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

Green’s Donuts was a much beloved loval bakery that operated on Chapline Street from 1938 to the early 2000s with the moniker "Delightfully Different." There's a lot of nostalgia for that donut shop, which I unfortunately never got to try. But, it does appear there is a Green's Donut Shop in the same location as the former local favorite, which primarily is a gambling joint, but also serves up some donuts. I'm not sure if there's a connection between the old version and the new -- or if they're the same. But, this version has a very strong cigarette smoke smell - evident even via the drive-thru window. The maple donut was fine (and likely comes from a local grocery store), but the cigarette smoke carried through to the flavor. Grade: D

The Fort is a popular restaurant in Sistersville known for its pizza, subs, wings and the like. Handmade, hand-tossed style pies are the centerpiece so I ordered my go-to: cheese & mushrooms. It had a nice tomato base, and plenty of cheese and mushrooms. My only suggestion is to bring those toppings closer toward the edge to not end up with such large crust pieces. Grade: B

Farmhouse Sweets & Treats is a small, nostalgic-style candy and dessert shop tucked inside Oglebay Park. "Step into a world of whimsy at Farmhouse Sweets & Treats, Oglebay’s delightful sweet shop brimming with hand-crafted chocolates, locally made ice cream, and a colorful candy buffet sure to spark joy in guests of all ages," reads the website. Highlights include: Kirke's Homemade Ice-Cream, $5 Candy Buffet, Hand-crafted Chocolates and Novelty Gifts. It’s a gift shop-meets-sweet shop built around that old-fashioned candy store vibe — bright, family-friendly, and geared toward browsing and impulse treats. You’ll also find things like jams and locally inspired sweets, which lean into that “Appalachian farmhouse” theme. When I walked in, I first noticed the fudge in rotating flavors, hand-dipped chocolates behind a case, and a mix of ice cream options. I selected a few chocolates that spoke ro me - primarily caramels. They were lovely but I dont believe made on site? Correct me if I'm wrong here. I also picked up a few items for gifts, so they will remain a secret here. For now. Have you been? Grade: A

Crafts of Coal is a local ice cream shop with several locations around the Kanawha Valley. The original concept was a food truck in St. Albans, before moving to a brick-and-mortar location in the same town. Then, they expanded to Sissonville and, most recently, Dunbar. So, I stopped at the Dunbar location to get my ice cream fix. I opted for a "Turtle Trail" cone: SEA-SALT CARAMEL ICE CREAM AND SALTY CARAMEL SWIRL. WITH CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL TURTLES SWIMMING ABOUT. The generous scoop was rich and satisfying. Creamy, a little salty and 100% indulgent. 10/10 would order again. Pro-tip: Get a cup to avoid a melty mess. And while the ice cream shop isn't known for savory bites, I got a simple hot dog with ketchup and onion that hit the spot. Grade: A

Tucked into Huntington, Hill Tree Roastery operates as both a café and a working roastery, with coffee roasted on-site in small batches. The focus is on single-origin beans sourced from small farms, with an emphasis on transparency and bringing out the natural characteristics of each origin. You’re getting coffee that’s roasted on-site in small batches, which keeps flavors fresh and dialed in. The drink menu covers the expected espresso lineup (lattes, cortados, cappuccinos, pour-overs), but they also push into more creative territory with globally inspired drinks like spiced “Turkish Delight” coffee or dessert-style lattes built around flavors like honey cake or chocolate-hazelnut. I went for an iced mocha with all the whipped cream. The chocolate adds a rounded richness without overwhelming the coffee, while the ice keeps it crisp and refreshing. That soft cap of whipped cream melts slowly into the drink, adding a creamy, slightly airy contrast to the darker mocha below. Have you been? Grade: A

El Zocalo is a Medican restaurant in Wheeling that I checked out recently with mom and grandma. El Zocalo features all the familiar American-Mexican favorites, like tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and sizzling fajitas — along with a full bar featuring margaritas and other cocktails. I started with a watermelon margarita - salt rim - because some days, you just gotta get the margarita. Light, juicy and super refreshing. The salsa leans thin and smooth, more pourable than scoopable, with a mild tomato base and just a hint of heat that fades quickly. The queso follows suit — light, a little runny and consistently warm, with a mild cheesy flavor that coats the chips with a bit of richness. I ordered the tostones - crisp flattened fried plantains, topped with shredded chicken, shredded cheese and pico de gallo. The chicken adds some heft and a savory, seasoned layer to the dish. The fresh tomato, onion and lime cut through the starchiness of the plantains and the richness of the chicken. It is the key to adding brightness and a bit of acidity. Grade: B

Alpine Lake Resort is located in Terra Alta and features a few different dining spaces. Laker's Lounge, soon to be Hull's Pub, is a the sports bar-esque spot that I haven't had a chance to try yet. The Laurel Dining Room, soon to be La Tavola Restaurant, is the primary dining space, I believe. Finally, the Evergreene Dining Room is more of their event space, which is where I enjoyed a special Easter brunch. The Evergreene dining room is through the lodge front entrance and up the steps. It has views of the lake and the 10th hole of their golf course. I was seated a bit back from the windows, so I didn't see much of the view. The menu included: Honey Baked Ham, Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Honey Glazed Carrots, Salad & Rolls and Assorted Desserts. I got a little bit of everything to try. My favorites were the honey glazed carrots. Have you been? Grade: B