04/13/2026
Meet Marsha Waybright, found of Laurel Fork Farm
The story of Laurel Fork Farm has deep roots, but it truly became a West Virginia destination in 2020. During the uncertainty of the pandemic, I opened Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast, a historic house at the heart of our 400-acre farm, as a way to share the land, its history, and Appalachian culture with guests seeking meaningful experiences. As I welcomed visitors, I began to notice a growing curiosity about sustainable farming, hands-on learning, and the natural rhythms of the land, a curiosity that quickly evolved into a vision for connecting agricultural innovation with education and conservation. From that spark, my ideas blossomed into a full-fledged venture. Today, I combine agritourism, conservation research, and technology development to offer an experience that is both educational and regenerative. Building this business in West Virginia has been an incredible adventure. I’ve loved connecting with local farmers, educators, and guests who share a deep love for the land. Over time, I’ve welcomed visitors from more than 70 countries and all but one U.S. state (North Dakota, consider this your personal invitation!). Sharing Appalachian heritage, demonstrating real, measurable impacts of sustainable practices, and creating a space where family, community, and stewardship intersect has been the most rewarding part of this journey. And the best part? It’s still growing, evolving, and surprising me every day.
Laurel Fork Farm will be competing in the Mainstreet track in the final round of the competition on April 29th!
