Having once again left Athens Co. in my figurative dust, I thought I should take a minute to reflect on some of the things I love about life in the Hocking River valley. 

If you ever find yourself in Athens, Ohio, Harlan Dalzell of The Princes of Hollywood recommends the following:

Casa Nueva and Casa Cantina - (As recommended by the band Cake.) For libation and repast, this ought to be your first stop. Patently Athenian and worker-owned, with a focus on locally produced groceries, Casa Nueva serves frikkin' tasty and very affordable hippie-Mexican. (Don't be ruffled if you receive middling service--See above.) Also a vegetarian's haven, Casa offers nearly every dish in a meat-free rendition. (I hear the vegan parfait is first rate.) This is where The PofH take out-of-town musicians. I eat here at least weekly. Meanwhile, next door at the Cantina there is live music, pretty much nightly, exclusively Ohio-brewed goodies on tap (with a formidable bottled beer selection from all around this thirsty, spinning rock), 'Bodega' appetizers from the Casa Nueva menu, and the superlative liquor selection in town. Cheers. 6 W State St. 740-592-2016

O'Betty's Red Hot! - Hands-down the best hotdogs and hand-cut french fries in town. Vegetarian friendly, too. 15 W State St. 740-589-6111

Avalanche Pizza - (As seen on Food Network) A traditional delivery-style pizza joint with conventional and gourmet toppings, available whole-wheat crust, and a variety of sauces? Score! The three-pizza deals can't be beaten. 329 E State St. 740-594-GONG

Magic Video - Athens' independent movie rental choice for over 20 years. No, they don't have 60 copies of the new horror fiasco. And, yes, rentals really are only for one night, but Martha Laufman has made a business of getting movies that matter. Their selection rivals the best I've seen in major metropolitan independent movie stores. 20 W State St. 740-592-4544

Athena Cinema (Uptown) - Just got an afternoon to burn and can't wait for the new arthouse flick to make it to Magic Video? Hit the Athena Uptown. As I see it, this is one of the most productive ways Ohio University is spending money, these days. 20 S Court St. 740-592-5106

Donkey Coffee and Espresso - Fuel up. 17 1/2 W. Washington St. 740-594-7353

The Front Room Open Stage - Bruce Dalzell has been hosting this open stage--8:00 (almost) every Friday night--for years, and it is the standard by which the numerous others in town would be judged, if anyone really judged open mics. Go tell a joke or perform hip-hop with cello accompaniment or, better yet, do something I've never even considered. At least go say hi to Brucie and see who's playing in town these days--they all come through eventually. (Bruce also hosts numerous other open stages at Baker Center during the week. See the website for details. And, during the summer, you must go to the Athens Public Library on Monday nights for the Family Open Stage that he hosts with his wife, Gay. *This is on my list of "Happiest Places on Earth.")

Mistretta's Italian Market - Serious panini and daily deli specials, along with various Italian imports make this a sure bet and my regular sandwich fix. Also, they feature a specialized wine selection and reliable imported beer choices. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. 9 N Shafer St. 740-594-4949

Seaman's Grocery - For in-town meat selection, you can't beat Seaman's. When The PofH smoke a pork shoulder, this is where we buy it. Also, their beige-colored plastic shopping bags are my favorite in Athens County. 305 W. Union St. 740-594-2238

Athens Farmers Market - Saturday (year-round) and Wednesday (April-November), 10:00 AM-1:00 PM. Do it. Parking lot of the University Mall, E State St.

Alvis Auto Repair - Car trouble? 186 Columbus Rd. 740-594-3222

Glasshouse Works - For readers inlcined toward horticulture or statuary, you have to check out the GHW, the world-famous mail-order greenhouse, two blocks from my childhood home in Stewart, Ohio. They have some amazing stuff, including regional artisanal offerings, such as rock sculpture, bird baths, etc. Church St., Stewart 740-662-2142

Passion Works Studio - "Passion Works Studio supports collaborations between artists with and without disabilities." Seriously good place. The PofH were honored to be included in the Passion Works Music Project Volume II. Look for it soon. (Our track is called "My Little Pancake Button.") 21 S. Campbell St. 740-592-6659

Not Doing "The Court Street Shuffle" - Although it is true that there are 23 liquor serving establishments on an easy walking route uptown, this in no way makes visiting each of them in one night--Athens' famous pub crawl--a good idea. Indeed, if this is your idea of a good time, you will likely find the rest of my advice on this page of little use.

The Athens Do-It-Yourself Shop - Tired of buying crappy beer from Anheuser-Busch? Me too! Let's make our own! This bloke will be happy to help us on our way. 6 Euclid Dr. 740-594-2349

The Bike Path - It is what it sounds like. As 'progressive' as Athens is, that whole cycling thing isn't really a big deal, but there is a lovely bike path if you want to get away and enjoy the Hocking River.

That should get you started. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best,

HD