For the past fifteen years, we have been traveling to Marietta a couple of times a year- embarking on new and unexpected adventures- and enjoying every minute of it!
We stay at the House on Harmar Hill- a beautiful bed and breakfast perched high atop Marietta with a spectacular view of the rivers and downtown below. Doug and Judy Grize who operate the B&B are like family and we enjoy our visits with them.
For fine dining, we turn to The Galley and Spagna's where we always know we'll have excellent food and service. We absolutely love shopping downtown Marietta, one of our favorites before it closed, was Barking Dog Books and Art.
Initially, we planned an itinerary including museum visits, Valley Gem excursions, carriage rides, July 4th fireworks, ghost walks, and Christmas shopping. These days, we just go with the flow. There is always something interesting happening in Marietta. We check the online calendar for events at Marietta College and the Mid Ohio Valley Players Theatre. But, we reserve plenty of spare time for unexpected discoveries.
In 2005, we happened to be trapped on Harmar Hill when the river flooded. It was a fascination experience, watching the river rise and spill over her banks. We stayed an extra night and had a wonderful and interesting time from our safe and dry vantage point high above it all.
Marietta is our home away from home- partly because of its small town feel, but also because there is something for everyone to do here. We have visited in every season of the year and enjoyed the variety of the atmosphere. Whether we are traveling alone or with another couple, we have found that we stay together and play together the whole time.
Welcome
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Marietta Trail Systems
As one of the nation's best adventure towns, Marietta is home to six of the most popular hiking trails in Ohio- more than any other place. Whether you prefer a route long or short, easy-going or challenging, the Pioneer City has a path to meet your pace.
The River Trail: Is a 3 .5 mile, fully accessible, paved, multi-use path on mostly level ground wrapping around Marietta's historic district along the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, leading from the Lafayette Shopping Center to Indian Acres Park and the Marietta Aquatic Center.
The Marietta Trail Network: is an 18+ mile long system of rugged terrain perfect for hiking or mountain biking. These off-road trails located near Marietta High School are maintained by the River Valley Mountain Bike Association. The Network is open to bicycle and foot traffic only and use during wet or muddy conditions is discouraged.
There are other ways to get your boots dirty without leaving town. The trails of Kris Mar Woods, North Hills and the North Country Trail are full of adventure. The Kroger Wetlands Trail, one of the shortest and simplest in town, leads to a nature preserve bursting with activity.
Washington County
Explore the wilderness of Washington County on one of six marked hiking trails at the 500-acre Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area. Or, go further into the woods at the Wayne National Forest. Situated in the hills of southeast Ohio, the forest includes more than 300 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Churches of Marietta
The characteristic domes of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption rise high above the tree-lined brick streets of ministerial section of old Marietta inviting the faithful to enter and worship.
The first catholic mass was held near this place in 1749- before the country was born- when a French expedition clebrated mass at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers.
Recently, the Vatican elevated St. Mary's Church with the designation of a minor basilica- a merit bestowed on places of historic and cultural significance. This means that Pope Francis has conferred certain privileges on the church.
The Marietta landmark is one of just 80 sites in the United States to have this papal honor.
The Spanish Renaissance style church dedicated in the early 1900s rises from a platform ten feet above the street to a height of more than 100 feet. The stained glass windows, which are from Munich, Germany, came through the British blockade on continental Europe just before the First World War.
Artworks adorning the immense cathedral include four series of Biblical stories- paintings depicting the life of Christ, mixed media sculptures of the stations of the cross, and paintings representing the stations of light. The life of the Holy Mother is vividly portrayed in stained glass with the assumption coming to life in sculpture at the focus of the house of worship.
Faith was so important to Marietta's founding fathers that they set aside a portion of town reserved for the support of religion called the ministerial section. Today this part of historic Marietta still hosts some of the most architecturally significant churches in the state.
The First Congregational Church at 318 Front Street was built in 1906 to resemble a Boston Church attended by Rufus Putnam . Both of the church buildings featured two "bell cones" or towers, which were visible from the river.
The First Unitarian Universalist Church at 232 Third Street was built in 1856 by John Slocomb. It is one of Marietta's most stunning Gothic structures with bricks handmade from clay taken from the ancient earthworks at Sacra Via. Slocomb was also the architect of St. Lukes Episcopal Church and The Castle.
Ascending toward the heavens, the historic churches of Marietta are high in architectural splendor.
The first catholic mass was held near this place in 1749- before the country was born- when a French expedition clebrated mass at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers.
Recently, the Vatican elevated St. Mary's Church with the designation of a minor basilica- a merit bestowed on places of historic and cultural significance. This means that Pope Francis has conferred certain privileges on the church.
The Marietta landmark is one of just 80 sites in the United States to have this papal honor.
The Spanish Renaissance style church dedicated in the early 1900s rises from a platform ten feet above the street to a height of more than 100 feet. The stained glass windows, which are from Munich, Germany, came through the British blockade on continental Europe just before the First World War.
Artworks adorning the immense cathedral include four series of Biblical stories- paintings depicting the life of Christ, mixed media sculptures of the stations of the cross, and paintings representing the stations of light. The life of the Holy Mother is vividly portrayed in stained glass with the assumption coming to life in sculpture at the focus of the house of worship.
Faith was so important to Marietta's founding fathers that they set aside a portion of town reserved for the support of religion called the ministerial section. Today this part of historic Marietta still hosts some of the most architecturally significant churches in the state.
The First Congregational Church at 318 Front Street was built in 1906 to resemble a Boston Church attended by Rufus Putnam . Both of the church buildings featured two "bell cones" or towers, which were visible from the river.
The First Unitarian Universalist Church at 232 Third Street was built in 1856 by John Slocomb. It is one of Marietta's most stunning Gothic structures with bricks handmade from clay taken from the ancient earthworks at Sacra Via. Slocomb was also the architect of St. Lukes Episcopal Church and The Castle.
Ascending toward the heavens, the historic churches of Marietta are high in architectural splendor.
 |
| An Ariel view of The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption |
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Hunting & Fishing
Seek out a wild new adventure...
The wilderness of Southeast Ohio is known for its plentiful game. Hunters from all over the world flock to the state in search of deer, wild turkey, pheasant, and quail that thrive in the hills and valleys of Washington County
Wild Turkey: There are two seasons for hunting wild turkey in Ohio-April and October.
White-tailed Deer: Archery season is late September to February. Gun season is held for one week in late fall.
Ringneck Pheasant: Ohio's pheasant season runs from November to January.
Bobwhite Quail: Hunting season for quail lasts through most of November.
Ducks/Geese: Split season begins in September. Late Season Opportunities are still available after all the lakes and rivers are frozen over up north.
Permission is required to hunt on private property; however thousands of acres are open for public hunting and fishing with a free permit.
Washington County has many peaceful fishing spots tucked away along the waterways. With two rivers, a lake, and many streams, public fi
shing areas abound.
Catfish, white bass, and hybrid stripers can be found in the Muskingum River. Hybrid striped bass and sauger are caught from the shores of the Ohio River. Veto Lake boasts populations of bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish.
Broughton's Nature and Wildlife Education Area has two stocked ponds and Leith Run Recreation Area features shoreline fishing along the Ohio River. Great fishing can also be found at Duck Creek, the little Hocking River, and Wolf Creek.
The wilderness of Southeast Ohio is known for its plentiful game. Hunters from all over the world flock to the state in search of deer, wild turkey, pheasant, and quail that thrive in the hills and valleys of Washington County
Wild Turkey: There are two seasons for hunting wild turkey in Ohio-April and October.
White-tailed Deer: Archery season is late September to February. Gun season is held for one week in late fall.
Ringneck Pheasant: Ohio's pheasant season runs from November to January.
Bobwhite Quail: Hunting season for quail lasts through most of November.
Ducks/Geese: Split season begins in September. Late Season Opportunities are still available after all the lakes and rivers are frozen over up north.
Permission is required to hunt on private property; however thousands of acres are open for public hunting and fishing with a free permit.
Washington County has many peaceful fishing spots tucked away along the waterways. With two rivers, a lake, and many streams, public fi
shing areas abound.
Catfish, white bass, and hybrid stripers can be found in the Muskingum River. Hybrid striped bass and sauger are caught from the shores of the Ohio River. Veto Lake boasts populations of bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Historic Harmar Village
Just west of downtown Marietta, nestled between the river and the hillside, you'll discover Harmar Village- a charming historic district with shops, museums, restaurants, and a distinctive crossing on the Muskingum River.
Before the Ohio company made their historic trek, the newly formed US government established a fortification here for the purpose of discouraging squatters. As it turned out, Fort Harmar only served to embolden illegal settlers who mistakenly believed the military presence would prevent attacks from Native Americans. Today the site of the fort has been overtaken by the river, yet the district is still called by its name.
Harmar was settled as part of Marietta in 1788, but seceded for a time in the 1900s. The Lewis and Clark Expedition landed here in 1803. During the Civil War, the village was home to abolitionists active in harboring slaves through the Underground Railroad.
More than 200 Harmar buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Children's Toy and Doll Museum and the Henry Fearing House Museum invite visitors to explore the past. The Anchorage crowns Putnam Avenue as one of the area's most significant architectural achievements.
Harmar Village is connected to downtown Marietta via the Harmar Railroad Bridge. Originally a covered bridge, it was built on the existing piers in 1856 with a span that turns by hand to allow for the passage of large riverboats. After it was retired from railroad use, the bridge was transformed into a scenic walkway linking the east and west sides of Marietta.
Before the Ohio company made their historic trek, the newly formed US government established a fortification here for the purpose of discouraging squatters. As it turned out, Fort Harmar only served to embolden illegal settlers who mistakenly believed the military presence would prevent attacks from Native Americans. Today the site of the fort has been overtaken by the river, yet the district is still called by its name.
Harmar was settled as part of Marietta in 1788, but seceded for a time in the 1900s. The Lewis and Clark Expedition landed here in 1803. During the Civil War, the village was home to abolitionists active in harboring slaves through the Underground Railroad.
More than 200 Harmar buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Children's Toy and Doll Museum and the Henry Fearing House Museum invite visitors to explore the past. The Anchorage crowns Putnam Avenue as one of the area's most significant architectural achievements.
Harmar Village is connected to downtown Marietta via the Harmar Railroad Bridge. Originally a covered bridge, it was built on the existing piers in 1856 with a span that turns by hand to allow for the passage of large riverboats. After it was retired from railroad use, the bridge was transformed into a scenic walkway linking the east and west sides of Marietta.
 |
| The Historic Harmar Train Bridge connects Marietta and Harmar Village |
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Guided Tours
Guided Tours are available at many of the area's finest attractions to enhance your experience.
Friendly docents stand by to escort you through a journey of Marietta's early history at the Campus Martius Museum or board the WP Snyder, Jr. at the Ohio River Museum. Call the Henry Fearing House Museum, an 1847 Federal style home in Harmar Village, for a taste of middle class life during the Victorian Era.
Epic and full of beauty, The Castle offers an architectural walking tour of Marietta's historic residential district. While the grand Civil War era mansion always offers a guided walk through of the house, seasonal events like Victorian Christmas tours are full of holiday splendor.
Explore the mysterious and spooky side of Ohio's first settlement with a to
ur of haunted Marietta. Departing from the fountain near the Lafayette Hotel each Friday and Saturday evening, the Ghost Trek walking tour is lead by ghost hunter and author Lynne Sturtevant.
Hop aboard a trolley for a 90- minute ride through Marietta's historic district. A knowledgeable guide will point out the most interesting architectural features and tell the stories behind them.
Visit a pre-Civil War era plantation complete with an incredible collection of original furnishings and artifacts-- a place where the debate over slavery was waged in earnest. Henderson Hall near Williamstown, West Virginia is open year round.
Friendly docents stand by to escort you through a journey of Marietta's early history at the Campus Martius Museum or board the WP Snyder, Jr. at the Ohio River Museum. Call the Henry Fearing House Museum, an 1847 Federal style home in Harmar Village, for a taste of middle class life during the Victorian Era.
Epic and full of beauty, The Castle offers an architectural walking tour of Marietta's historic residential district. While the grand Civil War era mansion always offers a guided walk through of the house, seasonal events like Victorian Christmas tours are full of holiday splendor.
Explore the mysterious and spooky side of Ohio's first settlement with a to
ur of haunted Marietta. Departing from the fountain near the Lafayette Hotel each Friday and Saturday evening, the Ghost Trek walking tour is lead by ghost hunter and author Lynne Sturtevant.
Hop aboard a trolley for a 90- minute ride through Marietta's historic district. A knowledgeable guide will point out the most interesting architectural features and tell the stories behind them.
Visit a pre-Civil War era plantation complete with an incredible collection of original furnishings and artifacts-- a place where the debate over slavery was waged in earnest. Henderson Hall near Williamstown, West Virginia is open year round.
 |
| The Trolley Tour is one of the most popular guided tours offered in Marietta-Washington County. |
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Wildlife Refuge and Bird Watching
The Mid Ohio Valley is home to an abundance of wildlife and bird watching opportunities-and spectators are always in season!
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge facility near Williamstown, West Virginia consists of 3,300 acres-22 islands and three mainland tracks-scattered along 400 miles of beautiful river.
A nature trail offers an amazing view of wildlife and wetlands habitats on Middle Island. You'll find deer, rabbit, fox and groundhogs as well as great blue herons, belted kingfishers, osprey and other species of water loving birds.
Optimal viewing times are early in the morning or at dusk. The refuge is open to the public without admission fees from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
With many public lands open for wildlife observation, southeastern Ohio is a haven for birdwatchers.
In the middle of Marietta, the Kroger Wetlands is a wooded retreat with a stunning diversity of species. Outside the city limits, the Broughton Nature and wildlife Education Area includes 500 acres of undisturbed land ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Newell's Run, near Newport, is a favorite locale for spotting brilliant waterfowl-including majestic bald eagles. Four birding trails along the Lower Muskingum River boast more t han 40 species of song birds and waterfowl. The Wayne National Forest features observation decks designated viewing areas to make the most of your experience.
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge facility near Williamstown, West Virginia consists of 3,300 acres-22 islands and three mainland tracks-scattered along 400 miles of beautiful river.
A nature trail offers an amazing view of wildlife and wetlands habitats on Middle Island. You'll find deer, rabbit, fox and groundhogs as well as great blue herons, belted kingfishers, osprey and other species of water loving birds.
Optimal viewing times are early in the morning or at dusk. The refuge is open to the public without admission fees from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
With many public lands open for wildlife observation, southeastern Ohio is a haven for birdwatchers.
In the middle of Marietta, the Kroger Wetlands is a wooded retreat with a stunning diversity of species. Outside the city limits, the Broughton Nature and wildlife Education Area includes 500 acres of undisturbed land ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Newell's Run, near Newport, is a favorite locale for spotting brilliant waterfowl-including majestic bald eagles. Four birding trails along the Lower Muskingum River boast more t han 40 species of song birds and waterfowl. The Wayne National Forest features observation decks designated viewing areas to make the most of your experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)