At the Gino’s in Hamlin, I ordered a 9-inch pizza with mushrooms. I liked that it was on the well-done side. It just gave it a little bit of a different flavor with deeper, toasty flavors. In fact, this one may have been a bit too well some around the edges. It was a tad burnt.



Grade: B

Casey's Cakes & Cookies is located a bit off the beaten path on Oakhurst Drive.  



If I wasn't paying closer attention, I would have thought the building was just a trailer home. But I noticed the sign and pulled over into the parking lot.



The inside has a few spots to sit, but primarily it's a large counter with different offerings - from cookies and brownies to coffee and pepperoni rolls.



I wanted to try a few different items, so I went with some macarons, a pepperoni roll and a cherry turnover. 



Macarons are really difficult to make, but I enjoyed these. Technically, I know there's room for improvement regarding the texture and the feet, but that doesn't change the fact they still tasted good. 



The turnover is typically not my type of pastry, but I enjoyed it. I would've loved some more of the filling, but otherwise this would be perfect for breakfast since it wasn't overly sweet.



And I can't help myself when pepperoni rolls are around. Not a bad version.



Grade: B

Here's my latest J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile box. 

J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works: Ramped Up Ranch - 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.

Bluestone Mountain Farm: Popping Corn - This is delicious popping corn grown by Bluestone Mountain Farm in Hinton, WV. It is an heirloom, hull-less, variety. Paired with our popcorn salt it makes a great snack!

Shagbark Mill: Organic Beans - Shagbark Seed & Mill is a cooperative that supports local organic grain and bean growers in eastern OH. These pinto and black beans are staples for the pantry. Grown in the Americas for more than 8000 years, Black Beans are at the heart of Indigenous Foodways in South America, Cuba, and Central America. They offer loads of protein, fiber, magnesium, and anti-oxidants to every meal. Ohio grown, certified organic, vegan.

Back Pocket Provisions: Bloody Mary Mix - Made by Back Pocket Provision from Virginia grown ingredients these Bloody Mary mixes will make your cocktails extra special. Available in two flavors. Bloody Brilliant is made with fresh pressed tomatoes, horseradish and Worcestershire. Bloody Blue Ridge made in partnership with our friends at The Shack and Catbird Sauce Co this mix is rich, spicy, and tangy with a ton of umami. Delicious!

ThomasWork: Cherry Spreader - This beautiful cherry spreader is the perfect match to our cherry butter dish but can also be used with cheeses. It will quickly become a favorite utensil in your kitchen. 7"

Creekside Farm: Goat Milk Soap - Krista Duval raises goats and chickens on her farm in eastern OH. She makes the goat milk soaps by a traditional cold press method with only the purest essential oils and botanicals. Four fragrances: Coriander Lime, Citrus Clove, Cedar Sage and Lavender Rosemary.

Stone Tower Brews is making waves.



From Buckhannon to Bridgeport and soon to Morgantown! They are expanding, and it's exciting to see. 



The Bridgeport location offers coffee, tea, breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, salads, tacos and specials. 



Their signature bright blue accent color was all over, and there was a ton of natural sunlight with those big windows. 



I ordered their crab cake sandwich special along with a Butter Beer Latte.



Both of these were great. The crab cake sandwich was on ciabatta with lettuce, tomato, and a mayo-based sauce that all just went together well. Plus, it was fresh and had lots of nice varied textures. It was just a solid meal.



The drink was also great. Sweet, light, but rich. And, of course, buttery. 



Grade: A

Pal's Sudden Service is fast food restaurant that does not operate in West Virginia, but there are some in the other Virginia. 



"Pal's Sudden Service is one of America's leading quick-service restaurant chains. Incredible food, lightning-fast drive thrus, and personalized service are what make a visit to a Pal's a one-of-a-kind experience.

The first restaurant chain in the country to earn the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Pal’s and its 1,100 employees are solely dedicated to delighting you with every visit. Next time you’re hungry, try the Pal's experience."



This retro looking fast food joint has a bit of a cult following and serves breakfast, burgers, "frenchie fries," hot dogs, sandwiches and drinks. 



I started with a junior burger - an all-beef patty, mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion. Plus added cheese. There's also a SauceBurger, which has that patty but with Pal's signature sauce, which is like a little spicy ketchup, that I want to try next time. My junior burger was good - a better quality ground beef than I expected, which actually had some flavor.



Their "frenchie fries" come with a seasoning that is tasty. They also were a nice and pretty thin with a good bit of crisp. Maybe one of my favorite fast food fries. 



Finally, I had a Razzie Tea - raspberry + tea - to wash it all down.