Experience the vibrant spirit of West Virginia and its rich heritage one meal and bluegrass tune at a time.
The picturesque hamlets of this state, which are surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, have developed a distinctive cuisine with delicacies that are unique to the United States. A rich folk music culture has been developing in this state for years, alongside the culinary heritage. At venues all around the state, you can hear rock ‘n roll, bluegrass, country, and porch-front picking. Here is your insider’s guide to some of West Virginia’s top restaurants and entertainment venues.
Café, bar, and stage at Purple Fiddle
The Purple Fiddle isn’t the most likely venue to be on music enthusiasts’ radars because it’s tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains in a town with only 600 residents called Thomas. But people are thronging to this vibrant music scene that was started in the small general store of the community. Genuine music, which lacks pretense and is high in talent, may be the reason why bands and singer-songwriters are booked six months in advance. You can be dancing to enthusiastic banjo picking during one visit, and then you might be listening to a Celtic rock singer at another.
The cuisine is the real stuff, much like the music. The deli-style eatery produces mouthwatering homemade sandwiches, homemade soups, and garden salads. If you enjoy being outside, the magnificent Monongahela National Forest is close by where you may camp or go hiking. In the winter, you can go snowshoeing through Canaan Valley where the only sounds you’ll hear are the crunching of the snow under your feet.
Bluegrass Restaurant
The capital city offers several benefits. Charleston, which is situated on the banks of the Kanawha River, is renowned for its friendly atmosphere. If you talk to a local, you can probably get a suggestion for The Bluegrass Kitchen, a restaurant that specializes in flavorful, sustainable, and approachable food. The blueberry buttermilk pie with vanilla bean whipped cream stands up to its sumptuous components, so be sure to save space for dessert. Not everyone comes for the food, though.
You will eat in the midst of history. The dining room has been painstakingly restored to its opulent condition from the 1920s. Every day of the week, live musical performances are guaranteed, including those by regional musicians. The large audience always applauds the great lineup. Visit Sullivan’s Records while you’re in town; you can still buy turntables, and vinyl (of course), and browse a few vintage concert posters from bands like The Clash from the 1980s there.
Heights and Holes
College towns are renowned for their bustling taverns, which typically translate into an innovative music scene. This is also true in Morgantown, the home of the Mountaineers of West Virginia University. This town’s youthful enthusiasm is accompanied by musical activity, and the atmosphere is enhanced by a good dining scene. Start at Hill and Hollow if you’re a foodie looking for neighborhood hot spots. The pan-fried walleye, an obvious customer favorite, should be ordered. The Mountain Mule, a variation of the well-known Moscow Mule, is a great cocktail to get the party started. Awaiting for live music? Enter 123 Pleasant Street, a hip establishment that hosts well-known local and international musical artists, inside a row house built in the 1800s.
Cafe Stardust
In Lewisburg, Pennsylvania’s historic tiny town, the Stardust Café is located in a former grocery shop called Clingman’s Market. The secret in this dish is that the Stardust acknowledges regional elements while cooking with a Mediterranean flair. This is a great place to enjoy a fine dinner, such as the grilled fish linguini with lemon and capers or the rocket prosciutto crostini small plate, because of the farm-fresh ingredients and eco-friendly practices. After dinner, attend a performance at Carnegie Hall by a national, regional, or local act. This famous location has superb acoustics.
Your evening will be made even more memorable. By the fact that it is one of just four Carnegie Halls in the world that is still in continuous operation as a performance venue. While you’re there, take some time to discover more of the stunning Greenbrier Valley. It is where the renowned luxury resort The Greenbrier is located.