Every summer, West Virginia Living invites all Mountain State residents to show their support for the best that the state has to offer. Voters go online and select from a broad variety of fields that cover tourism, community service, local culture, attractions, and places to consume both potables and victuals.
The Potomac Highlands hosts a significant number of nominations for “Best of West Virginia,” with Hardy County home to a number of highlights. Says Kelly Williams, owner and general manager of a number of area businesses related to food, tourism, and recreation, “this is amazing to have our area represented and I just want to encourage daily voting by all of our communities (in the Potomac Highlands.)
First, the list of nominations answers the age-old question of what there is to do. Those looking for a beautiful and scenic day on the links will enjoy the views and the course at Valley View Golf Course with its modern amenities and historical buildings.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the options at Highlands Family Entertainment Center, nominated for “Best Place to Take the Kids.” Go see a movie at South Branch Cinemas, or bowl at the South Branch Potomac Lanes right next door. When one works up an appetite, the Sweet Rose Ice Cream Shop or Highlands Bar and Grill can satisfy.
Hardy County hosts a number of wonderful places to enjoy a meal as well. The list of excellent food in the area extends much longer than the list of nominees, which only means that it’s incredibly easy to find an amazing restaurant in the area.
Nominees for the “Best Pizza” include Highlands Bar and Grill and Lost and Found Pizza and Provisions in Mathias. The nomination for best barbeque from Hardy County is South Branch Smokehouse, Best Watering Hole is Highlands Bar and Grill, best bologna sandwich, hot dog, and sandwich all come from the Old Fields Country Store.
Best sandwich included South Branch Smokehouse, the Old Fields Country Store, and the Lost River General Store and Cafe. The latter also was nominated for best hot dog along with Old Fields Country Store.
The best wing category also included Lost and Found Pizza and Provisions, as well as South Branch Smokehouse. Lost River General Store was nominated for best pepperoni rolls. Nominations for best burger included Highlands Bar and Grill, South Branch Smokehouse, and Mack’s Bingo Kitchen. Although not on the list of nominations, many swear by the burgers at Peru General Store as well. Sweet Rose Ice Cream Shop was nominated for their signature product.
Best chef nominated from the area was Anthony Eads at the South Branch Smokehouse. Highway 304 was nominated as the best food truck.
For Appalachian Cuisine from Hardy County, nominees included Mack’s Bingo Kitchen and Lost River Restaurant and Lounge.
When looking for products to buy, Breezewood Adventures was nominated for Best Outfitter and West Whitehall Winery was selected to compete in Best Winery. The selection for best butcher was Lost River Butcher Block, best bakery Mack’s Bingo Kitchen. South Branch Meat and Cattle Company’s meat products earned them nomination for best West Virginia made product.
Breezewood Adventures secured nomination for best outdoor adventure business.
Hardy County nominated attractions include best agritourism venue, the Wardensville Garden Market (also best farmer’s market), and the best bed and breakfast, the Inn At Lost River. Best flatwater attraction, shared with Hampshire County, is The Trough.
Kelson Thorne of Petersburg was the area’s nominee for best artist. His works have graced businesses, government buildings, fire houses, schools, athletic facilities and more all over the Potomac Highlands. His work has made townscapes both more beautiful and inviting to residents and visitors alike.
Hardy County’s dozens of entries give locals and those who love the area a chance to help the area shine. West Virginians have until Oct. 12 to get on the West Virginia Living website and vote for their favorites.
