Trails, rivers and local favorites in Parkersburg
Curious about what you'll do for fun when you live in Parkersburg? If you like the idea of kayaking down the Ohio or Little Kanawha, getting artsy and engaged at local galleries, and trying your daring hand at ghost hunting downtown, Parkersburg is calling you home! This list of fun local activities will take you from riverfront trails to live music and give you a real feel for Parkersburg's small town charm with edge.
Hannah, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Hannah is a born and raised West Virginian who briefly tested life across state lines before realizing the pull of the hills is undefeated. She has lived in both northern and south central West Virginia, moved more times than she can count during college, and knows Charleston well enough to give directions using landmarks instead of street names. She writes fiction, spins yarn into sweaters, drinks Charleston coffee like its a personality trait, and somehow keeps four pets fed. Editing West Virginia guides comes naturally when you know the people shine... even when the sun does not.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Parkersburg?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
On a Saturday with perfect weather
Take in views on the Blennerhassett Island ferry, then picnic like it's the 19th century again
When the gals come to town for the weekend
Try your hand at wine tasting at downtown's Wine Down on Market followed by antique hunting at Bulls-Eye Antiques in South Parkersburg
Rainy dreary day
Visit the Smoot Theatre and catch a movie or live show amidst beautiful architecture
Artsy
Check out any one of Artsbridge's many events or exhibitions
Something inside and free
Take in the history of Parkersburg's Carnegie Library
Outdoorsy
Mountwood Park's 50 miles of trails and fishing lake (just a 20 minute drive!)
With your dog
City Park's trails where your pup becomes an influencer
Family-oriented
Blennerhassett Island mansion tour teaches kids about intriguing area history
In need of a selfie
Historic downtown murals or atop the Point Park overlook
You have to see this
Blennerhassett Hotel's lobby where ghosts supposedly mingle with guests
On a budget
Free concerts at Point Park while the rivers collide
After 2am
Sheetz, for everything you need in terms of snacks
My Favorite Local Spot in Parkersburg
If you stop to eat at only one place in Parkersburg, I suggest trying Rubi's Pizza & Grill. Their special is their spaghetti pizza, which is exactly what it sounds like: pizza that is stuffed with spaghetti. You get the best of both worlds!
— Hannah Wyatt
West Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Parkersburg Fits You?
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