The Brownstone Mill looks almost as if it's been plucked from an earlier time and plopped right down outside of Summersville.



This general store is painted a beautiful antique blue and has picnic tables spread around the area near a small pond. 



Inside, there's a small room with an upstairs. It's filled with products - some modern, some older. 



Downstairs, they also have a small deli where you can order sandwiches. 



I made my own sandwich with kettle fried chicken, cheddar cheese, tomato, onion, banana peppers and mayo. 



It's a pretty basic sandwich, but the simplicity of it is what I enjoy. It's like a sandwich on white bread I would eat growing up - but maybe kicked up just a notch.



I perused all the goodies downstairs and upstairs, as well. 



There were jams, candies, mixes and crackers.



I also picked up a small package of mini buckeyes, which are chocolate and peanut butter morsels if you're not familiar. 



I was also excited to see a Yoo-hoo bar? I had no clue they made candy bars, but I remember getting these drinks as a child and loved them. 



Also, they even had pepperoni rolls! Not bad.



Overall, a sweet little shop with a small deli. There are some fun things here like old-timey candies and drinks, but also plenty of more modern things like Jelly Belly jellybeans. It's a fun assortment of different products that is fun to get lost in for a few.



Grade: A 

There are many different kinds of bakeries - some that focus on homemade breads, some that offer donuts until they sell out, and then there are some over-the-top experiences that bringing out the sweet tooth in everyone. 



Sugar Bar in Morgantown is the latter. Located in the Suncrest Towne Centre, the shop focusing on sweets and coffee has dozens of different sweet options that change up by the day and offer something for everyone.



First of all, the space is absolutely lovely. It's trendy with a living wall and neon sign.



They have lots of green plants, gold accents and chandeliers. 



Let's start with the coffee: They have a full espresso bar, plus specialty drinks and teas. 



And then for food - they have things like savory scones, croissants and more.



And then the desserts - oh my goodness. There's everything from macarons and cake to cannolis and cupcakes.



I wanted to try a little bit of everything, so let's get to it.



First, I had a quick bite of a birthday cake macaron. I have had quite a few macarons in my day from some very talented bakers. I wouldn't say this is the best, but it wasn't bad. And, I'm happy to see Morgantown have some options for them.



Then, there was a mini key lime pie. I just love anything in mini form. I'm not a big key lime pie person - the sour sweets have their place, but it's not what I would typically gravitate toward. this had a beautiful, flavorful crust and a dollop of meringue that was a perfect balance to the sour filling.



Cupcakes are prevalent throughout ... the country ... but the strawberry cream cheese cupcake just looked like it would hit different so I ordered one of those, as well.



I saved my absolute favorites for last. This tres leches cake is ... beyond. It's so moist and creamy and sweet and just like the equivalent of being all snuggled up in a cozy blanket - but for your tastebuds.



And this scone - rosemary, thyme, parmesan. I could eat this for breakfast every day. It is savory but slightly sweet and just perfectly balanced.



I did not get a quiche, though that's another favorite. I love a savory pastry. But if you get one, let me know how it goes.



Grade: A

I am always attracted to new experiences, new foods, new places to mark off my bucket list of life. So, when I stumbled upon "WV Russian Bakery" operated by a woman in Crab Orchard, I knew I wanted to try it as soon as possible.

Elizaveta Clay, a Russian native, is a baker of Russian (and other) cakes famous throughout the world. In the dessert shop you can order cakes, mini cakes, cupcakes, and other delicious desserts. I ordered a Medovik, which is a honey cake. It was tasty - and very natural tasting. It wasn't chocked full of sugary icing and artificial flavors. It was light - if not a bit sour - and good.

The McFarland House in Martinsburg has been a long time coming. I had to get the starts aligned just right - in the Eastern Panhandle, at the right time, and with a reservation. 



"The 1878 Historic McFarland House has been fully restored and modernized – the house and gardens beautifully reflect a bygone era known for its vintage charm and endless elegance."



As you can see from the photos, my visit was during the holiday season - which I highly recommend because the space is absolutely gorgeous - warm, elegant and thoughtful. 



I feel a little bad sometimes dining by myself because I know I'm not bringing in as much money as a couple or larger party would, and I hope I'm not a waste for a server. In this case, my server was perfect - made me feel welcome, visited when needed, but gave me space to enjoy the experience. 



They start off with one of my favorite things I've had anywhere: A grilled cheesy, garlickly bread served with an herby cottage cheese dip that I could. not. get. enough of. Literally. I got a few refills of it because I fell absolutely head over heels for it. It was so flavorful - nice cold, creamy texture spread on a crisp, crunchy bread. It had a beautiful balance of garlic and cheese with cream. I even chose to fill up on this, taking some of my entree home to eat later. And then, I tried to recreate this at home. But enough about this first taste.



I then went with the Nawlin's Shrimp N Grits for my entree, which included the holy trinity, andouille sausage, prudhomme's sassafras and green onion. Shrimp and grits is one of my "bingo" items - it's hard for me to resist it on a menu. Along with things with mushrooms, etc. 



This rendition of the dish was heavy on the rub on the shrimp, which were done. I tend to like this dish a bit more creamy with the girts, but this had more of a thick grit, with a saucy mixture on top. The colorful peppers helped add some texture and color to the dish. And I loved the andouille size in here. Overall, pretty tasty. But, I would go back just for the bread and dip.



Grade: A

Route 60 American Grill & Bar is definitely heavier on the bar side.



Located in downtown White Sulphur Springs, the bar has a more comprehensive drink list than a dining menu, though it's mostly made up of domestics.



Somehow, in half an effort to be obnoxious, I went with a Smirnoff Red, White and Blue and thought I was hilarious. 



For food, I ordered some mini corndogs, which were standard bar fare. 



For me, this seemed pretty standard, run-of-the-mill local watering hole. 

Grade: C