There’s a lot of hard work going on in West Virginia. But there’s also a lot of fun and play too. According to the West Virginia Department of Tourism, travel-related spending totaled $4.9 billion in 2021. That works out to just under 7 percent of the state’s “gross domestic product” (GDP). Read the Full Story >>
tourism
Tourism Potential in Jefferson County
Within West Virginia, Jefferson County ranks at the top for tourism. According to a 2019 analysis prepared for Secretary Ruby by national economic consultants Dean Runyan Associates, tourism in Jefferson County supported more than 7,000 jobs, brought more than $840 million in direct spending, and generated $10.5 million in local government tax revenues. And the region is positioned to attract even more tourism in the years ahead. Read the Full Story >>
Getting On The River In Jefferson County
Jefferson County connects with both the Potomac River and Shenandoah River, and there are many ways for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the water. Read the Full Story >>
Colombia: Probably Not What You Were Thinking
When I decided visit Colombia for a spring break trip, I was asked many times if I was traveling there to see Pablo Escobar landmarks and participate in other “narco-tourism” activities, which have gained world notoriety in part because of the widely popular Netflix series “Narcos.” One of my travel companions had even expressed interest in visiting an Escobar compound. Of course, I was looking forward to relaxing and sightseeing, but I was also curious to speak to Colombians about views on this recent tourism interest. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Debates the Emergence of Transient Lodging
Arguably the oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown remains surprisingly on trend within an assortment of social, political, and even municipal categories. Which is why it should come as no surprise to learn that the town began exploring the emergence of transient lodging back in 2017. Read the Full Story >>
Building Together for Mutual Benefit
As Shepherdstown and Shepherd University continue to successfully expand and become increasingly intertwined, the value of cooperative partnerships cannot be overemphasized. Read the Full Story >>
Brunch Means Business for Jefferson County
On November 8, Jefferson County voters, in addition to voting for their president, governor, and state and elected representatives, will be asked another question: “Shall the beginning hour at which non-intoxicating beer, wine, and alcoholic liquor be sold or dispensed for on premises consumption only in Jefferson County on Sundays be changed from one o’clock p.m. to ten o’clock a.m.” Simply put, can our bars, taverns, and restaurants start serving alcoholic drinks at 10am on Sundays? Read the Full Story >>