Canyon Rim Gifts is the kind of roadside stop where you can walk in looking for a simple New River Gorge souvenir and walk out with fudge, a T-shirt, a bag of rocks and something you absolutely did not know you needed. "Established in 1978, Canyon Rim Gifts has been a staple in the community since the New River Gorge Bridge was built in 1977. As a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on offering unique souvenirs and gifts that celebrate our local heritage," reads the website. Located on Fayette Mine Road in Lansing, just across from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, the shop is perfectly positioned for anyone visiting the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding overlooks. "Discover rare and fun novelties. Canyon Rim Gifts offers a delightful mix of National Park Collectibles, Whitewater Rafting Memorabilia, Hillbillly Gadgets, Gifts and Decor all celebrating the history and beauty of West Virginia and the New River Gorge area," the website continues. Then there’s the food, which is a pretty compelling reason to stop even if you aren’t shopping for souvenirs, with the Sweet shop next door offering homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream and other Appalachian treats. The fudge is made in-house, with new flavors coming out regularly, and you can sample it before deciding which variety deserves a spot in the bag for the drive home. Beyond the fudge, the Sweet Shop carries the Appalachian sweet-and-savory things that make a good road-trip stash, including locally sourced jellies and preserves, honey, maple syrup and moonshine pickles. And then there’s the ice cream, which is hand-dipped and can be turned into a milkshake when a scoop in a cone just isn’t enough. That's what I did with a cookies & cream base. It's hard to go wrong with ice cream; this was super thick if that's your vibe. I have some jellies I'll have to try soon. Have you been? Grade: B

Our House Grill and Pub is is located at the Cantrell Ultimate Rafting base camp just outside Fayetteville, putting the casual grill and pub within walking distance of Cantrell’s cabins, campsites and other lodging. The dining space has a rustic, casual feel, while the outdoor seating area extends into a garden setting with flowers surrounding the patio. The outdoor area also includes the Garden Stage, where Cantrell hosts live entertainment during the rafting season, turning the restaurant into both a dining and music venue. The menu focuses on casual American fare, with burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, wings, West Virginia-style hot dogs, and other pub food alongside beer, cocktails, and other drinks. The "Depot Tomatoes" are seasoned with garlic and basil, and then topped with three cheeses and baked. They would have benefited from some crunch -- lettuce or a crust or something. I also did the pineapple garlic wings, which were much hotter than I'd typically order. But I really enjoyed the sweet heat. Have you been? Grade: B

New Roots Community Farm is a nonprofit farm and year-round farm market located at 167 Wolf Creek Road in Fayetteville, with an 82-acre property in the New River Gorge region. The farm was established by county government in 2017, began farm operations in 2019 and transitioned to nonprofit leadership in 2022, with its work centered on market access, land access and food access. The property includes a six-acre diversified vegetable operation that uses intensive, regenerative farming practices adapted to Central Appalachian agriculture. The on-farm market provides a retail space for New Roots’ own harvest as well as products from other regional farmers and food producers, creating a year-round outlet for locally grown and produced foods. The market’s selection includes fresh produce and cut flowers along with eggs, milk, cheese, grains, dry goods, honey, syrup, jam, coffee, tea, cold beverages, ferments, snacks, condiments, baked goods, home goods and gifts. The rotating producer lineup includes farms and food businesses from throughout West Virginia, with current examples including Gritts Farm, Spring Valley Orchard, Sunset Berry Farm, Terra Romance Farm, Owl Mountain Farm and local egg producer Jesse Richards. The farm also functions as a community food and education site, with programs that include community garden access, farm visits, educational programming, Farm to School initiatives and opportunities for residents to participate in the local food system. The Pickle Party was part of New Roots Community Farm’s Summer Social, a free, family-friendly afternoon. It was s celebration of summer that brought together food, demonstrations, live music, activities and local vendors, with the pickle party included among the afternoon’s offerings. The event also included free hot dogs and ice cream, prize bingo, U-pick flowers, kids’ science and art activities, and a vendor market. It was a wonderful time. Enjoy the remainder of the photos.

Farmers Meats & Deli, LLC is a locally owned butcher shop and small grocery market in Winfield. A big part of the appeal is the selection of locally raised beef and pork, along with chicken and frozen fish and seafood. They also carry deli meats and cheeses, plus pantry items and West Virginia-made products. The grocery side is actually pretty interesting. You’ll find things like Amish-style jams, jellies, sauces and dips, seasonings and other pantry staples. Have you been?

The Handle Bar + Kitchen sits at Arrowhead Bike Farm just outside Fayetteville. It’s part restaurant, part biergarten and part post-adventure hangout. The restaurant opens into a biergarten with picnic tables and a fire pit, giving it more of a hangout feel than a traditional restaurant and making it particularly well suited for groups. The menu takes a similarly unfussy approach, with everything from burgers and sandwiches to tacos, brats, fried snacks and a few options for people looking for something beyond the usual bar food. The drink list leans heavily into craft beer, with rotating selections and plenty of West Virginia breweries represented, including Freefolk Brewing, Greenbrier Valley Brewing and Hawk Knob. I ordered the SWEET CHIPOTLE BRIE BURGER - 6oz smashed seasoned beef burger, caramelized onions, lettuce, melted brie cheese with a sweet berry chipotle sauce served on a sweet brioche bun. Plus a side of house fries. The brie brings a rich, creamy element, while the berry-chipotle sauce gives the burger sweetness with a little smoky heat, and the caramelized onions reinforce that sweet-savory profile. Have you been? Grade: B