Jenningston, WV — October 2, 2025— On September 20, the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills (WVSTS) and Laurel Fork Farm held their inaugural farmto-table dinner, A Taste of Appalachia, at the Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast. The event brought together community members, farmers, and supporters to highlight the importance of agritourism in West Virginia while raising funds for a new commercial kitchen at Laurel Fork Farm. The commercial kitchen, currently under development, will serve as a hub for year-round classes hosted by WVSTS and provide valuable opportunities for the community.
A highlight of the evening came when Laurel Fork Farm was presented with the very first Certified Agritourism sign, developed by West Virginia University and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. This milestone recognition makes Laurel Fork Farm the first in the state to receive the new designation.
The dinner drew 114 guests and was a resounding success thanks to the culinary talents of Chef Mel and the Davis & Elkins College hospitality team. Locally grown, farm-fresh ingredients were generously provided by partners including Seven Islands Farm, Mitzo, Big Timber, West Virginia Trails Association, Appalachian Acres, Cork’s Turkey Knob Wines, Mountain Man Apothecary, Licking Creek Farm, Healthberry Farm, Rt 18 Farm Market, Bailey’s Bread, Eastern Community and Technical College, WVU Extension and the WV Department of Agriculture.
“This community really pulled together to make this event such a success,” said Marsha Waybright, owner of Laurel Fork Farm, property manager of Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast, and president of WVSTS. “The support we’ve received gives me so much hope for the future of this project. The new facility is well on its way, and we’re already planning our next dinner!”
To learn more about Laurel Fork Farm and the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills, visit lrcbnb.com or call (304) 402-7095. You can also follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or watch more about the farm and its mission on The Waybright Family YouTube channel: Experience West Virginia With Us.