Pendleton County
Swilled Dog Cidery: A Taste of Apple-achia
SINKS OF GANDY You may have heard of the Sinks of Gandy, but even the name is misleading. “Sinks” refers to a cave system through which the waters of Gandy Creek pass, and, if you have not passed through it as well, you should definitely plan on it. The Sinks first came to widespread public notice by way of a tongue-in-cheek account of a pleasure expedition to the region published by David Hunter Strother in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine in 1872, based on his experience with the cave in 1854. Since then, the non-commercial cave has been a summertime destination for cavers, when the water is warm. Near Spruce Knob in the Monongahela National Forest, Gandy Creek disappears into a cave, eventually re-emerging from the other side. The cave itself is a 1.5-mile limestone structure passing beneath a large meadow. The sinks are located on private property
Swilled Dog, West Virginia’s second commercial hard cidery, has something for everyone. Located in Franklin, Swilled Dog produces flagship varieties year ’round: the dry, tart Walk the Dog; the fruit explosion of Wild Berry; the inspired-by-nana’s- kitchen Apple Pie; the tart and sweet Pumpkin Patch; and the spring and summer seasonal cider, Pineapple. Making hard cider is a common household tradition in Pendleton County. “There’s cider everywhere,” says Brad Glover. “I’ve beenmaking small batches as a hobby for nine or 10 years. So, a few years ago, I approached everybody to see if they wanted to start a business.” “Everybody” means his wife, Brooke, his two sisters and their
husbands, and his parents— eight family members in total. “Everybody brings something different to the table.” The family business has a strong commitment toWest Virginia, sourcing asmany of its apples in the state as possible and planting cider-specific trees every year. It also sets aside 3 percent of its profits forWest Virginia causes. In 2019, Swilled Dog opened a brand new facility in Upper Tract. The 20,000-square-foot building is the region’s premier craft beverage destination, highlighted by an incredible tasting room experience. Enjoy live music and tasting room specials throughout the year. 28 Pendleton County Industrial Park Road, Upper Tract, 304.358.0604, swilleddog.com
within the Potomac Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest. Both entrances to the Sinks of Gandy are located on private land. The upstream entrance is owned by the Teter family; the downstream by the Tingler family. Its location is not identified on any signage in the area, but access is permitted by the property owners.
Annual Events
Schedule your visit to include one of these Pendleton County local events: Pendleton County Outdoorsman Sports Show: Early Spring
WV Trout Fest: Early May
Pendleton County Farmers Market: Open Saturdays in Summer−Fall
Warner’s Drive-In Theater: Friday & Saturday Showings Memorial Day weekend−Labor Day
Treasure Mountain Festival: September
Main Street Magic: Early December
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