Ashland Company Store "was originally built in the early 1900’s adjacent to the present building. In 1943 the original company store caught fire and burned and was then moved directly across the street to what is now the Ashland Company Store. The company store had everything that the coal miners and their families could need or want including fresh produce, foods, clothing, toys, tools, and even dynamite. Not only did the store house necessities, locals say that it doubled as a social hall and an inn at one point where they would gather to visit and play cards with one another. In 1965 the Ashland Company Store was leased to Pocahontas Coal Company, being one of several stores that a consortium of coal companies operated. The present-day store is a glimpse into coal mining history as the building was well preserved and still has all the original structuring and most of its original interior design. Complete with a designed painted tin ceiling, two original walk in freezers, and three walk in safes, the building is home to many stories of coal mining’s past."



Now, the building is home to a shop and café, which both cater to ATV riders in the area.



The Coal Camp Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. I happen to be in the area around breakfast time, so I looked over the options of pancakes, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and more.



I ultimately chose a breakfast sandwich: egg and cheese biscuit. That, I figured, would be enough to keep me going for the morning.



I was impressed with the biscuit. I'm not sure if they're homemade, but they sure seem like it. Nice and fluffy and moist, too. The egg and cheese were both fine. All together, not a bad way to start the day.



Grade: B