By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food | 3 Comments on West Virginia Hot Dog Tour
After years of hot dog eating, the West Virginia tour is finally over. Did they pick correctly?
Need more reviews….Here is are the Charleston specific places.
If you haven’t seen your favorite hot dog joint yet, watch part two.
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Food | 3 Comments on Ellen’s Vegetarian Menu
Although ice cream is in the name, you also can grab great vegan and vegetarian lunch options at downtown hotspot Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream. A creative, fresh menu of vegetarian options includes homemade soups, wraps and salads.
“I like it that we have numerous vegetarian options and I can always choose depending on my mood,” said owner Ellen Beal.
Great green salads are always available, including the Greek Salad and the Special Salad, which features dried cranberries, toasted spiced pecans and bleu cheese. Topped with homemade dressings, these salads make delicious meals within themselves, but Ellen’s vegetarian and vegan options don’t stop there.
“Some days I just want a grilled cheese: honey whole wheat bread from Charleston Bread, sharp cheddar, with an optional homemade black bean patty added,” Beal said. And, she enjoys her ice cream just as much as we do. “I love having a chocolate milkshake along with my grilled cheese!”
Homemade rosemary hummus is available in a wrap and separately for dipping veggies and pitas. Pair with the soup of the day (Ellen’s favorite is Thai Green Curry, Chickpea and Lemongrass) for a deliciously satisfying lunch. Another of Beal’s personal favorites, the Wild Rice Salad w/Miso Orange dressing, includes edamame, tofu, carrots, and toasted sesame seeds.
“I love the constant variety of yummy vegetarian food that we serve,” Beal said and encouraged everyone to check out her website for daily and weekly specials.
Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream is located at 225 Capitol Street and is open seven days a week. Check ellensicecream.com for hours, the complete menu, daily specials, and, yes, a list of ice cream, gelato, sorbet and sherbets.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | 1 Comment on Bridge Road Shops
A true hidden gem in Charleston is the Bridge Road Shops. Tucked away in a quaint spot in South Hills, you will find over 40 establishments, including retail, world-class dining, and local art. Let’s explore what makes some of these places so special.
Retail:
Charlie Boutique: Charlie Boutique has been dressing Charleston women for over 10 years. Curating clothing, jewelry, and accessories with a knowledgeable eye and delivering a sophisticated style. At Charlie you will experience boutique shopping as it is meant to be fun and personal. Charlie also sells masks!
Eggplant: This exclusive gift boutique is your one-stop shop. You will find everything from luxurious bath and body products, fabulous jewelry, and accessories to home décor, custom invitations and stationery.
Geraniums: Looking for Lilly Pulitzer, Diane von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller or other top designers, visit Geraniums. You will always find the perfect outfit for any occasion.
Ooh La Lucy: Is known for its high-quality products and superior customer service. They pride themselves on being your resource for all things chic, unique, and affordable. There is nothing they love more than helping a woman put together an outfit that makes her feel absolutely confident.
Petit Jewelry Designs: This small jewelry shop creates some very special and one-of-a-kind heirlooms.
Yarid’s: Yarid’s Shoes is a family owned and operated shoe store established in 1918. They offer the finest collection of footwear, handbags, scarves and jewelry for ladies and gentlemen, and also carry smashbox cosmetics, butter LONDON nail polish and dr brandt.
Who can shop without stopping for a bite to eat?
1010 Bridge: The newest kid on the block, has an outstanding menu. Try their Cast Iron Seared “1010 Cut.”
Bridge Road Mart & Deli: If you aren’t looking for Bridge Road Mart, you will miss it. Inside you will find groceries, snacks, spirits, and light prepared food.
Caffe Romeo: Whether you need a morning pick me up or an evening treat, stop by Caffe Romeo for coffee or gelato.
Lola’s Pizza: Their handmade, Neapolitan-style pizzas are served piping hot out of the stone hearth oven. Try one of the specialties — popular pies include Fig Jam & Rosemary, Spinach & Feta, and Spicy Shrimp & Sausage — or you can create your own. And don’t forget their award-winning Sangria.
Sarah’s Bakery: Do you prefer sweet or savory? Sarah’s has both. Stop by and grab a Chicken Pot Pie for dinner or some sweet treats for dessert. Keep up with her menu on Facebook.
The Wheelhouse: A local favorite for lunch. A true Charlestonian always orders the Paddlewheeler.
While you are out exploring Bridge Road, don’t forget to #MaskUpCWV and maintain proper social distance.
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Food | 1 Comment on Shima’s Family Restaurant
Welcome is the first thing you feel when you enter Shima’s Family Restaurant in Nitro. Hunger pangs quickly follow. This unassuming little restaurant is big on taste. The menu features a list of local favorites, including sandwiches, burgers, wings, a daily special, and breakfast fare. The list of “Oriental” options on the menu is short but well worth exploring.
The Chicken Teriyaki can be made regular or spicy. It comes with your choice of rice: traditional pork-fried, chicken-fried, or bacon-fried. What? Bacon-fried rice, is that a thing? Yes, it is, and it is delicious! Add an egg roll – with spicy mustard prepared by hand – and you’ve got a meal that rivals any Chinese restaurant in the Kanawha Valley.
The Hiroshima, which can also be made regular or spicy, is a deep-fried rice ball with chicken inside, covered in teriyaki sauce, more chicken, and broccoli. It is phenomenal and a definite #TeamCharlestonWV favorite.
Shima’s is open for breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday. Call ahead or check the restaurant’s Facebook page for daily specials.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | 1 Comment on JQD Salt Works
One of the Kanawha Valley’s most precious hidden gems is JQ Dickinson Salt-Works. Whether you love history, beautiful scenery, or food, JQD is a place you want to visit.
JQD originally started in 1813 and began producing salt in 1817. Did you know salt was the first industry in the Kanawha Valley? Malden, WV was considered the salt capital of the east. The salt industry flourished for years. Most of the production was shipped to Cincinnati for meat packing. When refrigeration was invented, the once-famous salt industry began to decline.
Today, two seventh-generation descendants of William Dickinson, siblings Nancy Bruns and Lewis Payne, have tapped the old salt wells and reinvented the process. Instead on burning the brine, JQD has begun an evaporation process in special sun houses. All the products are hand harvested to create the perfect flavor for any dish.
JQD is more than just salt producers, they offer history tours of the facility and have the perfect backdrop for any outdoor event.
Stop by Monday through Saturday between 10am – 4pm to shop or for a tour. If you prefer to stay home and shop, they offer an online store.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | 2 Comments on Route 60 Ramble
Many people are yearning to travel again. Yet, they are cautious and not ready to go. Lucky for you, we have the perfect staycation ideas. Experience things you love while exploring new places between Charleston and Huntington. Follow the Route 60 Ramble on Instagram for all the wonderful ideas.
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Food, Things To Do | 4 Comments on Taylor Books
Set in the heart of Downtown Charleston, Taylor Books is so much more than just an independent bookstore. Visitors can browse for art, literature and gifts and listen to live music or author presentations while sipping a latte or glass of wine.
The Capitol Street bookstore opened in 1995 and quickly became a must-visit destination in the Capital City. The store carries a broad selection of reading material, including local and regional fiction and nonfiction, used books and hard-to-find magazines. A unique collection of cards and gifts ranging from toys and games to writing materials rounds out the inventory of this eclectic shop.
The hub of Taylor Books is its café. The menu features a broad selection of gourmet coffee and teas, smoothies, pastries, soups and sandwiches and other light fare. In recent years it has expanded to include wine and local craft beer – ideal for evenings when the café hosts its regular open mic nights or other live performances.
The Annex Gallery features rotating exhibits by local artists and artisans, and the store also offers art classes in its Annex Studio.
As if that weren’t enough, this cultural mecca seemed like the ideal location for an independent cinema. Operated as a separate business, the Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema can be accessed through the Annex Gallery or from the alley behind Taylor Books. The micro-theater hosts the West Virginia International Film Festival and showcases independent films and shorts.
Don’t forget to follow the guidelines while enjoying Taylor Books. Maintain social distance and wear your mask!
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food | 4 Comments on Dining Around
No trip is complete without checking out the food scene. Charleston has vibrant dining options. Everyone in your family will be pleased with any place you pick. Let us guide you to some Undiscovered food in #CWV.
Let’s start the day with a delicious cup of coffee at the Daily Dose Cafe. The Daily Dose offers a variety of coffee drinks, including cold brew, cappuccino, macchiato, and more. You can add a plethora of flavors and some CBD, for an extra boost.
Our next stop is breakfast at the Smokehouse. Most Charlestonians visit this West Side staple for lunch and dinner. Many don’t realize the amazing homecooked breakfast they serve. We recommend the biscuits and gravy.
Now it is time for a mid-morning snack. Everyone from WV knows pepperoni rolls are the best snack, and a quick stop for this snack is Swiftwater General Store.
We know you are still hungry, and it is time for lunch. Try CWV’s newest lunch spot, Coco’s Kitchen & Café. Keep an eye on their Facebook, as the menu changes weekly. Don’t forget to add on a smoothie to complete your meal.
For your mid-afternoon, take a step back in time at The Peanut Shoppe. This local staple is celebrating 60 years of fun on Capitol Street. Our favorites include the boiled peanuts and homemade caramel popcorn.
No dinner is complete without an appetizer and fresh air. The Tricky Fish patio is the perfect place to enjoy world famous hushpuppies- even Melissa Etheridge tweeted about how good they are!
The Hale House is another new CWV staple. They opened their doors in January, then two months later had to temporarily close due to the pandemic. We are happy to report they are back open and serving delicious burgers, steaks, and ahi tuna. In addition to their food, Hale House offers the largest bourbon selection in the Kanawha valley.
What better way to end your day of exploration of the Charleston food scene than with gelato from Caffe Romeo? Gelato is made fresh in house, and flavors change weekly. Trust us, you will find more than one that you fall in love with.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | No Comments on Girlfriend Staycation
Gather your mom crew for a fun girl weekend trip to Charleston. Several hotels are offering special staycation rates and are ready to pamper you after a long quarantine with the kids.
Start your evening of pampering with a mani/pedi or a hair appointment at one of Charleston’s spas. Please make an appointment and follow all the guidelines such as wearing your mask.
Next, you will need some retail therapy. Shops along Capitol Street and the Bridge Road Shops will provide you with the perfect outfit for dinner and drinks.
Before checking into the hotel, grab a bottle of wine, and champagne for morning mimosas, from The Wine Shop at Capitol Market. No ladies’ night is complete without getting ready together while pregaming.
Several of Charleston’s favorite restaurants are offering outdoor dining. Make your reservations early. Sit down, relax, and let someone else wait on you.
After dinner, take a relaxing stroll along Kanawha Boulevard’s riverfront.
Treat yourself to breakfast in bed. Either with room service or delivery of a local restaurant.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | No Comments on Charleston’s Family Staycation
Tired of looking at the same four walls? Why not take a staycation at one of Charleston’s hotels? Most are offering special rates for locals. In addition to a change of scenery we can help make your trip fun.
Charleston has many outdoor activities, that provide plenty of space to social distance, that the entire family will enjoy.
Start your afternoon with a family picnic at the WV State Capitol. With so many of Charleston’s restaurants open for takeout, just pick up your lunch. After you get your belly full, explore the all the statues around the Capitol grounds and let the kids chase some squirrels.
Next, take a stroll down Capitol Street for a treat that children of all ages love, ice cream, at Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream. While downtown, do a little retail therapy. Just remember to wear your mask inside the shops and maintain proper social distancing.
Now it is time to check into the hotel. Enjoy a little family down time inside the room before heading out to dinner.
Several local favorites are open for outdoor dining. Sit down, relax, and let someone else serve you a meal, that you do not have to cook or clean up after! Please call ahead and make reservations to ensure your table is ready.
End the evening with a relaxing stroll down Kanawha Boulevard before heading back to the hotel.
Wake up the next morning to breakfast in bed. Order room service, if available, or send your spouse to pick up breakfast at First Watch.