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LIFE
Ohio city offers a peek into the past
Historic Marietta, Ohio, sits at the confluence of the Muskegum and Ohio rivers. It's about a two-hour drive from the Tri-State and offers more to do than you might realize.
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MARIETTA, Ohio -- The historical gateway to the Midwest is only two hours from Huntington.
Perched at the scenic confluence of the Muskegum and Ohio rivers, Marietta was the first organized settlement of the Northwest Territories. You can walk to most of its attractions, and there's something to do for all ages, from toddlers to young adults to retirees.
WHERE TO STAY: The pet-friendly Lafayette Hotel (101 Front St., www.lafayettehotel.com) is on the Ohio and right in the historic district. Done up like a vintage steamboat, they have rooms for every budget, starting at $50. The Gun Room serves up a nice brunch buffet with homemade pastries, modestly priced at $9.95.
Another interesting place to stay is owned by Marietta Wine Cellars (170 Front St., 740-373-9463) and is dubbed as a spacious "bed and wine." They make their own wine and it's available in their shop. It's perfect for larger families and groups.
WHERE TO EAT: Austyn's (130 Front St., 410-374-8188, www.austyns.com) does American food with a delicious pan-Asian flair. Their presentation is beautiful. Dress ranges from casual to elegant. Entrees start at $10.99. Austyn's is very popular -- reservations are recommended. They also have a popular location in Ironton.
The Old Town Bakery (252 Front St., 740-373-5263) serves a quick breakfast along with photos of Marietta's bakeries of yesteryear and a flat screen televsion.
The Levee House Café (127 Ohio St., 740-374-2233) is located in Marietta's oldest wharf building and uses local ingredients for old and new favorites. Lunch prices are generally less than $10. Try the homemade chicken liver pate', as well as their generously portioned pasta dishes, all made with Rossi pasta.
Walk over the rail trestle to Harmar for an old-fashioned lunch, museum and cool store rolled in one: the Marietta Soda Fountain and Museum (109 Maple St., 410-376-COKE).
WHAT TO DO: Before arriving in town, check out family-owned Fenton Art Glass. (420 Caroline Ave., in nearby Williamstown, W.Va., 304-375-7772, www.fentonartglass.com). The free factory tours are nationally renowned. Whether you're a boy watching brawny artisans mold hot glass, or you collect pieces for your curio cabinet, it's fun. The gift store has lots of bargains.
Get a lay of the land with a Trolley tour (127 Ohio St., 740-374-2233). You'll learn the history of the area and get the insider stories.
Front Street has several unique boutiques. Rossi Pasta's products are made on site. Shaefer's Leather has been family-owned since 1867. Twisted Sisters is a cool women's gift boutique. Front Street is also known for its antique stores.
There's community theater at Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theater (229 Putnam St., www.movp.org). Other live entertainment includes bands at Marietta Brewing Company (167 Front St., www.mariettabrewingcompany.com), which makes its own beer; singer-songwriters at the Galley restaurant (203 Second St., www.thegalleymarietta.com); hard Southern rock at Riverside 181 (181 Front St.).
Visit the Ohio River Museum. With vintage steamboat models and the Campus Martius Museum (601 Second St., 740- 373-3750). Campus Martius is built around the house of town founder George Putnam. A must-see gem in the basement is the Appalachian migration exhibit. Next to the Ohio River Museum is the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, with all kinds of cruises (740-373-7862).
For outdoor recreation, head to Marietta Harbor. Rent bikes for $5, go kayaking, canoeing or to rent and dock boats. The town has been paved with bike paths along the river.
The Castle Museum (418 Fourth St., 740-373-4180) is a mansion that has been painstakingly restored. They also host concerts and Girl Scout gatherings.
A true one-of-a-kind is the Peoples Funeral and Packard Museum (408 Front St., 740-373-1111 www.cawleyandpeoples.com). Some people really go out in style. Check out the lovingly maintained vintage vehicles. Owner Bill Peoples is a cousin to the late Don Knotts. He has Mayberry memorabilia, too. Open by phone/e-mail request.
Along with Harmar's Coke museum check out the Toy and Doll Museum (206 Gilman Ave., 740-373-8820) which has vintage toys, a playroom for kids and research library. The Henry Fearing House (131 Gilman Ave., 740-373-3226) belonged to one of the town's illustrious citizens and houses very interesting rare items and photos.
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