I've traveled to a bunch of breweries around the state, but they keep popping up more quickly than I can keep up with! That's a good problem to have, and I'm pleased with how West Virginia is moving forward and capitalizing on this industry.

Stumptown Ales in Davis is one of the more recent breweries to open. These hop-centric craft brews (as they state) pays homage to hops and brews with passion all while embracing the towns history in timbering.

So, hoppy beers. IPAs. Tripels. Sessions. Not exactly my cup of tea, but what the hell?

I ordered a Jack Frost Pale Ale, which was certainly hoppy but also had a lovely well-balanced taste. What goes better with a nice hoppy beer? Food.

They have just a special or two available each night, and on this night up for grabs was a plate full of nachos or a hummus/olive/pita platter. Lisa and I decided on the nachos.

While these were good, they were super heavy on the black beans. But bites of nacho and sips of beer can't go wrong.


Get yourself a pint, nosh on some snacks and take it all in.

I've spoken at length about how incredibly fun the small towns of Davis and Thomas are. Between cute shops, tasty beer and delicious restaurants, what's not to love?

In the tiny town of Thomas is TipTop, a coffee shop and bakery that has been named the best coffee shop in West Virginia. So, when in the area recently, I made it a point to stop by and check it out.

First of all, it's cute as can be. Dark woods with a wrap around counter than transforms into a bar. More tables and booths line the interior, making each a cozy little nook to relax. A sweet little bar area has to-go cups, lids, sugar and some water.

A board to the left listed a Friday burger special and some other meals, which would've been super cool. But, since it was Saturday, it was a much smaller menu. But, still, there was a NY bagel with smoked salmon, red onion, sprouts and lemon caper cream cheese.

I got that, as well as a latte.

First: the bagel. I hate sprouts so away they went, but beyond that, the sandwich was good. The bagel was bit more chewy than I would've liked, but that cream cheese and the salmon both were tasty.

The drink was good. A much bolder flavor than I was expecting. I kinda wish I would've gotten a shot of maple or flavoring to sooth my whiny tastebuds.

Overall - a very cute, endearing space with some good, robust coffee and some decent food options. All in one of my favorite small towns.



Grade: B

Morgantown has some pretty great coffee shops. And, a couple of them take it up a notch with some pretty cool latte art with rosettas or hearts. Side note: I really want to learn how to do this, so can someone teach me? Plz?

The Grind WV | Aside from being my favorite coffee shop in Morgantown, The Grind WV can get creative with their latte art. While this one is pretty simple, I know they can do some pretty cool stuff.

Octane Coffee/Bar | This newcomer to the latte art world in Morgantown boasts some talented latte artists. The last time I was at Octane, I asked a bit about the latte art and learned that at least one person had a bit of experience working at various shops in the state.

Blue Moose Cafe | This old standby usually can top a coffee with a pretty simple design, like the one seen here. Plus, Blue Moose offers a damn good bagel & lox that pairs perfectly.

Did I miss anywhere that does latte art? Who's your fav?

While over in the Eastern Panhandle, I remembered that a winery was nearby. A few, actually. But the one that came to mind was West-Whitehill Winery.

This small building isn't much from the outside. It was never intended to be a tasting room. Really, it was just a place to make the wine. But as business grew, it necessitated a tasting room, we were told by the young man giving us a free wine tasting.

We tried all the wines. Because when in Rome, right? I remember liking the West Virginia Red and noting that it was "dry-ish" with a bit of sweetness. I also enjoyed the Aurore Blush, which is a semi-sweet blush. It was crisp and smooth. The Raspberry Royal is their best seller and very sweet. The Classic Currant is also very sweet but in a delicious way.


Have you been? What are some of your favs?

Capon Bridge has a lovely foodie secret: Farmer's Daughter Market & Butcher.


This small shop has it all. Locally sourced meats, dairy, produce and dry goods. And even some tasty treats. I purchased one of these carrot walnut cakes and devoured it at the bar area at the window.

So many goodies; I wish I could've gotten more to take home!