Thomas has a handful of really great eateries, so I was excited to add yet another to my list: Picnic in Thomas - a takeout taco shop with a big lawn. 



This spot is the last on the main stretch of town and shares a building with a lovely book store called Ghost Palace Books. 



After placing an order outside at the walk-up window, my friend Sam and I actually went inside to warm up and check out the books. Once our order was ready, they let us know in the book store and handed us our orders there.



I went with a carnitas taco, which was topped with avocado salsa, pickled slaw and queso fresco. Not only was it beautiful, but it was so tasty. It was creamy, funky, acidic and very flavorful. Refreshing but comforting - a difficult balance to strike. Next, I want to try the breakfast tacos! PS: Bring cash.



Grade: A

The Gino's location in Ripley looks a little different than most others - it more closely assembles a house with the siding and windows on top.



I placed an order for a calzone online and waited for a few minutes inside to pick up my order.  The interior, too, is fairly large with spaced out tables and chairs. And tons of wood - floors, paneling, tables - that make it feel warm and cozy inside.



The calzone at Gino's is one of my favorite options, but at this location, it unfortunately got a little soggy at the bottom. Whether that's because all the sauce was placed in one area or there was simply too much, the marinara sauce did not do this calzone any favors. The dough that still retained its shape was delish, though, and topped with some parmesan.

Grade: B

The Blennerhassett is my favorite place to stay in Parkersburg. It's grand. It's historic. And, they have a pretty incredible restaurant. 



But they also have a tiny little cafe that, on my last visit, we stopped at before leaving town. 



The cafe really only offers some coffees, hot chocolate and pastries from the local McHappy's. I ordered a hot chocolate, which I think is always better when someone else makes it. And a blueberry muffin.



This made a cold, rainy drive home much better. Both were really simple, but both were still really tasty. Sometimes that's all you really for breakfast. 

Grade: B

The Club Inn Between Bar & Grill in Huntington is your standard bar & grill. 



"The bar and grill was opened in 1978 by two brothers who were attending Marshall University. Tired of standing in line to enter bars, the brothers decided to open their own. In 2006 the brothers moved to a larger location, and today they continue to work seven days a week! They have become one of the oldest bar & grills in West Virginia! Lunch served Monday-Friday 11am-2pm." (Visit Huntington)



I went here for lunch to check it out. It's definitely a local watering hole where most folks are regulars, but I was welcomed all the same. The menu has some sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and a few specials. I went for a cheeseburger with tomato, onion and mayo.



The burger was decent - it was a bit cold so my cheese didn't really melt. But the veggies were fresh, and it tasted fine. Nothing too notable - either positive or negative. Really, my favorite part of the visit was the history of the place with the memorabilia on the walls and the local vibe. What's your favorite dish here?



Grade: B

Let's see what this month's J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile subscription box brings us! 



Landcrafted Food - Beef Sticks - Landcrafted Food is committed to sustainable agriculture in all they do. They raise their cattle in open pastures in the mountains near Lexington, VA, where they are grass fed. These beef sticks are naturally made. Three varieties: Original Smoked, Sweet Smoked, and Spicy Cajun. A delicious, high protein snack!

J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works - Spice Blends - Our Salt-Works Spice Blends are the ideal kitchen helper and dish perfecter, created from our deep love of cooking. Available in 5 flavors Ramped Up Ranch, Appalachian Za'atar, Allegheny Herb & Citrus, Smoky Mountain Rub, Blue Ridge Bagel.

Woodberry Pantry - Snake Oil Hot Sauce - Once you taste this hot sauce, made by Woodberry Pantry in Baltimore, it will become the only hot sauce you will use. Made from heirloom fish peppers, cider vinegar and JQD salt, it has the perfect heat level and rich flavor to compliment and enhance almost any dish.

The High Fiber - Dish Towel - Absorbent, soft, and lint free, these flour sack towels will quickly become your favorites in the kitchen. Handprinted on natural cotton, each is a hard working, super soft, and ultra thirsty kitchen companion. Each towel is printed by hand with my Succulent illustration using solvent free, environmentally kind inks.

Southern Spooning - Dark Chocolate Sauce - Our favorite way to eat our chocolate sauce is to take the lid off and put the jar directly into the microwave for 30 seconds then pour it over our favorite ice cream. YUM! Some other ideas… include a jar of chocolate sauce on a charcuterie board with strawberries, mini breadsticks, almonds, meat, cheeses, and more. Use it as dip for your favorite cookies. Spread it on a freshly toasted piece of sourdough bread. Or just straight up SPOON the stuff!

Allegheny Treenware - Dough Scraper - Allegheny Treenware is an American company focused on the production of wooden kitchen utensils. It has been proudly owned and operated by Stanley and Sue Jennings for over 25 years. All products are MADE IN THE USA, with quality West Virginia hardwoods that, if taken care of, will serve your cooking needs for years to come.