daily304 - Episode 08.16.2023

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

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023 

Supporting and protecting WV’s great outdoors boosts the tourism economy…From campsites to B&Bs and cozy cabins, find the perfect accommodations in the New River Gorge…and learn how farmers’ markets help improve health and build a stronger community…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From BRAD D SMITH – West Virginia’s beautiful mountains, hills and valleys play a vital role in supporting the local economy through tourism and outdoor recreation. A recent study reported that outdoor recreation in the Mountain State is responsible for 91,000 jobs statewide and generates $660 million in state and local tax revenue. 

Supporting and protecting West Virginia’s great outdoors is a matter of both sustainability and economic health. 

A key part of maintaining West Virginia’s outdoor resources lies in educating future generations — building an appreciation and respect for preserving the state’s natural beauty. The Science Adventure School through the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative works to aid students in outdoor education and recreation. 

To learn more about how Brad D. Smith is supporting West Virginia’s environment and economy, visit the website of his nonprofit organization, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation. 

Read more:

https://braddsmith.com/blog/west-virginia-outdoor-recreation/

#2 – From NEW RIVER GORGE CVB – Planning a trip to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve?

Whether you’re looking forward to whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, or just soaking up the natural beauty of the area and exploring nearby towns, you’re going to need a base camp for your adventures.

Cozy up in a cabin, camp under the stars or have all the comforts of home at a quaint B&B or hotel. There’s pet friendly lodging, too, so bring along your favorite four-footed friend.

Learn more:

https://newrivergorgecvb.com/stay/?utm_campaign=august_2023&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

#3 – From WEELUNK –  In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, Matthew Rafa, the co-market chair of the Warwood Farmers Market in Wheeling, shares his perspective on the value that farmers markets offer by improving health and building a stronger community that is accessible to everyone. 

“In 2019, NPR covered a story on the saturation of farmers markets and cited too few farmers and customers to support the increase. There is a shortage of farmers nationwide, but we are truly fortunate to have some amazing farmers in our area, while the demand from shoppers for local markets has exploded. There’s only too few current farmers market shoppers…not too few potential shoppers,” Rafa says.

The Warwood Farmers Market aims to create a stronger, healthier community by acquiring grant money to feed our community. The market recently experienced its two two best years for revenue, thanks in large part to corporate giving grants and programs like the SNAP Stretch program offered by the WV Food and Farm Coalition.

The market also has partnered with FARMacy WV to start a diabetes “Prescriptions for Produce” pilot program. This 12-week pilot program will provide $25 in weekly produce and nutritional education to examine the impact of produce on diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure management. 

If your kids are still looking for something to do while school is on summer break, take them to the Warwood Farmers Market. The market is providing FREE arts and crafts, STEM activities, and experiences that kids will remember without leaving the community.

Read more:

https://weelunk.com/warwood-farmers-market-programs/

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.