Gringos & Botanas is a "quirky" Mexican join in Barboursville.

When a Former Marine from Clearwater, Florida, A horse rescuing and dairy goat farming gal and Mexican Restaurateur from Guanajuato meet up. . . you get Gringo and Botanas: A Quirky Mexican Joint

Chips & salsa were immediately brought to the table, which was mild and refreshing.

The interior here was pretty - bright, beautiful colors and lovely art.

The menu had many standard items, but others with more creative takes. I went for a nachos appetizer to snack on while getting some work done.


Please imagine me lifting up each nacho in an effort to maximize the queso on each chip. Because that's what happened until this massive pile was gone. Yum.

There are two locations for Farley's Famous Hot Dogs: Barboursville and Hurricane. It appears there used to be a Milton one, but I can't find that.

One of the most venerable hot dog stands in the Tri-State, the first Farley's Famous Hotdogs opened as a Stewart's Hotdogs stand in 1968.This was followed by additional locations in Milton, which opened in 1986, and Hurricane in 1990. The drive-ins eventually split from the Stewart's franchise about a decade ago. Today, the three Farley's locations are a family operation. Harry "Buck" Farley co-owns the franchise and runs the Hurricane location. His mother, Phyllis Farley Ferrell, runs the Milton hot dog stand, while his son, Spencer Farley, runs the Barboursville location with his siblings Ryan and Morgan. (Herald Dispatch)

I pulled up, and the guy working ran up to my car to take my order. I simply got one hot dog with sauce - not chili here - slaw, mustard and onions. Delish.

"My late grandmother came up with the with the original recipes back in 1969," Farley said. "The hot dog sauce is unique because of the spices. Our sauce is a touch of everything she made over her lifetime. A lot of people confuse sauce with chili. They're two different things. Hot dog sauce is something unique to West Virginia, which is not chili. Our recipe is unique. It has nothing to do with any other drive-in." (Herald Dispatch)

Have you been?

After trying the Paradise Donuts in Milton, I thought it was only fair to check out the Huntington location.

They have classic donuts, as well as some more creative takes.

They have Oreo, Marshall-colored sprinkles and long johns.

I went for a blueberry crumble cake donut.

I gotta say - pretty tasty!

And, there's Austin's ice cream!

I had no idea that there was a main Fresh Seafood Company location aside from the spot in the Capitol Market.

This St. Albans market and restaurant is hidden back a bit from the main road, but once I found it, I knew I was in the right spot.

The entrance has a cooler with fresh fish and there is dining around back.

I had ordered a crab cake and scampi to go. It comes with fries, cole slaw and hushpuppies. Yumm.

What's your favorite item here?

The Blue Spoon Cafe is a Bluefield spot known for its delicious donuts.

The Blue Spoon Cafe' is a darling dining destination in the heart of Downtown Bluefield, WV. Formally opened by The Bluefield Preservation Society in efforts to revitalize Downtown. The Cafe' is now owned and operated by Nicole Coeburn with a love for small business and the Bluefield Community.

We focus on fresh food and ingredients. Using homemade recipes and offering weekly specials with specialties in doughnuts, desserts, soups, salads and sandwiches.

We welcome you to be our guest in this cozy dining room that's fit for an afternoon of relaxing and dining.

​In the words of Virginia Woolf, "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well."

I've been trying to check out this restaurant for some time, but the hours don't always agree with my schedule. I made it here just as they were closing but through chance, was able to score a cinnamon toast donut.

BUT - I was recently able to go BACK with more time to sit and enjoy this spot.

They have a whole lunch menu - not only donuts!

I sat down for a piece of cheddar and bacon quiche and a side of broccoli & cheese soup (mm cheese).

Yumm.

And this Oreo donut was unreal - no hole in the middle, but filling throughout the light almost crisp interior. Delish.