The Holler: A Visit Mountaineer Country Podcast

With America250 on everyone's mind, more people are interested in our nation's history. This month, Visit Mountaineer Country sat down with Jason Burns from the Morgantown History Museum to discuss the history of Monongalia County, the importance of history, and how the museum drives tourism. Jason also shares his favorite historical fun facts and discusses what exciting things are coming...

If you haven't listened to part 1, go back and listen to our conversation with West Virginia Scenic Trails Association Communication Coordinator Nicolle Flood-Sawczyszyn. In this episode, we sit down with local runner and ultra marathoner Donnie Orr, who is attempting to set the fastest known time (FKT) for the Allegheny Trail in June 2026. This will be both a physical and mental challenge as...

Spanning 316 miles, the Allegheny Trail—West Virginia's Longest Trail- stretches across rugged ridgelines, quiet forests, and historic landscapes. Built and maintained by volunteers, it offers a hiking experience unlike any other in Appalachia — wild, rugged, and deeply immersed in nature. Communications Coordinator for the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association, Nicolle Flood-Sawczyszyn isn&...

Situated in beautiful Preston County, West Virginia, Modern Homestead offers anything you could want in a cozy weekend getaway. Friendly accommodations, delicious meals and a stunning garden center begging to be explored. The owners, Lucas and Trellis, had a conversation with Visit Mountaineer Country about how the business began and where it’s going.

This month, Rachel sat down with Frank Witt, campground manager at the new Mylan Park KOA Holiday. Frank tells us about exciting updates at the KOA, what campers can expect from their stay, and why outdoor lodging is gaining popularity. He also answers hard-hitting questions like whether he prefers hot dogs or s'mores! If you're in Morgantown for a West Virginia University Mountaineer Football gam...

This month, West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson stopped by The Holler to discuss how WVU acts as a tourism driver in North Central West Virginia. President Benson joined us as a part of his "Welcome Home Tour," where he intends to visit all 55 counties in West Virginia in the first year of his presidency. Whether fans are traveling to Morgantown to cheer on the Mountaine...

In this episode, we sit down with Morgantown, West Virginia artist Eddie Spaghetti to talk about creativity, community, and the thriving arts scene in Mountaineer Country . Eddie shares how his love for the natural world inspires his work and discusses The Ferry House , a unique creative community space that brings artists and neighbors together. If you think creativity in West Virginia’s arts com...

Happy Valentine's Day! In this episode of The Holler, we sit down with Lisa and Louis Giuliani, the husband-and-wife team behind several downtown Morgantown businesses, including the beloved 123 Pleasant Street music venue, for a special Valentine’s Day conversation about life, love and entrepreneurship. The two share the story of how 123 Pleasant Street came to be, what it’s like running a bu...

What does purpose have to do with tourism? On this January episode of The Holler, we sit down with Cate Schlobohm of WVU’s Purpose Center to explore how a strengths-based approach can help tourism professionals build stronger teams, prevent burnout, and start the new year with intention — all while creating places people want to visit and call home. And even if you aren't a tourism professional, y...

It's a holiday episode! Listen to Hannah and Rachel as they chat about what makes winter in Mountaineer Country so special. They talk about their favorite holiday traditions, their dream holi-dates and how to stay cozy during the cold months in North Central West Virginia. Plus, hear from tourism partners like The Wow! Factory, Antiquitea House, Hoot and Howl and the West Virginia Botanic Gard...

Just one month after the Grand Depart of the inaugural Mountaineer Monster bikepacking race, we wanted to revisit some of the participants' thoughts after taking on the course. Rachel had a chance to chat with a couple of riders on-site at Chestnut Ridge Campground at the end of October. So fair warning, the background of this episode is a little windy!

This week on The Holler , we head to the rolling hills of Preston County to talk with Liz Riffle, co-owner of Riffle Farms, West Virginia’s first and only commercial bison farm. Liz, a U.S. Navy veteran, shares how she and her husband Jimmy’s experience in service shaped the way they run their farm, including their commitment to sustainability, and their belief in doing things the right way, even...

In this episode of The Holler, we’re talking spicy gravel, Appalachian grit, and the growing outdoor adventure scene in Mountaineer Country. Host Rachel sits down with David Landis , the driving force behind Village 2 Village Trails and  Mountaineer Gravel , a regional initiative that is putting North Central West Virginia on the map for gravel biking and bikepacking. David shares how the Mountain...

In this episode of The Holler , we sit down with Stella Hehnly, Brand Experience Manager at Visit Mountaineer Country, to talk about the importance of sustainability in tourism. Stella shares insights on the Leave No Trace principles, why it’s crucial to teach kids how to care for the outdoors, and how responsible travel can protect the natural beauty that makes West Virginia so special. From fost...

Which Appalachian cryptid would be the best at mini golf? We asked the owners of Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf that along with other hard-hitting questions like the logistics of operating an indoor blacklight mini golf course. We had a great time chatting with one of our quirkiest tourism partners! Listen to Rachel's conversation with Matt and Colton now, wherever you get your podcasts.

The kids have spoken! Summer is in full swing in Mountaineer Country which means kiddos are home from school and looking for something to do. According to young locals, these are the best screen-free activities in Mountaineer Country! We hope you enjoy this very special bonus episode of The Holler!

In this episode of The Holler, we talk to JR Petsko, Director of Monongalia County Parks and Recreation, to discuss the three different parks in the county. JR tells us that there is something for everyone across the Mon County Park system, from tubing in the winter to live music and swimming in the summer, plus wedding venues and miles of hiking trails. There might also be a story about a feral o...

In this episode of The Holler, we sit down with Elizabeth Satterfield from Arthurdale Heritage to explore the rich history of America's first New Deal homestead community. Elizabeth shares how Arthurdale brings history to life through immersive experiences and community engagement, and what it takes to keep that history relevant in a modern, rural setting. From navigating the challenges of pre...

In this episode of The Holler , we’re joined by Mark Webb to explore the world of geocaching in North Central West Virginia. Mark shares insider tips on finding hidden treasures across Mountaineer Country and dives into the excitement around GeoWoodstock—the world’s largest geocaching event—coming to the region over Memorial Day weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned cacher or just curious about this...

In this kickoff episode of The Holler , hosts Rachel, Hannah, and Stella introduce themselves and share the vision behind the podcast. Learn what The Holler is all about, why Visit Mountaineer Country CVB launched the show, and what listeners can expect from upcoming episodes. From highlighting hidden gems to diving into the big ideas shaping North Central West Virginia, this episode sets the stag...