By Stephen Smoot
Nestled in a 10-mile long, canoe shaped valley, surrounded by the history of the Seneca Indians and nurtured by the traditions of Old World Germany is one of Pendleton County’s great hidden gems. Germany Valley, a treasure chest of scenic forests and craggy outcroppings of Tuscarora sandstone, is home to Seneca Caverns and Asbury’s Restaurant.
Since 1930, the caverns have attracted tourists but human use of the caverns dates back to Seneca Indians in the 1400s. As German settlers filtered into the area in the 1740s, they discovered the caverns that extend a mile through the earth. Lavran Teter was the first known European to enter and report about them.
Today, Greer Industries operates one of Pendleton County’s best loved tourist attractions there, the complex surrounding Seneca Caverns, including Asbury’s Restaurant. Now, over 280 years later, visitors don’t have to walk or ride a horse to get to the seclusion and grandeur of Germany Valley.
So far this season, Asbury’s Restaurant has served as the star of the show. Its name was inspired by Francis Asbury, one of the first two Methodist bishops in the United States. He served a number of churches on a circuit extending hundreds of miles during the 1700s.
Geologists continue to study the ground surrounding the caverns to ensure that nearby operations do not pose a safety threat to use by visitors. As Dwayne Propst, who manages the property for Greer explains, “the biggest issue is the underground mining of the limestone. Because there is no precedent for it, we have to exercise an abundance of caution and say ‘safety first.’”
Although cave tours remain unavailable, visitors of all ages can still find much to enjoy. Asbury’s Restaurant offers visitors to the area a broad selection of locally and regionally inspired cuisine in a dining hall with striking views of the area.
Another visitor favorite lies in gemstone mining. As the website explains, “children and adults feel a sense of discovery as they find beautiful minerals and gems amongst the dirt, mud, and rocks.” An old fashion style sluice helps to separate the gem from the mineral rough available for purchase in the gift shop. Visitors have found fools’ gold, amethyst, rose quartz, and even rubies in the material.
The complex attracts tourists from Northern Virginia, but “we have a pretty big local following,” Propst states.
While awaiting final word on the caverns, Propst will not stand pat on the current offerings. “We have some idea of things that we want to do here to offer more amenities and opportunities, but they are in the planning process now.”
The restaurant itself will bring back the popular Sunday buffet on some special days. “For sure it will be on the big days, like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Sunday buffet makes life easier from a guest perspective.”
Behind the restaurant sits a relatively large and flat area that Propst and others see as perfect for expansion. He shared that “I’d like to use it as a wedding venue.” He also mentioned cornhole playing areas and other possible options.” He added that “a lot of things that we will do are contingent on what happens with the cave.”
Propst also said, “You do what people don’t expect.”
Amber Nesselrodt, executive director of the Pendleton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, added that “in this part of the county, tourist sites are really spaced out. Asbury’s gives another food option for those in the area enjoying rock climbing, fishing, or even those just taking a scenic drive.”
Of course, the caverns remain the most spectacular attraction on the property. The hour-long tour covers a total mile of walking, three-fourths of that under the ground. Unlike many cave attractions, the Seneca Caverns tour runs through the mountains, in one side and out the other. It does not double back along the same pathway to reach the exit.
The caverns feature massive rooms, some with hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites, some providing the illusion of liquid stone in transit. Formations are often lit up with special lighting to accentuate their beauty. Since its first opening for tourists in 1928, hundreds of thousands have hiked the caves and experienced their wondrous loveliness.
Most importantly, the site is famous for having staff that make visitors feel like they came home. Propst explains that “that’s part of our charm. I don’t think people know strangers out here.”
