Imagine a map of West Virginia.
Now, pretend she’s a person. Imagine where the heart would be. That’s Upshur County. Formed 12 years before West Virginia gained statehood, Upshur County contains many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered—small town getaways with big time charm.
Pick Your Own Adventure
If your only experience with blueberries is the plastic cartons at the grocery store—well, you don’t know berries. So make a trip to Floral Acres in French Creek, where you’ll find more than 3,200 bushes bursting with many varieties of blueberries, each with their own unique flavor profile. The pick-your-own season begins on June 30 at 9 a.m. and lasts into August. Floral Acres provides buckets for picking—you can pick a pint for just $2—as well as ice water to keep you hydrated. Pro tip: Wear sunscreen and take a hat! 385 Bridal Ridge Road, French Creek, 304.924.6462, floralacres.com
The Farmers’ Market
Longtime friends Dale Hawkins and Teresa Lipps launched Fish Hawk Acres, their 40-acre farm and catering company, in 2007. Foodies throughout the state quickly came to know Fish Hawk for its monthly farm dinners, held from June to September on the second Thursday of the month. Those dinners are still a huge draw for this farm, which features the best seasonal ingredients around as well as live entertainment.
If you can’t wait for one of the dinners, head to Fish Hawk Acres Market in downtown Buckhannon. This specialty market and cafe offers fresh produce from local growers, unique cheeses, a case full of delectable baked goods, and scratch-made soups, salads, and sandwiches, as well as a daily grab-and-go dinner option. 5 West Main Street, Buckhannon, 304.473.7741, fishhawkacreswv.com
Home Entertainment
Heather and Bronson McNemar are shaking up the state music scene by hosting some of the state’s best bands in a unique, intimate venue—the living room in their cozy Buckhannon farmhouse, dubbed McNemar House. The house is also home to an art gallery and offers three rooms for guests to spend the night. 112 Paradise Road, Buckhannon, 304.439.1145, mcnemarhouse.com
Get Out
When the summer sun shines hot, Upshur Countians head for the water. You’ll find five boat launches along the Buckhannon River, which means you can paddle your kayak or canoe for a few hours or enjoy an all-day float. Tygart River Outfitters provide boat rentals but can also organize a guided tour for your group. 304.613.5557, tygartriveroutfitters.com
The Buckhannon River also features world-class muskie fishing on a six-and-a-half-mile section that runs from the city’s water supply dam upstream to the first riffle. If you’re lucky enough to find one, these big fish will put up a good fight—just be sure to release your catch after snagging your requisite selfie.
Audra State Park is a great place to take a dip in the Middle Fork River or wet your fishing line in pursuit of rainbow trout. The park also offers hiking and biking trails, camping areas, and geocaching opportunities. 8397 Audra Park Road, Buckhannon, 304.457.1162, wvstateparks.com
For more hiking and biking, check out Upshur County Trails. This four-mile trail system at the Upshur County Recreation Park is conveniently located behind Buckhannon–Upshur High School on West Virginia Route 20. There are plans for even more trails in the future, which will eventually connect Upshur County with other trail systems throughout West Virginia.
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