When John Denver wrote the lyrics of his hit song Take Me Home, Country Roads people who didnt have a clue about West Virginia somehow figured that the state was almost heaven. And if you follow this 3-day guide to exploring the sights and flavours of West Virginia, who knows if you might have a taste of almost heaven yourself. Time to take a road trip into new territory.
Start the journey with a sumptuous homemade breakfast at the Ledge House Bed and Breakfast at Harpers Ferry before heading out to see the historic sites of the city such as the Jefferson Rock or even John Browns Fort. If the Ledge House is packed, you can always head out to Stonehouse and make it as your starting point.
By the time youre hungry for lunch, try out the tuna nicoise salad served with tantalizing quail eggs at the Bistro 1840. Dont forget to wash the meal down with the iconic English IPA served at the Mash Brewing Company. Dont like ales? Maybe the Sour Peach Shenandoah Saison in Charles Town should quench your thirst.
In the afternoon, stop by the Bloomery Plantation Distillery before capping the day with a dinner at the Redbook Restaurant where youll be treated to a really fantastic meal. Calling it a night means heading upstairs to your room at the Hillbrook Inn & Spa.
Day 2
On the 2nd day, start off with a Sunday European brunch in Shepherdstown. Feast on their oysters on a half shell, an assortment of terrines and pates, and a selection of only the mouth-watering sausages and sauerkrauts you could ever imagine. Explore the old-time merchandise at OHurleys General Store before heading out for lunch.
Grab the pate du campagne at Bistro 112 for lunch and wash it off with craft beers from Town Run Community Pub. Youll love the house-made pate. At dinner, try the pappardelle with mushrooms, fontina, sage, and cream before retiring to your luxurious suite at the upscale Bavarian Inn. Alternatively, you can feast on a big slab of steak complete with gorgonzola butter before calling it a night.
West Virginia is home to the countrys very first spa town. Sample the Almost Famous Cream of Crab at Taris in Berkeley Springs. Once your tummy is filled, its time to indulge and allow yourself to be transported to other-worldly experience at the bathhouses of the Berkeley Springs State Park. Make sure to check out the very same bathtub that George Washington used 250 years ago every time he and his family head out to this scenic and idyllic town.
In the afternoon, drive up the winding hill of the city to see the famous Berkeley Castle and get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning beauty of the scenery overlooking the town. Check out the Star Theatre, too, and partake in classic hot-oil popcorn. Cap your 3-day journey with a seared rare tuna roulade prepared by Chef Damian Heath at the Lot 12 Public House.
If you can allot a week exploring the sights and flavours of West Virginia, then that would be even better. But if youre pressed for time, then this 3-day guide should help you get started.
