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Relish this. It's Our Blog.


Happy New Year. The Time is Now.
We could sit around waiting for the perfect time. We could spend another year saying "someday." We could come up with a dozen reasons not to do the big, wild, slightly ridiculous thing we can't stop thinking about. But we opened a hot dog and pepperoni roll shop instead. In a few weeks, the doors swing open at Coal Valley Bun Works. And it still doesn’t feel real. This idea has been in Kevin's head for a long time; written on bar napkins, scribbled in notebooks, sauce recipes
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Jan 22 min read


Well, that escalated quickly.
Seven days. One t-shirt. 1,300+ followers. Two debates and about 73 people yelling in all caps that they’re “SO EXCITED.” We see you. Launching a new foot spot in Moundsville is one thing. Doing it online, with nothing but a logo, a dream, and a few stock photos of a hot dog or two? That’s a whole other gamble. But you showed up fast, loud, and with a ton of energy. Wow, is all we can say (and thank you). We opened the door a crack this week to give people in the Ohio Valley
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Dec 14, 20252 min read


It's Almost Time in COAL VALLEY.
It's almost time to open the doors.
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Dec 6, 20252 min read


Understanding the Rise of Food Tourism
If you’ve ever found yourself booking a trip just because of the food, you’re not alone. I mean, who wouldn’t want to chase down the best barbecue in the South or hunt for the freshest Appalachian apple butter? Food has this magical way of connecting us to a place, its people, and its stories. That’s why the food tourism trend is booming, and honestly, it’s about time. Let’s dive into why this delicious movement is taking over and how it’s shaping communities like ours in We
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Nov 17, 20254 min read


Top Food Tourism Destinations to Visit
If you’re anything like me, food isn’t just fuel—it’s an adventure. It’s the story of a place, a culture, and the people who call it home. And what better way to dive into that story than by visiting some of the top culinary destinations around the world? Whether you’re craving spicy street food, hearty comfort dishes, or innovative farm-to-table experiences, these spots have got you covered. So, buckle up your taste buds and let’s embark on a delicious journey! Why These To
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Nov 14, 20254 min read


Understanding the Appeal of Food Tourism
Let’s be honest: food is one of the best reasons to get out of the house and explore. Whether it’s the smell of fresh cornbread wafting through a West Virginia kitchen or the sizzle of a skillet on a roadside diner stove, food has this magical way of connecting us to a place, its people, and its stories. That’s why culinary travel experiences have become such a big deal lately. It’s not just about eating; it’s about living the culture through every bite. If you’ve ever found
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Oct 31, 20254 min read


Hot Dog Culture in America: From Street Carts to Slaw Dogs
If you really want to know a place, skip the fancy restaurants and find the nearest hot dog stand. America’s story isn’t written in boardrooms—it’s wrapped in paper, dripping mustard, and passed through a takeout window with a wink. Every region claims they do it best, and they’re all half-right. But here in the hills of West Virginia, at Coal Valley Bun Works, we know a truth that’s simple and sacred: a proper hot dog tells you everything about where it came from.
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Oct 21, 20254 min read


Discovering the Heart of West Virginia: The Pepperoni Roll
If you follow the scent of baked dough and spicy meat through the old coal towns of north central West Virginia, you’ll end up at the heart of a very local obsession: the pepperoni roll. This delicious treat is more than just food; it’s a slice of history and culture. Pepperoni Rolls: They Started in the Mines Back in the early 1900s, coal miners in this part of the state needed something to eat underground that wouldn’t spoil by lunch break. Most of them were Italian immigra
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Sep 30, 20253 min read


The Top 10 Hot Dogs in America You’ve Got to Try
At Coal Valley Bun Works, we take hot dogs seriously (well, as serious as we are capable of being). Our West Virginia dog has all the...
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Sep 24, 20252 min read


5 Cool Things to Do in Moundsville, West Virginia
Moundsville is a small town with a lot of character. It doesn’t try to be Pittsburgh or Wheeling. It’s proud of what it has which is history, mystery, outdoor beauty, and a local food scene that’s better than outsiders expect. Whether you’re in town for a day trip or a weekend, these five spots are worth the time.
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Sep 21, 20253 min read


Leaf Peeping in West Virginia: Where the Hills Set Themselves on Fire in the Fall
It's beginning to look a lot like our favorite time of year. Nothing. I mean NOTHING beats a West Virginia autumn. In West Virginia, fall...
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Sep 17, 20252 min read


Beyond the Stereotypes: Why Appalachia Deserves a Place in the Cultural Spotlight
Forget Deliverance. Appalachia isn’t a punchline. It’s a powerhouse.
For too long, it has been defined by what it lacks: industry, opportunity, sophistication. That’s lazy thinking. Scratch the surface and you’ll find a region with deep creative reservoirs, unmatched resilience, and a cultural backbone that America leans on more than it admits.
Carrie Scanlon Copley, Phd
Sep 7, 20252 min read
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