Celebrate the season at these farm-fresh dinners.
At some restaurants, the food is great while the ambience leaves much to be desired. Other places have a great feel while the cuisine is only so-so. But you can have it both ways. These farm dinners combine beautiful surroundings and delicious food made from fresh ingredients—creating meals you’ll never forget.
Lost Creek Farm
Someday, Lost Creek chefs and partners Mike Costello and Amy Dawson hope to have a commercial kitchen and event space on their Harrison County farm. But in the meantime, they take their culinary show on the road, preparing Appalachian favorites while telling the stories of traditional ingredients like Bloody Butcher corn, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes, and Candy Roaster squash. On August 3, Costello and Dawson will host a glimpse of things to come with their first dinner on their own farm. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lostcreekfarmwv.com.
July 6 – Benedict Haid Farm in Charleston
July 15–19 – Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins
August 3 – The Dream at Lost Creek Farm
August 17 – Green Gate Farm in Shepherdstown
September 1–2 – Dare To Be Square in Helvetia, a workshop exploring West Virginia foodways
September 21 – Riffle Farms in Terra Alta, featuring bison meat from the farm and cider from Swilled Dog Hard Cider of Upper Tract
J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works
Courtesy of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works
Run by brother–sister team Lewis Payne and Nancy Bruns, this Malden property is best known for what’s underneath it—pristine sea salt from the prehistoric ocean that once covered West Virginia. The salt is now used in kitchens of gourmet chefs and discerning home cooks alike. But J.Q. Dickinson also hosts a series of popular dinners featuring chefs from across the state. And as if the fresh-grown food wasn’t good enough, $10 of each ticket price is donated to a West Virginia charity. Get more information and purchase tickets at jqdsalt.com/events.
June 28 – Chef Wes Arnold of Cafe Appalachia in South Charleston
July 22 – Chef Stephen Gustard of The French Goat in Lewisburg, with wine pairings by Galaxy Wine Distributing
September 16 – Chef Matt Welsch of The Vagabond Kitchen in Wheeling
Fish Hawk Acres
It isn’t quite accurate to call Fish Hawk Acres in Rock Cave a “farm.” Its 28 acres is actually a collection of growers who share a commitment to fresh, locally grown food. You can enjoy the bounty of the farms at Fish Hawk Market in Buckhannon but, for a more immersive experience, head to one of Fish Hawk’s regular farm dinners. They’re each prepared by co-owner Chef Dale Hawkins. View the menus and purchase tickets at fishhawkacreswv.com/dinners.
June 12 – Spring into Summer Farm Dinner, featuring spring vegetables.
July 10 – The “Hill William” Farm Dinner, featuring gussied-up takes on traditional foods.
August 14 – A Taste of Italy, featuring Old Country favorites made with local ingredients.
September 11 – Fiesta at the Farm, a Mexican feast with homemade corn tortillas, tamales, guacamole, and more.
featured image by Lauren Love Photography
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