Parkersburg area
Around Parkersburg area
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Greater area · West Virginia · 146k people
Parkersburg area
Locals say Mid-Ohio Valley · “The River City”, “The Burg”
Where two rivers meet and the hills hold you close
West Virginia University goldWest Virginia University blue
Welcome to the Mid-Ohio Valley, where the Ohio River bends and the hills roll. Whether you're here for the island, the trails, or just a pepperoni roll, you'll find a friendly wave and a good story.
Clubs for Parkersburg area
No clubs for Parkersburg area yet.
The room
Parkersburg area is big: its rooms are its areas'. This is Parkersburg's; the others are below.
One room for everyone around Parkersburg. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Parkersburg area. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park Island in the Ohio River with a historic mansion site and nature trails.
- Fort Boreman Park Hilltop park with Civil War earthworks and panoramic views of the river valley.
- Parkersburg City Park Large urban park with a lake, trails, and picnic areas.
- North Bend Rail Trail 72-mile rail trail through hills, tunnels, and small towns.
- Smoot Theatre Historic 1920s theater hosting concerts, films, and community events.
- Parkersburg Art Center Art gallery and studio in a former church, with rotating exhibits.
- Outdoors Hike or bike the North Bend Rail Trail
- Outdoors Fish on the Ohio River
- With kids Take the ferry to Blennerhassett Island
- With kids Ride bikes on the North Bend Rail Trail
- Evenings Catch a show at Smoot Theatre
- Evenings Bar hop on Market Street
- Locals love Riverfront parks
- Locals love Small-town diners
Through the year
- Parkersburg Homecoming August Week-long festival with parade, carnival, and live music in August.
- West Virginia Honey Festival September Celebrates honey with tastings, beekeeping demos, and contests in September.
- Wood County Fair July County fair with livestock, rides, and local food at Mineral Wells.
Humid continental with four distinct seasons—hot, humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Best to be outside in spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities—mild temps and colorful leaves.
Talk like a local
- “MOV”
- Mid-Ohio Valley
- “P-burg”
- Parkersburg
- “the island”
- Blennerhassett Island
- “holler”
- A hollow or small valley
Getaways
- Marietta, OH Historic river town with a lively downtown and sternwheel festival.
- Athens, OH College town with shops, trails, and a vibrant arts scene.
- Charleston, WV State capital with museums, dining, and the state capitol building.
- Wheeling, WV Historic city with a Victorian old town and riverfront.
Local flavour
Rooting for West Virginia Mountaineers (NCAA), Marshall Thundering Herd (NCAA)
Eat and drink
- Pepperoni rolls A West Virginia staple, often made with pepperoni and cheese wrapped in bread dough.
- West Virginia hot dogs with slaw Hot dogs topped with chili, mustard, onions, and a creamy coleslaw.
- Tudor's Biscuit World biscuits A regional chain known for oversized biscuits and hearty breakfast sandwiches.
Where people go
- Riverfront parks Along the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers, with walking paths and river views.
- Blennerhassett Island Historic island with a reconstructed mansion, accessible by ferry.
- Small-town diners Classic WV diners and family restaurants serving local comfort food.
- Hilltop overlooks Scenic viewpoints over the river valley and rolling hills.
Heritage and traditions
Proud of its riverfront heritage, the romantic history of Blennerhassett Island, and a tight-knit Appalachian community that celebrates its oil-and-gas and riverboat past.
This time of year in Parkersburg area
- Apple butter making Fall Fall community kettles stirred over open fires.
- Leaf peeping on the North Bend Rail Trail Fall Scenic autumn colors.
Say it like a local: “y'all” — Everyone
Festivals
- Blennerhassett Island Storytelling Festival September September event featuring Appalachian tales and music on the island.
- Ravenswood Riverfest Summer Summer celebration with riverboat rides, food, and live music.
- Vienna VFD Carnival Summer Community carnival with rides and games, hosted by the volunteer fire department.
- Williamstown Riverfront Festival Summer Riverfront celebration with crafts, food, and entertainment.
Landmarks with a story
- Blennerhassett Hotel A restored Victorian hotel in downtown Parkersburg, built in 1889.
- St. Mary's Catholic Church Historic church with beautiful stained glass and a prominent spire.
- Parkersburg High School An imposing 1915 building with a rich history and strong football tradition.
- Parkersburg Bridge A steel arch bridge over the Ohio River, opened in 1910, connecting WV and OH.
- Parkersburg Historic District A neighborhood of Victorian-era homes reflecting the oil boom wealth.
- Ravenswood Historic District A riverside district with 19th-century homes and a small-town feel.
Food traditions
- Sauerkraut balls A festival and bar snack, deep-fried with a tangy filling, often served at Homecoming and other gatherings.
- Morel mushroom hunting Springtime foraging in the woods; locals fry them up with butter.
- Ramp dinners Spring community meals featuring wild leeks, often with fried potatoes and cornbread.
- Apple butter making Fall tradition of slow-cooking apples in a copper kettle over an open fire, stirred for hours.
- Lenten fish fries Friday fish fries at churches during Lent, a Catholic tradition in the area.
Music and arts
- Old-time and bluegrass music Jam sessions and local bands keep Appalachian string music alive.
- Community theater at the Smoot Theatre The historic theater hosts plays, concerts, and film screenings.
- Appalachian folk art and quilting Handcrafted quilts and folk paintings are sold at local fairs.
- Parkersburg Art Center exhibitions Rotating shows of regional and national artists.
A little history
- 1800 Blennerhassett Island mansion completed
- 1806 Aaron Burr's conspiracy linked to the island
- 1860s Oil boom brings wealth and growth to Parkersburg
- 1870 Parkersburg incorporated as a city
- 1910 Parkersburg Bridge opens, connecting to Ohio
Rivalries
- Parkersburg High vs. Parkersburg South Local high school football rivalry that splits the town.
- WVU vs. Marshall Friendly statewide college rivalry, with fans split.
- Parkersburg vs. Marietta Cross-river banter about which downtown is better.
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Game day Fishing tournaments on the Ohio River
- Outdoors Hiking at Mountwood Park
- Outdoors Boating on the Ohio River
- With kids Picking apples at a local orchard
- With kids Attending a high school football game
Locals speak with a gentle Appalachian accent, often dropping the 'g' in -ing words and using 'y'all' for 'you all.' Words like 'creek' become 'crick,' and 'wash' becomes 'warsh.'
Only here
- The Blennerhassett Hotel, a restored Victorian landmark, sits downtown.
- The Parkersburg Bridge, an early steel arch, spans the Ohio River.
- The oil boom left a legacy of ornate Victorian architecture in the historic district.
- The confluence of the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers creates a scenic riverfront.
New here? A few tips
- Try a pepperoni roll and a West Virginia hot dog with slaw—both are local staples.
- Say 'Parkersburg' as PARK-ers-burg, and don't be surprised to hear 'y'all.'
- Expect humid summers and cold winters; pack layers and an umbrella.
- Take the ferry to Blennerhassett Island—it's a must-do for the history and views.
- Don't miss the Homecoming festival in August; it's the biggest event of the year.
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Areas in Parkersburg area
Nearby
Every areaRipleyWest VirginiaHills, hollers, and homeAthensOhioA college town cradled in the Appalachian hills.WoodsfieldOhioRugged hills, warm welcomesNew MartinsvilleWest VirginiaWhere the river bends and the hills roll on.Point PleasantWest VirginiaRiver town warmth with a legendary twist.CambridgeOhioWhere Appalachian hills meet the art of glass.SuttonWest VirginiaWhere the hills keep you close.GallipolisOhioWhere the river bends and the hills roll.
Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna, WV-OH CSA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.