Elkins celebrates annual ‘Ramps and Rails’ festival

By Serena Wiseman, for RealWV

When you think of West Virginia, what are some of the first things to come to mind?

The mountains, scenery, pepperoni rolls?

How about ramps?

In the town of Elkins every year around April, the height of the ramp growing season, there is a community celebration known as the “Ramps and Rails” festival. It is a cherished tradition that brings craft vendors and talent from local businesses and community members to showcase what they have made, and for everyone to try the local favorite – the ramp.

They make ramps into everything from ramp burgers, to ramp salt and ramp dip. The possibilities are truly endless.

Along with this the local railroad, the Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad, offers train rides throughout the festival. The railroad itself is known for its scenic rides in Elkins and the surrounding towns of Durbin and Cass as well as some entertaining trips such as the murder mystery and wine tasting rides, and the Wild West show. It is a wonderful way to see what the local area has to offer as well as a way to support the local railroad.