there’s nothing more authentically Appalachian than maple syrup.
It’s time for a spring road trip! And there’s nothing more authentically Appalachian than maple syrup. So this weekend join us as we tap into West Virginia Maple Days! There are several spots around the state that will be offering tours, tastings, and sweet treats—for a comprehensive list, visit the West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association. Below is our itinerary for Pendleton County. Known for its iconic rock outcroppings and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state, Seneca Rocks, Pendleton County is also home to the largest producer of maple syrup in the state: Spruce Knob Maple.
This weekend visit Pendleton County
Start your day with breakfast
Yokum’s Grill will serve buckwheat pancakes as well as regular pancakes with locally sourced Dry Fork Maple Works syrup ALL DAY LONG! And don’t worry, there will also be bacon, sausage, or ham to go with it!
Location: 23787 Mountaineer Drive, Seneca Rocks
The Korner Shop will participate in Maple Days this Saturday, March 19. They will be serving pancakes, waffles, buckwheat cakes, and Texas french toast with local maple syrup—and will serve a maple special for lunch, too. Breakfast is served 6–11 a.m., lunch is 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Corner of Main Street and Spruce Street, Franklin.
The Hollow will serve maple pancakes with pecans, maple sausage, and home fries.
Location: 927 North Main Street, Franklin
Learn about Sycamore Syrup
Make sure you visit the historic McCoy’s Mill, where you can witness Luke Taylor-Ide of Future Generations University make sycamore syrup. This beautiful location is a perfect jumping-off point.
Location: 293 Thorn Creek Road: Take 220 South out of Franklin towards the county line.
Take a tour
After visiting McCoy’s Mill, turn left on Dry Run Road and head up the hill to Loafer’s Glory Resort and Event Venue and Dry Run Spirits Distillery. This is a must visit. Dry Run Spirits has distilled their maple tree water to make some incredible Maple Moonshine. Enjoy a free tasting and take home a bottle of their moonshine or apple brandy. While you’re there, you must take a short walk around their unique 190-acre property that includes an historic 1840s German Appalachian homestead—it’s one of the most incredible collections of original log structures in the state.
Cool Hollow Maple Farm is nearby and needs to be your next stop. Established in 2013, this family-owned maple farm offers sugarhouse tours and samples. Don’t leave without purchasing some maple candy, maple cotton candy, and maple glazed nuts.
Location: 627 Cool Hollow Drive, Sugar Grove—on Sandy Ridge Road between Franklin and Moyers.
From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., you can visit Jack Mountain Maple farm, sample their syrup, and purchase baked goods.
Location: Travel south on 220 from Franklin for 8 miles. Turn left onto Moyers Gap Road at Cave Country Store. Continue on Moyers Gap Road for approximately 1.3 miles. Creekside Drive will be on your right.
Grab a bite
If you didn’t try one of the breakfast locations, now is the time to partake. The Korner Shop Cafe, located on the corner of Main Street and Spruce Street in Franklin, will serve a special delicious Maple Pork Chop with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Lunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll want to have something in your stomach so you can enjoy a few creative drinks.
Drink up!
The Franklin Moose Lodge is serving a specialty maple cocktail that you have to try! A sweet margarita with local maple syrup, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, with a salted rim.
Location: 133 Mill Road, Franklin
Don’t leave the area without stopping at Swilled Dog, one of the state’s premier cideries. Swilled Dog will have a Maple Old-Fashioned Cider on tap, and flights of cider will also be available. Check out their whiskey tasting room and their award-winning bourbons. If you end your evening at Swilled Dog, you’ll be able to enjoy Dulcimer Dames from 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Swilled Dog is located in the Pendleton County Industrial Park in Upper Tract, right along U.S. 220 South.
Last but not least
Whichever direction you arrive in Pendleton County from, you won’t want to miss M&S Maple Farm, located near Swilled Dog. Stop and tour their sugarhouse and sample their delicious maple products. If you begin your tour here, there will even be breakfast for the early birds. And if you get there in time for their famous maple cotton candy, don’t leave without a bag!
Location: 44 Graystone Lane, Upper Tract
Nearby in Petersburg
Stop at the South Side Depot in Petersburg and grab some maple donuts. Sample some of the area’s maple products including syrup, coated nuts, and maple cakes. Commemorate Maple Days with Blenko Glass maple leaf bowls, steel cut maple ornaments, and other maple treasures found in the gift shop.
If you want to taste black gold–meaning rare black walnut syrup–visit Mongold Walnut Farm from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., where maple producer Mark Bower and walnut grove owner Gary Mongold have teamed up to provide demonstrations, sampling of black walnut syrup, baked goods, and information about using West Virginia forests for syrup production.
Location: 235 Getz Mountain Road, ¼ mile beyond Spring Run Trout Hatchery in Petersburg
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