Cat Sightings

Cat Sightings

 1-15

A travel log

            Recently I’ve been able to travel a little more around Appalachia, and so I wrapped myself in my black suit and heavy coat found myself adventuring. Helping with Vandalia-Con means that I now frequently travel to Parkersburg, West Virginia,

Gingerbread Blennerhassett on display in Lobby.

and stay at the historic Blennerhassett Hotel. I must confess this is something I have come to adore. The hotel is where Vandalia-Con takes place and they have been such wonderful hosts, I cannot speak too highly of them. The convention would not be the success it is without their involvement. However wonderful as they are, this little travel log is not about them, but rather some of the places I visited while on my journey.

            One great thing about Parkersburg visits is taking the time to stop in to obtain a small box of Holl’s Chocolates. For those who have not had any of these handmade Swiss style delights made right here in West Virginia, it is impossible to describe what you are missing. The varieties offered allow one to create a custom box of treats to impress any individual palate or party of guests. I will also mention that I have a fondness for the coffees they offer there as well. My personal preference is a cup of Highland Grog accompanied by a Royal Truffle, but I encourage everyone to experiment till you find your favorite combination. It is also my personal opinion that chocolate and coffee are a great way to begin any adventure.

            While I was in Parkersburg I also got to visit the Point Park Marketplace. Last year this was where we had hosted the Pink Block Party segment of Vandalia-Con, which was a Health Fair open to the public and featured a small parade and some amazing live music. It is a nice spot and worked well for our needs. However upon entering the marketplace this time I was very impressed with the change that I saw. There were many vendors present, offering a variety of things from fresh produce to remarkable artwork. As the Lady Captain went around to discuss the upcoming year’s event with the merchants present, I simply looked around tried to get a sense of all the nice change. I immediately noticed the coffee fellow right off of course, a stand named Randy’s Rub. However as I had already had indulged that day I resisted the temptation. I will say whatever brew he was making had a very pleasant aroma, and the gentleman at the counter greeted everyone with a smile and friendly conversation. I sat for a bit and took in the other food offerings. Across from the coffee shop was a stand for James’ Mama Mia Pizza, which offered a nice menu of favorites. Located near these was also, Jeff Adams a Nutritionist,  Breads & Beyond Bakery, and a Bersky’s Ice Ex-Creamery.  On a bit more of the adult side was offerings of Toscano in Appalachia Wines and North End Tavern and Brewery.

Stop in, spend a little time.

            As one stepped into an adjoining area the food offerings were Foggy Dale Farms Beef & West Virginia Foods & Things. This latter is a produce stand which also offered a variety of other local goodies. (I myself am fond of kettlecorn, I admit.) I also enjoyed looking at the variety of local theme cookbooks on offer. Hand knit items from Heavenly Sunlight Alpaca Farm, and the art by Three Dimension Wooden Pictures by Gale Karcher finished out the visit on a most enjoyable note. Though most might find it odd that one of the things I was drawn to was the easel stands holding up Gale’s art. They are a neat set up of copper pipe fittings which I just thought was really neat. All in all it was a wonderful visit and I was very happy to see the Marketplace looking so nice and doing so well.

            After leaving Parkersburg we traveled up Rt 2, enjoying the scenery. A light snow was falling and clinging to everything, creating a nice wonderland out of the landscape around us. Between Parkersburg and Sistersville, the Lady Captain and I were lucky enough to get a sighting of a trio of Bald Eagles, a male and two females as they swooped very near to the car while they played in the air currents above the roadway. It was a breathtaking moment and was done and over before I could even think about taking a picture of it. I have no regrets in that regard however, as now it is a nice private magical moment which existed just for the wife and I. It is now something we will always share together when we want to make the other smile.

No Eagles in this Picture, but it was taken along Rt. 2 that day, north of Parkersburg.

Shortly after that remarkable experience we arrived in Sistersville..

But that’s a different story...

For more info you may want to check out the following.

theblennerhassett.com

www.holls.com

pointparkmarketplace.com

Dream Well..

Till the Last Cup & Saucer...