Explore WV Potomac Highlands Regional Guide

Grant County

Smoke Hole Caverns Resort Smoke Hole Caverns Resort is a family-owned and operated adventure destination offering lodging, conference space, shopping, dining, and fishing guides. It is a great location to make your home base as you explore all of the outdoor opportunities in the area.

Fairs & Festivals — S U MM E R — Tri-County Fair: last week of July The Tri-County Fair is a weeklong celebration in the heart of summer. What started in 1920 as a 4-H class exhibit at the old courthouse in Petersburg has evolved into an annual exhibit of agriculture, horticultural, floriculture, livestock, home economics, and art. — FA L L —

Smoke Hole got its name from the Seneca Indians, who used the front section of the caverns to smoke wild game. The slow-burning wood fires sent clouds of smoke swirling out into the valley, and the early settlers soon called the place Smoke Hole. The many rooms and secluded nature of the caverns also made it an ideal place for early settlers and immigrants to make corn whiskey after the Civil War. The clean cold stream that flows through the

caverns was perfect for moonshine, and the caverns housed as many as 20 operating stills at one time. Smoke Hole Caverns’ magnificent formations are the result of millions of years of intricate processes and trillions of drops of mineral-laden water. It is known for its unique stalactites and stalagmites, mineral formations that hang from the ceiling or formon the floor of the caverns. 5413 North ForkHighway, Cabins, 304.257.4442, smokehole.com

One of the premier pumpkin patches inWest Virginia is located at Cherry Brook Farms in Mount Storm. Roam through the patch to find that perfect pumpkin, and choose from a huge selection of mums and gourds. Be sure to pick up a bag of kettle corn before you leave.

— W I N T E R — Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at May Christmas Tree Farm in Petersburg.

Christmas cookies and hot cocoa, Santa and all his helpers from the North Pole, and a train ride to see the Festival of Lights are all part of the Snowflake Express at the South Side Depot in Petersburg. The train ride is about 45 minutes—the perfect amount of time for the little ones! — S P R I N G — SpringMountain Festival: April Since 1982, the SpringMountain Festival has been an annual tradition in Petersburg. The festival includes train rides, a fishing derby, jousting, andmuzzleloaders. Lots of food and entertainment for the family.

Mountain StateMaple Days is a two- day celebration inMarch highlighting maple syrup–related activities and businesses inWest Virginia. Sugar houses across the state will offer special activities, tastings, and tours. Grant County CVB, 126 SouthMain Street, Petersburg, 304.257.9266, visitgrantcounty.com

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