Gump’s IGA is a locally owned neighborhood grocery store in Grafton. It operates as part of the regional IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance) network, which allows independently owned stores to offer national brands while maintaining a small-town, community-focused feel. They off a full range of everyday grocery staples including fresh produce, meat and deli items, dairy, frozen foods, pantry essentials, and household necessities typical of a neighborhood supermarket. Their deli makes pepperoni rolls that are popular and have been recommended to me several times. So, it was time. They offer pepperoni rolls both individually wrapped and in six packs. There's mozzarella and hot pepper cheese, at least on the day that I visited. I grabbed a hot pepper cheese one, because I enjoy the little extra spice. And, it wasn't bad. Deli pepperoni rolls tend to have thicker, drier bread in my experience. I like mine to be pretty moist and the interior to be thick with filling. Grade: B

The WV Artisan Market in Jackson County, is a retail space featuring handmade goods from numerous local artisans, offering a diverse selection of art, jewelry, home decor, and more, alongside a cafe and event space for activities like live music and crafting classes. There were some local freeze-dried candies and jams. After some shopping, I settled in with a menu on the cafe side of the shop. I decided on a small portion of their daily special, spaghetti with meat sauce, as well as some southwestern nachos to go. Both were decent but fairly average: the spaghetti was comforting and filling, though the sauce lacked depth, while the nachos had good toppings but nothing that really stood out in flavor or texture. Overall, it was a satisfying, no-frills meal that did the job without leaving a strong impression. Have you been? Grade: B

Route 33 Steakhouse in Spencer is a new-ish restaurant brought to us by successful restauranteurs in town. It's a modest, straight-forward space without a lot of frill. The steakhouse offers standard steaks, as well as a few appetizers, sides and entrees like fish, chicken and pasta. All in all, though, the menu is fairly compact. We were at a steakhouse, so I decided to go for it and order a steak -- even though it was lunch time. Sides of green beans and macaroni & cheese rounded out the meal. It was good — nicely cooked with solid flavor — even if it didn’t quite reach standout status, and while the green beans were a little watery and the mac and cheese slightly dry, both still tasty overall. Grade: B

You know those lists that are like "THIS little shack out in the middle of nowhere has THE BEST PIZZA"? I always fall for them. That's how Shade Creek Diner & Carryout made its way on my radar. Located in Creston, this small shop is not on the way to anywhere. So, I made a special day trip to check it out. The inside could be mistaken for a handyman's shop, with odds & ends all over the place. Plus some candy bars & chips for purchase. They primarily offer burgers, subs & pizza - including my favorite option: personal size. I ordered a cheese Candace-sized pizza and waited maybe 20 minutes or so before it was ready. It was truly made to order, which I appreciated. The personal size was a perfect portion to enjoy on my way back home. It had a puffy crust, so not for thin-crust lovers. It had a mild sauce and plenty of cheese. I will say it was a decent pizza, though not necessarily memorable. It is kinda like a homestyle, grandma-style that is common in small hometown spots. It's comforting and was piping hot. But not quite as exciting as I'd like. Grade: B

La Banca is an Italian restaurant and bar housed in the historic former City Bank of Milton building. The name “La Banca” means “The Bank” in Italian, and the restaurant blends home‑style Italian cooking with craft cocktails. It opened in late 2024 and is locally and veteran‑owned. The menu features a wide variety of classic and elevated Italian fare, including handmade pastas, artisan pizzas, grinders (Italian‑style sandwiches), salads and soups, seafood, and hearty entrées like lasagna, chicken piccata, and steak. I enjoyed a pappardelle bolognese, which had a hearty, comforting feel, with tender noodles that held the sauce well, but the flavor came across a little flat — missing that rich, meaty punch you hope for in a bolognese. The texture was spot-on, though, and a sprinkle of cheese added a nice touch, even if the overall sauce could use a bit more depth. It’s satisfying, just not quite as bold as I expected. Grade: B