Put West Virginia’s food and wine events at the top of your spring to-do list
3/13/2009
Spring is almost here and with this season of renewal comes the opportunity to escape into the great outdoors. A breath of fresh air and the warm sun on your face are guaranteed to sharpen your appetite. Fortunately, West Virginians are well known for their hospitality, and an abundance of tasty foods and fine wines are offered at events throughout the Mountain State this spring. Whether you like things on the spicy side like a chili cook-off or prefer the smooth, creamy comfort of chocolate, West Virginia has something to please your palate. From the casual comfort of a coffeehouse to the relaxing luxury of a resort, you’ll find tasty treats to satisfy your culinary cravings. From festivals that celebrate sweets to ones that feature the state’s fine wines, West Virginia has something for everyone this spring.
- In March, the Purple Fiddle Coffeehouse in Thomas, W.Va., plays host to Mountain Music Weekends. Concerts run March 5 – 28. For a list of performers, call 304-463-4040 or visit the Web site, www.purplefiddle.com.
- The 6th annual Culinary Classic at Stonewall Resort on March 13-14 is guaranteed to delight. More than 20 of the state’s finest and most innovative chefs will be offering seminars, demonstrations, multi-course meals and “dine arounds.” For information about the Culinary Classic, call 304-269-7400 or visit www.stonewallresort.com.
- Charleston’s Capitol Market heats up on March 14 with the Green Chili Shoot Out. Chili cooks compete for the $1,000 prize and bragging rights. The event also features live music. For more information, visit www.capitolmarket.net or call 304-344-1905.
- Celebrate spring with Shades of Cream – Champagne & Chocolate Weekend at Snowshoe Mountain Resort on March 20-22. People of all ages are welcome to indulge in two of their favorites - chocolate and champagne. (Sparkling cider is available for the kids!) Enjoy a decadent weekend of fun. For more information, visit www.snowshoemtn.com or call 304-572-1000.
April is a chocolate lover’s dream in West Virginia with three events celebrating the delectable delight.
The state’s newest chocolate-themed event is the West Virginia Chocolate Festival in Ripley on April 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This festival features chocolate vendors from across the state and an on-site chocolate factory. For more information, call 304-372-3482.
- If you love chocolate, you won’t want to miss the 3rd annual Lewisburg Chocolate Festival April 18 in historic downtown Lewisburg. This year’s festival features a tasting extravaganza, children’s events, live music and special chocolate-themed events. The Lewisburg Chocolate Festival has been selected as a Southern Tourism Society's Top 20 Events for spring 2009. For more information and a complete list of Chocolate Festival activities, visit www.lewisburgchocolatefestival.com or call 800-833-2068.
- Downtown Morgantown hosts the annual “Chocolate Lover’s Day” on Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This one-day event is open to the public and tickets are just $5 per person. More than 30 businesses prepare a different chocolate item – all for your chocolate-loving enjoyment. While downtown, register to win a trip for four to Hershey Park. For more information, visit www.downtownmorgantown.com or call 304-292-0168.
West Virginia is home to an assortment of wineries, including Potomac Highland, Forks of the Cheat, Daniel Vineyards, Mountaineer, Lambert Vintage Wines and West-Whitehill. Potomac Highland Winery (www.potomac-highland-winery.com) will participate this spring in two special events that highlight the state’s fine wines:
- Uniquely West Virginia, April 19 in Berkeley Springs
- Wine and Arts Festival, May 24-25 in Martinsburg (Boydville Inn)
For more information about all of West Virginia’s wineries, visit www.wvtourism.com.
Contact Information
Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003 x 319
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov