West Virginia Bed & Breakfast Association

Mid-Ohio Valley
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The Mid-Ohio Valley is bordered on the west by the Ohio River and is midway along the western edge of the state.

There are many small communities in the region, such as Friendly on WV Rt. 2 with its wonderful antique shop, to make a drive through the region an adventure in itself. In Williamstown visit Fenton Glass and take the factory tour - Fenton Glass celebrated 100 years in business in 2005. Vienna is the home of world-class chocolatier, Holl’s Chocolates.

Take the sternwheeler to Blennerhasset Island to the home of Harman and Margaret Blennerhasset. Enjoy a buggy ride and visit the costumed interpreters either before or after touring the Blennerhasset house where Aaron Burr fled after his duel with Alexander Hamilton. Return to Parkersburg to visit the Oil and Gas Museum, climb the spiral staircase in the old Parkersburg Library that is now a bookstore of new and used books, and explore the Julia-Ann Historic Square District of stately homes and shops.

In Parkersburg, access the western trailhead of the North Bend Rail-Trail, a 72-mile west/east rail-trail for hiking, biking, and equestrians that is named for North Bend State Park in Cairo. It goes through 4 counties, and 2 regions of the State. The North Bend Rail-Trail has 9 tunnels and is part of the American Discovery Trail.

Go back in time to Berdine’s 5 and Dime, America’s oldest dime store, in Harrisville or sit in a rocker and sip sarsaparilla at R. C. Marshall Hardware in Cairo. Beware - it will be hard to tear yourself away from both of these shops that take you back to yesteryear.

Pennsboro has an inviting old downtown along the North Bend Rail-Trail with restaurants, shops, and a marble maker. During the season motor sport enthusiasts can visit the Pennsboro Speedway, one of several speedways in the region.

A drive along The Little Kanawha Parkway, a byway that follows the Little Kanawha River, takes you through farmland and forest. Attend the many fairs and festivals such as the Mountain State Art and Crafts Fair near Ripley or the Black Walnut Festival in Spencer. See the Statts Mill Covered Bridge at Cedar Lake or tour an 1840 log house in Ravenswood.

Much of the Mid-Ohio Region is rural, making it a haven for hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventure. It is also a region of culture, history, artisans, and quaint shops and small towns to delight the visitor. There’s something for everyone in the Mid-Ohio valley!