Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Saturday, May 11, 2024 

Discover the beauty of Almost Heaven on horseback. Giddy up! … Consistency in coating is key for Mister Bee’s four new tasty flavors … and now you can get Appalachian art from a vending machine -- that’s right, your own mini masterpiece …on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WTRF-TV Wheeling – There are many ways to explore the beauty of West Virginia, but there is one you may have overlooked…on horseback.

Horseback riding is available at many West Virginia state parks and resorts, according to the state’s tourism website.

Whether you are an expert rider or novice, the state’s equine outfitters can plan a memorable adventure for you or your family. Even children ages 2 and up are welcome at some locations. Visit wvtourism.com to find a stable and book your ride. Happy trails!

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/news/west-virginia-news-2/take-the-trail-less-traveled-almost-heaven-on-horseback-in-west-virginia/

2 – From SNACK & BAKERY – Snack food and bakery companies are looking for a number of features and benefits from seasoning and coating equipment, but machines that keep those seasonings and coatings evenly spread on their products probably top the list. Close behind are recirculation, reliability, accuracy, and sanitation, say manufacturers and producers.

Consistency of coating is a key consideration for Mister Bee, which has recently come up with four new potato chip flavors: the 304 (named for West Virginia’s area code), which combines salt, vinegar, and barbecue; pepperoni roll, with pepperoni, cheese, and bread flavors; the original chip, a rerun of the chip the company’s maiden product, fried with lard; and sausage biscuits and gravy, made in partnership with local restaurant chain Tudor’s Biscuit World.

Read more:

https://digitaledition.snackandbakery.com/april-2024/processing/

#3 – From POCAHONTAS TIMES – We all know those vending machines at the entrance to the grocery stores. For a couple of quarters you can buy a sticker, a spider ring or bouncy ball. It was so much fun to put your money into the machine and have your prize pop out, ready to be enjoyed.

Taking that same concept – and machine – in mind, printmaker Caroline Hertko decided to make art accessible and fun by filling a vending machine with business card sized Appalachian themes prints.

Hertko received a grant from the West Virginia Department of Culture, Arts and History to purchase three vending machines. One is located in the Rivertown building in Marlinton and another is located at the Wild Bean in Lewisburg. Hertko is keeping the third to have with her at fairs and festivals.

The print designs include mountain laurel, ramps, a banjo, black bear, trout, Mothman, radio telescope and more.

Read more:

https://pocahontastimes.com/artist-makes-art-accessible-with-vending-machines/

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.