daily304 - Episode 04.03.2024

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

Today is Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

As spring hibernations come to an end, the WVDNR reminds West Virginians to be “bear aware.” Plan an overnight stay in the Northern Panhandle and choose from campgrounds, resorts, or even the grounds of a castle. And learn about WV’s historic landmarks…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – When spring is in the air in West Virginia, black bears come out of hibernation and begin a desperate search for food.

Because bears become more active during this time of year, the chances of an outdoor encounter increase, says Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.

Do not ever feed bears. It’s a violation of state law. You also want to avoid inadvertently feeding them. Remove or secure food attractants such as unsecured trash cans and pet food bowls before a bear finds them. 

If you encounter a black bear, the WVDNR offers these dos and don’ts:

Remain calm.

Don’t approach a bear.

Don’t run from a bear.

Don’t climb trees to escape a bear.

Give the bear a clear escape route.

Quietly back away and leave the area.

If attacked, immediately fight back.

Remember, it benefits both wildlife and humans to always be bear aware!

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/03/26/heres-what-to-do-if-you-cross-paths-with-a-black-bear/

#2 – From WV TOURISM – In West Virginia, there is an array of stays that you can’t find elsewhere. That is especially the case in the Northern Panhandle, where you can book nights in luxury resorts, cozy cabins or unique suites with a twist on West Virginia heritage.

Extend your Almost Heaven trip with the comfort of these four, truly one-of-a-kind stays in the Northern Panhandle.

Choose from modern and comfortable rooms at Oglebay Resort. Enjoy a cabin stay at Grand Vue Park. Stay overnight at a lodge on the grounds of a real, honest-to-goodness palace. Camp out at Tomlinson Run State Park. Or plan a gaming getaway at Mountaineer Casino Resort. 

Visit wvtourism.com to learn more about lodging, dining, recreation and attractions in Almost Heaven.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/5-must-stays-in-west-virginias-northern-panhandle/

#3 – From WBOY – More than 2,600 sites nationwide, from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon, have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. Of these landmarks, 16 of them are right here in West Virginia.

How many West Virginia sites have you visited? Here are just a few:

Matewan Historic District, site of the bloody West Virginia mine wars that occurred in 1920 in Mingo County. 

In Ohio County, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, built in 1849, was the first suspension bridge of its kind when it was built, and to this day is the oldest suspension bridge still in use. 

Just north of Huntington lies the Clover site, once home to a large Native American village that dates back to the Protohistoric period between 1550 and 1600 A.D.

The title of National Historic Landmark is given to buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts that illustrate the heritage of the United States. According to the National Parks Service, each one represents an outstanding aspect of American history and culture.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/these-16-wv-places-are-national-historic-landmarks/

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.