The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley is proud to continue the Women in Leadership Scholarship for the Fall 2023 semester. Home to a world-renown legends, rich history and family fun, Mason County is a destination unlike any other. Historical & Heritage Tours Walking Tours. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. Give it a look and drop a little something in the bucket if you can. Gallery: Mid-Ohio Valley Region. Photos of notable visitors including Amelia Earhart. 78. from $110/night. I was able to find my dream bass there. West Virginia Tourism Vacation Guide - Mountain Lakes Artifacts include everyday implements and items such as a telescope that George Washington used to survey land in West Virginia. Find a slice of heaven awaiting you within West Virginia's Mercer County. Address 100 Airport Rd #175, Charleston, WV 25311, USA Phone +1 304-344-8033 Web Visit website Location: Charleston Best If: You're looking for cheap flights to the capital city. Have a question? Highways US-35, US-33, and WV-62 Taste a WV classic Dicarlos Pizza is famous for the weird way they makes their pizza. Parks of the Mid-Ohio Valley region in West Virginia - America's Parks There is a great little skate park here for those who want to try hills and jumps! Highlighting the Ritter Park Historic District is a 75-acre park with a walking, jogging, and biking trail and a garden of more than 3,000 roses that is considered one of the best rose gardens in America. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive. Thanks to its rich history and stunning scenic beauty, the Mid-Ohio Valley region is perfect to visit year-round. Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. More than 50 different activities are available in the resort and in the 5,100-acre Greenbrier State Forest. Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane WV. The figure was variously described, but most reported a winged human figure dressed in black, with red eyes. Ski, visit a planetarium, play golf, stop at a petting zoo, and take part in numerous other activities at Oglebay Park. Written by The Davisson Brothers Just be sure to call ahead to be sure the site is open. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. The park has a boating lake, as well as swimming, fishing, and camping. If youre looking for a trip full of history, heritage and outdoor adventure, make your way over to the Greater Parkersburg area in Wood County. 1. Park: North Bend Rail Trail Cairo, WV. The curator is a very interesting man who is brimming with stories of old Parkersburg. The forbidding Gothic fortress opened in 1876, and the last prisoner left in 1995. I especially like the WV centric items, colonial style fabrics, and decorations. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away. The refuge includes, from north (upstream) to southwest (downstream), the following islands and eyots: Ohio County Wheeling Island -- Wheeling, WV Marshall County For outdoor recreation visit beautiful North Bend State Park where fishing, boating, swimming, camping and geocaching are all offered. Lower New River has Class IV rapids that offer runs past the New River Gorge Bridge. While many tourists come to the state for these outdoor activities and scenic landscapes, West Virginia offers much more in the way of tourist attractions, from the historic sights of Harpers Ferry and the elegant Greenbrier and its legendary golf courses to some very unusual attractions, including a penitentiary to tour. Unwind with a great cup of coffee This quaint cafe in New Martinsville will quickly become your favorite hangout spot. This year-round resort is best known for its skiing, with three separate areas to choose from, all with 100 percent snowmaking. Seneca Rocks is a distinctive 250-foot-deep formation of white and gray quartzite that stands almost 900 feet above the North Fork River. Fall is the time to find the most challenging flow, but at any time it's a good idea to hire an experienced guide who knows the river and its quirks and can help you find the places that are best suited to your own experience level. Parks in this region are near these West Virginia Cities (click city name to see parks within 25 miles) PARKERSBURG. If youre looking for a relaxing retreat in the outdoors and one-of-a-kind history hot spots, youll find them here. A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences, Choose from the best hotels and activities. One of the most unlikely places to visit in any state, the West Virginia Penitentiary welcomes guests from April through November to tour the grim prison that sometimes held more than 1,000 prisoners at a time. Grave Creek Archaeological Complex, near Wheeling, centers on the largest known burial mounds of the Adena people, built about 250-150 BC. Blooming rhododendrons. To be sure, there are some displays that are self-evident--such as the Civil War room, the general store, and the toys--but a sizeable amount of the displays featured heavy machinery (especially the basement; we constantly watched our feet to stay on the path to not bump into anything) that we were absolutely clueless as to their purposes/functions; hence the more we looked, the more quickly we sped through. Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginias Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway. Among the free things to do in West Virginia is touring the West Virginia State Museum in Charleston to learn about the state's culture, history, art, paleontology, archaeology, and geology. This museum constantly searches for funding to keep open and display the military stories of the Mid Ohio Valley. The WV Secretary of State's Office registered 841 new businesses statewide during the month of June according to Secretary of State Mac Warner. Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. There are 2 old gasoline pumps; perhaps many visitors have never seen them--talk about the types of gasoline and its prices. Trail on Middle Island - West Virginia Explorer Located at White Sulphur Springs, which have been in use as a natural spa since the 1700s, the grand hotel has hosted 26 presidents, foreign dignitaries, and royalty, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Free Parking! Address: 10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, West Virginia, Official site: http://www.snowshoemtn.com, Read More: Best Ski Resorts in West Virginia. Boasting its unique opportunities and small-town appeal, Ripley is a must-stop on your way through the Mid-Ohio Valley. this museum focuses on the local story that goes along with the many displays. Monthly financing through Klarna and One-time card bi-weekly payments with a service fee to shop anywhere in the Klarna App issued by WebBank, member FDIC. We observed many people sitting on benches, enjoying the river and others walking. Address: 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, West Virginia, Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf. The midpoint is Parkersburg, so that's the spot. Next day took a date to play some Goofy Golf miniature golf. With good food, live music, and a hidden downstairs bar, Baristas Cafe and Pub is not one to miss. Archive of the Afterlife, "A Paranormal Museum", Moundsville, Learn more about Archive of the Afterlife, "A Paranormal Museum", Learn more about West Virginia Penitentiary, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, Parkersburg, Learn more about Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, Moundsville, Learn more about Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center, Wheeling, Learn more about Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center, The Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Wheeling, Learn more about The Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Learn more about Oglebay Institute Glass Museum, The Best Cultural Activities in Mid-Ohio Valley, The Best Specialty Museums in Mid-Ohio Valley. Outstanding in its permanent collections of more than 16,000 objects are 4,000 pieces of glassware and the Touma Near Eastern Gallery, encompassing art from the Middle East, Ottoman Turkey, Central Asia, the Indian sub-continent, North Africa, and Moorish Spain. Many things to look at. Find your home away from home The Ravenswood Inn Bed & Breakfast is a restored late Victorian Era Folk Style house that is sure to make you feel right at home. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall. Avoid If: You're relying on public transportation to travel to more remote areas. West Virginia is the only state completely covered in the Appalachian Mou, The Mid-Ohio Valley Region, known for its tourism, agriculture and manufacturing industries, is a charming place full of adventure and, If youre traveling through Almost Heaven along I-77, there are a number of must-see stops. Teays Valley, WV 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor The adjacent Mountain Homestead recreates a 19th-century Appalachian frontier settlement, with a log home, barn, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, and general store. The most famous waters are in the Gauley River, between Summersville and Fayetteville, in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. The variety of terrain and rainfall across its more than 900,000 acres gives it one of the most diverse forest ecosystems in the country, supporting more than 225 bird species; 75 species of trees; and 70 fish species, both game and non-game. I am not crazy about the direction they have gone in the last decade (new buyers? The ranks and listings for local attractions are: * 7. From high intensity activities to simp, Copyright 2023 West Virginia Department of Tourism. From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything youve ever seen before. It's no secret that West Virginia is one of the best places to go white water rafting. North Bend State Park. Click here for an interactive map of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Ribbon Cutting for Coldwell Banker Select Properties, Business After Hours with Trademark Solutions/Discount Signs, Share on Facebook Theres no end to what youll discover. They are quite knowledgeable on the subject, so don't be afraid to ask questions! Choose a region: Eastern Panhandle Hatfield-McCoy Mountains Metro Valley Mid-Ohio Valley Mountain Lakes Mountaineer Country New River-Greenbrier Valley Northern Panhandle Potomac Highlands * 104. Bike through a haunted tunnel The North Bend Rail Trail boasts the Silver Run Tunnel, a 2,297-foot tunnel that locals claim to be haunted. Visit the North End Tavern and Brewery where you can sip a handcrafted local beverage. Finally, wrap up your visit in Ripley at Helenas Country Caf, where youll find comfort foods made from scratch. Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, West Virginia's Mid-Ohio Valley Region Parks, Parks in this region are near these West Virginia Cities. You don't need to be a climber to enjoy the park. Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. Some routes are moderate, but experts are challenged by the exposed summit pinnacle. Pop on over toChestnut Ridge Wineryfor a tour and tasting of some of their varieties of wine. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive. This riverside town boasts a historic downtown, a quilt trail, state park and more all ready for your exploration. The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe. From Parkersburg to Bluefield, explore restauran, Exploring Almost Heaven is an amazing adventure, but doing so as a family makes it even more special. The Western Territory Area's steep, rugged terrain has 1,500 feet of vertical drop, the most advanced terrain in the region. There is a great little skate park here for those who want to try hills and jumps! * 47. In Ripley, favorite activities include tastings at Appalachian Distillery, kayaking the Mill Creek Water Trail and dining at the Fairplain Yacht Club, one of the state's most unique restaurants. Thirteen locations in Wood and surrounding counties are mentioned on the list. What was the average price of a car back then? From there it is a short drive to the port for boarding the Island Belle paddle wheel boat out to the island where you will be met by workers in period costume for your help in getting to a wagon tour, walking tour or for handicapped tourist there are golf carts to take you to the mansion for the tour. From there arose the local legend of Mothman. We went to this park as it was where the stern wheeler to Blennerhassett Island departed. Concert and Dinner Series, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa, * Sunday Funday/Breakfast and Lunch Buffet, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Lafayette Hotel, * Blennerhassett Island Cruise, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Valley Gem Sternwheeler, * Art on the Island: Butterfly ages 16+, 12-2 p.m., Blennerhassett Island State Park, Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. Also popular places to visit in the park are Elakala Falls, which cascade down the wall of the canyon and can be reached by a short trail, and Pendleton Falls, easily seen from a roadside pull-off. 1972 played baseball for Parkersburg Catholic.played The Big Reds. Bike through a haunted tunnel The North Bend Rail Trail boasts the Silver Run Tunnel, a 2,297-foot tunnel that locals claim to be haunted. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. The best part of our visit was the introductory video (about 10 -15 minutes or so) about oil and gas; it was nicely done and very informative. In the winter, ski resorts offer a range of snow sports. Be sure to come done June 29-July 1. But adding a video actually showing the manufacturing of it, and also discussing its history and uses, etc.