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 fostering the next generation of environmental stewards to ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and local communities, this conversation shines a light on how sustainability and destination development go hand in hand.

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 otter and JR's apocalypse hiding spot.

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 preservation to embracing new opportunities in tourism, Elizabeth tells that history is very much alive.

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 global treasure hunt, tune in to discover how geocaching is putting Mountaineer Country on the map!

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 stage for an inside look at the people and projects driving tourism and development in Mountaineer Country.