West Virginia

Local farm taking the leap into agritourism

Published

2 years ago

August 4, 2024

Local farm taking the leap into agritourism

ALDERSON, WV (WVNS) — Agritourism is booming in the Mountain State according to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Appalachian Arts and Crafts Fair returns for 59th year

Agritourism is any activity in any field of agriculture that is open to the public for entertainment or education.

The Alderson Strawberry Festival is a returning staple of interest here in West Virginia. Sunset Berry Farm has been the largest supporter since the start.

Now, in an age where tourism has become a billion-dollar industry in the state, according to West Virginia Tourism, Sunset Berry Farm has decided to make the turn into agritourism. Co-owner Jennifer Gilkerson said it is time.

“Sunset Berry Farm has decided to dive right into agritourism. Tourism all over West Virginia is huge right now, it’s just exploding,” said Gilkerson. “And so agritourism is also exploding right now and so it just seemed like the way to go right now.”

The state is now home to 38 Christmas tree farms, 27 U-pick farms, and over a dozen different farm stay/day visit farms.

Sunset Berry Farm already qualifies as a U-pick farm for their amazing strawberries! The opportunities for agritourism are endless.

Gilkerson said Sunset Berry Farm is going to start by focusing on the aspect they know best.

“We’ve been doing our Alderson Strawberry Festival for several years now and that’s been an amazing success, so we’re building on that and we’re going to add several more festivals to our program.” explained Gilkerson.

This includes the Monroe County Peach Festival coming up at the end of August, the West Virginia Watermelon Festival at the beginning of September, and the Sunflower Festival towards the middle of September.

Sunset Berry Farm is receiving a bit of help from another agritourist farm for their Peach Festival.

Orr’s Farm, in Martinsburg will be providing a large load of peaches to assist with festival produce. Gilkerson said switching up the focus of their farm will allow them to focus on fun!

“We really want to sort of specialize more in family entertainment and we want to be a destination for families with children to just get out of the house and explore West Virginia and just have a good time.” said Gilkerson.

One week out: State Fair of West Virginia final push

The next time you are looking for a day trip that would be fun and educational for the whole family, take a look at agritourism. You never know what you will end up enjoying!

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Returns Home to Face Maryland in Midweek Clash

Published

23 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

West Virginia Returns Home to Face Maryland in Midweek Clash

The West Virginia Mountaineers (10-3) welcome the Maryland Terrapins (10-5) to Kendrick Family Ballpark Tuesday afternoon the first encounter between the two programs since 2023 and the first meeting in Morgantown since 2018. The first pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. EST and the action will stream on ESPN+.

The Mountaineers captured their fourth consecutive series of the season after taking two of the three games from Columbia over the weekend. West Virginia sophomore Matt Ineich and senior Brodie Kresser both blasted grand slams during the series. Ineich lifted WVU in game two with a walk-off grand slam in the 10th in game two, and Kresser ignited a 16-1 rout, capping a six-run second inning in the series finale.

Gavin Kelly leads West Virginia at the plate with a .436 batting average with a Big 12 leading nine doubles. Ineich and senior Paul Schoenfeld has raked in a team-leading 16 RBI apiece, while senior Matthew Graveline has clubbed a team-high three home runs.

On the mound, West Virginia is expected to start sophomore David Hagen. The right-hander has made four appearances on the season, including one start. He last started in the home-opener against Ohio where he pitched two scoreless innings and recorded a strikeout to collect his first win of the season. He holds a 1.00 ERA with five strikeouts on the season.

After starting 3-4, Maryland is 7-1 in its last eight games. The Terrapins won two of three at UNC Wilmington in the season opening series, followed by a midweek win against Georgetown before getting swept at Louisiana. The Terps bounced back with a pair of midweek wins versus Delaware and swept a one-win Wagner team.

Junior Brayden Martin is batting a team-best .443 to go with four doubles and 12 RBI. Redshirt freshman Ryan Costello leads the Terps in home runs (9) and RBI (21) and is third in batting average at .328, while freshman Ty Kaunus has a team-high seven doubles and has .269 batting average.

Maryland is scheduled to start freshman Nic Morlang. The right-hander has four appearances on the season, including four starts. He allowed five earned runs in his appearances, coinciding with his two starts, in six innings of work. In his last two appearances in relief, He’s allowed one earned run on five hits.

West Virginia leads the all-time series 8-5, including a five-game winning streak over Maryland.

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West Virginia

Citations issued after big party weekend in Morgantown – WV MetroNews

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Citations issued after big party weekend in Morgantown – WV MetroNews

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a series of parties in Morgantown over the weekend.

Morgantown police officers, West Virginia University Police and state police responded to reports of overcrowded parties, underage drinking, physical altercations and multiple injuries.

Morgantown Communications Director Brad Riffie said several citations were issued for open containers and underage consumption.

Two large parties were dispersed and six arrests were made without incident.

None of the reported injuries are believed to be serious or life-threatening.

The Morgantown Fire Department assisted in the operations.

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West Virginia

Weir High senior Hailey Hans named 2026 West Virginia student journalist of the year

Published

2 days ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Weir High senior Hailey Hans named 2026 West Virginia student journalist of the year

Hancock County, WV — A Weir High School senior has been recognized as the 2026 West Virginia Student Journalist of the Year.

Hailey Hans was selected for the statewide honor after building a journalism portfolio since her freshman year. She also serves as the staff manager of Weir Student Media, where she oversees articles and is in charge of deadlines.

“When I was a freshman I was placed in the journalism one class, and I actually tried to get pulled from the class. But, then after I sat in the class and I learned a little bit, that’s where my love grew and then from there I continued to take classes, I helped pass a law, and I got to these national conventions. Where it just lit a fire inside me,” Hans said.

Hans is planning to attend West Liberty University in the fall to study education with a minor in journalism, with the goal of becoming a journalism teacher. She will now submit her portfolio for the national-level contest.

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