After working in Lawrence County for more than six weeks now, I figured this would be a good time to reflect on my time here so far and talk about some of my favorite things in the county.

So, I made a list of my top 5 favorite things about Lawrence County. And before you ask, I have not been paid or endorsed by any of the businesses or organizations on this list. These are merely my favorite things about the county. So, here’s my countdown:

No. 5: Granny’s gift shop, Vine and Fifth streets

How many places can you go in southern Ohio — let alone the state — where you can buy a 20-ounce Coke and a pile of fake cat pooh. And, I hate to admit it, but I’m a sucker for fake pooh of any kind.

And long before I ever worked in the county, what brought me here probably more than anything was taking a trip to Granny’s to look for some hip clothes or scented candles. And, no, I’ve never bought a pipe

or anything else like that there.

No. 4: Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, County Road 1A, Haverhill

Although it’s almost Scioto County, it’s still technically in Lawrence County, and is one of the most eye-catching sites in the area.

The shrine, maintained by St. Joseph Church in Ironton, is one of the county’s best-kept secrets, which has stood for 50 years.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story of Fatima, Portugal, check out www.fatima.org, the Fatima Network, and learn about the Fatima prophecies, and what it all means to Catholics around the world.

No. 3: Country roads, everywhere

I don’t know how many of you are big Sunday drivers, but I am a huge one.

There’s rarely nothing better than grabbing your favorite CD —iPod for the young-ones, cassette tape for the older readers — and heading out into the county on a destinationless journey through the forest.

No. 2: Downtown Ironton

Although not as bustling as it once was many years ago, downtown Ironton is still an attractive town center. The juxtaposition of the buildings’ architecture next to the Ironton-Russell Bridge and Ohio River on a sunny day is awe-inspiring.

I’ve always loved the fact that as you come off the exit at Route 93 and U.S. 52 and head toward downtown, Park Avenue runs right into The Depot, which soon could become Ironton’s next hot spot for fine dining.

A prospective tenant for that building would have to be crazy not to want a restaurant there.

No. 1: Country fried steak at Peddler’s Home Cooking, Third Street

If any of you know me, you know I’m a picky eater. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy food; on the contrary, I enjoy it often — very often.

And, when it comes to home cooking, there aren’t many places I’ve eaten where I can say that’s one of the best dishes I’ve had anywhere, but Peddler’s is one of those places.

Even though the restaurant has a fairly big menu, of the several times I’ve eaten there, I just can’t bring myself to order anything but the country fried steak.

Well, that is my list so far. And I’m sure as time progresses, my favorite things will change. And as that happens, I’m sure I’ll let you all know.

Don Willis is managing editor of the Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445, ext. 12 or don.willis@ironton

tribune.com.