Learn about the honeybee, West Virginia’s state insect, and support local businesses at any of the various stops along Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (VMCCVB) newly organized West Virginia Honey Trail.
Established last month, the West Virginia Honey Trail is a network of businesses and attractions that sell honey-based products or otherwise support pollinators. This includes beekeepers, flower farms, restaurants, farmers’ markets, state parks and more.
The West Virginia Honey Trail is the product of a collaboration between the Mon County Beekeepers Association, West Virginia Department of Agriculture and VMCCVB. The three organizations have come together to promote pollinators, boost local businesses and further state tourism.
“We’re just always trying to work together with our state and local partners to bring these champion projects together that tell our destination story,” said VMCCVB Destination Development Coordinator Stella Hehnly.
The project was inspired by the city of Westover’s new designation as a Bee City, becoming part of a national effort to protect and champion pollinators. In seeing what the city’s efforts have accomplished and the public education it’s fostered, a state honey trail seemed like a great next step — especially considering the honeybee’s status as West Virginia’s official state insect due to its prominence in the state’s economy.
“The honey industry is a piece of our toolkit that sets our destination apart from others. Through this collaboration, we get to celebrate the wonders of local honey and give well-deserved recognition to the pollinators that sustain the industry, but it also brings attention to the local businesses who are protecting and supporting pollinators,” said VMCCVB Destination Development Coordinator Kathryn Carter.
An itinerary is available on the Visit Mountaineer Country Trip Planner App where users can view the various locations participating in the West Virginia Honey Trail and customize their plans. A web version is also available at VisitMountaineerCountry.VisitWidget.com/Tours/West-Virginia-Honey-Trail.
The West Virginia Honey Trail currently encompasses a wide variety of over 70 stops. This includes 26 state parks, an AirBnB with honeybee apiaries on-site, various gift shops selling honey-based items, flower shops, breweries and wineries, cafes, farmers markets and, of course, a range of beekeepers.
Some particularly unique products available at locations along the honey trail include Screech Owl Brewing’s Buckwheat Honey Porter, Sleepy Holler Homestead LLC’s honey cotton candy, beeswax candles and skincare from Charleston Bee Works, Hestia’s Way Acres’ creamed honey and honey sticks, The Old Stone House Gift Shop’s variety of honey flavors including sourwood, knotweed, goldenrod, tree of heaven and sumac honey, Stone Tower Brews Morgantown’s Local Honey Latte and more.
“There’s a huge variety for people to choose from. So, depending on what they’re interested in, they’ll definitely be able to find something,” said Carter. The honey trail is also gaining new stops by the day.
Grab family and friends to spend the coming fall days outside appreciating the beauty of West Virginia’s state parks, exploring the vibrant local businesses tucked away across the state and enjoying the impressive creations of honeybees along the West Virginia Honey Trail.
“I think it’s really important, just taking the opportunity to learn about bees and their role in the environment and economy while supporting local businesses along the trail is vital for raising awareness about the significance of bees and pollinators,” said Carter. “With the honeybee as our official state insect, this trail offers a unique chance to connect with West Virginia’s cultural identity, promote some sustainable practices and really just strengthen the local economy through tourism and community engagement.”
For more information, visit VisitMountaineerCountry.com/west-virginia-honey-trail. Share photos from your stops along the trail by tagging @VisitMountaineerCountry or #WVHoneyTrail on social media.
