Dining with a View: 4 restaurants with scenic mountain seating

West Virginia’s soaring mountains and sprawling valleys provide breathtaking backdrops for a delicious dining experience. Take in the scenery from your table at some of these wild and wonderful restaurants with a view.

1. Gorge-ous Views

Smokey’s on the Gorge, a favorite among whitewater rafters, was named in honor of the late Dana “Smokey” Morton, beloved bus driver for Class VI River Runners. The restaurant offers gourmet full-service breakfast and dinner buffets. Optional seating on the outdoor deck offers a breathtaking view of the New River Gorge and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

2. Mountain Highlands Glory

The Forks Restaurant and Inn in Elkins gives new meaning to the expression “dining destination.” The Forks provides gourmet dining and luxurious lodging amidst a beautiful mountain vista. Experience fine comfort food like Smoked Trout, Ramp Meatball, Curried Beef or Lemon Chicken, served seasonally.

3. Spectacular State Parks

Canaan Valley Resort State Park’s Hickory Dining Room offers daily breakfast, lunch and dinner options along with traditional holiday buffets. The dining room’s glass walls present a panoramic view of the valley 3,200 feet above sea level in the Potomac Highlands. Surrounding mountains, including the scenic Bald Knob overlook, extend upward an additional 1,000 feet.

4. Lakeside Dining

Ihlenfeld Dining Room at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling overlooks Schenk Lake, rewarding diners with a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. During November and December, Oglebay’s award-winning Festival of Lights transforms the hillside into a glittering holiday display. A gourmet menu features favorites like Seafood Bouchee and Stacked Beef Wellington.

Which of these restaurant views is your favorite?

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This post was last updated on July 17, 2020