When Linda Losey and Tom Kiefer visited Italy in 2010, they weren’t thinking of turning their European vacation into a business venture in West Virginia, but inspiration can come from the experience of a single sip.
While everyone probably knows a little something about most of West Virginia’s 55 counties, we wanted to increase the type of knowledge people have about our great state. It is with that goal in mind that we present “Facts from the 55.” We hope you enjoy and learn a little something about the state we call home.
DiOGi’s is known in West Virginia for its variety of authentic Latin dishes and the friendly service offered to both human and canine customers. Located in Fayetteville, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner for visitors from near and far to experience the lively menu and laid-back atmosphere.
As a grain-to-glass distillery, Smooth Ambler Spirits, located in Maxwelton, WV, combines local mountain water, regionally sourced corn and wheat and clean air in an ideal climate to produce fine, handcrafted vodka, gin and whiskey. “We hand-select our grains, bring them to the distillery whole and grind them ourselves,” explains John Little, vice president and head distiller. “Then, the spent grain, or stillage, is picked up by a local farmer and fed to his livestock.” This cyclic process allows Smooth Ambler to maintain a hands-on approach and preserve relationships with their suppliers.
In 1976, the former Jefferson Security Bank in Shepherdstown, WV was purchased for space as a restaurant. The new owner named it the Yellow Brick Bank and opened for business before discovering that the bricks resisted paints and glazes, yellow or otherwise. The name has remained, however, and today, the Yellow Brick Bank (YBB) is an Eastern Panhandle institution that has served a notable list of guests that includes First Lady Nancy Reagan.
In 2004, a small group of city leaders in Charleston, WV met with Mayor Danny Jones to develop an idea for a citywide arts and entertainment festival. The concept was different from past events the city had hosted, such as its long-running Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, which took place on the riverfront and focused on music. Instead, these city leaders envisioned a more comprehensive festival, one that would include music, theater, fine art and dance.