Belmonte’s Italian in Weirton is a well-loved local eatery offering fresh, homemade pizzas, specialty Panwiches, hearty pastas, and pantry goods. When you first walk in, there's a ton of goods for sale - homemade pasta sauces, soups, and breads. Plus freezer-friendly meals like stuffed shells and lasagna. Belmontes Italian offers a plentiful storefront that feels more like a neighborhood deli than a sit-down restaurant. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the space is dotted with products for purchase. The food counter is efficient, though not designed for lingering. I packed one of the freshly made specialty pizzas from the rack. I'm not sure if pizza is the best term, since it was more like a bread with toppings and no sauce. While the crust was nicely baked and the ingredients were clearly fresh, the overall flavor fell a bit flat—I found myself really missing the richness and balance that tomato sauce usually brings. It wasn’t bad, just underwhelming compared to what I was expecting from a specialty pie. That said, I’d go back to try one of their more traditional pizzas or house-made pasta dishes, which seem to be where they really shine. Have you been? Grade: B

Mary B's Diner South Side in Parkersburg is a popular breakfast spot that serves up all the classics. I went for both sweet and savory with stuffed French toast and a breakfast sandwich. Both of these were satisfactory. Good ol' homestyle breakfast without all the bells and whistles. Grade: B

Phat Daddy's on Da Tracks is not quite on the tracks of the West Side anymore after their recent move to 6th Avenue. The Charleston restaurant is known for its fried fish, chopped sandwiches and tons of tasty sides. Plus, they even have a full breakfast menu now. The space, clad in red and yellow, offers a lot of indoor seating, which is a great improvement over their previous space. I have previously had their chopped cheese, which I'm obsessed with. But I wanted to switch it up this time. First up were mac & cheese balls. I love mac & cheese, so I always want to like these. Usually, though, they end up being too dry or bland. These were some of the better ones I have had because they did retain that moisture. I tried the chicken chopped cheese. A chopped cheese is a popular sandwich from New York City—especially Harlem and the Bronx. It’s made by chopping up ground beef and onions on a griddle, melting American cheese over it, then stuffing the mixture into a hero roll or hoagie bun, usually with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Think of it as a cross between a cheeseburger and a Philly cheesesteak—savory, messy, and delicious. The chicken version was not as delicious as the original, but still a solid chicken sandwich. Grade: B

Poppy's Smokin Grill is an Alum Creek BBQ joint that I was able to catch open recently - though they have since closed. I walked up to the window to place my carryout order. They had smoked meats, burgers, chili dogs, and more. I ordered wings and pulled pork fries. I was disappointed with the lack of bold flavor. I was looking for sweet and spicy and tangy. Rather, it was a bit bland. And maybe it was to let the meat flavor shine - but my personal preference is all the seasoning. Grade: C

My friend Beth & I took a dinner cruise on the Valley Gem, where we enjoyed a meal of Caesar salad, prime rib with horseradish cream, chicken, mashed potatoes, spinach-stuffed roasted tomato, roll and berry cake. The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta began in 1971 as a way to celebrate the city’s connection to the Kanawha River and its history of sternwheel boats, which were once vital to commerce and transportation along West Virginia waterways. The original regatta grew quickly into one of the largest events in the state, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors for several days of boat races, concerts, parades, fireworks, and family activities. Sternwheelers—steamboats propelled by a large paddlewheel at the stern—were iconic on rivers like the Kanawha and Ohio in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These boats served as a vital link for goods and people, and the regatta honored this part of the state’s heritage. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Regatta peaked in popularity, featuring big-name musical acts, national media attention, and boaters from across the country. It became a hallmark of Charleston’s summer calendar. However, due to budget issues and waning support, the event was discontinued in 2009, which many in the community viewed as a major cultural loss. In 2022, the City of Charleston officially revived the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, bringing back much of the traditional programming with a fresh focus on community, heritage, and economic revitalization. The modern version includes river races, concerts, art vendors, food trucks, and sternwheeler showcases, reestablishing the event as a centerpiece of summer in the capital city. The Valley Gem allower us to participate in the festival in a new way - while enjoying a meal on the river.