By Katie Allie
These are my stories from the road and hard-won guidance from a thoughtful traveler. If I’m making you curious about getting lost and finding the good stuff in this great big world we all share, then I’m doing something right.
It’s September, which means fall festival season is in full swing in West Virginia. Whether you’re after buckwheat pancakes, bluegrass music or people propelling themselves off bridges, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best festivals around the state to get you out there and keep you busy every weekend from now until the end of October. Safe travels and have fun!
Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree 2016
September 23
Twin Falls Resort State Park – Mullens, WV
twinfallsresort.com/calendar.html
WV RoadKill Cook-Off and Harvest Festival
September 23-24
Marlinton, WV
Preston County Buckwheat Festival
September 29-30 and October 1-2
Kingwood, WV
Mountain State Forest Festival
October 1-9
Elkins, WV
*This year will mark the 80th annual Forest Festival celebration, the longest running in the state of West Virginia.
West Virginia Pumpkin Festival
October 6-9
Milton, WV
*A personal sentimental favorite: my grandparents took me to this every year growing up.
2016 Salem Apple Butter Festival
October 6-9
Salem, WV
West Virginia Black Walnut Festival
October 13-16
Spencer, WV
Wardensville Fall Festival
October 14-16
Wardensville, WV
New River Gorge Bridge Day
October 15
Oak Hill, WV
*I was married at the New River Gorge, so I will admit that I am biased, but I am genuinely convinced that there is nothing more beautiful than this part of the state in October.
FestivALL
October 20-23
Charleston, WV
Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival
October 20-23
Martinsburg, WV
Old-Time Fiddlers’ Reunion
October 21-23
Davis & Elkins College – Elkins, WV
augustaheritagecenter.org/events/augusta-events/fiddlers-reunion/
C-K AutumnFest
October 28-29
Kenova, WV
About the Author
Katie Allie is a West Virginia native who holds degrees in English and elementary education. A teacher by trade, she spent years in a classroom before branching out as a travel consultant and writer. With five continents under her belt and an affinity for noodle soup, it should come as no surprise that she loves to write about food and talk adventure. She may be reached at hello@acrossthelinetravel.com.
