Spring is the perfect time to pack a bag and head to Greater Parkersburg for a weekend escape filled with history, scenic beauty and unforgettable local charm.

Whether you’re planning a girls’ getaway, a romantic retreat or a family adventure, Parkersburg, WV and its surrounding areas, offer the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. With the reopening of Blennerhassett Island and warmer days ahead, there’s no better time to rediscover this hidden gem along the Ohio River. Follow our Friday-to-Sunday itinerary for the ultimate spring weekend adventure!

Friday:
Arrival & Downtown Exploration

• 3:00 PM: Check into your hotel — we recommend the historic Blennerhassett Hotel for boutique comfort and walkable downtown access.
• 4:30 PM: Stretch those legs and stroll through Downtown Parkersburg — walk through the beautiful Julia-Ann Sq Historic District or take a riverside walk at Point Park.
• 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Wine Down on Market — savor small plates and a curated wine flight.
• 7:30 PM: Watch a stunning sunset from Fort Boreman Historical Park, overlooking the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers.

Saturday:
Island Adventures & Local Flavor

• 8:00 AM: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Crystal Cafe or your hotel.
• 9:30 AM: Head to Point Park for your boat departure.
• 10:00 AM: Board the Island Belle Sternwheeler and set sail to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park!
  • Tour the elegant Blennerhassett Mansion
  • Take a charming horse-drawn covered wagon ride tour around the island
• 1:30 PM: Return to the mainland and enjoy lunch at Parkersburg Brewing Co.right in downtown Parkersburg
• 2:30 PM: Explore more local history with a visit to the Oil & Gas Museum or the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History or shop artisan creations at the newly reopened Parkersburg Art Center Gift Shop “The Market” starting May 16.
• 6:00 PM: Finish your historical day with dinner at the North End Tavern, the oldest restaurant in the state of West Virginia, for a cozy, relaxed end to the day.

From strolling through charming downtown streets to stepping back in time on Blennerhassett Island, a weekend in Greater Parkersburg is filled with moments you’ll want to relive again and again. Whether you stay for a night or stretch it into a full weekend getaway, you’ll leave refreshed, reconnected, and ready to plan your next visit. Ready to bloom and explore? Start planning your trip today!