The Vault Downtown is a beautiful restaurant located in the historic district of Bluefield in the former Commercial Bank, which was built in 1895. Inside, there are white linens draped over every table and large arched windows let golden sunlight pour in. There is an air of sophistication that I was not expecting. I began with some bread and warmed butter before ordering the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail - Jumbo Shrimp, Horseradish Cocktail Sauce and Lemon. These shrimp were plump, but fairly pricey. I liked the slight kick in the cocktail sauce, but I like mine even heavier on the horseradish. For my entrée I ordered Rigatoni with Sweet Sausage Sauce - Ground Sweet Fennel Sausage, Garlic, and Sundried Tomatoes in a Fresh Basil Parmesan Pink Sauce. Topped with Ricotta Cheese. I loved the fresh spin on this that brought out the sweetness and made the sauce less acidic. Overall, my meal was excellent. I had great service. And it was a refreshing restaurant experience in the area. Grade: A

Going apple picking has been on my fall bucket list for years, but I could not find an orchard close to Charleston.



Finally, I stumbled upon Blue Sky Orchards in Bluefield, and they offer u-pick Golden Delicious apples.  



And when I say stumbled, I mean I made a very intentional two-hour trip south simply so I could have this fall experience. 



Located at 4121 Sandlick Road, the orchard is not far from the main road, and there was a small sign pointing in the right direction. After I made that initial turn though, I wasn't quite sure where to go. 



I started off on a turn to the left because I could slightly make out some trees. There aren't a ton - maybe a dozen - and it wasn't long before a gentleman met me at my car.



He said I could park right where I was and I told him I only wanted a handful of apples, and he showed me the way into the fence and let me pick in peace. 



It was quite lovely, actually. The birds were chirping, and I was slowly going from tree to tree to inspect for the best apples. 



Of course, the little dark spots and imperfections give the apples character. They are not commercialized and sterilized and whatnot. They're real.



Apparently the u-pick is fairly new. The farm, which was called Nappalachian Farm, had a previous owner who wanted to start a winery. 



So, when the the new owners took over this summer, they had peaches, grapes, apples and blueberries fruiting. They did u-pick with the blueberries and apples this year. 



Such a fun way to spend a day! Have you been?

David's Downtown has been on my wishlist for quite some time.

But the weekday lunch hours were tough for my schedule.

When I found myself in the area during a time they were open, I made plans to stop by.

The menu features appetizers, salads and sandwiches

But they also have weekly specials.

And I ended up ordering from there: shrimp po boy with lettuce, pickles, onion, dill sauce and it came with one side. I went with corn chowder.

What's your favorite thing 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.

Buffalo Trail Restaurant not only has the dining establishment, but also cabins and cottages.








The restaurant has an 85 seat indoor “lodge style” dining room and bar and 85 seat covered outdoor patio with adjacent waterfall and koi pond.

I was seated inside and looked over the menu, where you can make your own burger and one of the meat options was bison.

So I ordered a bison burger with ketchup, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onions and mushrooms. And a side of mac & cheese!

Sweet Thangs is a small sweets shop in Bluefield that is adjoined to a home goods store.

The shop has items like homemade zebra cakes, cinnamon rolls, cookies and more.

And oh my gosh, these little cakes!

I just wanted something small so I got one of these cake balls. Why are these so delicious?!

What's your favorite sweet thang here?

This tall window-ed, circular building is dishing out coffee in Bluefield. And, it's just the coolest.

The Coffee Corner is a beautiful space that serves up drinks and snacks in southern West Virginia.

They have frappes - my new weakness - so I ordered a caramel one and a blueberry scone.

I was sad they hadn't made pepperoni rolls for the day yet. But she heated up the scone, and it was perfect with my frozen drink.

This spot is also perfect for car-watching, because they drive right past this cafe constantly.

These are my kind of places.