When asked what their favorite part of the West Virginia State Fair was, just about everyone answers “FOOD!”  We thought it would be helpful to those new to the fair to give them a quick snapshot of what they should be sure to try while visiting.  We aren’t talking about novelties like donut burgers or fried Snickers bars, these are the foods that have been long standing favorites for several generations of fair goers.

The top three favorite foods of the WV State Fair are:

Ben-Ellen Donuts

For over 60 years the little donut stand outside of the grandstand has seen long lines and thousands of happy repeat customers.  These donuts are deep fried and rolled in a special blend of cinnamon and sugar, which surely will leave you wanting more.  Simply delicious warm, right out of the bag, along with an ice cold glass of milk or hot cup of coffee.  The only way to get these heavenly delights is at the state fair.  They have no shop and though you may try to recreate this at home, it simply won’t be the same.  This is a must stop.

Cinnamon Rolls

Another long line you’ll find is for the ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls.  A favorite of many, the huge roll is best when eaten hot and fresh and will be big enough to share.   It’s almost torturous standing in line, waiting for your turn to place an order because the smell of yeasty cinnamon bread and hot, creamy icing overpowers your senses.  The fair sees consistently long lines in the evenings for these treats so allow for the line time.  They are located near the WV Building, toward the agriculture displays and barns.  You may even get lucky and catch the one-man band performing!

Belt’s Pizza

There’s something special about this pizza.  I’m not sure what it is…the thin crust, the sauce, the spices…but this pizza is special.  Now owned by the folks who own Ben-Ellen Donuts, Belt’s Pizza has served fair goers for decades.  Most of their orders are by the slice, but you can also get a full pie.

Other places worth mentioning are Rudy’s Corner Grill and the State Fair Cafeteria.  The fair presence of Rudy’s offers much of the same fare as their restaurant located in downtown Ronceverte.  Grab a burger and some fries and a cold soda and watch the crowd go by while you rest and enjoy your meal.  This year, the State Fair Cafeteria is operated by The Mason Jar, a restaurant in White Sulphur Springs.  The Mason Jar offers the best fried chicken around, burgers, fries, salads and BBQ.  Check them out this year at the fair and beat the heat (or get out of the rain) in the indoor, air conditioned dining room.

So take a stroll around the fairgrounds and through the barns, catch a show or sit for a spell and people watch.  Whatever you do, work up an appetite and thirst then indulge in some delicious fair food.  Bloomin’ onions, freshly squeezed lemonade, cotton candy, elephant ears, funnel cakes, steak sandwiches, BBQ ribs, fried chicken, giant pork chops, fried Hershey’s kisses, roastin’ ears, spiral potatoes and the list goes on and on.  You are sure to find some new and old favorite foods of the WV State Fair.

For more information on things in West Virginia, please visit Information West Virginia’s website.  #SFWV2013