West Virginia Roadkill Cook-Off, Marlinton, WV
The Autumn Harvest Festival and West Virginia Roadkill Cook-off takes place every September in Marlinton, West Virginia. Just over 1,000 people live in this sleepy town, but the cooking festival is a huge highlight during the year. What’s on the menu? Black bear, possum, elk and reptiles. You can also dine on squirrel gravy and deer sausage. Eating roadkill was never taboo in the state, which historically had scarce resources for its residents. Amateur chefs compete in the cook-off, and judges deduct points if they find gravel or asphalt in their meals. Visitors can taste whatever they want for just $5.
