Wingstop is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in buffalo-style chicken wings. Founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, by Antonio Swad and Bernadette Fiaschetti, the company began franchising in 1997 and has since expanded to over 2,500 locations worldwide. The menu centers on bone-in and boneless chicken wings, chicken tenders, and sides like fries and veggie sticks, with a variety of sauces including Lemon Pepper and Atomic. There aren't any locations in West Virginia, so when I spotted one in the wild during my travels, I quickly placed an online order and made my way inside. I wanted to try several flavors, so I ordered Sweet BBQ Blaze, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parmesan & Hawaiian boneless wings. The Sweet BBQ Blaze delivers a smoky, molasses-thick sauce with a lingering kick; Lemon Pepper is bright and zesty, balancing citrus and black pepper on crispy chicken; Garlic Parmesan is rich and savory, with buttery garlic and umami Parmesan coating each wing; and Hawaiian offers a sweet, tangy, tropical twist for a refreshing change. Bleu Cheese, Cheese Sauce and Cajun Fried Corn rounded out my meal. What's your favorite thing here?

Kingdom Seasoned is a local catering business I found on Facebook that I have been wanting to check out. When they posted a hot dog delivery special, I immediately placed my order. I tried one of each: a regular all-beef hot dog (onions, ketchup), a "Kingdom Dog" topped with slow-cooked pulled pork, and the "French Smoked Pork Dog," which has no hot dog but is pulled pork served on a hot dog bun, finished with crispy fried pickles and slaw. I love supporting a local business and those fried pickles? Some of the best I've had. Pulled pork was good, too. I may have ordered too much, and some got a bit soggy - but that's on me. I'd do it again. Grade: A

Every October, Blennerhassett Island State Park offers "Mansion by Candlelight" tours for one weekend. Blennerhassett Island is located on the Ohio River near Parkersburg and is known for its rich history. It’s home to a reconstructed 18th-century mansion once owned by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, whose estate became linked to Aaron Burr’s alleged 1806 treason plot. Today, visitors reach the island by sternwheeler to tour the mansion, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, and experience living history at this unique riverside park. During this event, the mansion and its grounds are lit by candlelight and feature a number of activities, including horse-drawn wagon rides, singing and dancing, tours and a harvest supper. We boarded the Island Belle sternwheeler at Civitan Park in Belpre, Ohio, and journeyed to Blennerhassett Island. Once there, we stepped into an 18th-century world, with the island and its mansion illuminated by hundreds of candles and lanterns. Our first stop was the Harvest Supper, featuring ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, sautéed green beans, corn, fresh salad, assorted pies, and more. For a served buffet, it wasn't bad. The bulk cooking of green beans and corn left a bit to be desired in regards to the texture. But all in all, it was a hefty portion that filled the belly. And that wasn't all - there was a gingerbread cake after touring the mansion and some snacks over at the fire. Snacks consisted of apples, cheese, sausage, apple butter and bread. And hot apple cider!

First Chapter Bookstore is a delightful independent bookstore with a coffee bar located in Parkersburg. They offer books for folks of all ages – including children all the way up to what they call the naughty corner. When I visited, they had a local author doing a book signing. It was a bit chaotic, but it was nice to see the shop busy. The coffee bar portion was cluttered, so I had a hard time making out the menu or if it was even open. So I hopped in line and placed an order for a hot chocolate. Not bad. More milky and less chocolately, but hot chocolate can never be bad. Grade: B

Morristown Bagels & Deli, located at 121 Morris Street in Morristown, New Jersey, is a longtime local favorite known for its hand-rolled bagels and hearty breakfast sandwiches.



The shop has been family-owned for more than 75 years and prides itself on baking bagels fresh daily. Popular menu items include classic New Jersey combinations like Taylor ham (also known as pork roll), egg, and cheese on a bagel, along with a wide variety of cream cheese spreads, Boar’s Head deli sandwiches, and other breakfast and lunch options.



Morristown Bagels & Deli uses Taylor ham, which is the term most commonly used in northern New Jersey, including Morristown. While “Taylor ham” and “pork roll” refer to the same product -- a seasoned, cured pork product invented by John Taylor in Trenton in the 1850s—the name you hear depends on where you are in the state.

In northern New Jersey, it’s almost always called Taylor ham, after the original brand name, while in southern and central parts of the state, people say pork roll. I enjoyed my Taylor ham, egg, and cheese bagel, which is not unlike a good ol' fashioned bologna sandwich.



Grade: B