The Juice Box just opened in Hurricane and is serving up juices, smoothies, acai bowls and more. 



I just so happened to stumble upon their grand opening weekend when I saw a sign on the interstate exit. It's something new for the area, so I was excited to check it out.



The space isn't huge, but there is a little seating, counter area and refrigerated juices. The juice cleanses and super healthy smoothies aren't necessarily my thing, but those smoothies were calling my name.




When I saw the tropical smoothie had banana, pineapple, mango and coconut milk, I knew it would be perfect for a warm day. 



And, I was right. It was cold and sweet - but not too sweet. It was refreshing and didn't make me feel too guilty - like a DQ blizzard might. 



Either way, whichever your preference, I'm sure you can find something here to enjoy.



Have you been?

Here is this month's J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile subscription box! Let's see what goodies we got:



Epic Pickles - Sweetness Pickles: This pickle chip is sweet, not syrupy - with a touch of onion. And known to disappear before they get home. Nice! From York, Pennsylvania. Net wt 16 oz

Brownwood Farms - Bacon Ketchup with Bourbon: Made in Athens, Ohio this ketchup is made with real applewood-smoked bacon and a splash of bourbon. The bacon gives this ketchup a smoky flavor that makes a strong pairing with everything from fries to meatloaf. 14 fl oz

Base Camp Printing - Wild Strawberry Notebook: From Base Camp Printing Company in Charleston, WV. This wild strawberry notebook is perfect for journaling, sketching, or taking just daily notes. 40 pages 8"x 5"

Keep Well - Rosemary Soap: With many friends: cattle farmers, butcher shops, that have too much beef tallow! We like to close open loops, so we take their tallow and turn it into soap. Lightly scented with rosemary. Strong cleaning power from the tallow, moisturizing balance from the sunflower oil. The tallow used in all of our soap is from fully pastured, grass-fed, and local cows. The sunflower oil is from Susquehanna Mills. From York, Pennsylvania. 8 fl oz

Mud & Maker - Tiny Tumbler: Made in Pottsville, Pennsylvania with a cute bee. Great for a shot glass, qtips, toothpicks, tweezers, air plants and more.. there really isn't anything you can't use these little guys for. Also makes a great "mommy-pot" for all of the wildflowers and dandelions kids gather.

Lindera Farms - Tomato Salt: Tasting Notes: Smokey, savory, complex, it's BBQ in salt form! Notes of tomato, peppers, applewood and hickory all come through with this incredibly potent finishing salt. Usage: Anything where you'd like a touch of smoke and complexity is going to be a great fit for this salt; working exceptionally well with red meat, pork, and is a great add on for grilling and BBQ

Jackson's Meat Shop is an interesting amalgamation of items. 



It's in a a quiet shopping plaza with plenty of parking, and it has a huge space.



It's kind of used haphazardly, though.



As soon as I walked in, I was met with dim lighting and what looked like storage - thought it was the front of the store. 



The ceiling was covered in plastic, and there was a room full of candy - with clearance Christmas candy. I'm not sure how often the product turns over in this store. 



The meat shop was fully stocked, though. I'm not exactly sure if they butcher or process, but there were a few different brand names.



I didn't try anything on this visit, but I loved the little bite-sized meat and cheese packs.



And maybe some of those interesting-looking cheeses.



Have you been?

McHappy's Doughnuts has a few locations around the Mid-Ohio Valley, but their newest one is in Point Pleasant. And, it sure looks new.



The storefront has tall glass windows and a modern vibe. The cases were packed with all kinds of tempting sweets.



From mini cakes and eclairs to donuts and "pizza squares" from sister restaurant Napoli's, there were so many goodies to choose from.



I decided to try out a few different items: a cherry danish, a cookie and a banana nut dessert.



Everything was delish. The pizza square was not my favorite - maybe I'm partial to pepperoni rolls. But it wasn't bad. 



Grade: A

Fresh Start Market Co. is a market in Summersville that has plants, veggies, value-added products and more in a small space. 



They opened just before the pandemic began and had to pivot quite a bit. 



But they're open and busy - at least when I visited.



They have a lot of different things to purchase.



Whether you want lavender or apples, Fresh Start Market Co. had it.



They even have honey.



And corn - which is early in the season.



There's also tons of flowers! 



So many goodies.



What have you purchased here?