The Bodega is a cool new coffee shop in Vienna.

There are all kinds of bohemian-esque spots to lounge in here.

And the coffee is quite tasty - I went for a caramel vanilla frappe.

As I drank it, I researched the background of this shop - which is pretty cool.  And will make me return.

After living for almost 8 years in Honduras and being a part of “community” unlike I had ever known before - I’m addicted to rallying the world changers and spending my minutes on the planet attempting to continue to build a tribe. One that would sacrifice for someone else. A group that would elevate others and encourages them to rise above. People who would be purposeful and intentional about how they choose to take up space on the planet. Folks who would move into hard places and bring light.
So, a dream was born. Long ago really - but sometimes it takes a while for the dream to get brave.  

In Honduras we had a “space” that we affectionately referred to as “The Bodega” and it was the place where we “huddled” so to speak. Resources were brought in and distributed. The week’s marching orders for service were laid out. It was a “hub” for what would happen during each teams week of serving in the country. Goodness moved from that space in a bunch of ways.  

After moving home and taking some time to heal I continued to long for a similar space, a tribe, and a huddle.  

I would take a journal and find a coffee shop in some city often and sit and ponder and dream - wondering how I might create something similar here.  

We needed a “hub.” I needed a space. I needed to quit being scared of every what if and just go for it. Trusting that there were other hearts who longed for a space where we might create and build community around a cup of coffee and it might have an impact on something bigger than us.  

And so it begins ... where the story will lead who knows - but here’s to Chapter 1 of “The Bodega” being born here in the MOV. May it build a tribe. May we find ways to huddle and serve and may it impact something far beyond us.

Sometimes there are little gems hidden in your own backyard that you never even knew.

That's the case with Scot's Landscape.

This landscaping business is also home to an ice cream shop.

The ice cream portion is called Sugar Grove, and it's kind of magical.

It looks like a whimsical ice cream shop with all kinds of ice cream flavors.

I went with the "sea salt caramel toffee" flavor, because every word in that sounds phenomenal.

And, I got it as a sundae with caramel, nuts and a cherry on top.

After I got my scoop, I ventured down the hallway to check out the shop portion.

To my surprise, it's much more than plants.

There are little trinkets and gifts.

Plus - tons of food items, too.


Cheeses, sauces, pies, scones, and more.

Have you ever been?

Whit's Frozen Custard is a chain of frozen desserts in about eight states. There is just one in West Virginia: in Vienna.

They have specialties where they have mix-ins for their vanilla custard. Mix it is a "Whitser" and top it is a "Sundae."

I went for the O'Henry George, which has hot fudge, hot caramel and Spanish peanuts.

Which is your favorite?

I went to Fat Ass Tacos just before they closed.

This peculiarly named restaurant in Vienna has a drive thru and features, well, tacos!

Unfortunately, they closed before I could visit again, as I truly enjoyed my tacos.

I ordered:

• Uncle Posey - Smoked Pork, Fresh Pineapple, Pickled Onions, Cilantro, Pepper Rings
• The Nucci - Shrimp, Fat Tacos Cabbage, Cilantro, Aioli Sauce

Did you get a chance to go?

My coworkers and I can always agree on one thing: queso.

We stopped at Tampico in Vienna to get our fix.

For my main meal, I went with Burrito Grande - which is a hearty meal of two burritos stuffed with your choice of chicken or steak fajitas, grilled onions, tomatoes, and green peppers, topped with red tomato sauce and melted cheese.

My favorite dish is any tortillas covered in more queso.

What's your favorite dish here?

Lui Lui is an upscale Asian restaurant in Vienna that categorizes dishes by ocean & earth.

Lui Lui represents the shared culinary experiences of Chef Lui and Grace Chang Lui. Influenced by some of the world's foremost Asian, Continental and Western chefs, Chef Lui presents each dish as a personal expression of passion, artistry and expertise. Innovatively conceived, masterfully prepared, artfully presented and wholly enjoyed. Each sauce and reduction is a daring creation. Each wine is personally vineyard-chosen by Grace Lui, not only for its own character and merit, but as well for its flawless compatibility with one or more of Chef Lui's signature dishes. Enthusiastically acclaimed and critically celebrated, Lui Lui is a singular culinary journey-a journey you are warmly invited to experience for yourself -- Lui Lui

The menu has so many delicious options, but the thing that stood out to me was the Lobster Gratin.



Oddly, a real bad storm blew through, and the power went out! I've never been in a restaurant when it lost power. But, my dish was started, and the chef cooks with gas, so it actually came out just a few minutes later.



Lobster gratin, stuffed with scallops, shrimp and macaroni & cheese. Mm! I took a few delicious bites before venturing home to finish it.

Custom, made-to-order donuts is the name of the game at Wild n Wonderful Donuts.



This Vienna donut shop lets you pick the icing flavors - like caramel, strawberry and peanut butter - and toppings. There are even pre-made ones like Samoa or Macon (maple + bacon) if you're feeling indecisive.



Toppings include favorites like marshmallow, fruity pebbles or rainbow sprinkles!



And, it's all right here in this handy chart. I ordered two customer favorites: S'more (fudge icing, marshmallow and graham cracker dust), and Macon (maple icing and bacon pieces). Then I made one with strawberry icing and fruity pebbles.



Yum! Have you been yet?