More than buggies

popular (and limited) items is the Appalachian Burger. The blended beef-and-venison patty is topped with hand-breaded morel mushrooms when they’re in season each spring. The mushrooms are popular in Appalachia and provide a nutty, meaty touch to this savory offering. 10 State St., Amesville 45711, 740/448-7275, facebook. com/parksplacekitchen

Old Canal Smokehouse | Chillicothe

You’ve likely had great barbecue in this state, but at Old Canal Smokehouse, classics such as brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, salmon and more are all hickory-smoked in a renovated 1850s-era forge. Must-try eats at this spot, which has an industrial feel, include smoked prime rib that’s only served Friday and Saturday evenings and smoked meatloaf served with mashed potatoes, fried onion straws and rye bread.

The Chillicothe restaurant also features more than 10 burgers and sandwiches, and non-smoked meat platters such as pasta and steaks. The restaurant also serves 18 (mostly) craft beers on tap. 94 E. Water St., Chillicothe 45601, 740/779-3278, oldcanalsmokehouse.com

Kindred Spirits | Logan

This restaurant is set in a cozy 1840s log cabin and surrounded by the natural beauty of Hocking Hills State Park. (Plus, you can walk to dinner from your Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls accommodations if you’re staying on-site.)

But the food coming out of executive chef Josh Thurston’s kitchen is why it’s worth pulling up a seat at the table. Although menus are updated seasonally and change frequently, expect offerings such as seared Bay of Fundy salmon with house-made hot honey or house-made teriyaki sauce, as well as a tart-cherry barbecue center-cut pork chop. 21190 St. Rte. 374, Logan 43138, 740/3857489, innatcedarfalls.com/restaurant

Blue Bell Diner | McConnelsville

Sidling up to the counter at Blue Bell Diner in McConnelsville feels different than it did when the restaurant first opened more than 50 years ago. For starters, the place received a contemporary-meets-nostalgia makeover when new owner Adrian Harper took over in 2022. Standouts here include housemade sausage gravy and biscuits, a Belgian waffle platter and the slightly sweet housemade chili. The diner’s full coffee bar churns out drinks such as a white chocolate mocha made with locally sourced chocolate milk and salted caramel iced coffee with housemade caramel sweet cream foam. 2 W. Main St., McConnelsville 43756, 740/962-3939, facebook.com/bluebelldiner

Golden Plaza | Belle Valley

If you’re looking for homestyle cooking without any pretenses, this Noble County spot is for you. Located in an old roadside