Parkersburg

This small island sits within the Ohio River and is accessed by taking a beautiful sternwheeler riverboat that docks at Point Park to pick up over 40,000 visitors every year. The island has beautiful trees and manicured grounds that make it a lovely place for the horse and carriage rides the mansion and museum provide.

The enormous and famous mansion was built around 1790 and was dubbed ‘the most beautiful home in the west’ at the time. The museum and gift shops are located within the mansion. The island is also open to people who wish to immerse themselves in the history of the island. Volunteers in period-clothing conduct tours, build and display real campsites, re-enact historical events, and explore the wildlife with the visitors.

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, 137 Juliana St, Parkersburg, WV 26101, Phone: 304-420-4800

The Fort Boreman Park is a state historical landmark located on a tall hill that has been repurposed as a public space with scenic overviews that overlook Parkersburg and the Ohio River. Thousands of residents and tourists visit every year to learn about history and to participate in the activities available there. Kids can enjoy playing on the large playground. Public restrooms are on site. Two large pavilions are available to the public but can also be rented out to private parties. The shelters can house 80-90 people and have 15 picnic tables between the two with grills available.

Fort Boreman Dr. Parkersburg, WV 26101, Phone: 304-424-1976

The Smoot Theatre is a place that immerses the audience into a past-era and provides many kinds of entertainment for residents and tourists of all ages. For 90 years, it has been a place to watch movies and on-stage shows. Today, people are often entertained by the many on-stage acts and events, including music shows with big bands, jazz, blues, country, folk, and rock artists. Many plays and even one-person concerts are put on year after year. The kids can enjoy children’s theatre and family-friendly comedy and plays. There are also lectures, dance shows, and on-stage dessert tours.

213 Fifth Street Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101, Phone: 304-422-7529

Where to Eat

Authentic Filipino food is served at Philippines Best Food where the owners use only the freshest produce and make all their signature sauces in house. This hidden gem began as a food truck and has become so popular that the owners were forced to establish a restaurant. Philippines Best now is a full-service restaurant with an outdoor patio, but still operates their food truck for special events along the east coast. Carryout and online ordering are also available, and breakfast is served all day!

1757 c 7th Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia, 26101, Phone: 304-615-9122

Jimmie Colombo’s Italian Restaurant was a professional welterweight boxer during the 1930s and opened up his first restaurant in 1945 after several years in the restaurant industry. The Colombo’s in Parkersburg was opened in 1954 and has seen significant growth since then having to grow to seat from 60 to more than 300 people. The extensive Italian menu features pizza, Colombo’s pasta, sizzling steaks, seafood, and other traditional entrees. The family-owned restaurant also provides catering.

1236 7th Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia, 26101, Phone: 304-428-5472

George's Place is a popular staple in the Parkersburg community who is praised for his Mediterranean and Lebanese dishes in addition to traditional Italian foods, steak, burgers, and their infamous peach dessert pizza. The pizza recipe is the same one that has been used for over four decades, and the restaurant guarantees fresh ingredient and authentic Italian dishes. The chefs who work at George’s Place can even cook custom orders not featured on the menu if asked. A lunch buffet is offered in addition to their lunch menu, pizzeria menu, and dinner.

414 Grand Park Drive, Parkersburg, West Virginia, 26105, Phone: 304-917-4826