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Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2005 Local Secrets, Big Finds
The Black Walnut Festival
Spencer
304.927.5616
"It can be hard to get the meat out of the tenacious black walnut, but when you do, it's worth the sweet reward." Lucky for you, someone's already done all the work at this small-town festival with lots of good food and crafts. "The walnuts find their way into everything," from baked goods and candy to ice cream and salads. Kids can take to the carnival rides, one-room school tours, and two parades. The majorette and festival queen contests can sometimes get heated, so if you're looking for respite you can browse some of the antique shows. Read more.

Jamboree in the Hills
Wheeling
800.624.5456
When the summer fireflies come out and the sun heats the hills "this event is a chance to get your jamboree on" while country music rings around the mountaintops. Music fans from all over Appalachia flock to Wheeling for four days of round-the-clock songs. Bring your lawn chair and a blanket and listen to local acts as well known as Keith Urban and Travis Tritt. "Plus there are usually a few guest surprises." To maximize your Appalachian experience locals suggest that you reserve a space in a nearby campsite and sleep under the stars. Read more.
Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival
Martinsburg
304.263.2500
Just ask anyone in Berkeley County, and they'll tell you that their apples are by far the best in the whole U.S. Once a year, this festival is a chance to share the heritage of the area with a celebration of the apple - its history, its aesthetic appeal, and most importantly, its taste. Locals insist that you judge for yourself at the apple pie and dessert baking contest and auction, or at the apple pancake breakfasts. You'll even get to witness the coronation of Baby Appleseed and Queen Pomona. "All in all, it's a time to show off West Virginia's proud agricultural heritage." Read more.

The Royal
Keyser
About 75 miles from the area of Blackwater Falls and the West Virginia hills, lies the "little" Appalachian town of Keyser, which some say sits right in god's country. Here, there is a restaurant called The Royal that is full of home-folk country music and good down-home cooking. This place is such a secret that it is only known by the locals, who come for a full-course fried chicken meal for under $5. They also serve the original chocolate syrup cokes, which has the power to make some customers drool just thinking about it.
Spa and Inn
Berkeley Springs
304.258.4536
Imagine a place so private that it only gives directions out to those with reservations. This exclusive getaway features a full-service spa and restaurant, where they sometimes have wine and cheese receptions. The guest list is couples only, and each guest receives a massage and a choice of one other spa service included in their stay. The solid oak furniture, private balconies, and pillow-top mattresses add an air of luxury. Within walking distance are great trails for hiking and biking, plus the art shops and restaurants in town. Read more.

Before you make plans to experience these local secrets for yourself, we suggest that you contact them to confirm dates, times, and locations. We are not responsible for the information submitted to us, and disclaim any liability for the information. Additionally, the addresses for or links to third party Web sites are provided for your convenience only. These Web sites, their owners, and operators are not affiliated or associated in any way with Travelocity, and we assume no responsibility for the content of such sites, or for any of your transactions or experiences with the owners and operators of such sites.


