West Virginia is a rugged mountain state nestled in the Appalachians, celebrated as the whitewater rafting capital of the eastern United States. Known as the Mountain State, it offers extraordinary outdoor adventure—class V rapids on the New and Gauley Rivers, hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, and some of the most spectacular fall foliage in North America. Historic coal-mining heritage, Appalachian culture, artisan crafts, and a thriving outdoor recreation economy make West Virginia a destination of authentic character and natural beauty.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you West Virginia through its food.
Charleston Foodie Walk
Includes: Five to seven tasting stops through downtown Charleston's Capitol Market district and dining corridors · Craft beer samples from West Virginia regional breweries included in the tour price · Local guide narration covering Charleston's history as West Virginia's state capital · Mix of savory Appalachian comfort food and artisan desserts across the one-mile walking route · Small groups of eight to fourteen guests for a personal, unhurried tasting experience
Lewisburg Food & Farm Tour
Includes: Guided visit to the Greenbrier Valley Farmers Market with seasonal artisan foods and local produce from Greenbrier County farms · Cheese tasting at a local Greenbrier Valley creamery featuring aged raw-milk and soft fresh varieties · Access to a working farm in the Allegheny foothills showcasing heritage breeds and seasonal crops · Seasonal farm lunch prepared from market-sourced ingredients demonstrating farm-to-table cooking · Craft brewery stop at Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company with West Virginia-made beer samples
New River Gorge Craft Beer Trail
Includes: Self-guided driving and walking route connecting Bridge Brew Works, Pies & Pints, and additional Fayetteville craft beer stops · WV Craft Beer Trail passport program allowing visitors to track brewery visits and earn rewards statewide · Wood-fired artisan pizzas and Appalachian pub food pairings at key stops along the route · Scenic driving through the New River Gorge National Park corridor between brewery destinations · Flexible four-to-six-hour format with no fixed group size, ticket price, or departure time
Tour formats
Different ways to experience West Virginia's food scene.
Items tours
Cooking classes
Take a piece of West Virginia home with you.
Appalachian Cooking Workshop (Augusta Heritage Center)
The Augusta Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College hosts traditional Appalachian foodways workshops during its summer sessions—includes ramp cookery, beans and cornbread techniques, and old-time preservation methods. Check schedule at elkins.edu/augusta.
The Greenbrier Culinary Arts Center
The Greenbrier offers cooking demonstrations and classes through its culinary arts program. Resort guests can join chef-led classes focusing on French-influenced cuisine and local Appalachian ingredients. Inquire at concierge upon check-in.
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
The West Virginia hot dog—served in a steamer bun with mustard, chili, coleslaw, and onions—is the state's most iconic food. Try the best at Hillbilly Hot Dogs (6963 Ohio River Rd, Lesage, WV 25537; +1 304-762-2458).
Pepperoni rolls are the working man's lunch of WV—soft white bread rolls stuffed with pepperoni, invented by Italian immigrant miners in Clarksburg. Get them fresh at Country Club Bakery (1211 Country Club Rd, Fairmont, WV 26554; +1 304-363-5690).
Ramps (Allium tricoccum, a wild Appalachian leek) are available fresh only in April-May and are the most intensely local ingredient in WV cooking. Try them at spring ramp festivals or the Greenbrier River area.
The Greenbrier has five restaurants ranging from fine dining (Prime 44 West steakhouse) to casual (Draper's Cafe)—non-resort guests can dine at most with a reservation, except during peak event weekends.
Apple butter is a WV specialty—look for locally made versions at Tamarack (Beckley) and farmers markets. The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival (Martinsburg, October) celebrates WV apples with food, music, and a craft fair.