![JQD - June](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52145291550_5114326fd0_h.jpg)
I've been a bit under the weather - and traveling - so apologies for the lack of posts. But nothing cheers me up more than a new box from J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile. So, let's see what we have this month.
![JQD - June](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52145040744_cb3b7f2d84_h.jpg)
Hand Sanitizer Spray from Rock Bottom Soap Co.
Sugar Cubes from Storied Goods
Berry Brigade Tea from Skirted Soldier
Halfway Homemade Massaman Curry from Vegetable Kingdom
Mountain Print from Hippie's Daughter
Red Corn Grits from Deep Roots Milling
![JQD - June](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52144824833_b1b2a3d7fb_h.jpg)
Have you tried any of these products before? I love Hippie's Daughter, and I'm excited to check out the others!
![Food Truck Wednesday - Jusr Drinks & MR Poppins](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52115992896_c0bf4b0915_h.jpg)
Charleston is hosting "Food Truck Wednesdays" at Slack Plaza during the summer, and I am trying to keep my eye out for places I've not yet tried.
![Food Truck Wednesday - Jusr Drinks & MR Poppins](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52116501630_7b39fcb82d_h.jpg)
Recently, they've had the Shape Shop, Dem 2 Brothers, Busters Blazin' Grill, Mr. Choo Choo and then two new-to-me places: MR Poppins and Just Drinks.
![Food Truck Wednesday - Jusr Drinks & MR Poppins](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52116035633_b331c121b0_h.jpg)
MR Poppins had kettle corn; I got the original, which I really enjoyed! Sweet and salty and fresh - what more can you ask for? And Just Drinks has some really good lemonade. I needed that on this hot day.
Which other places have you tried?
![Rolls on the River 2022](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52154190488_3153a1b20a_h.jpg)
Rolls on the River is one of my favorite FestivALL events.
![Rolls on the River 2022](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52154426004_901ddf5143_h.jpg)
One: It is a pepperoni roll festival. But two: I was here when it first got started.
![Rolls on the River 2022](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52154187576_d0c9d01208_h.jpg)
Big Brothers Big Sisters started the festival years ago and got me involved because of my book. I then became involved with the board and was there when we passed off the festival to the Montessori School.
![Rolls on the River 2022](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52154426184_f006566979_h.jpg)
And now I've made my return as a judge, along with Steven Keith, Jeff Shirley and Don Wilson, and I had such a great time.
![Rolls on the River 2022](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52154679325_9e91dd566e_h.jpg)
There were 9 rolls:
![Rolls on the River 2022](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52154426089_59163def78_h.jpg)
- Mea Cuppa had a round, fluffy roll full of pepperoni.
- Sweet Mamas had a large roll that pepperoni on the top - a bit greasy - but ultimately took home the judge's choice.
- Mardi Gras had a half roll that had some herbs but the cheese consistency was a bit off.
- Legacy Foods took home people's choice with their very traditional large roll with sliced pepperoni.
- Gritt's Farm had one of my favorites - it was cut in half with plenty of pepperoni and cheese and a crisper crust.
- The Governor's Mansion was my personal favorite with a small, sweet dough, a nice hunk of mozzarella and ample sliced pepperoni.
- DP Dough had mini pepperoni buns that were just on the dry side, but I like the construction
- Mountain Juice had a good rendition of a vegan roll that had a few differences in texture and consistency. They did have a dipping sauce, though, which I always enjoy.
- Finally, another favorite was the Pitch - a giant deep-fried ball with plenty of cheese and pepperoni. This was also a people's favorite runner up.
![Rolls on the River 2022](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52154187631_79903f6a35_h.jpg)
![Rolls on the River 2022](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52153175287_87833bc061_h.jpg)
![Rolls on the River 2022](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52154426029_4bf86ce4ec_h.jpg)
![Steaming Cup Cafe](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51349129974_6cc9cdc22e_b.jpg)
Steaming Cup Cafe in Ravenswood is a small coffee shop that packs some personality.
![Steaming Cup Cafe](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348614143_1a80d9bf81_b.jpg)
The space has a modern vibe and offers coffee, iced drinks, tea, smoothies, and food.
![Steaming Cup Cafe](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51347658182_71bf411c74_b.jpg)
To start with, I ordered a blended cookies & cream drink.
![Steaming Cup Cafe](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51349130219_b62e9b8af7_b.jpg)
If you want a milkshake with a little caffeine, this is the way to go. It is sweet and refreshing and comforting all at the same time, while also giving you that little bit of kick.
![Steaming Cup Cafe](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51347658487_defd8255c8_b.jpg)
The food menu consists of sandwiches, paninis, wraps and muffins.
![Steaming Cup Cafe](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51349412945_1aea45d5fd_b.jpg)
I went with a ham and cheddar sandwich, which came with lettuce and mayo.
![Steaming Cup Cafe](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51349130054_314163c50f_b.jpg)
Pretty straight-forward. All in all, a pretty decent meal. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but nothing bad either. I wouldn't mind stopping back here again and trying some other menu items.
![Steaming Cup Cafe](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51349412730_c3e3402a7e_b.jpg)
Grade: B
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348313903_48be724b67_b.jpg)
Williamstown is home to a super cute coffeehouse that wasn't even on my radar until I passed it recently.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348829839_6b881f63ca_b.jpg)
Williamstown can kinda fall in the bigger Parkersburg's shadow.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51347356367_a348653fc5_b.jpg)
But The Bakery and Coffeehouse is worth bringing to light.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348085756_1b252cc5f0_b.jpg)
First off, the space is very sweet. White columns and fencing flank the front of the building.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348085851_a3db7ed68a_b.jpg)
Inside, there's a country modern chic vibe with chalkboard signs and cute decor.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348660109_4c85a73b16_b.jpg)
They serve coffee drinks, cupcakes, fudge, muffins, pepperoni rolls - plus made-to-order items for breakfast and lunch.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348145128_abf0f4ec9a_b.jpg)
I was in heaven. There are just so many things to choose from.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51347916476_d04d87c243_b.jpg)
So let's get into it.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348638799_0fa1422788_b.jpg)
It wouldn't be me if I didn't try a pepperoni roll.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51347357447_4b9d1b72d7_b.jpg)
These were small and compact, but they packed a good bit of flavor in a little bite.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348123828_814a06f615_b.jpg)
I much prefer that to a huge pepperoni roll that is full of dry bread.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51349110785_834513e52c_b.jpg)
I also tried one of these cake pops - which were really kind of just like cake with icing on the outside. The inside was a bit dry.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348086621_cbdb94f491_b.jpg)
Plus I ordered an iced coffee with caramel to chase it all down. I always love the idea of an iced coffee for the first 5 minutes, until my tummy reminds me that it may have been a poor decision. It still tasted good in the moment.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51347357477_2a35617fd9_b.jpg)
A few more goodies to take home - a cookie, as well as an everything bagel with garlic and herb cream cheese.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348314063_b7c3e8e9d6_b.jpg)
Everything here was tasty. And, sometimes I prefer my meals with just a little here and a little there. With them having so many options, I was able to pick and choose a bunch of different things.
![Bakery + Cafe in Williamstown](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51348638519_e96a438b06_b.jpg)
Grade: A
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51332932234_70c892f8c7_b.jpg)
I'm often asked where the best pepperoni roll is.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51332931609_77259e352d_b.jpg)
That's a tough question, because I think so many of them are good for so many different reasons.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51332207841_260d6913c0_b.jpg)
But when I'm in need of a quick one in Charleston, Swiftwater is usually my go-to.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51331472097_d09831f83a_b.jpg)
They have both a restaurant and a convenience store in Charleston.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51332207696_f3f1325229_b.jpg)
And now, Fayetteville has their own convenience store.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51332417043_35d728076e_b.jpg)
While the general store isn't necessarily a restaurant, they do offer to-go food, made-to-order food and even fresh produce.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51333202160_095af19198_b.jpg)
So, they kinda have a little bit of everything.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51332932169_b809d05898_b.jpg)
The made-to-order items include breakfast sandwiches, platters, hot dogs and grilled cheese.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51333202715_7ca700e640_b.jpg)
Grab & go items include fresh fruit, yogurt, deli sandwiches. What I went with is two hot dogs on English buns with chili, slaw, mustard and onions and a side of potato salad.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51332931539_e51e88f7a5_b.jpg)
These dogs were huge, messy, but oh so tasty. Generally, I like mine a bit more compact so it's less likely I'll spill on my shirt, but these hit the spot on this particular day. And potato salad is the perfect picnic side for a sunny day in the Fayetteville or Lansing area. If you haven't already, stop by for some snacks for your perfect picnic in the country's newest national park.
![Swiftwater General Store - fayetteville](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51332416148_61b3731f98_b.jpg)
Grade: A
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