The Friends of Vienna hosted the 2026 Freedom Festival in Vienna, West Virginia, this weekend. The community event celebrating Independence Day features live music entertainment, a car show, big trucks show, carnival rides, food trucks, craft vendors, patriot parachute team performances, professional wrestling, Wild World of Animals performances, and an aerial drone light show. I was here for the food. Convicted Pigs BBQ
This competition BBQ team makes few appearances, and my boyfriend has sung their praises for a while. So this was my main reason for attending. I ordered pulled pork nachos, which were well done. They were layered well, and the cheesy creamy sauce was perfection. I even loved the pickled jalapenos. Next time, I'll add a bit more BBQ. Moka’s Coffee & Snack Shack
I had a strawberry smoothie from here that was pretty killer. It was so sweet, light and summery that I forgot it was downpouring just minutes ago. Two Sisters Lemonade
Lemonade is having a moment, and I am here for it. I ordered the Princess Peach lemonade, which came with peach ring gummies. The Feed Trough
Cheesy Pigs are deep-fried mozzarella and pepperoni fall starts with a side of marinara. Jodi’s Carnival Treats
I learned that they were unable to serve cotton candy; only the carnival food trucks were allowed to do so. I still wanted to support them, so I got a fried Twinkie, which came covered in powdered sugar. I don't really understand why deep-frying makes everything delicious, but these were better than even regular Twinkies. D’Paulo’s Restaurant
This restaurant has a food truck, which goes to area events. But, this is the first time I enjoyed food from it. I got a piece of cheese pizza, which is constructed similar to DiCarlo's, but the cheese is melted. Enjoyable. Street Side Eats
Serving basic fair foods, this food truck had a limited menu. I did get a hotdog with ketchup and onion. Benny & Babe
This food truck opened later than the others, so I almost didn't get a chance to try them. But I did order a buffalo chicken salad wrap. I would have preferred it without the shredded lettuce, but it certainly was a hefty portion. The Hangry House
I ordered half a Mickey sandwich, which had cream cheese, provolone and a creamy garlic sauce. it was really tasty, but I ended up dipping it in some marinara sauce to cut some of the fattiness. I also had a side of Asian pasta salad, which was spaghetti noodles in a sweet sauce. Not bad. Cunningham Craft & Creations
last, but not least, I stopped by this vendor, who had a variety of Chex mixes and other treats.

Mountain State Creamery is a nostalgic ice cream shop in Vienna, West Virginia, known for its premium hard-packed ice cream, old-fashioned candy and bright decor. They offer a sweet escape into the past with options like ice cream flights, waffles and over-the-top shakes. "The shop emphasizes memorable experiences and community connection. It often teams up with local businesses for themed events and contests—earning accolades including consideration as one of West Virginia’s top ice cream spots," reads the website. There were so many yummy sounding flavors that I had a difficult time choosing. Fortunately, they've developed an option for those like me. "Flight of Junior Scoops - Can't Pick Just One? Try a Flight! Mix, match, and explore with a flight of 6 junior scoops-perfect for sampling our rotating homemade flavors. Share it (or don't!) and find your new favorite scoop." I chose a variety - from carrot mango Italian ice (Non-dairy, non-fat and bursting with sweet, tangy flavor with real carrot (yes, we said carrot!) and fruit juices) to "Yippee Skippee," which is creamy peanut butter ice cream loaded with salted caramel ripples, soft brownie chunks and crispy chocolate-covered pretzels. Of course I added a scoop of "Cookie Dough" - Sweet cookie-flavored ice cream with heaps of soft chocolate chip cookie dough and tons of rich chocolate chips. And another Italian ice: Electric Watermelon - Refreshing watermelon Italian ice with a jolt of sour to leave you feeling electric. I love the rich, indulgent options, as well as the tangy, refreshing bites. And each scoop keeps things interesting. Now, time to try the remaining flavors. Have you been? Grade: A

D'Paulo's Pizzeria is a hometown pizza joint know for its square pizza with California tomatoes, provolone cheese and crispy crust.



This location previously was home to a DiCarlo's Pizza, and the mark of Ohio Valley pizza seems to have influenced D'Paulo's offerings.



But you know I'm not mad about this. The crispy crust pizza provides a solid foundation for a layer of perfectly spiced sauce and shredded provolone. if I had my way, the cheese would've been added at the very end. But, still a pretty tasty square of pizza.



Grade: A

304 Inferno was a wood-fired Neopolitan-style pizza restaurant in Parkersburg that unfortunately shuttered before it got too much attention.



I stopped here and placed a to-go order since I was short on time. I know the to-go order is a bit different from dining in, but I still got to peek at the interior, which was nice and welcoming.



They were out of some menu items and also some containers, so it was a bit of a mish-mash. But I did end up with a simple house salad that was fine.



My entree was ravioli a la vodka with spinach. Usually this is right up my alley, and the flavors are indeed - but it was cool. Cold even. And temperature doesn't usually bother me too much, but it definitely affected the flavor here.



Grade: B

Koba Cafe in Vienna offers Vietnamese and Korean food, in addition to bubble tea.



They have a little bit of everything - from fish cakes and wings to pho and kalbi.



I started with pork belly bao buns. They were served with jalapenos, cilantro and house sauce. I will always order these when I see them on a menu, because I love the bun itself. it is what I imagine biting into a cloud would taste like. But these had a bright, punchy flavor.



My bubble tea was the brown sugar flavor with boba - my favorite. It was very creamy.



Finally, I'm always searching for the high of a homemade bulgogi I once enjoyed with a friend's family. Koba Cafe's version had a nice sweet and salty flavor, but it wasn't quite as tender as I would have liked. I enjoyed it with rice and kimchi, nonetheless.



Grade: B