Veggie Man is an obscure cryptid reportedly spotted near Fairmont, West Virginia, in 1968. The lone witness described a tall, lanky, humanoid creature — around 7 feet tall — with green, plant-like skin, red eyes, and long, thin arms ending in syringe-like fingers. According to the legend, the creature approached the witness in a friendly, almost hypnotic manner, and communicated telepathically. Without warning, the Veggie Man allegedly jabbed the witness with its sharp fingers, draining blood — then fled swiftly into the woods, emitting a high-pitched sound. Veggie Man Day 2025 took place on Saturday, July 12, from 11 AM to 5 PM at the Frank & Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center on the Fairmont State University campus. This was the second annual celebration of the region’s homegrown cryptid legend, presented by Mothboys Podcast & ConjureDust Designs, with support from Marion County CVB, Cryptid Strength, and others. There were variety of cryptid‑themed artists — many focused on Veggie Man-specific designs — sold original posters, handcrafted figurines, stickers, and themed collectibles. One of my must-stops is always Liz Pavlovic, designer & illustrator based in Morgantown, who has cryptid‑themed art & merch, including her popular “Live, Laugh, Lurk” Mothman design. Not only is she the Mothman OG, she has cryptid-related glasswork that is part of the exhibit on display at the Folklife Center. Cool day all-around! I got a dozen cryptid-themed cookies from The Cookie Culprit, who is based in Wheeling. These were vanilla and chocolate flavored and just the cutest ever.

Gritt's Farm Low Country Boil was held on Saturday, July 12, and the Capitol Market staff dined at 7:30 p.m. We enjoyed an appetizer, seafood boil, dessert, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, live music, lawn games, and more. Appetizers - Hoppin' Fry Duo: Garlic Parmesan + Old Bay Flavors | Assorted Sauces SEAFOOD BOIL:
3 lb. Shrimp
3 lb. Crab
3 lb. Mussels
3 lb. Sausage
3 lb. Sweet Corn
3 lb. Red Skin Potatoes Desserts - Mini Farmer Float! Blend of Strawberry Cider Slush & Vanilla Soft-Serve, Topped with a Fresh Cake Donut Plus, there are baby goats! If you know me, you know I love me some baby goats. I was tempted to take one - or all - of them home. Have you been to a farm-to-table dinner at Gritt's Farm?

Have Fun WV with Jay Silverman hosted the Third Annual Pepperoni Roll Contest at GoMart Ballpark. I was fortunate to serve as a judge and enjoy 8 different pepperoni rolls. Bigley Piggly Wiggly
A surprise bite of banana pepper in these pepperoni rolls! Home Industry Bakery
One of the more modern OGs and found in gas stations across the state. Cheri of Edgewood Country Club
My personal favorite of the day! A fresh, sweet bread with the perfect proportions of pepperoni and cheese. The Bucket
The ultimate deep-fried pepperoni roll topped with cheese and served with marinara are a perennial favorite. Hagy's Irish Pie Pub
A new one to me - I liked how they layered the pepperoni and cheese. Carousel Hospitality (Dirty Birds)
Root root root for the home team. They had a nice crisp herby outside. Fit'z Rockin' Rolls
Poppable bite-sized rolls with individual marinara sauces made for a pleasant bite. Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Large - maybe a bit too much bread - and hefty.

The Bucket, two time champ for Judges Choice, Fit’z Rockin’ Rolls took Peoples Choice and Bigley Piggly Wiggly took Most Unique Roll.

Euphoric Doughnuts is a stylish artisan doughnut shop located at 167 16th Street in Wheeling, WV, offering a curated selection of gourmet doughnuts paired with small-batch, craft coffee. Open Thursday through Sunday from early morning, they’ve earned a loyal local following thanks to inventive flavors like Cookie Butter and S’mores that elevate the classic treat experience. On this particular visit, I scoped out a raspberry cheesecake donut, a s'mores donut, a strawberry mascarpone donut and a Ferrero Rocher donut. Wow. These blew my socks off. Which is saying a lot considering donuts are not my go-to sweet treat. Euphoric Doughnuts delivers on its name with every bite. The raspberry cheesecake donut bursts with tangy fruit and rich cream cheese filling, balanced by a light, pillowy dough. The s’mores donut is pure nostalgia - gooey marshmallow, chocolate drizzle, and a graham cracker crunch. The strawberry mascarpone is delicate and dreamy, with a smooth, not-too-sweet filling that’s perfect for summer. The Ferrero Rocher donut is the showstopper -decadent, chocolatey, and packed with hazelnut flavor that mimics the candy flawlessly. Which is your favorite? Grade: A

Wrapping up my visit to Colonial Williamsburg are some odds and ends I wanted to share.



Prentis Store had the first American cookbook; the Prentis Store showcases wares constructed using techniques of the 18th century. Available items include handcrafted leather goods, iron hardware, tools, reproduction furniture, pottery, writing instruments, and Native American crafts. Papers, ink, and seals are also available at Prentis Store.



William Pritt Store is a children's boutique and games shop.



Dubois Grocer is the ideal place for a mid-afternoon break while exploring Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. Take a few minutes to grab a refreshing cold beverage and freshly popped popcorn, or satisfy your sweet tooth with 8 flavors of mouth-watering ice cream or with a bountiful selection of candies. Located across the street from the Brickhouse Tavern, next to the Post Office and printer, Dubois Grocer is just what you need to refuel your group.



Raleigh Tavern Bakery - Looking for a light bite, fresh sandwiches, or freshly baked goods, then Raleigh Tavern Bakery is your next stop. Nestled behind the Raleigh Tavern, across the street from King’s Arms Tavern, stop in to delight in a fresh Ginger Cake, baked daily in our Authentic Wood Fire Ovens. Served hot out of the oven each morning, they pair perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee. Or enjoy them in the afternoon with soft serve ice cream, additional baked goods, cold drinks and other snacks.



Blueberry muffin for the win!



Charlton's Coffeehouse - Step back into the time of the Stamp Act and learn about the fashionable world of the coffeehouse, where Williamsburg's citizens and visitors met to share news, transact business, and debate politics.



Chowning's Cider Stand - The cider stand will run daily 11 am-5 pm (weather permitting) and will have our favorite items available for our guests. Cookies, sandwiches, chips, cold drinks, Chownings Root Beer, Kings Arms Ginger Ale, cold drinks, and more.



JOSIAH CHOWNING - Little is known about Josiah Chowning. When the tavern was reconstructed, Colonial Williamsburg believed it was located on this site, but we now know that a store and dwelling were here and that the tavern was somewhere nearby. Chowning’s business lasted less than two years, but its twentieth-century counterpart has accommodated travelers and locals for over fifty years. Chairs, benches, and tables represent the sturdy furniture found in colonial taverns catering to the middling sort. Excavated fragments show that the blue and yellow peacock on the dinnerware was one of several colorful bird motifs used by early Williamsburg residents. Utilitarian stoneware tableware, plain tin sconces, and simply framed maps and prints accentuate the informality of Chowning’s Tavern.