Food & Travel Magazine Editorial Piece

Take a pause from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and head to quaint surroundings where time seems to stand still- if only for the weekend.

A leisurely drive along the Ohio River Scenic Byway highlights easy green meadows and luscious rolling hills dotted with familial quilt barns. Centuries old picturesque farms provide the road map leading to someplace special. When you think it couldn't possibly be any more wondrous, covered bridges bring reminders of what once was.

The sporadic industrial activity along the way gives sense to there being much more than meets the eye among these Appalachian Hills. Even a quick road trip on Interstate 77 shows signs of ambiance, setting the stage for more to come. Before you know it you are at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers and the heart of it all- Marietta, Ohio.

The town was poised to be the starting place of the expansion of the Northwest Territory. In June of 1788, at Mt. Vernon George Washington wrote to inquirer Richard Henderson with regard to western lands. He said, "No colony in America was ever settled under such favorable auspices as that which has just commenced at the Muskingum. Information, property, strength will be its characteristics."

The Pioneers set up town and began to crated what is arguably the most popular historic, charming riverboat town along Ohio's portion of the Ohio River. In addition to being known for their history and heritage, the town is also a popular destination because of its vibrant downtown and outdoor recreation.

Foodies will love the culinary diversity offered by the area's top chefs. Buckley House Restaurant features Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant, fine dining atmosphere. The house itself-built in 1879, is on the historic register. As one diner stated, "its Mediterranean cuisine is expertly crafted and tastefully created by Master Chef Emad Al-Masri."

The welcoming aroma of scintillating southern  Italian food is just a few blocks away in Historic Harmar Village. The 1850's  Odd Fellow's Lodge  is now home to Spagna's which features a beautiful antique bar and quaint patio.

A short walk across the Muskingum River by way of The Historic Harmar Bridge and you reach Front Street. Antique stores and eclectic shopping make up two-square blocks of vibrant downtown. From a winery and microbrewery, to steak and seafood restaurants, as well as pizzerias, you'll find it hard to choose where to dine next.

The only remaining original riverfront structure in Marietta is now the Levee House. The menu consists of traditional American cuisine carefully prepared by Chef David and a charming atmosphere with extraordinary views of the Ohio River. Outdoor riverfront seating is a favored lunch and dinner spot for many.

If you are looking for a fine, genuine culinary experience you will want to give House of Wines a second look, Don't let its humble spot along the Muskingum River fool you. the French-American aromas from the kitchen make this a must-stop culinary experience.

Local Flavor

Marietta's tavern owners have been pouring drinks and serving hearty meals to hungry travelers since the 18th century. The first liquor license in the Northwest Territory was issued here in 1789, less than a year after the town's founding. We still have it. It's hanging behind the cash register at the Marietta Wine Cellars on Second Street.

We enjoy welcoming people to town with a glass of cheer. Some of our bars are upscale; others are casual. The Marietta Brewing Company and The Galley are in beautifully restored historic buildings in the heart of downtown. If you happen to be on the west side, you can't miss with Spagna's Italian Restaurant or the Harmar Tavern. All are warm and welcoming places and they serve delicious food to go along with your favorite beverages.

What are you in the mood for? Spaghetti and homemade meatballs? Fried chicken and mashed potatoes? How about a beef burrito smothered with cheese? Perfectly grilled scallops? Shish kabob and tabbouleh? No problem. Coming right up!

The Buckley House Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine in a lovely Victorian House. The menu is interesting, the food fabulous and the back deck is the most elegant place in town for lunch or dinner.

The Levee House on the banks of the Ohio
River features great food and an unbeatable view. In addition to offering daily lunch and dinner specials, The Levee House is open for Sunday brunch.

daVinci's just across the bridge in friendly Williamstown, WV is a large and very popular restaurant that specializes in Italian and American cuisine. They also offer daily lunch and dinner specials.

If casual and cold beer sounds good, drop in to Over the Moon Pub & Pizza or The Original Pizza Place. Both are in downtown Marietta and offer more than enough choices to please even the pickiest pizza gourmets.

Whatever you're hungry or thirsty for, with our wide variety of eating and drinking options, we've got you deliciously covered.

The Buckley House is one of many wonderful dining experiences located in Marietta-Washington County.