West Virginia Restaurant Week has kicked off with the release of the West Virginia Division of Tourism’s “101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia” booklet.

Kenny Burkhart, supervisor at the West Virginia Division of Tourism, and Annette Gavin, executive director of the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, joined Bavarian Inn owners Christian and Carol Asam for a press conference Monday to announce the release of the dining guide.

The booklet features locally owned and operated dining establishments that received the most popular votes from a survey that was available on the West Virginia Division of Tourism website.

Tourism is big business in West Virginia. According to the most recent Dean Runyan survey, from 2012, there was $5.1 billion spent in West Virginia on tourism, with $939 million of that spent on dining.

Eight restaurants from the Eastern Panhandle found their way into the guide.

Along with the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, The Press Room was also recognized. In Charles Town, Alfredo’s Ristorante and Mediterranean Grill was featured, along with The Final Cut and Dish. Lot 12 Public House and Panorama at the Peak in Berkeley Springs each received a nod, and The Dining Room in Inwood is also included on the list.

Dining guides can be found at West Virginia welcome centers throughout the state and tourism offices in Charleston, as well as in all restaurants featured.

A complete dining guide list, along with establishments offering Restaurant Week specials, can be found online at www.gotowv.com.