It’s hot out there! The WVDNR offers some advice for outdoor enthusiasts to stay cool and hydrated…Check out the great lineup of shows from Mountain Stage and get your tickets today…and find a rewarding career in public safety -- check out who’s hiring…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WSAZ-TV – With temperatures hitting 90 degrees for 23 of the past 30 days, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources says outdoor enthusiasts need to take precautions and plan ahead.

Beating the heat has been critically important this summer across the country. Just this past week a camper at Kanawha State Forest was treated for heat stroke. Park Superintendent Clark Sanford offered advice for those taking part in outside activity: “You want to pack at least one bottle of water for every two miles that you plan to be out hiking, and then to eat and to have proper salt intake as well,” he said. “Your body needs that salt to be able to hold onto the water to remain hydrated.”

Sanford added that if you get in trouble and you don’t have cell service, you should still use your phone to call 911. Many cell phones, in the case of an emergency, can connect with satellites to get help. Officials say it’s critical to listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, slow down, take a rest and find a way to cool down.

Read more:

https://www.wsaz.com/2024/07/15/wva-dnr-urges-precaution-with-hiking-heat/

#2 – From MOUNTAIN STAGE – Get your tickets now for some great Mountain Stage shows coming up over the next few months.

For nearly 40 years, Mountain Stage has been the home of live music on public radio. Produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, hosted by Kathy Mattea, and distributed by NPR Music, each two-hour episode of Mountain Stage is recorded before a live audience.

Upcoming shows include Joe Pug, American Patchwork Quartet, Dave Alvin, Blitzen Trapper and more. Shows take place at the Culture Center Theater at the State Capitol Complex unless otherwise noted. 

Read more:

https://mountainstage.org/upcoming-live-shows/

#3 – From DCR.WV – Make a difference in your community! Good pay with benefits, paid leave, opportunities for advancement -- that’s what you’ll find with a career in public safety. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation is hiring! Visit dcr.wv.gov to find a list of hiring events coming up soon.

Learn more:

https://dcr.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx

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, July 22, 2024.

A new juried exhibit at the Culture Center highlights historic buildings of West Virginia…Pierpont Community & Technical College receives a grant to fund its Future Nurse Academy for high school students…and Appalachian Botanical Co. specializes in aromatherapy and second chances…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From REGISTER-HERALD – A new exhibit, “West Virginia Historic Buildings and Structures,” opens July 28 at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex.

Hosted by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, the exhibit is the second installation of “Inspired: A West Virginia Series of Juried Exhibitions,” featuring four different West Virginia themes. 

Twenty-one West Virginia artists representing 12 counties were selected for the West Virginia Historic Buildings and Structures show, which features 33 pieces, including paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media and prints. 

The exhibit premiers at 2 p.m. Sunday with a reception and awards ceremony. It will remain on display in the West Virginia State Museum’s Commissioner’s Gallery at the Culture Center until mid-December 2024.

Read more:

https://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/department-of-arts-culture-and-history-announces-juried-art-exhibit/article_0eb0639e-439c-11ef-ad78-6700c174399f.html

#2 – From WBOY-TV – Pierpont Community & Technical College has received a grant that it’s used to start up its Future Nurse Academy, a three-day program geared toward rising juniors and seniors from local area high schools.

After completing the three-day program, students will walk out of the Future Nurse Academy CPR and AED certified. They’ll also be learning how to stop bleeding if somebody begins hemorrhaging around them, according to LPN Program Clinical Director Miki Demary-Andrew.

“We’re just trying to give them a generalized idea of what the field of nursing is so that they can understand more about what goes into it, and then also how they can obtain their degree from us,” she said.

Visit Pierpont’s website to learn more about the program.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/education/pierpont-community-technical-college-hosts-its-first-future-nurse-academy/

#3 – From THE REAL WV –  Located not far from U.S. 119 on Daniel Boone Parkway in Foster, Appalachian Botanical Co. produces lavender-infused body care, aromatherapy, culinary and home goods, and distributes similar products from other local West Virginia companies. 

The company also is known for its support to individuals who have come out of rehab, incarceration, or have difficulty finding work in the area. Marina Sawyer, Appalachian Botanical’s Chief Technology Officer, is dedicated to supporting her workers, whether they are part of the company for the short or long term. 

The learning opportunities provided to the workers range from basic home electrical maintenance to beekeeping roles. By imparting these skills, Appalachian Botanical Co. hopes to help individuals who have faced hardships readjust to a healthy work lifestyle. 

“Some people use working here as a stepping stone and that’s fantastic, as they move on to pursue other things,” Sawyer said. “We also have workers who have been with us for a long time and have found a comfortable place here.”

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2024/07/14/appalachian-botanical-co-purveyor-of-aromatherapy-and-second-chances/

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, July 21, 2024.

Make some “Mountain Memories” at the State Fair of West Virginia next month…”Space Gal” Emily Calendrelli is set to become the first West Virginia woman to travel to space…and bookworms, make plans to attend the West Virginia Book Festival Oct. 19 in Charleston…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From STATE FAIR OF WV – Make some “Mountain Memories” at the State Fair of West Virginia, set for Aug. 8-17 in Lewisburg! This year’s musical lineup features Lil’ Jon, Seether, Travis Tritt, Turnpike Troubadours and more. 

Special events include a live shark encounter and Catherine Hickland’s hilarious minding reading and comedy hypnosis show. Of course there also will be livestock shows, carnival rides, food and craft vendors and more fun for all ages.

Visit statefairofwv.com to purchase your tickets today!

Learn more:

https://statefairofwv.com/

#2 – From WV WATCH – Aerospace engineer Emily Calandrelli will be the first woman from West Virginia to travel to space. She’ll make the journey through a private flight company.

The West Virginia University alumni, Emmy-nominated television host and mother says space flight has been a lifelong dream and she wants to make this “as much of a West Virginia flight as possible.”

She’ll join a list of West Virginia natives with connections to space travel, including NASA engineer Homer Hickam, NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson and ground-breaking pilot Chuck Yeager.

Calandrelli said she hopes to partner with West Virginia University as a research partner for her trip. She plans to travel around West Virginia to speak with students about the experience. 

Calandrelli’s flight to space will be made possible, in part, due to a partnership between Alys and Brad D. Smith’s Wing 2 Wing Foundation, which promotes accessible education and entrepreneurism. 

Read more:

https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/07/16/emily-calandrelli-will-be-first-west-virginia-woman-to-travel-to-space/

#3 – From WCHS-TV – The capital city is set to host an annual festival for bookworms this fall, featuring several bestselling authors.

The 2024 West Virginia Book Festival takes place Oct. 19 at the Charleston Coliseum. The event will feature workshops, presentations, vendors and children’s programs. The free event will welcome featured authors Joy Calloway, Gregg Hurwitz, Sadequa Johnson, Mia Manansala and Gene Luen Yang.

Watch for a schedule and additional updates at www.wvbookfestival.org.

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/best-selling-authors#

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, July 20, 2024.

Officials break ground on the new aerial tram at Hawks Nest State Park…WVU State archeological students uncover ancient artifacts in Malden…and get ready for cheer for some athletes with West Virginia ties at the 2024 Olympics in Paris…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From SOURCE –  State officials recently celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Hawk’s Nest State Park aerial tram. The $8 million project is part of the $250 million going into our state parks.

The tram originally opened in the ’70s and brought many tourists and locals alike until it had to close down two years ago due to maintenance issues. Governor Jim Justice saw a need for new trams at Hawk’s Nest and Pipestem Resort State Park and gave the go ahead.

The tram transports visitors from Hawks Nest Lodge to the banks of the New River and Hawks Nest Lake. New River Jet Boat Tours picks up passengers at the base of the tram and the Hawks Nest Rail Trail can be accessed from that area.

The new tram system reflects the nostalgia that people love but also brings more to the table. The trams are fully ADA accessible and have equipment cabins so people can take their kayaks and bikes down. 

Read more:

https://woay.com/the-hawks-nest-state-park-tram-will-be-making-a-comeback/

#2 – From METRO NEWS  –  University students continue to uncover layers of the past at a local archeological dig site just outside of Charleston. Students and staff from West Virginia State University’s Archeological Field School as well as university students from neighboring states recently finished up another four-week long archeological dig at the historic Hale House in Malden.

After last year’s dig the team conducted at the site produced a number of 19th century artifacts from the salt industry as well as prehistoric ones.

WVSU Associate Professor of History and Field School Director Dr. Michael Workman said the most impressive finds are the archaic pieces they found, which date back even further than 1,000 B.C.

One of those extremely old pieces they found was an archaic period drill that Workman said was most likely used by Native Americans who had once roamed the land in the area.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/07/14/archeological-students-uncover-19th-century-and-archaic-findings-at-historic-hale-house-site/

#3 – From WBOY-TV – A handful of athletes with connections to West Virginia will be competing in the 2024 Olympic Games in France. Be on the lookout for these athletes:

Mary Tucker, Team USA Rifle, is a West Virginia University graduate.

Ivan Puskovitch, Team USA Open Water, is a member of the WVU men’s swimming team.

Fairmont State University alum Perry Baker returns to his third Olympics with Team USA Rugby.

Competing for Canada’s track team, Ceili McCabe is a student at WVU.

On Australia’s track team, Amy Cashin is a WVU alum.

And former WVU teammates Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence make their third consecutive Olympics representing Team Canada.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/2024-olympics/west-virginia-athletes-to-look-for-in-the-paris-olympics/

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, July 19, 2024.

Work is progressing on the titanium plant in Ravenswood that will be powered by solar microgrid…learn how advanced air mobility will change the future of healthcare in West Virginia…and take a peek inside Bruiser’s Bus Rock Camp--an icon perched on a rock in the New River…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CANARY MEDIA – A different metal-making plant is getting underway at the site of the former Century Aluminum in Ravenswood— and it will run primarily on renewable energy when it starts operations next year.

Titanium Metals Corporation, or Timet, recently began construction on a facility that will melt titanium to be shaped into parts for airplanes and other uses. Just next door, BHE Renewables is preparing to install arrays of solar panels and large battery systems, which will form a solar microgrid that connects to the titanium facility.

The project may be the first to directly power a large industrial facility using solar-plus-storage technology. Developers say they hope the setup can serve as a model for future manufacturing plants — especially as the United States ramps up domestic production of electric cars, solar panels, batteries, and the steel, aluminum, and other essential materials used to make them.

Read more:

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-industry/in-a-first-a-solar-microgrid-will-directly-power-an-industrial-plant

#2 – From VERTX PARTNERS – The sky is the limit! Advanced Air Mobility will change the way we work, receive healthcare, and more. 

A groundbreaking Deloitte study presented by Vertx Partners showcases the state’s potential for adopting Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) policies and infrastructure. This expert-backed study is a crucial step in West Virginia’s AAM journey. 

Check out vertxpartners.org to view the study and its cutting-edge insights.

Read more:

https://vertxpartners.org/advanced-air-mobility/

#3 – From WCHS-TV – The Mountain State is loaded with mysteries, legends and lore, as well as its fair share of tall tales. One of the most intriguing and enduring is the full-size bus that somehow ended up on a huge rock in the middle of the New River at Gauley Bridge.

In 1954, Walter Alexander Cole Jr., aka “Bruiser,” purchased the 1934 Greyhound bus for $1 and floated it on a barge down the Gauley to the New, where he hoisted it up onto the rock island. “Bruiser’s Bus Rock Camp” became his private fishing oasis, attracting double-takes from startled drivers on Route 60.

After Bruiser passed away in 2012, the bus camp was obtained by Terri Evans, the daughter of Bruiser’s best friend. Now the Evans family have their own little private island in the New River where they can fish, paddle board, or just sit on the porch and take in the sights. 

The Evanses say they plan on preserving it for years to come in Bruiser’s memory.

Watch the video:

https://wchstv.com/community/traveling-west-virginia/traveling-wv-bruisers-bus-rock-camp

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, July 18, 2024.

Learn the benefits of artificial intelligence when the Tech Park hosts a discussion on Ethically Powered AI…Business growth continues in Yes West Virginia, contributing to higher wages…and the WV Department of Agriculture seeks landowners’ assistance in combating an invasive species…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TECH PARK – The West Virginia Regional Technology Park and I79 Technology Park, in partnership with Project Opportunity Move, will host “Ethically Powered AI,” a panel discussion featuring three AI thought leaders with ties to West Virginia. The event takes place Aug. 12 at the Tech Park in South Charleston.

Delegate Jarred Cannon will moderate the panel discussion and interactive Q&A. Delegate Cannon is an advocate for the thoughtful integration of AI into state policy and for advancing technology initiatives throughout West Virginia. He serves as Chairman of the Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure.

The event is free but registration is required. 

Learn more:

https://www.wvtechpark.com/post/west-virginia-regional-technology-park-hosts-ethically-powered-ai-panel-discussion

#2 – From WV NEWS – It’s great news for the Mountain State: West Virginia businesses have kept pace and even outperformed national trends, strengthening the local economy and providing increased wages across the state.

West Virginia’s economy, buoyed by major investments from companies like Nucor and Procter & Gamble, has shown robust growth, with wages outpacing national trends. Meanwhile, regions like North Central West Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle lead in job growth, with private capital investments doubling from 2017 to 2023. And small businesses, pivotal in diversifying the economy, are generously supported by state initiatives. 

West Virginians’ wages and salaries grew by 9% last year, while nationally wages and salaries grew by only 5.5%. West Virginia Commerce Secretary Mitch Carmichael said this is evidence of how growth in capital investment and the state’s GDP translates into the wallets and pocketbooks of West Virginians.

“We’re very much ahead of the national trend in terms of growth rate, and wages and salaries,” he said.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/business/business-growth-contributes-to-higher-wages-for-west-virginians/article_2b8c6158-2f46-11ef-a845-cb4aa9c0a0b9.html

#3 – From WDTV –  The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is urging landowners to sign up for the Invasive Insect Suppression Program to help protect West Virginia forests.

The Lymantria dispar – or spongy moth – Suppression Program focuses on protecting landowners’ forested property from devastating effects caused by the invasive species.

According to officials, spongy moth caterpillars can weaken trees, making them more susceptible to other pests and diseases. The suppression program helps safeguard West Virginia forests from further damage.

Applications can be submitted online or at local WVU Extension offices and are available at https://agriculture.wv.gov/divisions/plant-industries/forest-health-protection/. The sign-up period runs until August 31.

Read more:

https://www.wdtv.com/2024/07/09/department-agriculture-urges-landowners-sign-up-invasive-insect-program/

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 his great success recruiting from the Shenandoah Valley, George Washington reached further into Western Virginia to draw its riflemen to serve in the American Revolution, whom he turned into a vast arm of the Continental Army. The 8th Virginia Regiment for alongside Washington in battle and suffered the winter with him in Valley Forge. 

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

Today is Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

Graduate debt-free through Kanawha Valley FAME -- a program that provides paid job training while you earn a degree in advanced manufacturing…Take your adventures off-road with the Hatfield-McCoy Trails System…and experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on West Virginia’s Big Three rivers…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From PCDA.ORG – How would you like to obtain job training and education while graduating debt-free? That’s made possible through Kanawha Valley FAME.

The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) provides global-best workforce development through strong technical training, integration of manufacturing core competencies, intensive professional practices and intentional hands-on experience to build the future of the modern manufacturing industry.

You can earn a degree in advanced manufacturing technology while working three days a week and attending class two days a week. You’ll earn a real wage with the potential for periodic pay increases. Program graduates are eligible to continue their employment with their sponsoring manufacturer, moving into a full-time position with benefits. 

Don’t delay -- get started on your new career path today! Kanawha Valley FAME is also accepting new employers into the program until August 1, 2024.

Learn more:

https://pcda.org/fame-usa/

#2 – From WV TOURISM –  With 10 diverse trail systems and counting, Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in southern West Virginia is heaven for avid off-roaders. The combination of thrilling trails and ATV-friendly towns makes the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region truly a one-of-a-kind destination.

For your next adventure, load up your ATV or side-by-side and enjoy the ride. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:

The Devil Anse Trailhead is located in the town of Mateway, historically known as the heart of the Hatfield McCoy feud. In Cabwaylingo State Forest, the Cabwaylingo Trail System offers nearly 100 miles of new trails to explore and plenty of parking for trucks and trailers. Near the town of Logan, Bearwallow Trail System is best known for its mix of effortless, relaxing views and challenging, daunting trails.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/your-off-road-trail-guide-to-hatfield-mccoy-trails/

#3 – From WV NEWS – For those craving the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting, West Virginia is the place to be. Among its many rivers, three stand out for their thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery: The Cheat River, the Gauley River and the New River. 

Each offers a unique experience, attracting rafters from all over the world to test their skills against some of the most challenging and scenic waterways in the United States.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/bring-it-on-whitewater-challenges-bring-outdoor-adventurers-to-the-mountain-state-every-year/article_ad41c622-29a4-11ef-909a-ff0dbde73f26.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 Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Learn about the unique plants and animals of our newest national park with New River Gorge Eco Tours…download your West Virginia Culinary Trail Mobile Passport and earn prizes as you sample delicious local fare…and the West Virginia Makes Festival returns to Marshall’s campus in October…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WCHS-TV – The owners of Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals have zeroed in on a niche market appealing to lovers of nature and history.

Shawn Means and Amy McLaughlin founded New River Gorge Eco Tours, a guided immersive hike focusing on the flora and fauna of the area sprinkled with bits of coal mining history.

The tours are offered April through November. 

“One of our goals of New River Gorge Ecotours is that people will leave with a deeper appreciation of the nature, the history and everything that's embedded in the New River Gorge region, and really understand why it is a national park,” Means said.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=ngfQ_IkTcR2lqb7j&v=LsVQ_vghndo&feature=youtu.be

#2 – From WV TOURISM – Let cuisine be your compass as you explore local dining options and unlock prizes for your efforts. Claim your FREE mobile pass to the West Virginia Culinary Trail and start earning one-of-a-kind foodie prizes today. 

Looking for a place to start? Visit West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle and enjoy culinary delights at restaurants like the Vagabond Kitchen, the Prima Marina and La Cucina Italian Grill. Visit wvtourism.com to learn more!

Learn more:

https://wvtourism.com/start-your-culinary-trail-adventure-in-the-northern-panhandle/

3 – From MFG MARSHALL –  Save the date! This year’s West Virginia Makes Festival takes place Oct. 11 on the Huntington campus of Marshall University.

Show off your innovations, inventions or other creative endeavors and compete for prizes, including cash. Watch awe-inspiring demonstrations. Participate in hands-on making activities for people of all ages. Listen to some rocking music, and more. The fun is free!

Learn more:

https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/2024-west-virginia-makes-festival/

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.