A fancy vegan restaurant tucked under a bridge – that’s Växthuset. The chefs there are using techniques like drying, smoking, and fermenting to keep the flavors of fresh produce alive long after Sweden’s growing season ends. From beet carpaccio with pear jam to smoked tempeh with sauerkraut mayo, they’re turning food scraps into flavor-packed delights.

Chef Johan Lundin is a big name in this green revolution. At his café, he’s turning throwaway food into mouth-watering meals. Foods that might look a bit odd or extra are transformed into treats like organic broccoli soup. They’re showing us that smaller portions can be just as satisfying, and it’s all about enjoying the flavors.

Fotografiska is leading the no-waste way. There, chefs recycle kitchen leftovers in all sorts of creative ways. For example, oyster shells become tableware. It’s a never-ending cycle of creativity and sustainability. The chefs are actually using techniques that go way back. They’re pickling and preserving like the old days to capture the flavors of summer. You might find yourself sipping on a pickled plum beverage – a twist on the past that warms you up. Even their cheese course features a jam made from leftover onion bits – proof that old-school methods can still shine.

Rosendals Trädgård is a special urban farm that’s trying to figure out how to feed growing populations sustainably. They’re showing that we need to rely less on meat and more on other foods.

Chefs Elvira Lindqvist and Jessie Sommarström are making a difference too. They’re using parts of ingredients that might usually be thrown away to create amazing dishes. The fish fritters and “rescue” drinks they serve show that being kind to the Earth doesn’t mean giving up good food.

At Bonnie’s, the chefs turn leftovers into tasty treats, like morning pastries turning into afternoon ice cream. It’s a new way of thinking that shows we can enjoy the finer things in life while still being good to the planet.

West Virginia is the state that has always taken travelers home away from home with its scenic ‘country roads.’ The Cacapon Mountain region is possibly the state’s best-kept secret, with spectacular panoramic mountain views, epic national parks full of hiking trails, and charming fairytale small towns. Here’s what to do in this scenic region.

Visit the Berkeley Springs

Back in 1748, the quaint small town of Berkley Springs was known as Medicine Springs, thanks to its healing mineral waters. People would return to bathe in the hot springs several times. Today, Berkley Springs continues to attract visitors with its fall foliage, mineral springs, and a diverse mix of offerings, like jewelry, artisanal cheeses and oil, cafés, and local breweries.

Soak in the Incredible Mineral-Bath Spas

Being the spa town of West Virginia, the mineral-bath spas are most certainly the prime attraction of Berkeley Springs. Especially the recently renovated Old Roman Bathhouse attracts visitors offering mineral baths, rejuvenating saunas, and different healing massage treatments for an immersive experience. The Atasia Spa offers an exotic indulging experience with its mineral whirlpool baths, a unique eucalyptus steam room, and a wide menu of body, face, and beauty treatments.

Stay at the Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge

The Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge in Berkeley Springs offers visitors an all-inclusive experience. The resort features a fitness center, a full spa, a whirlpool, and a large indoor heated pool, providing the ultimate West Virginia wellness getaway. The 124-room resort lodge sits on a rolling hill overlooking the 18-hole golf course of the property. Guests can relax by gathering in the indoor lounge areas or around the fire pit, while the elegant in-house family restaurant would take care of their delicious meals. The picturesque Cacapon Resort State Park surrounds the lodge. Along with a small swimming lake with a beach, the park is also home to 20 miles of hiking trails.

Visit Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is one of the most charming small towns along the famed Appalachian Trail in West Virginia. A designated National Historic District, this gem of a town boasts several heritage sites, museums, a neo-Gothic cathedral, and restored Victorian buildings. The town also offers a natural treasure trove of scenic trails, mountain vistas, and flowing waterways. Eight national parks and two rivers converge at Harpers Ferry. The historic downtown area has a viewpoint with an observation deck, allowing the visitors to marvel at the stunning rugged landscape of three different states – West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.