AGP Executive Report

Tourism Economy: West Virginia hit a record tourism milestone, with 2025 delivering $9.4 billion in total economic impact, 78.4 million visitors, and nearly 2% growth in overnight travel—money that state officials say is fueling lodging, small businesses, and outdoor recreation. State Parks & Lodging Upgrades: The tourism push comes with new investments, including improvements at Twin Falls Resort State Park, 32 new glamping sites across four state parks, Slabtown Campground at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, and renovations at Hawks Nest. Culture Center Renovations: The West Virginia Culture Center is closing parts of its operations for a major renovation, with no new event reservations being taken for 2027 while scheduled bookings are honored unless updated. Fall Outdoor Fun: The Monongahela National Forest’s Cranberry Shindig returns Sept. 27 at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center with music, square dancing, artisans, and family activities. Ginseng Season: Ginseng digging is underway through Nov. 30, with clear rules on where you can dig and how roots must be harvested and sold. Road & Event Notes: A Route 2 crash in Mason County shut lanes briefly, and Parkersburg South’s Patriot Marching Band Invitational is set for Sept. 26 at the Erickson All Sports Facility.

West Virginia Culture & Tourism: The West Virginia Culture Center is set to close for renovations, with no new event reservations being taken for 2027; previously scheduled bookings will be honored, and “Mountain Stage” performances are being moved from the Culture Center’s Norman L. Fagan State Theater. Outdoor Travel Spotlight: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve ranks among North America’s most-visited national parks, hitting 1,958,440 recreation visits in 2025—nearly 2 million and up sharply from 2019. Seasonal Travel Timing: West Virginia’s fall “begins again” Tuesday with the September equinox, even as meteorological fall started Sept. 1—useful for planning foliage trips across the state’s varied elevations. Local Community Events: Randolph County 4-H is kicking off fall with Teen Leaders helping prep for the Mountain State Forest Festival, plus plans for a Camp Pioneer dormitory and a fall recruitment event at Camp Pioneer. Adventure History: A look at how the Gauley River got its unusual name, tracing the mystery back to 1774 and the “Gauly Mountain” notation. Weather & Travel Safety: Flash flood warnings are in play for parts of southern Ohio and central West Virginia, with small streams and rural roads at risk.

National Park Spotlight: New River Gorge is now No. 17 among North America’s most-visited national parks, hitting 1,958,440 recreation visits in 2025—nearly 2 million and up about 64% from 2019, a big boost for West Virginia tourism. Outdoor Travel & Planning: With fall paddling in full swing, a new look at the Gauley River digs into the mystery behind the “Gauley” name—useful context for visitors planning Gauley Season trips from Summersville. Safety First (Weather): Flood warnings are widespread for southern Ohio and central West Virginia, with flash-flood risk tied to small streams and rural roads—drivers are urged to use extra caution early Sunday. Local Culture & Community: A story on traditional West Virginia funeral customs highlights how neighbors and family once handled burial responsibilities together—another reminder of the region’s deep heritage for travelers seeking more than just scenery. Sports & Travel Tie-In: WVU’s 38-27 win over Virginia in Charlotte keeps the Mountaineers in the spotlight, likely drawing more fans to the state’s biggest game-day travel routes.

WVU vs. Virginia (Charlotte): West Virginia beat No. 25 Virginia 38-27 in a marquee non-conference matchup at Bank of America Stadium, giving the Mountaineers a big early statement win and a fresh chapter in the long-dormant rivalry. Gauley River name mystery: A new look at how “Gauley” got its unusual name traces the puzzle back to early surveys and competing French/Scottish theories, while noting Indigenous names that never fully explain the origin. Data center fight heats up in Mason County: Community advocates rallied at the state Capitol after Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s Commerce certification push for “high-impact” data center projects, arguing residents weren’t properly informed and local control was sidelined. Outdoor travel calendar hits fall mode: Winter is starting early on West Virginia’s highest mountains as forest sites begin closing, while fall-focused state park programming and events continue to roll out for visitors. Gas prices watch: National fuel costs rose again as crude stayed near $100, a reminder that road-trip planning may need a quick budget check.

West Virginia Tourism & Arts Oversight: A new audit says the state Tourism Department is dealing with financial mismanagement and missing artifacts tied to the former W.Va. Department of Arts, Culture and History, raising questions about how tourism-facing collections and funds were handled. Outdoor & Fall Travel: Winter is starting early on W.Va.’s highest mountains, with forest sites beginning to close—good news for fall color planners, but a heads-up for hikers and campers. Paranormal Tourism: The West Virginia Paranormal Trail is back with a new location and prizes, keeping the state’s spooky-season draw strong for visitors. Health + Rural Access: LUCAS, WVU’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, is scheduled to stop in Summers, Greenbrier, and Ritchie counties in October, expanding access for rural residents. Local Festivals: Randolph County approved $10,000 to support the Mountain State Forest Festival, including upgrades like replacement folding chairs. National Public Lands Day: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day-use fees at many recreation areas nationwide on Sept. 26, a potential boost for W.Va. day trips. Sports Travel Tie-In: Battle 4 Atlantis returns in November with West Virginia among the women’s teams, pairing college basketball with a Bahamas vacation.

Tourism & Community Funding: Randolph County Commission approved $10,000 for the Mountain State Forest Festival, with money split between the festival budget and the county hotel-motel tax to help cover event costs and tourism promotion. Health Access for Travelers: LUCAS, WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, is scheduled to stop in Summers, Greenbrier, and Ritchie counties in October, offering low-dose CT scans by appointment (with grant support options for uninsured residents who meet criteria). Paranormal Tourism: West Virginia Paranormal Trail is back with a new stop and prizes, and Point Pleasant’s annual Mothman Festival returns this weekend with bands, speakers, food, and a new shop opening featuring Mothman statue replicas. Fall Travel Safety: Monongahela National Forest recreation areas in the high country are beginning seasonal closures, with officials urging visitors to check conditions by elevation before heading out. State Tourism Oversight: A Legislative Auditor audit found financial and inventory problems in the former Department of Arts, Culture and History, now under the Department of Tourism. Local Education & Property: A lawsuit seeks to void the Harman School property sale and force reopening, citing state disposal rules and related concerns.

Health & Wellness: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is headed to Summers, Greenbrier, and Ritchie counties in October, offering low-dose CT scans by appointment (Summers County Health Department in Hinton Oct. 13; Rainelle Medical Center Oct. 14; Integrated Health Centers in Harrisville Oct. 16), with uninsured West Virginians potentially covered through grant funding. Fall Travel & Outdoors: A new look at peak fall color says the central Appalachians—including West Virginia—could deliver standout displays this year, and scenic train rides are already running as the season moves by elevation. Heritage Tourism: Clarksburg History Museum announced a new Four-County Civil War Tour across Harrison, Barbour, Randolph, and Lewis counties, starting in Clarksburg and tying into Civil War Trails markers. Local Events: The West Virginia Food Truck Festival returns to downtown Parkersburg, and the West Virginia Paranormal Trail is back with a new stop and prizes. Road Trip Planning: Red Oak Fire Lookout opens for overnight stays, adding another high-elevation option for fall visitors.

Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Summers (Oct. 13), Greenbrier (Oct. 14), and Ritchie (Oct. 16) counties for low-dose CT scans, with appointments required 14+ days ahead and uninsured West Virginians potentially covered through grant funding. Heritage Tourism: Clarksburg History Museum announced a new Four-County Civil War Tour across Harrison, Barbour, Randolph, and Lewis counties, starting in Clarksburg and spotlighting sites tied to the Jackson family. Outdoor & Local Fun: Parkersburg’s second annual West Virginia Food Truck Festival returns to Bicentennial Park Saturday (4-10 p.m.), with about a dozen trucks and live music, and it’s free to attend. Fall Travel & Spooky Stops: Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Pocahontas County is joining the West Virginia Paranormal Trail for 2026, adding another “Almost Heaven” stop for ghost-story seekers. Community Events: Weekend Events listings highlight what’s happening Friday-Sunday across the region, from music and open mics to festivals.

Civil War Tourism: Clarksburg History Museum is launching a new Four-County Civil War Tour—a three-day guided trip starting in Clarksburg and looping through Harrison, Barbour, Randolph and Lewis counties, with stops tied to the Jackson family and Civil War Trails marker stewardship. Haunted Weekend Plans: West Virginia’s Paranormal Trail is back with a digital passport and prizes, highlighting 20 eerie landmarks statewide. Conservation & Outdoor Access: The West Virginia Land Trust finalized five conservation easements protecting about 38,000 acres of forestland, including stream protection and future recreation possibilities near New River Gorge. Family-Friendly Nature: WV outdoor educator Levi Moore says kids spend more time outdoors when parents lead by example—start small, let kids explore at their own pace. Local Travel Buzz: Visit Mountaineer Country CVB is urging towns to “think like a visitor but lead like a local,” sharing marketing support and upcoming initiatives. Food & Stops on the Road: GoMart is bringing Wienerschnitzel hot dog QSRs to two West Virginia locations next summer, adding drive-thru options. Park Upgrade: Parkersburg added LED lighting and a retention system to improve its “world’s largest lily pond” at City Park.

Conservation Big Win: West Virginia Land Trust finalized five conservation easements protecting 38,000 acres of forestland across Monroe, Summers, Fayette (plus Nicholas and Greenbrier), keeping it forested forever, supporting sustainable timber, and protecting 81 miles of streams and rivers—an outdoor-recreation and drinking-water boost. Civil War Tourism: Clarksburg History Museum launched a new Four-County Civil War Tour, a three-day guided trip starting in Clarksburg and visiting Jackson family sites across Harrison, Barbour, Randolph and Lewis counties, tied to new stewardship of Civil War Trails markers. Outdoor Safety Reminder: A “purple paint law” story explains that purple markings on trees or fences can signal private property boundaries—meant to warn hikers to stay out. Family-Friendly Nature Time: An outdoor educator says kids will love the outdoors more when parents lead by example and give children room to explore at their own pace. Road Trip Planning: Chaplin Hill Gateway Phase I at I-79 (Mylan Park/WVU access) is out for bid, with major bridge work and future interchange upgrades planned. Travel-Adjacent Local News: GoMart is expanding in West Virginia with Wienerschnitzel/Tastee Freez at travel-plaza and convenience-store locations.

State Tourism Momentum: Travel + Leisure ranked West Virginia No. 2 for natural beauty, praising its forests, rivers, national parks, and waterfalls—plus the state’s Vacation Guide earned a U.S. Travel Association ESTO Award. Outdoor & Wildlife: The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources released its 2027 wildlife calendar, featuring species stories like the fisher’s reintroduction and more. Scenic Staycation News: The Red Oak Fire Lookout on the Gauley Ranger District is now available for overnight rentals, adding a new “sleep in a historic tower” option near Cowen. Family-Friendly Exhibits: The Clay Center in Charleston will debut the traveling dinosaur exhibit “Roar and Explore with Dinosaurs” Sept. 26–Jan. 3. Local Culture: Owen County Library hosts a tribute to fiddling legend Bill Livers on Oct. 1. Community & Travel Safety: The PSC opened a case file for Valley Link transmission line protests, while WVDOT work continues on major bridge and interstate projects around Charleston. Tourism Watchdog: Wetzel County CVB finances are under a West Virginia State Police investigation after board concerns.

New Overnight Stay in the Mountains: The restored Red Oak Fire Lookout on the Gauley Ranger District (Monongahela National Forest) is now available to rent, with a night in a historic fire tower cab plus nearby camping and RV hookups. Fall Foliage Photo Fun: The West Virginia State Parks Foundation launched its Fall Colors “Mountains Are Always Free” Photo Contest (Sept. 8–Nov. 6), inviting shots from state parks, forests, and rail trails. More Places to Camp at Cass: Slabtown Campground opened at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park with 100 sites, bathhouses, laundry, and a camp store—plus an open house Sept. 16. New Fall Festival in Pipestem: Pipestem Resort State Park will host its first Oktoberfest Oct. 16–18 with German food, vendors, and live entertainment. Big Travel-Ready Upgrade: WVU Tech’s Golden Scholars scholarship program (starting fall 2027) will cover remaining tuition, housing, and meals for high-achieving students from 13 southern counties—helping more families plan longer stays for college. Road Trip Reality Check: Gas prices keep shifting—premium and E15 deals showed up in multiple counties this week, with the lowest premium reported at $4.61 (Marion County) and E15 as low as $3.29 (Berkeley County).

State Parks & Lodging: West Virginia State Parks is hosting an open house Sept. 16 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) for the new Slabtown Campground at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, adding 100 campsites plus a camp store, bathhouses, and laundry, with year-round primitive and fully contained options and seasonal hookups. Land & Trails: A West Virginia family donated 47 acres to expand Audra State Park by about 13%, with plans for new trail development tied to the “Thacker Addition.” Tourism Spotlight: Travel + Leisure ranked West Virginia the No. 2 most naturally beautiful state in America, citing forests, 6,600+ miles of rivers, nearly 200 waterfalls, and six National Park Service sites—pushing “Almost Heaven” back into the national spotlight. Health & Community: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Mercer, Nicholas, and Clay counties in early October, offering low-dose CT scans by appointment. Local Safety & Travel Disruptions: Kanawha County is asking for help identifying a driver after a serious motorcycle crash on Rocky Fork Road; Berkeley County will run a sobriety checkpoint Sept. 28–29, and I-64 bridge lane closures in Huntington area run overnight Sept. 14–16. Road Trip Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas deals in multiple counties this week, including $4.69 in Kanawha and $4.61 in Marion, plus diesel lows like $5.29 in Taylor and $5.35 in Jackson.

Tourism Spotlight: West Virginia just landed at No. 2 on Travel + Leisure’s “most naturally beautiful” list, scoring 78.23/100 and praised for 6,600+ miles of rivers, nearly 200 waterfalls, and six National Park Service sites—another boost after New River Gorge honors. State Parks & Outdoors: Audra State Park is expanding with a 47-acre Thacker Addition donation plus $15,000 for trails and signage, growing the park from 355 to about 402 acres. Fall Events: Pipestem Resort State Park will host the first-ever Pipestem Oktoberfest Oct. 16–18 with German food, local artisans, a cruise-in, and live entertainment. Health Access for Travelers: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Mercer/Nicholas/Clay counties in early October (appointments required; uninsured options via grants). Community Safety: West Virginia’s 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is expanding call-center capacity in Fairmont as awareness and demand rise. Road Notes: Expect overnight bridge lane closures on I-64 over the Eugene Carter Memorial Bridge in Huntington area Sept. 14–16 for painting platforms. Local Travel Disruptions: Berkeley County plans a sobriety checkpoint Sept. 28–29.

Outdoor Conservation: The Arc’s NatureWV push aims to save 5 miles of the Gauley River, spotlighting West Virginia’s fight to protect iconic waterways. Health & Tourism Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is scheduled to stop in Mercer, Nicholas, and Clay counties in early October, offering low-dose CT scans by appointment. Local Nature & History: A new West Virginia Explorer piece digs into early Appalachian settlement stories, including Clarkson Prince and Alfred Beckley—useful for travelers who like heritage stops. Sports Travel Buzz: West Virginia Wesleyan shut out Glenville State 1-0 in Buckhannon, a reminder that small-college matchups can be easy add-ons to a weekend itinerary. Gas Prices Watch: Week ending Sept. 5 saw the lowest Logan County regular gas hit $3.89, while Kanawha County diesel dipped to $5.19—handy for road-trip planning. Community & Public Safety: The Mingo County Sheriff’s Office is shifting from outreach to enforcement of Williamson’s anti-camping ordinance after helping about 40 people. Scenic Fall Plans: First Oktoberfest is coming to a West Virginia gorge as fall color peaks, plus a West Virginia Bigfoot Festival returns to Summersville Oct. 9–11.

Local Public Safety: The Mingo County Sheriff’s Office says it spent four weeks helping about 40 people living outdoors in Williamson with housing, rehab, food and medical care—then shifted to enforcing the city’s anti-camping ordinance. Weather & Travel Risk: Flash flood warnings are in effect across parts of central and eastern West Virginia, with “life threatening flooding” possible where heavy rain has persisted; dense fog may worsen overnight driving. Outdoor & Hiking: A new Appalachian Trail return journey story follows a hiker from Harpers Ferry, WV, as they work to finish a 150-mile gap—another reminder that West Virginia’s trail towns are gateway hubs. Road Trip Practicalities: Diesel prices in Ohio County were lowest at $5.27/gal (week ending Sept. 5), with the county average at $5.49 and West Virginia’s average rising to $5.50. Sports Tourism Buzz: WVU football turns quickly to its big matchup vs. No. 25 Virginia after a 52-7 win over U.T. Martin, setting up a high-interest weekend for visitors.