Parkersburg, West Virginia is a small city near the Ohio border. The city was settled after the Revolutionary War when settlers started migrating westward. Parkersburg got its name in 1809 and was chartered as a city in 1860. Parkersburg is home to many historical sites due to its usage as a medical center during the Civil War and features cultural events throughout the year, including an international marketplace and music festivals.
1. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
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.
137 Juliana St, Parkersburg, WV 26101, Phone: 304-420-4800
2. Fort Boreman Park
This lovely 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
3. Smoot Theatre
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
4. Oil and Gas Museum
Parkersburg is an area rich with resources that have fueled the entire country since its creation. This museum is dedicated to preserving that history, along with collecting artifacts and memorabilia from the late 1700s to today, because West Virginia is still a large producer of oil and gas. Visitors who attend the museum will dive deep into how oil and gas were mined, manufactured, and used throughout America’s history. Many permanent exhibits display the collections and tell about all the people who first discovered the resources in West Virginia. Moreover, there are also local industrial exhibits and collections that relate to the history of oil and gas in West Virginia.
119 3rd St, Parkersburg, WV 26101, Phone: 304-485-5446
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5. North End Tavern Brewery
The North End Tavern Brewery began more than 100 years ago as a small pub in 1899. The current owners of North End Tavern have operated the establishment for over 40 years and strive to remain true to an atmosphere of the local community and historic roots. The menu includes German American classics, burgers, sandwiches, and more. The tavern also hosts special events and features The Tank Room downstairs which is open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The brewery produces up to 6 handcrafted beers and ales monthly.
3500 Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg, West Virginia, 26104, Phone: 304-428-5854
6. Philippines Best Restaurant and Carry Out
Authentic Filipino food is served at Philippines Best 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
7. Jimmie Colombo’s Italian Restaurant
Jimmie Colombo 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
8. George's Place
Chef George Tannous of 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
9. Tampico Mexican Restaurant
Visitor’s to Parkersburg that love authentic Mexican cuisine must stop at Tampico Mexican Restaurant. Tampico creates their dishes from local, farm-grown ingredients, and family recipes that are included in the signature dishes. The menu features lunch and dinner entrees, nachos, appetizers, soups, salads, tacos, fajitas, enchilada, quesadillas, and other traditional Mexican dishes. The original Tampico was opened and still operates under the same ownership in Ohio.
500 Lakeview Center, Parkersburg, West Virginia, 26101, Phone: 304-422-0005
