Tales of the past, trails through history, and weekends full of family fun and entertainment.
photographed by NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS & CARLA WITT FORD
As one of West Virginia’s most historic cities, Parkersburg is steeped in the memory of days gone by. Originally dubbed Newport in the late 18th century, Parkersburg was officially renamed in 1810 as it was gifted to Captain Alexander Parker for his service in the Revolutionary War.
Today, this river city celebrates its past through unique attractions, engaging museums, and preservation of architecture.
Parkersburg hosts a robust series of fun and unique events throughout the year, and the city is surrounded by endless outdoor recreation opportunities, including mountain biking, hiking, paddling, fishing, and more.
What’s Here
Parkersburg is quickly becoming a favorite destination for families with the opening of Discovery World on Market in the spring of 2023. The children’s museum is designed primarily for ages 10 and under, with a focus on playing and growing together with family and friends. The 30,000-square-foot facility is expected to host 60,000 guests in its first year of operation.
Families also flock to Point Park to catch a sternwheel ride to Blennerhassett Island State Park. A 20-minute river excursion takes you to the site of history and intrigue and features the reconstructed Blennerhassett Mansion, guided tours, narrated wagon rides, hiking trails, concessions, and picnic facilities.
After Blennerhassett Island, continue your historical journey with a walking tour of Julia-Ann Square Historic District, just steps from downtown Parkersburg. The largest and oldest historic district in West Virginia is comprised of more than 120 homes built in the Second Empire, 19th century eclectic, and Queen Ann styles and dating from about 1850 to 1910.
For an afternoon of shopping and tasting, Parkersburg is full of unique shops and restaurants. There are few greater pleasures than delicious, handcrafted chocolate, and Holl’s Swiss Chocolatiers has it down to a science. This family-owned business has made traditional Swiss chocolate creations since 1986. Crown Florals & Gifts has its finger on the pulse of both the trendy and the traditional. And, conveniently located in the Grand Central Mall in Vienna, Cardinal Market is a haven for those looking to buy local artisans’ work. Hand-poured candles and prints and art pieces celebrating West Virginia and its culture can be found on its ever-changing shelves.
After a full day of adventure, relax and enjoy a beer at Parkersburg Brewing Company. In addition to delicious craft brews, it has a tantalizing menu of stick-to-your-ribs pub fare. For more exotic fare, Cham’s Lebanese Cuisine has developed a statewide following. Maybe it’s Cham’s Special platter or the Fried Kibbe Balls or the Fatayer that keeps folks returning—or maybe it’s the baklava. Lovers of Italian delicacies enjoy two of the state’s oldest favorites in the Parkersburg area. Since 1954, Jimmie Columbo’s Italian Restaurant has served the finest pizza, pasta, and Italian cuisine to the Mid-Ohio Valley. Just north of Parkersburg in Williamstown, Da Vinci’s Restaurant opened in 1978 on the site of an old Sunoco gas station and has grown into a bustling facility that can host more than 500 guests.
What’s Near
Named for the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes River, North Bend State Park is lush with wildlife. The park boasts excellent fishing streams, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and a newly renovated lodge and restaurant. Cabins and campgrounds are also available.
Just 12 miles from Parkersburg, Mountwood Park is consistently rated as one of the top trail systems in West Virginia, with 35 miles of challenging mountain biking trails.
When you visit, stay at the Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa. For well over a century, the Blennerhassett has brought Old World comfort, impeccable service, and Victorian charm to the city of Parkersburg—and it’s a perennial front-runner for Best Boutique Hotel in the state in the annual “Best of West Virginia” readers’ choice awards. An alternative is TownePlace Suites by Marriott, a stunning hotel within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
When to Come
Greater Parkersburg knows how to throw a party! A series of fun, entertaining, and educational festivals takes place throughout the year. If you consider yourself a foodie, you must plan to attend Taste of Parkersburg, the area’s premier wine and food festival, held each spring. This outdoor festival happens right downtown and is a favorite for food, wine, and beer lovers throughout the region.
Feeling more adventurous? Parkersburg Paddlefest is a fun-filled August weekend dedicated to people-powered watercraft. The main event happens on Saturday with a unique opportunity to paddle a three-mile stretch of the Ohio River, from Point Park downriver to Blennerhassett Island and back. Friday night features food trucks and live music followed by a lighted paddle up the Little Kanawha River.
For history buffs, Mansion by Candlelight in mid-October is a unique event not to be missed. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park takes on a more historic look when hundreds of candles light the way to the Mansion. Sternwheeler rides will transport you back to the year 1805 for an autumn evening without electricity. Tickets include the round-trip sternwheeler ride, the mansion visit, a horse-drawn wagon ride, and the servants’ party.
Why Stay
Parkersburg affords its residents the opportunity to enjoy a family-focused community without giving up the conveniences of urban living. With major urban markets like Columbus, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Cincinnati just a few hours away, residents can easily access transportation, major sporting events, shopping and entertainment, and corporate facilities without dealing with the daily challenges and inflated costs of living of an urban environment. You can get the best of both worlds by making your home in Parkersburg.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM SPRING 2024
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