Explore the history and culture of the colorful towns along the Ohio River.
WRITTEN BY Nikki Bowman Mills, Pam Kasey & Devin Lacy
PHOTOGRAPHED BY Nikki Bowman Mills & Carla Witt Ford
Along the Ohio River, there are vibrant river towns and communities full of history and culture surrounding the state’s oil and gas industry. From the river-focused festivals of New Martinsville to the historical landmarks of Williamstown to bustling Parkersburg and lore-filled Point Pleasant, these areas along the river have plenty to do, see, and eat for the whole family.
Travel Times
New Martinsville to Sistersville 15 minutes
Sistersville to Williamstown 45 minutes
Williamstown to Parkersburg 30 minutes
Parkersburg to Point Pleasant 2 hours (following the river) 1 hour, 10 minutes (via I-77 and Rt. 2)
NEW MARTINSVILLE
DO
New Martinsville’s Back Home Festival welcomes festivalgoers to three days of music and fun June 27–29 in 2025. In late August, visit for the Vintage Regatta or plan your trip for late September to catch the annual RegattaFest.
DRINK & DINE
Get your caffeine fix and wood-fired pizza at Baristas Cafe and Pub, or snag a true West Virginia dog at Bigfoot Hotdogs. Dos Hermanos offers up your favorite Mexican staples, and Stalder Family Creamery will satisfy this biggest sweet tooth. Down the road in Sistersville, The Fort Pizza & Restaurant is happy to welcome you in for a bite!
WILLIAMSTOWN
DO
Williamstown is a city full of history to discover, starting at Henderson Hall. Take a drive past the 1839 Tomlinson Mansion, the oldest home in the city. Fenton Gift Shop is a treasure trove for glass collectors, and the Williamstown Antique Mall and Valley Vendor Mall have plenty of antiques and vintage items to add to your home.
DRINK & DINE
Enjoy fine Italian flavors at daVinci’s or go casual with a delicious meal at River Town Grill. Find European-inspired pastries at The Bakery and Coffeehouse.
PARKERSBURG
DO
Julia-Ann Square, with homes dating to the 1850s, makes for a lovely stroll. Speaking of impressive homes, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park holds the Blennerhassett mansion, a landmark preceded by a fascinating history. If you stay at The Blennerhassett Hotel, you’ll be a short walk away from the Oil & Gas Museum. Nearby, Discovery World on Market is fun for kids and their adults! Fort Boreman Scenic Overlook has a showstopping view and Civil War connections. A trailhead for the North Bend Rail Trail can also be found here.
DRINK & DINE
Find craft beer and pub-favorite sandwiches at North End Tavern & Brewery. If your thirst still isn’t quenched, Parkersburg Brewing Co. has something for the pickiest preferences. For fine dining, The Blennerhassett Restaurant & Lounge and Wine Down on Market serve up meals you won’t forget! Save room for dessert: JR’s Donut Castle is a city staple.
POINT PLEASANT
DO
You can’t visit the home of the Mothman without a trip to the Mothman Museum—don’t forget a photo with the Mothman statue! Want more museum time? Stroll through the Point Pleasant River Museum & Lakin Ray Cook Learning Center and the West Virginia State Farm Museum. Walk along the murals at the Point Pleasant floodwall, then head over to Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. Pick up mementos and gifts from your trip at Point Pleasant Trading Co.
DRINK & DINE
Get caffeinated with a beverage from The Coffee Grinder before you start your day’s adventures. For lunch, Village Pizza Inn is a must. Rio Bravo 2 is a neighborhood favorite, and What’s the Scoop? serves up the perfect summer treat.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SUMMER 2025 ISSUE
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