All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Farm-to-table dinners are back at West Virginia State Parks

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.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league wraps up week one

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its first week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, featuring high-scoring performances from Dalton Hamrick, Cooper Sanders, Derek Sevier, Manadji Tokindang, and Austin Upton.
BUHS Girls Soccer Feature Image

Kelley calls soccer camp a success, has sights on leading B-U girls program to new heights

Logan Kelley, newly named head coach of the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc soccer team, helped oversee a successful youth camp and aims to bring stability and new achievements to the girls program.

Wesleyan professor collecting first-hand accounts, photos to commemorate 1985 flood

A West Virginia Wesleyan College professor and librarian are collecting first-hand stories and photos from the 1985 flood to create an anniversary exhibit preserving campus and community memories of the disaster.