AGP Executive Report

State Parks Dining: West Virginia State Parks is bringing back its Farm-to-Table Dinner Series starting Aug. 21, with park chefs building themed menus from local farms and vendors—first stop is Chief Logan State Park (tickets at wvstateparks.com/programs/farm-to-table-dinners). Local Travel & Infrastructure: The Kanawha County Commission held a public discussion on the proposed Valley Link 260-mile, 765-kV transmission line running from Putnam County toward Maryland, with no fixed route yet as planners review comments from open houses. Gas Watch for Road Trips: Week ending Aug. 1 saw regular gas lows reported at $3.75 in Kanawha County and $3.79 in Hampshire County, plus Hardy County regular at $3.89—useful for travelers planning summer drives. Community Impact: A former Worthington mayor filed petitions to dissolve the town charter and seek state action on a sewer emergency, a reminder that local utilities can quickly affect quality-of-life for visitors and residents alike.

Disaster Recovery: Gov. Morrisey says Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available for Lewis and Upshur County residents hit by late-July storms, tornadoes, flooding, and landslides, with claims due by Oct. 2, 2026. Park Dining: West Virginia State Parks brings back its Farm to Table Dinner series, starting Aug. 21 at Chief Logan State Park, with tickets available online. Outdoor Trails: The Mon Forest Towns Partnership lands $442,000 from the Expedia Trails Fund to build new trail links in Durbin (Connector Trail) and Franklin (Peters Mountain Trail System), boosting access to the Monongahela National Forest. Local Tourism Calendar: Pocahontas County’s CVB highlights August as prime outdoor time—hiking, biking, scenic drives, stargazing, and family-friendly events—plus a steady lineup of festivals. Hospitality Careers: WVU students are spending the summer at Nemacolin through a growing internship partnership, adding real-world training for future tourism and hospitality leaders. Community Back-to-School: Greenbrier County’s “Stuff the Bus” drive runs through Aug. 24 to stock backpacks and supplies for students.

Hospitality & Careers: WVU is sending a record 21 students to Nemacolin for summer internships, expanding a partnership that’s been turning classroom learning into real-world resort experience. Outdoor Trails: The Mon Forest Towns Partnership is getting $442,000 from the Expedia Trails Fund (via The Conservation Fund) to build new trail links in Durbin and Franklin, strengthening access to the Monongahela National Forest. River Adventure: New River Conservancy is hosting “Journey’s End” for the 320-mile New River Expedition 2026, with a Aug. 9 celebration in Fayetteville. Tourism Calendar: Pocahontas County’s CVB is rolling out its August tourism update, highlighting hiking, biking, stargazing, and Mon Forest Towns events. Community Back-to-School: “Stuff the Bus” in Greenbrier County is collecting school supplies through Aug. 24 to support students and teachers. Health Alert for Travelers: Cyclospora cases tied to iceberg lettuce are rising nationwide, with Massachusetts reporting 147 cases so far this season. Local Infrastructure: Kanawha County broke ground on a water project to extend service to 12 homes in Upper Rambling Hills.

New River Gorge & Fayetteville Tourism: Fayetteville Creates is pushing “Fayetteville in Winter” with a month-long artist residency aimed at keeping visitors coming beyond rafting season, building a year-round creative hub on the edge of New River Gorge National Park. Outdoor Recreation Event: New River Conservancy is inviting the public to “Journey’s End” for the New River Expedition 2026, a 320-mile canoe journey ending Aug. 9 at The Gaines Estate in Fayetteville with crew presentations and awards. Local Attractions & Events: Oglebay Institute’s Parcel Players will stage Guys and Dolls Aug. 6-9 at Towngate Theatre in Wheeling, giving travelers a Broadway-style reason to visit. Health & Travel Safety: CDC says cyclosporiasis has surged to 47 states, with the outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce; travelers should watch for recalls and practice food safety. Nature & Planning: The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 fall foliage map, offering early peak-color timing for leaf-chasers planning West Virginia road trips. Health in the Woods: Tucker County is flagged as a top Lyme-risk area per capita, with tick-borne illness guidance for hikers and campers. New Venue for Groups: The Railyard Event & Conference Center opened in downtown Elkins, repurposing the old railroad roundhouse site for weddings, conferences, and live entertainment.

Railyard opens in Elkins: A new 28,000-square-foot event hub is now welcoming weddings, conferences, banquets, and live shows in downtown Elkins, built on the former railroad roundhouse site. Health & travel safety: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases tied to an outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce have surged to 47 states, with 10,468 lab-confirmed cases and two deaths reported nationwide—worth a reminder for summer travelers and anyone eating leafy greens. Outdoor planning: Tucker County is seeing the highest per-capita Lyme risk in West Virginia, with tick-borne illnesses also tracked locally—plan hikes with protection and consider testing if you’re bitten. Nature mystery: A new look at Wood Mountain near New River Gorge spotlights decades of local stories about unexplained ridge lights and objects—another reason to explore the area with curiosity. Road-trip logistics: West Virginia’s “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement runs Aug. 7–24, with extra patrols statewide. Community spotlight: The 2026 Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship recipients are pursuing service-focused graduate work aimed at improving West Virginia communities.

Rural Health Access: A new Heart Failure Pharmacy Support program is placing 22 pharmacists across 12 West Virginia and southern Pennsylvania locations to coordinate with HVI heart failure doctors—helping with medication management, patient education, adherence, and reducing hospitalizations. Maternal Care on the Move: The Women’s Care Center is running a free mobile clinic to reach maternal health deserts in rural West Virginia, expanding prenatal support in counties like Wirt, Ritchie, and Jackson. Tourism & Outdoors: The Allegheny Trail is getting a spotlight as West Virginia’s longest entirely in-state hiking route (about 320 miles), built and maintained largely by volunteers and connecting to the Appalachian Trail at the Virginia line. Local Travel Flavor: Mt. Top Convenience in Thomas was named West Virginia’s best pepperoni roll spot by WV Living—an easy stop for road-trip food lovers heading toward the Canaan Valley. Public Safety: The National Weather Service confirmed nine tornadoes touched down in West Virginia during storms on July 21–22.

Rural Health Access: A Parkersburg-based Women’s Care Center is rolling out a free mobile clinic to close maternal health gaps, bringing early prenatal support to counties like Wirt, Ritchie, and Jackson. Severe Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service confirmed nine tornadoes touched down in West Virginia during July 21–22 storms, including reports tied to Seneca Rocks and Highview. Tourism & Outdoors: Plum Orchard Lake is getting attention as an overlooked Southern West Virginia fishing and paddling spot near New River Gorge. Local Food Culture: Mt. Top Convenience in Thomas was named best pepperoni roll in West Virginia by WV Living—an easy stop for travelers heading into the Canaan Valley. Community Resilience: Rainelle crews responded overnight to flooding as water levels crested and began receding, with road reopenings but continued caution advised. Health Watch: A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to grow nationwide, with Michigan reporting its first deaths linked to the illness. Infrastructure & Growth: West Virginia residents are reacting to early data center development plans, with concerns about impacts showing up even before major construction. Nature Conservation: WVU’s Davis College is advancing an American chestnut comeback, breeding blight-resistant trees for West Virginia forests.

Clean Seas Permit Scrutiny: Kanawha County commissioners asked West Virginia DEP for more details before issuing an air quality permit for a proposed “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis plant near schools, homes, and a new off-road trail system—residents say the draft permit came too fast. Flood Response in Rainelle: Heavy rain sent crews out overnight as Sewell, Boggs, Wolfpen, and Meadow River levels crested and began receding; roads reopened with cautions for low-lying areas. Campsite Violence Charges: West Virginia State Police charged a Philippi woman with attempted murder after a shooting during a campsite altercation on Turkey Bone Road. Cyclospora Update: CDC reports 6,707 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 45 states since May 1, with thousands more suspected; the biggest cluster has been linked to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms, including cases tied to West Virginia. Travel Safety Watch: Orkin’s bed bug “hot cities” list includes Charleston, West Virginia, as summer travel ramps up. Outdoor Planning Picks: West Virginia’s late-summer wildflowers are peaking in August, and the Perseid meteor shower could deliver one of the East’s best stargazing shows under darker WV skies. Heritage Farm Spotlight: Heritage Farm Museum and Village near Huntington is being promoted as a must-stop Ohio Valley road trip stop blending history, animals, artisans, and adventure.

Severe Weather & Road Impacts: Storms with twin supercells and multiple confirmed tornadoes have been blamed for widespread damage and long-track twisters across the Ohio Valley and into West Virginia, with heavy rain triggering road closures, downed trees, rock slides, and scattered power outages. Wildfire Update: The Autumn Lane fire is now reported at about 3,333 acres, with officials saying forward progress is shifting as crews focus on the blaze. Outdoor Travel Tips: Tick season is expected to be unusually intense this summer, and August is prime for late-summer wildflowers—think Joe-Pye weed and goldenrod—across West Virginia’s mountains and wetlands. Stargazing Plan: The Perseid meteor shower peaks Aug. 12–13, and West Virginia’s darker skies make it a standout East Coast viewing spot. Family Fun & Local Attractions: Heritage Farm Museum and Village near Huntington highlights Appalachian history plus animals and adventure, while New River Gorge’s Rend Trail is set to close Aug. 3 for an accessibility rehab. Community & Giving: A Love in Action outreach in Welch distributed clothing, backpacks, and bicycles, and West Virginia’s only Smithsonian affiliate continues to draw road-trip crowds. Youth & Nature Education: West Virginia 4-H competed at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational at WVU Jackson’s Mill, with a WV participant placing among the top individuals.

Stargazing Getaway: The Perseid meteor shower could be one of the best East Coast shows to catch from West Virginia’s dark skies, with peak nights Aug. 12-13 and dozens of meteors per hour if weather cooperates. Trail Update: New River Gorge’s Rend Trail is set to close Aug. 3 for an $11.8 million accessibility rehab, with restored historic bridges and a fully accessible earthen-surface route planned to reopen later. Tourism Spotlight: Architectural Digest named New River Gorge National Park & Preserve among the “11 Most Beautiful Places in America,” calling out its rafting, rock climbing, and quieter feel. Local Travel & Community: Chester unveiled a new West Virginia pride sign in Virginia Gardens, adding another photo-worthy stop for visitors in the Northern Panhandle. Family Fun: The 79th Berkeley County Youth Fair kicks off this weekend with 4-H, FFA, Scouting America and more, running Aug. 1-8. On the Road Safety: West Virginia State Police issued a Silver Alert for a missing Webster County man, asking the public to watch for his vehicle in the Cranberry Ridge Road area.

New River Gorge in the spotlight: Architectural Digest named New River Gorge National Park & Preserve one of “America’s 11 Most Beautiful Places,” praising its whitewater rafting, rock climbing, scenic overlooks, and quieter trails—another boost for West Virginia tourism. Accessible trail update: The park’s Rend Trail (3.2 miles) will close Aug. 3 for an $11.8 million rehab to create the park’s first fully accessible earthen-surface route, with restored historic bridges and new visitor amenities. Local pride, visitor-friendly upgrades: Chester unveiled a new 350-pound steel “West Virginia” community sign at Virginia Gardens, adding to the state’s growing trail of hometown branding. Budget travel angle: A new 2026 cost comparison put West Virginia as the least expensive state for travelers (about $108.51 per day), driven by low admission needs and plenty of free outdoor options. Community outreach with a travel tie: In Welch, “Love in Action” distributed clothing, backpacks, and bicycles—showing how local events keep families supported during summer travel season. Health access pop-up: A free Remote Area Medical clinic in Verona, with medical, dental, and vision care, drew people camping out for help.

New River Gorge Tourism Boost: Architectural Digest named New River Gorge National Park & Preserve one of “America’s 11 Most Beautiful Places,” praising whitewater rafting, rock climbing, scenic overlooks, and quieter trails—plus a tourism uptick to nearly 2 million visitors in 2025. Trail Access Update: The NPS says one of the Gorge’s easiest walks, the 3.2-mile Rend Trail, closes Aug. 3 for an $11.8M rehab to create the park’s first fully accessible earthen-surface trail, with improvements to bridges and visitor amenities. Local Pride Sign: Chester unveiled a new 350-pound steel “West Virginia” community sign at Virginia Gardens, part of a state-funded program supporting Northern Panhandle tourism branding. Environmental/Permitting Watch: Kanawha County commissioners asked WV DEP to pause an air-quality permit for a proposed Clean Seas “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis plant near schools and a new trail system, citing residents’ concerns. Health & Community: WVU Medicine is urging West Virginians to register as organ donors for Aug. 1 WV Donor Day, noting only 36% are registered. Travel Logistics: WV 3 near Sundial reopened one lane after an overnight rockslide shut the road; crews expect full reopening by day’s end Friday.

W.Va. Tourism Spotlight: Architectural Digest named New River Gorge National Park & Preserve one of America’s most beautiful destinations, praising whitewater rafting, rock climbing, scenic overlooks, and hiking—adding to recent Lewisburg and New River Gorge travel wins. Weekend Plans (Kanawha Valley): A busy Aug. 1–2 lineup includes Woody Fest in Dunbar, Almost Heaven Picklefest in South Charleston, and Charleston’s Starry Night Serenade, plus family-friendly library and kids’ events. Road & Safety Updates: WV 3 reopened on one lane after an overnight rockslide near Sundial; officials expect full reopening soon. Weather Watch: The National Weather Service confirmed nine tornadoes hit West Virginia during the July 21–22 storms, including EF2s in Ritchie County and EF1 tracks through multiple counties. Local Governance & Environment: Kanawha County commissioners asked WV DEP for more details before approving a proposed “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis permit near schools and a tourism trail area. Health & Travel Caution: Cyclospora outbreaks tied to contaminated food are now reported across many states, with travelers urged to follow food and water hygiene guidance. Community & Giving: WV Donor Day is Aug. 1, with WVU Medicine urging residents to register as organ donors.

Tourism Recognition: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia’s travel momentum is growing nationally after Architectural Digest named New River Gorge National Park & Preserve among America’s most beautiful places, highlighting rafting, rock climbing, overlooks, hiking, and expanding hospitality. Local Travel & Access: Expedia’s Trails Fund grant will help two eastern WV towns build new trail systems into the Monongahela National Forest—Franklin (3-mile Peters Mountain Trail System) and Durbin (0.8-mile Connector Trail). Roads for Travelers: WVDOH reopened one lane of WV 3 near Sundial after an overnight rockslide shut both lanes; full reopening expected by end of day Friday. Outdoor Picks: The Dyrt named West Virginia’s Canaan Loop Road Dispersed camping in Monongahela National Forest among the best places to camp in America. Family Travel Timing: WV’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs July 31–Aug. 3, waiving 6% state sales tax on qualifying essentials. Health Alert for Visitors: Measles case confirmed in an unvaccinated Barbour County resident; Harrison County reports no cases. Food Safety Watch: CDC says cyclosporiasis has reached 45 states, with confirmed cases in West Virginia among the broader outbreak.

New Trails for Mon Forest Towns: Expedia will help Franklin (Pendleton) and Durbin (Pocahontas) build trail systems into the Monongahela National Forest, including Franklin’s 3-mile Peters Mountain Trail System and Durbin’s 0.8-mile Connector Trail. State Parks Dining Experience: Pipestem Resort State Park’s Bluestone Gorge tram ride will deliver visitors to a new Mountain Creek Appalachian Cuisine restaurant opening Aug. 8—dinner with a view, literally. Art & Culture in WV: WVU’s Art Museum is bringing home the largest Blanche Lazzell exhibition ever for Fall 2026, a homecoming for the Monongalia County modernist. Back-to-School Savings: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s 4-day WV sales tax holiday runs July 31–Aug. 3, waiving the 6% tax on qualifying school essentials. Roads & Travel Convenience: Charleston is in the middle of a major 2026 paving cycle, with about $5 million planned. Weather Watch: NWS reports five tornadoes hit the region July 21, including confirmed Randolph County tornadoes. Camping Picks: The Dyrt named West Virginia’s Canaan Loop Road Dispersed in Monongahela National Forest among the best places to camp.

Back-to-School Savings: West Virginia’s 6% sales tax holiday runs midnight Friday, July 31 through Monday, Aug. 3, with tax-free deals on qualifying school essentials like clothing/footwear (up to $125), supplies (up to $50), instructional materials (up to $20), sports gear (up to $150), and laptops/tablets (up to $500). Flood Recovery: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says the Mountain State is continuing to make progress after last week’s flooding, with National Guard crews, debris removal, and protective steps to keep travel safer. Heritage Tourism: WOUB’s “Echoes from the History Center” spotlights the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Initiative, working to document Underground Railroad sites across Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky through the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom. Outdoor Fun: A new Guyandotte Riverfront Park in Man opened with pickleball and basketball courts, adding another draw for Hatfield McCoy Trail riders. Wildlife & Learning: Scouting America launched a Wildland Fire Management merit badge at the 2026 National Jamboree, focusing on wildfire prevention, ecology, and preparedness. Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis continues spreading nationwide, now reported in 45 states, with officials urging food-safety caution for travelers.