Spring in West Virginia means one thing: Ramps! Also known as wild leeks, Ramps are native to the state West Virginia where they are considered a true delicacy. This species of wild onion belongs to the lily family and was historically used as a remedy for colds, croup, earaches and insect bites. Ever since, visitors and locals alike have looked forward to the fresh greens after a long winter.
The taste is often compared to a mix between onion and garlic. Wild ramps are usually found in patches of hundreds or even thousands and take advantage of the early spring sunlight, growing before the trees leaf out. The foliage remains green for approximately six weeks, turns yellow and then disappears. During the short “ramp season,” there are many festivals and community dinners held throughout the Mountain State to celebrate this prized ingredient.
Ramp it Up Festival
April 19, 2025
Celebrate the flavors of Appalachia at ACE Adventure Resort’s annual Ramp It Up Festival. Welcome the spring’s arrival to the Mountain State with an all-you-can-eat Ramp buffet featuring pizza, chowder, pasta, icecream and more. Tickets also include an evening of live music from The Creekers along with Paul E. Johnson and Corey Lee McQuade.
Ramps and Rails Festival
April 26, 2025
Featuring this Almost Heaven seasonal eat, the Ramps and Rails Festival is a must attend event! Held every year in Elkins, visitors can try out different ramp-themed foods like ramp spring rolls, ramp pizza and even ramp donuts, listen to live music, enjoy the local craft vendors, and vote for their favorite vendors. Along with enjoying the festival, guests can choose to take part in one of the one-hour scenic train excursions departing from the Elkins Depot.
Harvest Your Own Ramps
The stunning Monongahela National Forest is home to an abundance of lush foliage and natural beauty—including wild ramps, which make their appearance each spring! These flavorful plants are a favorite among foragers and foodies alike in the area. If you’re planning to head out and harvest ramps, be sure to check the official guidelines for personal use to help preserve this special forest and its delicate ecosystems.
Explore Restaurants Serving Up Ramps
Many local eateries across the Mountain State add exciting limited-availability ramp dishes to their menu & products. Check out a few examples below and share others with us on our social media. Be sure to check each restaurant’s page as this coveted ingredient is only available for a short time each year!
- Fish Hawk Acres – Buckhannon, WV
- Farmers Daughter WV – Capon Bridge, WV
- The Wild Ramp – Huntington, WV
- Ample Pizza – Hico, WV
- Secret Sandwich Society – Hico, WV
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This article: Ramps! A West Virginia delicacy has been curated from our friends at Visit West Virginia and the original in it's entirety can be found here: https://wvtourism.com/ramps-a-west-virginia-delicacy/
