Places We Love, the Best Part’s Inside
On this page, I posted one painting about every two days and added a little information about each place. Sometimes I didn't have a painting finished, so I only showed a part of it. To see all the completed paintings click here.
#20
Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe
If you love good food, Marshall sports, a tree-covered terrace, a private party room, TV’s everywhere, and did I say good food…and they’re open on Sundays and Mondays when many downtown restaurants close, then you probably already know about Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe!
(This is a partial, work-in-progress image of this painting.)
#19
The Grill on Third
Located on 3rd Ave between 19th and 20th Streets beside Buddy’s All-American BBQ, The Grill opened in November 2022. It’s open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday, and brunch on Sundays. They have a party room upstairs, plus an outdoor eating space. The food is delicious.
#18
Heritage Farm
The world is better off because of the Perry family’s contributions to it. Heritage Farm is hard to describe, but I’ll try. It has organized collections of historical artifacts which will educate, surprise, amaze and astound you. The hands on experiences (for all ages) will delight you. The demonstrations on Special Event Days will entertain you. And the Wild Heritage addition which gives visitors the opportunity to experience nature with canopy bridges and much more will inspire you.
#17
Nomada Bakery
Located in Heritage Village in the old train station building, bakery owners Ariel and Shawn have transformed the space into an eclectic mix of delight. If you haven’t experienced Heritage Village for awhile or ever, it’s very cool with a wide variety of shops, a yoga studio, a little bar, and two places to grab some yummy food. Nomada is open 7 days a week, 8am-4pm with food options ONLY available there… plus they have indoor and outdoor seating!
Photo credit: Aaron Michelangelo Fox
#16
West Tenampa Mexican Restaurant
Do you go to a Mexican restaurant for the food, the explosion of color, or the margaritas? Or all three!? This one is on the corner of 14th St W and Madison Ave. The man in the white shirt is Lupe, the owner; he came here in his 20’s… ready to learn English and start a new life. Thirty years later, he speaks perfect English, has a family, and I think two restaurants. If I’m wrong, someone tell me. He’s awesome and so are his restaurants.
#15
The Peddler
My hubby and I love to eat here! It’s very cool looking, the food is YUMMY, and my husband loves the craft beer they brew. Jay is the brew master, and Drew owns the place… and the place next door: Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar… and the place UPSTAIRS! Yes, upstairs is Vandalia, a venue for parties. It is spectacular! Last night they had a surprise wedding!! I wish I had been invited. I love weddings, surprises and Vandalia! I attended an event there in 2020 about 5 minutes before the world was shut down for COVID. But here’s a warning: If you are parking in the alley (to unload stuff for the event) by the “Loading Zone” sign and the Vandalia entrance, put I sign on your car because if you don’t, you may get a ticket. Trust me, I know.
(This is a partial, work-in-progress image of this painting.)
#14
Orbit’s Record Shop
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: 1. Jason, the owner, started with Oscars (near Barboursville) and then opened 1861 Public House (beer, pizza, wings, and sandwiches) and this record store, both on Central Ave in downtown Barboursville. His vision is to recreate the community he grew up with. 2. People like Adam (on the left) make it possible for people like Jason to make their visions come true. Day in and day out, you can find him helping customers (playing Heavy Metal) at Orbits… btw…they do have Taylor Swift. 3. People like the guy on the right… shop in local businesses instead of hitting the “Add to my cart” button. Without that guy, none of this is possible.
#13
Paula Vega Cakes
Kathy and Zach Melba, new owners of this 9th Street bakery, are mentoring members of the recovery community… which I think deserves deep, VERY DEEP admiration, respect and love. So when you need (or want) some sugary treats, head there for your cupcakes, fudge, cookies, lemon bars and other sweet stuff.
(This is a partial, work-in-progress image of this painting.)
#12
Hattie and Nan’s Antiques & Books
If you haven’t experienced the shops in Central City Antiques District on 14th St West, you should go. This one has so many treasures, you’ll have to make several trips around, through and among all the stuff!
#11
21 at the Frederick
Walking into the Frederick Hotel lobby is like stepping back in time; it seems almost dream-like to me… and if you’re going to 21 for dinner, it’s an elegant prelude to a special evening. Elephant Walk was the original restaurant in this space; hence the elephant motifs on the walls and door. Bill Ritter, owned that restaurant and the hotel. The current owner, Mark Cross, has made every effort to make 21 the finest restaurant in the area.
#10
Booktenders
Booktenders is in the heart of downtown Barboursville. Not only do they have books, book clubs, and author events, but they have a fun bar where you can meet a friend for coffee, tea, a glass of wine or beer…with a wide assortment of all of them. Also check out their fancy fountain pens, stationery and other gift options! In the back is the meeting space for events; local groups can reserve it for small gatherings. Go! You’ll be glad you did.
#9
MU Student Center
Did you know that We Are Marshall plays on a continuous loop on one of the TV’s on that giant granite-like pillar? If you haven’t seen this current version of Marshall’s Student Union, do yourself a favor and pop in there. It’s gorgeous, plus isn’t it delightful seeing all the students doing student stuff? Go Herd!
#8
The Pottery Place
Opened in 2009 (and with a new owner Jessica Stone) in Pullman Square, The Pottery Place is a popular place for families, friends, and couples to have fun and be creative while spending time together. Customers are encouraged to plan get-togethers, showers, parties, or a date and even bring your own food to eat while you’re visiting and painting. So grab someone and go make pottery and memories.
(This is a partial, work-in-progress image of this painting.)
#7
Cicada Books & Coffee
This very popular book store (new and used!!) and coffee shop in the Central City Antiques District on 14th St. West is one of my favorite places. Recently I popped in there to take photos (again) and pick up a book…(I don’t have enough books yet;), and I met a couple from Ashland who were discovering Cicada for the first time. They loved it!!
(This is a partial, work-in-progress image of this painting.)
#6
Gumbo Stop Café
Debbie and Steve Annett opened their Cajun style restaurant (located in Heritage Station) just 3 years ago. It’s yummy, spicy menu feels authentic because Debbie and Steve know how to cook… AND the sausage and muffaletta bread are shipped in from Louisiana! Hello, people, it’s delicious… plus, Debbie and Steve are just wonderful humans.
(This is a partial, work-in-progress image of this painting.)
#5
The Old Village Roaster
I just love these people! Vicky and Pete opened this coffee shop in 1995; that’s almost 30 years ago! And it all started with Pete’s acquisition of a coffee roaster (bottom left) through his metal polishing business! I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to get Pete sitting with a cup of coffee, but it was my third trip to get a good photo. I wrote a blog today about this special place.
#4
SIP Downtown Brasserie
SIP started in Heritage Station as a little wine bar. Now it’s on 9th Street and has grown into a full service restaurant, a party room, a patio area, and windows that open out in the summer which I totally love! And the people there are always super nice.
# 3
Wild Ramp
The Wild Ramp is the hub of the Central City Antiques District on 14th Street W. With locally produced foods, drinks, gifts, and other stuff, it’s the perfect place to grocery shop after you’ve enjoyed an afternoon popping in the other cool neighborhood shops on either side. Follow them on FB to learn about great events they sponsor.
#2
The Razor and Shear Grooming & Supply Co.
I ran into a former student, Megan, at the new restaurant, Mammus’ Kitchen and Catering on 9th St, which is almost next door to this barbershop where Megan works. After we ate, my husband and I popped in there so I could say “Hi!” (again) … the place is a painting ready to happen!! I made it happen.
#1
The Market
Who doesn’t love the Market?! Phil Nelson owns it, and he’s the nicest guy. His wife’s identical twin sister, Judy, owns the Wildflower Gift Gallery. Judy has been a huge supporter of my art, and after the reception March 2 at West Edge Factory, prints of this painting and others will be for sale at Judy’s shop.
