You know spring is finally here when you smell blooming flowers, fresh-cut grass, and supper grilled on the barbecue. But for us Appalachian folk, the surest sign of spring is the pungent, garlicky, unmistakably strong odor of ramps.

Whether you know this wild leek by its fancy name, Allium tricoccum, or its more casual moniker, ramps, it gives everything from scrambled eggs to spring salads to buttermilk biscuits a distinctive kick.

In recent years, these fragrant veggies have exploded in popularity and are now appearing not only at farmers’ markets but also upscale restaurants and even in the pages of fancy magazines like Bon Appetit.

For all their popularity, ramps are notoriously hard to farm, and they’re still foraged in Appalachian hills and hollers, where they grow natively. Many mountain states celebrate them with everything from day-long food festivals to weekend events featuring bluegrass, crafts, and kids’ activities — all guaranteed to provide a stinkin’ good time. 

Richwood, West Virginia

April 13, 2024

As the self-proclaimed Ramp Capital of the World, Richwood has been holding this festival for 85 years. This year’s feast will include an arts and crafts show and local Appalachian music. A $20 dinner ticket gets you ramps, potatoes, brown beans, cornbread, ham and bacon, and desserts plus Gub’s sassafras tea and cold drinks.

Equinunk, Pennsylvania

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, April 19 - May 19, 2024

Harvesting ramps isn’t a straightforward as it sounds. For instance, if you pull a bunch up by their roots, they won’t grow back, further depleting our region’s already bruising ramps supply. But, if you cut them just above the root, ramps will return year-after-year. Learn sustainability tips like these while picking your own wild ramps at this unique event.

Reliance, Tennessee

April 26 and April 27, 2024

Now celebrating its 66th year, this free, two-day event features a craft festival; live bluegrass, folk, and rock-and-roll oldies; and a traditional ramps meal, including ramps in eggs, white beans, cornbread, fried potatoes, and streaked meat bacon. Bagged ramps are also available for sale. Proceeds benefit the Polk County 4-H Clubs and Camp McCroy. 

Swanton, Maryland

April 27, 2024

Show off your culinary prowess at this breath-killing, belly-thrilling cook off. You’ll compete against delectable dishes like ramp and cheese cornbread, ramp tempura, and ramp ranch dressing. It’s all housed in the lodge-like Discovery Center on Deep Creek Lake.

Huntington, West Virginia

April 27, 2024

The name says it all. A beloved annual affair hosted by The Wild Ramp, a nonprofit food market, Stinkfest features delectable ramp-infused dishes from The Wild Ramp’s line of Harvest Kitchen prepared foods and other esteemed local eateries plus live music and children’s activities. Don’t miss the crowning of the Ramp King and Queen!