Crafts of Coal is a local ice cream shop with several locations around the Kanawha Valley. The original concept was a food truck in St. Albans, before moving to a brick-and-mortar location in the same town. Then, they expanded to Sissonville and, most recently, Dunbar. So, I stopped at the Dunbar location to get my ice cream fix. I opted for a "Turtle Trail" cone: SEA-SALT CARAMEL ICE CREAM AND SALTY CARAMEL SWIRL. WITH CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL TURTLES SWIMMING ABOUT. The generous scoop was rich and satisfying. Creamy, a little salty and 100% indulgent. 10/10 would order again. Pro-tip: Get a cup to avoid a melty mess. And while the ice cream shop isn't known for savory bites, I got a simple hot dog with ketchup and onion that hit the spot. Grade: A

Tucked into Huntington, Hill Tree Roastery operates as both a café and a working roastery, with coffee roasted on-site in small batches. The focus is on single-origin beans sourced from small farms, with an emphasis on transparency and bringing out the natural characteristics of each origin. You’re getting coffee that’s roasted on-site in small batches, which keeps flavors fresh and dialed in. The drink menu covers the expected espresso lineup (lattes, cortados, cappuccinos, pour-overs), but they also push into more creative territory with globally inspired drinks like spiced “Turkish Delight” coffee or dessert-style lattes built around flavors like honey cake or chocolate-hazelnut. I went for an iced mocha with all the whipped cream. The chocolate adds a rounded richness without overwhelming the coffee, while the ice keeps it crisp and refreshing. That soft cap of whipped cream melts slowly into the drink, adding a creamy, slightly airy contrast to the darker mocha below. Have you been? Grade: A

El Zocalo is a Medican restaurant in Wheeling that I checked out recently with mom and grandma. El Zocalo features all the familiar American-Mexican favorites, like tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and sizzling fajitas — along with a full bar featuring margaritas and other cocktails. I started with a watermelon margarita - salt rim - because some days, you just gotta get the margarita. Light, juicy and super refreshing. The salsa leans thin and smooth, more pourable than scoopable, with a mild tomato base and just a hint of heat that fades quickly. The queso follows suit — light, a little runny and consistently warm, with a mild cheesy flavor that coats the chips with a bit of richness. I ordered the tostones - crisp flattened fried plantains, topped with shredded chicken, shredded cheese and pico de gallo. The chicken adds some heft and a savory, seasoned layer to the dish. The fresh tomato, onion and lime cut through the starchiness of the plantains and the richness of the chicken. It is the key to adding brightness and a bit of acidity. Grade: B

Alpine Lake Resort is located in Terra Alta and features a few different dining spaces. Laker's Lounge, soon to be Hull's Pub, is a the sports bar-esque spot that I haven't had a chance to try yet. The Laurel Dining Room, soon to be La Tavola Restaurant, is the primary dining space, I believe. Finally, the Evergreene Dining Room is more of their event space, which is where I enjoyed a special Easter brunch. The Evergreene dining room is through the lodge front entrance and up the steps. It has views of the lake and the 10th hole of their golf course. I was seated a bit back from the windows, so I didn't see much of the view. The menu included: Honey Baked Ham, Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Honey Glazed Carrots, Salad & Rolls and Assorted Desserts. I got a little bit of everything to try. My favorites were the honey glazed carrots. Have you been? Grade: B

Because I am an absolutely insane person, I decided with the several hours of free time I had before my flight out of California that I would hop on over to Disneyland Park.



Disneyland is the original theme park created by Walt Disney, opening in 1955 in Anaheim, California. It’s smaller than Disney World but still charming -- and with plenty of food.



Mint Julep Bar - I stopped here for some pillowy, powdery Mickey-shaped beignets.



Cafe Orleans - Here, I had a monte cristo, which is a deep-fried sandwich of ham, turkey, and cheese dusted with powdered sugar and served with berry sauce.



I also had a fun lemonade with a gummy worm inside.



Edelweiss Snacks - A cheesy garlic pretzel bread that is pull-apart and delicious.



Churros - There are a bunch of different churro stands, but I went to the one near Sleeping Beauty's Castle so try the strawberry sugar



AND chocolate marshmallow dipping sauce.



I was really full by this time, but just one more stop.



Little Red Wagon - Corndog, which is a staple featuring a crispy, hand-dipped corn dog.



My very last stop was at the Candy Palace for churro toffee.





Have you ever been?