SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks farm to table dinner series is back this year and is the best way to enjoy locally sourced food, fresh local produce, and locally crafted beverages at select West Virginia State Parks. Each dinner is a unique dining experience, and seating is limited. These dinners kick off at Hawks Nest State Park on May 26-27 with a weekend full of wonder and local farm fresh foods prepared by the “Vagabond Chef,” Matt Welsch.
Welsch, now a celebrity chef, grew up on Wayman’s Ridge, outside Limestone, in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. Welsch has traveled the country in search of the best foods and techniques, finally landing right back here at home in “Almost Heaven,” West Virginia. His Flagship restaurant, The Vagabond Kitchen, is in downtown Wheeling, where he feels like he is making a positive change in his community, and his passion for the farm-to-table concept is real.
“Matt will be putting on a culinary show at Hawks Nest State Park on May 27, 2023, that is sure to please your palate and boost your enthusiasm for the “Farm to Table” concept,” said Paul Redford, Deputy Chief of WV State Parks.
Prices: Weekend Package, $649 per couple; Saturday Cocktail/Dinner Only: $79 per person.
Weekend Schedule
Friday 26th:
- 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Cocktail Social: Meet Matt Welsh, the Vagabond Chef
- Featuring beverages from Bridge Brew Works of Fayetteville, WV
Saturday 27th:
Complementary Breakfast at the Overlook Restaurant
Jetboat Excursion along the New River
Special Naturalist Program
Time to Explore the Park
- 5:00 pm – Cocktail Social featuring beverages from Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Ciders
- 6:15 pm – Dinner at the Hawks Nest Events Center
- 8:00 pm – Drawings for Exclusive West Virginia State Park prizes including golf, activities, camping and overnight accommodations
Sunday 28th:
Complimentary Breakfast at the Overlook Restaurant
All ticket holders for the Saturday evening dinner will receive an exclusive West Virginia State Parks; 2023 Farm to Table Series shirt. All packages also include a 15% off coupon for any item at any of the Shops of Hawks Nest State Park. Prices include taxes and gratuities.
To purchase Saturday Farm-to-Table cocktail and dinner only online, click here. To reserve the weekend package please call Hawks Nest State Park at 304.658.5212. Plan to spend the Memorial Day weekend at Hawks Nest State Park and perhaps extend your stay to take advantage of other attractions in the Fayette County area.
