daily304 - Episode 03.24.24

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

Today is Sunday, March 24, 2024. 

Amazon’s founder says the movie “October Sky” inspired him to launch the aerospace company Blue Origin. Register now for “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” workshop at Twin Falls. And check out some “must-see” blooms and waterfalls this spring in Almost Heaven…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WOWK-TV – The inspiring story found within “October Sky,” based on the book by West Virginia’s Homer Hickam and set in the Mountain State, inspired Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to create the aerospace company, Blue Origin.

In 2000, Amazon founder Bezos founded a new company: Blue Origin. The company is most well-known nowadays for taking celebrities up into space, including “Star Trek” legend William Shatner, and “Good Morning America” host and former NFL player Michael Strahan.

According to the novel “The Space Barons: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos” by Christian Davenport, Bezos was partially inspired to create the aerospace company after seeing the 1999 film, “October Sky.”

The film is based on “Rocket Boys,” Hickam’s memoir that details his youth in 1950s rural West Virginia where he and a few friends take up rocketry after being inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/how-a-west-virginia-story-inspired-jeff-bezos-to-create-blue-origin/

 

#2 – From WV EXPLORER – Registration has opened for the “Becoming An Outdoors Woman” spring workshop at Twin Falls Resort State Park on May 3–5, 2024.

According to Ashley Anderson, coordinator for the program managed by the W.Va. Divison of Natural Resources, the event allows women to explore hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related activities in a strikingly scenic environment.

Program workshops will provide a non-competitive atmosphere with support from instructors and staff from the division's wildlife resources, law enforcement and state parks sections.

The workshop is limited to 75 participants, and spots fill fast. Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to learn more and register online at WVDNR.gov/becoming-an-outdoor-woman.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/03/18/becoming-an-outdoors-woman-twin-falls-west-virginia/

 

#3 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – Spring has arrived! As the snow melts away, the Mountain State “springs” to life with enchanting experiences for adventurers to explore. From vibrant flower blooms to scenic hikes and charming small towns, West Virginia offers something for everyone. 

Experience West Virginia’s spring flower blooms at Core Arboretum and The Greenbrier. These scenic spots showcase a stunning array of native and cultivated flowers, offering a delightful retreat amidst the beauty of the season.

Experience the beauty of spring at Blackwater Falls, Watoga, and Canaan Valley Resort Parks in West Virginia. Enjoy stunning waterfalls, expansive wilderness, and scenic landscapes for outdoor adventures and peaceful relaxation. Visit www.wvstateparks.com to book your lodging online!

Read more:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/things-to-do-in-spring-wv/

 

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.