TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN hardy COUNTY WV

May 1, 2020 by Ed Fischer

1. Lost River State Park- Located in the wooded mountains of Hardy County in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, Lost River State Park provides cabin lodging and an abundance of outdoor recreation. The park's quiet 3,934 acres of woods provides a secluded getaway for nature lovers. Lost River is known for its Cranny Crow overlook on top of Big Ridge Mountain, which offers a commanding view of five counties. Popular activities include Biking, Camping, Geocaching, Hiking, Horseback Riding, and Swimming.

2. O'Neil's Restaurant-This is the favorite restaurant of Ed and Carol. They are also ranked as Number 1 of 15 Restaurants in Moorefield based on reviews on Trip Advisor. Some of our favorite dishes include the Santa Fe Chicken, French Onion Soup, and many excellent salad choices. For us, the most popular choice is their burgers and on Wednesday's for lunch they are only $5 and includes a side of Cole slaw, French fries, sweet potato fries, or homemade chips. Their desserts are to die for.

3. Valley View Golf Course-One of the Mid-Atlantics best kept secrets, Valley View Golf Club was designed by Bill Ward and Russell Roberts. Built in 1968, Valley View plays to 6,200 yards from the tips at a Par 71. Nestled in the South Branch Valley of the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia, Valley View welcomes all golfers as guests regardless of skill levels to this private golf course.
Rich in Civil War history, this property is located along the scenic South Branch of the Potomac River, and will provide you with panoramic views of the area. Do not let the scenic views distract you as water figures in 6 holes of this river bottom gem. Valley View offers a clubhouse with a snack bar and grill, a pro shop, lockers rooms, and a gorgeous covered deck to enjoy after your round is finished.

4. Wardensville Farmers Market- Launched in 2016 on the historic 100-acre Frye farm, their initial hope was to create a small farm market that would provide ten new jobs locally. Today, their farm project is certified organic and has a bustling produce market and from-scratch bakery that employs 70 people, including 50 local high school students.
They are the first project of Farms Work Wonders, a non-profit umbrella social enterprise, that creates living classrooms (such as their bakery, market, farm, and soon to be launched restaurant and production kitchen) to provide real-life experiences and generate income.
The nonprofit social enterprise model allows them to address historically negative economic development in Appalachia. Unlike traditional businesses, that often have extracted profits for outside interests, they do things differently. They create opportunities for youth and the broader community through sustainable enterprises and reinvest 100% of the fruits of the labors locally.

5. West-Whitehill Winery- In the South Branch Valley and Potomac Highlands of eastern West Virginia, West-Whitehill Winery grows grapes and makes unique blends of wines. Owner Steve West produces wine from French American hybrid varietals selected to withstand the colder climate of the eastern Alleghanies. Located in Hardy County in the eastern panhandle, the South Branch Valley lies in a unique 'rain shadow', which receives less rain than anywhere else in the state, making it more ideal for growing grapes than surrounding areas. Since 1981, Steve has grown French American hybrid varietals such as Chambourcin, Seyval, Aurore and Vidal.
West-Whitehill's wines are unique. "We are known for our dessert specialty wines which are blended with fruit, berry and spice flavors." Their semi-dry whites have a fresh, new wine flavor resembling Riesling and Rhine wines. Their aged reds reflect the fruitiness of the Chambourcin grape which grows so well in this area.