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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

This Footage Of A Massive Christmas Display In The Middle Of Nowhere, West Virginia Proves It’s Worth The Trip

Kermit Tyree’s Farm in Elkview, West Virginia, features a massive, privately operated Christmas light display that covers 20 acres and is a must-see holiday attraction.

Updated Oct 30, 2023

Written by 

Cristy

West Virginia Christmas displays fill our state with the magic and wonder of the season. There are so many amazing ones, from Oglebay to Bluefield and many, many spots in between. But nearly all of them are sponsored by a big entity: a resort or city, for example. Not so at Kermit Tyree's Farm in Elkview! This massive (MASSIVE) light display is a one-of-a-kind, privately operated Christmas blaze of color that's sure to delight your whole family, even though you do have to drive out to the middle of nowhere to see it! Here are some pictures (and video footage) to prove that this Christmas display in West Virginia is well worth the trip:

Kermit and JoAnn Tyree are local celebrities in Elkview, West Virginia. Not only do they own Kermit Tyree Construction, a well-respected oil field contractor, but they also put on one of the most spectacular Christmas shows in the state at their family farm on Aaron's Fork Road.

A festive display of Christmas decorations, including trees, lights, and stuffed characters, in a garage window.
wvsky/Youtube

It all started with a single string of lights in 1967...and now it's grown to cover all of 20 acres.

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Aerial view of a festive display with colorful Christmas lights and decorations illuminating houses and yards at night.
wvsky/Youtube

(Can you tell from this picture that the lights just keep going and going? Because they do!)

Aerial view of a festive light display along a winding path, featuring colorful decorations and parked cars.
wvsky/Youtube

The couple starts decorating in October to be ready for Thanksgiving weekend, which is when they flip the switch on all these lights.

A brightly lit house decorated with colorful Christmas lights and festive inflatable decorations in a nighttime setting.
wvsky/Youtube

You can find the Tyree Farm off Exit 9 on Interstate 79 (the Elkview exit) or off Exit 116 on Interstate 77 (the Sissonville exit). They're located halfway between the two interstates, on Aaron's Fork Road, about 7 miles from either exit. You'll know it when you see it, starting with the miles of lighted fence!

A festive house decorated with bright lights, featuring the word "JOY" and colorful Christmas trees and decorations.
wvsky/Youtube

Here's one more view from the top, because we just can't get over how much ground these lights cover...

Aerial view of a neighborhood decorated with colorful Christmas lights and festive displays at night.
wvsky/Youtube

...and then we'll turn you loose with the video footage, just in case these pictures didn't do Kermit Tyree's display justice.

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Is this not one of the best Christmas displays in West Virginia? Have you made the trip out to see the Tyree light display before?  What favorite Christmas tradition do you look forward to all year long? We have to say that another one of our favorites is picking out a local West Virginia Christmas tree!

If you're still struggling to finish up your gift list, you should check out this awesome gift guide for travelers we made for you. It's got options for every sort of adventurer in your crew.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in West Virginia Come From This Remote Farm

Sink your teeth into some of the very best autumnal treats in West Virginia this season at Orr's Farm Market in Martinsburg.

Published Oct 21, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Apple cider donuts capture so perfectly everything we love about the fall season: baking spices, local produce, and a hint of sweetness that signifies the arrival of autumn. And while they've become ubiquitous this time of year, it's also true that not all cider donuts are created equally. That's why we're encouraging you to visit Orr's Farm Market in Martinsburg to get some of the best cider donuts in West Virginia — which, we understand is making a bold claim.

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Orr's Orchard and Farm Market is the perfect place to spend a fall day here in West Virginia. Bring the whole family, too, because there's something for every age to appreciate about this family-run farm. As soon as you arrive, you'll want to hop on a wagon and make your way to the U-pick pumpkin patch. It's there that you can visit with the farm animals, select your very own pumpkin, and enjoy all the adorable photo ops.

Baskets filled with a variety of colorful apples arranged neatly in a market setting.
Orr's Farm Market / Facebook

But the real reason for the season is tucked away inside the market: the apples and, more specifically, the apple cider donuts. Reviewers have cited many reasons for loving their visit to Orr's, but the cider donuts are number one. It's difficult to describe exactly what makes these donuts so delicious — you'll have to take our word for it, or better yet, go order a dozen for yourself!

A hand holding a cinnamon sugar donut with a bite taken out, set against a green outdoor background.
Orr's Farm Market / Facebook

Not a donut fan? No problem; there are other delightful seasonal treats to enjoy, including freshly baked pies and muffins. Plus, you can stock up on locally sourced meats and produce while you're there.

There's so much to enjoy about your visit to Orr's: the hands-on farm experience, the community feel of this family-run operation, the delightful local produce, and, of course, the seasonal treats that you'll be daydreaming about for the rest of the year.

Have you ever visited Orr's Farm in the fall? What did you enjoy most about your experience? We'd love to hear from you! If you need even more inspiration for an amazing autumn here in the Mountain State, take a look at our ultimate guide to fall activities and adventures in West Virginia. We bet you'll be putting on your coziest flannel in no time!

For related content, take a look at what makes Martinsburg one of our absolute favorite small towns in West Virginia to visit for a healthy dose of history, shopping, dining, and much more.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The One West Virginia Farm Where You Can Interact With 100 Animals

Published Sep 23, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Wild Goats Farm is a delightful family farm petting zoo in Clarksburg, West Virginia, that offers a unique and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. This charming farm is home to a variety of friendly animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, cows, alpacas, a tortoise, and more (they've got 100 animals!), making it the perfect destination for animal lovers and families looking for a fun day out in the countryside.

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One of the highlights of Wild Goats Farm is the opportunity to interact with such a wide variety of animals up close and personal. My kids and I love animals, but there is no way that we could ever have this many at our house!

A fluffy llama with a brown and white coat stands in a grassy field, surrounded by sheep in the background.
Wild Goats Farm / Facebook

But we don't need to, since we can just go visit Wild Goats Farm to get our animal fix. Visitors can feed and pet many of the animals, creating unforgettable memories and bonding with these adorable creatures.

A peacock displays its vibrant feathers in a pen, with a peahen nearby and a wooden structure in the background.
Wild Goats Farm / Facebook

A hospitable family owns and runs the farm. They are knowledgeable and passionate about their animals, and they are always happy to answer questions and share interesting facts about the different species.

A fluffy Highland cow stands in the snow, munching on hay with a snowy landscape in the background.
Wild Goats Farm / Facebook

In addition to the animal interactions, Wild Goats Farm also offers a range of fun activities and special events for visitors to enjoy, from moonlight yoga to toddler days. There are even picnic areas where families can relax and enjoy a meal together while soaking in the picturesque surroundings of the farm.

A cozy outdoor setting with four red chairs around a stone fire pit, surrounded by green grass and trees.
Wild Goats Farm / Facebook

Wild Goats Farm is committed to providing a safe and clean environment for both the animals and visitors.

A vibrant field filled with yellow flowers, set against a green landscape and distant trees.
Wild Goats Farm / Facebook

This farm has been in the family for more than 200 years. The animals are well cared for and live in spacious and comfortable enclosures, and the farm staff take great care to ensure that hygiene and sanitation standards are maintained at all times.

Four guineafowl foraging on a grassy area scattered with autumn leaves, with trees in the background.
Wild Goats Farm / Facebook

This attention to detail helps to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone who visits the farm.

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A tortoise eating colorful pellets from a shallow dish in a grassy outdoor area.
Wild Goats Farm / Facebook

Overall, Wild Goats Farm is a hidden gem of a petting zoo in Clarksburg, West Virginia that offers a truly unique and memorable experience for anyone who loves animals and the outdoors. Whether you are looking for a fun day out with the family, a school field trip, or a special event venue, this charming petting zoo has something to offer for everyone. Here's the catch: the farm isn't open to the public on a set schedule, so call and schedule your tour or watch the farm's Facebook page for events that are open to the public so you can come on down to Wild Goats Farm and make some furry new friends! You can even spend the night!

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