West Virginia, often referred to as the Mountain State, is a place of rugged beauty, deep traditions, and a fiercely independent spirit. While many tourists visit for its world-class hiking trails, whitewater rafting, and stunning fall foliage, locals know there’s so much more to experience.

If you want to truly embrace West Virginia like a local, you’ll need to go beyond the typical tourist attractions and dive into the rich culture, unique food scene, and small-town hospitality that make this state so special. From hidden gem restaurants to quirky festivals and local traditions, here’s how to experience West Virginia like a true Mountaineer.

1. Attend Local Festivals and Events

West Virginians love a good festival, and nearly every town has its own unique celebration that reflects its history and culture. Skip the typical state fairs and head to these offbeat, truly local festivals instead.

🍒 West Virginia Black Walnut Festival (Spencer)

📍 Spencer, WV
📅 Mid-October
A beloved tradition since 1954, this festival celebrates black walnuts, an iconic Appalachian delicacy. Locals gather for a mix of carnival rides, parades, a black walnut cake contest, and the always-anticipated Walnut Bowl (a high school football showdown). If you want to eat like a local, try some homemade black walnut ice cream or black walnut fudge.

🍔 Ramp Festivals (Statewide)

📍 Multiple Locations
📅 April – May
Ramps, a wild onion with a strong garlic-like flavor, are a West Virginia staple, and the arrival of ramp season is a big deal. Nearly every town has a ramp festival in the spring, with locals cooking up ramp soup, ramp-infused burgers, and even ramp wine. Some of the best ramp festivals include the Feast of the Ramson in Richwood and the Ramp Festival in Elkins.

⚒️ Matewan Massacre Reenactment (Matewan)

📍 Matewan, WV
📅 May
This annual event commemorates the historic Matewan Massacre of 1920, when coal miners clashed with company-hired detectives in a battle for labor rights. Locals dress in period costumes to reenact the famous gunfight, and the town hosts live music, storytelling, and craft vendors.

🍎 West Virginia RoadKill Cook-Off (Marlinton)

📍 Marlinton, WV
📅 Late September
Yes, you read that right—this festival features dishes made from wild game “found” on the road (don’t worry, the meat is properly sourced). Expect to see dishes like bear chili, snapping turtle soup, and venison burgers, cooked up by talented local chefs. It’s a quirky, offbeat, and very West Virginia experience.

2. Eat at Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants

West Virginia has some of the best mom-and-pop diners, roadside shacks, and hidden gem restaurants in the country. If you want to eat like a local, skip the chains and head to these spots instead.

🍞 Tudor’s Biscuit World (Statewide)

A West Virginia breakfast staple
This regional chain is a must-visit for anyone wanting a true Appalachian breakfast experience. The biscuits are legendary, and locals swear by the Peppi (pepperoni, egg, and cheese biscuit) or the Thundering Herd (a massive biscuit sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese). Every small town has a Tudor’s, and it’s a go-to breakfast spot for West Virginians.

🍗 Morrison’s Drive Inn (Logan)

📍 126 Stollings Ave, Logan, WV
An old-school drive-in serving hot dogs, fried chicken, and homemade milkshakes. Their signature West Virginia-style hot dog (chili, slaw, mustard, and onions) is a must-try.

🍔 Jim’s Drive-In (Lewisburg)

📍 479 Washington St W, Lewisburg, WV
A tiny, family-run drive-in where the burgers are juicy, the fries are hand-cut, and everything is made fresh to order. The locals’ secret? Order the peanut butter milkshake.

🥩 The Hütte Restaurant (Helvetia)

📍 1 Main St, Helvetia, WV
This cozy Swiss restaurant in a tiny Swiss-German settlement serves authentic dishes like rosti potatoes, homemade bratwurst, and sauerbraten. Helvetia is one of the most unique towns in West Virginia, and dining at The Hütte feels like stepping into Europe.

🍕 Pies & Pints (Fayetteville)

📍 219 W Maple Ave, Fayetteville, WV
This local favorite started in West Virginia and has since expanded, but its Fayetteville location is the OG. Their Grape & Gorgonzola Pizza is famous among locals, but any pie on their menu is a hit.

3. Explore the Lesser-Known Towns and Natural Wonders

While New River Gorge and Seneca Rocks are popular, locals know that some of the best spots in the state are way off the beaten path.

🏔️ Dolly Sods Wilderness

A high-elevation plateau with otherworldly landscapes, wind-swept trees, and panoramic views. Locals love hiking the Bear Rocks Trail for sunrise.

🌲 Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

A high-altitude bog unlike anything else in the state, featuring rare carnivorous plants and wildlife. The boardwalk trail is perfect for a peaceful, scenic stroll.

🏘️ Cass Scenic Railroad

A historic logging town where you can ride a real steam-powered train up the mountains and experience an authentic company town from the early 1900s.

🛶 The Tygart Valley River

If you want a true local’s whitewater rafting experience, skip the popular New River and head to the Tygart Valley River, which offers epic rapids with far fewer tourists.

4. Embrace West Virginia Traditions

If you really want to blend in like a local, get to know some of West Virginia’s unique customs and traditions.

🎵 Old-Time Music & Flatfoot Dancing

Appalachian folk music is still very much alive in West Virginia, and locals love flatfoot dancing (a mix of clogging and freestyle footwork) at community gatherings. Check out The Purple Fiddle in Thomas or The Appalachian String Band Festival for a truly authentic experience.

🏈 WVU Football (and the ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ Tradition)

West Virginians are die-hard WVU Mountaineer fans. If you’re in Morgantown for a game, expect passionate tailgating, stadium-wide singalongs to “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and a lot of blue and gold. Even if you’re not a sports fan, experiencing this tradition is a must.

⚒️ The Independent Spirit of the Coal Fields

Coal mining is deeply ingrained in West Virginia’s identity, and if you visit towns like Welch, Logan, or Matewan, you’ll hear stories of miners’ struggles, company towns, and labor battles that shaped the state. A visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a great way to learn more.

Final Thoughts

West Virginia isn’t just a state—it’s a way of life. If you want to experience it like a local, go beyond the tourist spots and embrace its deep-rooted traditions, hidden restaurants, and quirky festivals. Whether it’s eating a hot dog with chili and slaw, hiking through the foggy Dolly Sods, or singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” with a stadium full of Mountaineers, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this wild and wonderful state.