Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From WCHS-TV – Giant trolls are coming to Huntington in a new outdoor art adventure
Something BIG is coming to Huntington, and it’s bringing art, nature and imagination together.
The Huntington Museum of Art will become part of the Appalachian Troll Project, featuring larger-than-life sculptures created by internationally known Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Dambo is famous for building whimsical giant trolls using recycled and natural materials. His creations can be found in 19 countries, encouraging visitors to explore the outdoors while thinking about conservation and sustainability.
The Huntington installation will be located along nature trails surrounding the museum, creating a new attraction that combines public art with outdoor recreation.
The Huntington Area Development Council, Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau are partnering to raise $1 million for the project.
Fundraising and installation are expected to take 12 to 18 months, with local leaders hoping the attraction will draw visitors to Huntington and surrounding businesses.
#2 – From WV TOURISM – Picture perfect! Explore West Virginia’s Almost Heaven Swings
Looking for the perfect photo opportunity in Almost Heaven? West Virginia Tourism has a scenic adventure waiting for you. The state’s Almost Heaven Swings are handcrafted wooden swings placed at beautiful destinations across West Virginia, offering visitors memorable places to relax, take pictures and enjoy the scenery.
You can find swings at locations including Blackwater Falls State Park, Coopers Rock State Forest, Snowshoe Mountain, the West Virginia State Capitol and the New River Gorge region.
And now there’s a new way to explore them!
The Almost Heaven SWINGO Challenge turns visiting the swings into a statewide adventure. Sign up for a free digital card, check in at participating locations and work toward earning prizes.
Complete five spaces in a row to earn a superfan sticker, or fill your entire card to receive a seasonal magnetic photo frame, while supplies last.
It’s a fun way to discover new destinations, revisit favorite places and capture the beauty of the Mountain State.
Read more: https://wvtourism.com/west-virginias-most-instagrammable-views/
#3 – From WV SBDC – Fayetteville childcare center helps families and supports the local workforce
When Amber Comer decided to grow her home-based childcare business, she wanted to create more than a daycare. Her vision became Lively Little Ones, an early learning center in Fayetteville that’s helping meet a critical need for working families.
Opened in September 2025, the center serves children from six weeks to 12 years old, offering infant and toddler care, preschool programs, and before- and after-school services.
Comer worked with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and business coach Shannon Mitchell to develop a business plan, evaluate startup costs, prepare financial projections and navigate financing and permitting.
The center is currently Fayetteville’s only childcare facility, helping fill a gap in services for local families. Beyond childcare, Comer and her team organize free monthly community activities and focus on preparing young children for school.
The business is also a reminder that access to reliable childcare helps parents participate in the workforce and supports the growth of local communities.
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.
