Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From WV PRESS – Art and adventure come together in Elkins
Something new is landing in the Elkins railyard.
The Mon Forest Towns Partnership will unveil a new “canoe kiosk” sculpture on Saturday, September 19, with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. near the historic Darden Mill.
The installation is part of Paint and Paddle, a collaboration involving WVU’s Art Education program, local artist Kelson Thorne and the South Branch Career & Technical Center.
Canoe kiosks are being installed in nine Mon Forest Towns communities, each featuring a unique design reflecting the character and history of its town. The sculptures also provide visitors with information about nearby hiking, rivers, trails and tourism opportunities.
It’s a creative way to connect people with both the communities and the outdoor adventures surrounding the Monongahela National Forest.
Read more:
https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/media-advisory-new-public-art-installation-to-open-in-elkins/
#2 – From WV EXPLORER – See Blennerhassett Island by candlelight
Mansion by Candlelight returns to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park on October 9 and 10, offering visitors a completely different way to experience one of West Virginia’s most distinctive historic destinations.
Guests travel aboard the Island Belle before stepping into an evening of period music, traditional dancing, storytelling and costumed interpreters. Admission also includes a guided mansion tour and horse-drawn wagon ride. An optional Harvest Supper is available by advance reservation.
Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett built their elaborate island estate around 1800. A few years later, it became connected to former Vice President Aaron Burr and his mysterious western expedition, ultimately drawing the Blennerhassetts into one of the young nation’s most controversial political episodes.
The original mansion burned in 1811. Today’s reconstructed mansion stands on the historic site, where visitors can experience the story more than two centuries later.
Last year’s event sold out and some 2026 departure times are already gone, so get your tickets today!
Read more:
https://wvexplorer.com/blennerhassett-mansion-by-candlelight/
#3 – From WV SBDC – Finding community on a West Virginia river
When Pamela Dunlap tried fly fishing for the first time in 2013, she found peace, confidence, friendship and a new connection to the outdoors.
Two years later, she created Women, Wine & Waders so other women could experience those things too.
Today, the business offers fly-casting clinics, guided adventures, retreats and educational programs on rivers and streams across West Virginia and beyond. Women have found fishing partners, travel companions, support systems and lasting friendships through the program.
The business’ growth was made possible in part by the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, which provided expert guidance and advice to Dunlap.
Read more:
https://wvsbdc.com/women-wine-waders-builds-community-through-fly-fishing/
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
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That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.