What Foods Should I Try When Visiting West Virginia?

Each state in this amazing country has something different and unique to show us. Whether this feature is all about their landscape, the neat activities, or some delicious food, you will be able to find something to keep you busy and allows you to enjoy some of the culture there. When you make a stop in West Virginia, you must stop and try some of the most popular foods. Your taste buds will thank you and you will want to take a bunch of it home with you. Some of the most popular foods to try when visiting the Appalachian state include:

Biscuits and Gravy

Rumor has it that biscuits and gravy originated in Appalachia, so you can’t go wrong when you make a breakfast stop in West Virginia and enjoy some of their biscuits and gravy. While this is a dish you can find in almost every state in the nation now, the best ones to enjoy are found in West Virginia. Make sure to get a hearty plate and something good to drink to start your morning off right.

Buckwheat Pancakes

West Virginians like to party and you can even find a festival devoted to the famous buckwheat pancake too. Buckwheat is a popular ingredient in the state and they celebrate it at the Preston Buckwheat Festival at the end of September. These pancakes don’t contain wheat, which makes them a good choice for a lot of people passing through with dietary concerns, but they are still tasty with some maple syrup right away in the morning.

Pepperoni Rolls

Looking for something familiar, yet amazing, then these pepperoni rolls are the ones you need to try. If you happen to be in the area at the time, stop by the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival and have a bite. If not, this staple is the official state food, so you will have plenty of other chances to take a bite. The legend goes that in 1930, an Italian baker came up with this recipe as an easy meal for the miners to carry in their packs.

Venison

Similar to that of Polynesian culture (e.g. the Cook Islands), hunting is a large part of life for Appalachian culture as well. It makes sense then that venison is a popular dish that you can find often in the state. This meat, when it is done the right way, is gamey and tender and is similar to bison or beef. It can be eaten in steak, but works in stews and chilis as well. Some can be dried to take along as a snack if you need something to enjoy on that next long car ride through the state with the kids, so pack some up to take home with you.

If this list has your mouth watering and ready for all the good treats, then it is time to book your trip to the state of West Virginia. There is so much to do and see when you cross the border, you will never want to go back home!