Photo by Ehziki
It is often times referred to as the “Rust Belt” of America but to me the Ohio Valley is home.
Nestled in Appalachian foothills of the once booming steel industry and where coal mining still thrives today is the Ohio Valley.
The upper Ohio Valley where I grew up is along either side of the Ohio River into Ohio and West Virginia with Pennsylvania not being too far away either often being referred to as the tri-state area.
I could not see it being a top priority on anyone’s summer vacation plans, but if you ever happen to be in town I decided to interview some local residents on what to see and do in the area.
Some cities that are in the area you might be familiar with are St. Clairsville, OH, Wheeling, WV and Pittsburgh, PA.
I asked current and past residents of all ages and backgrounds what they would suggest visitors experience to get a feel for what the Ohio Valley is about and what it has to offer. I was more than surprised at everyone’s responses.
Some of the places and suggestions I had almost forgotten about. It reminded me of the culture and some of the great things the Ohio Valley does really have to offer so below are travel tips from Ohio Valley residents.
My interviewees included current Ohio Valley residents Patty Halloran, Zakk Jones and Karen Large and past residents Victoria Balvin and Brittany Williams.
What are some attractions for visitors to stop and see while in the area?
1. National Road Bikeway, a scenic 7.7 mile walking and biking trail that travels through an old train tunnel and bridge.
2. Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack is located on an island in the middle of the Ohio River with live greyhound racing and other casino attractions
3. Oglebay and the Festival of Lights is located in Wheeling, WV. Oglebay is a resort and conference center with numerous summer attractions like golf, stables and swimming. In the winter, Oglebay has skiing and the drive thru Festival of Lights, which attracts people from all over to see the displays every year.
4. Barnesville Pumpkin Festival is held on the last full weekend in September in Barnesville, Ohio and celebrates anything and everything pumpkin.
Photo by Bwsmith84
5. Barkcamp State Park located near Belmont, Ohio attracts anyone who enjoys the outdoors with fishing, hiking, swimming, horseback riding and more.
6. Jamboree in the Hills since 1977 and every year since on the third weekend in July Morristown, Ohio turns into a country music festival. This now four day party has attracted famous country musicians from the Charlie Daniels Band to Miranda Lambert.
7. PNC Park and Heinz Field in Pittsburgh are home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers. You cannot pass up a game in the Steel City.
Photo by Chris Hagerman
8. Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Idlewild provide fun for the whole family near Pittsburgh with an amusement, water and children’s parks in the area.
What are some iconic places for people to eat?
Photo by Adam Stone
1. Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh has been recognized nationally and on television for their iconic sandwiches complete with fries and slaw.
2. Mehlman’s Cafeteria in St. Clairsville, Ohio offers that hometown feel when you walk in with amazing food and prices. Everyone in the area flocks to Mehlman’s especially after church on Sundays.
3. Coleman’s Fish Market features the best and freshest fish sandwiches in downtown Wheeling and has been a staple of the community since 1914.
4. Home Pizza located in St. Clairsville is a hometown favorite with homemade sauce, dough and freshly grated cheese. People from across the United States often come back for a nostalgic piece or tray of pizza.
5. Drover’s Inn Restaurant and Tavern located on the historic Drover’s Trail in Wellsburg, WV seats visitors in rooms of an old farmhouse built in 1848. Menu items include their famous wings among other samplings. The quaint atmosphere, food and location make this a perfect place to visit.
Any travel advice for visitors?
1. Drive around and enjoy the scenery of the hills, mountains, rich agriculture and historic buildings the area has to offer.
2. Have four wheel drive if visiting in the winter. It tends to snow a lot and can get icy.
What makes the Ohio Valley special?
From all of the responses I received I came down to a few conclusions.
The Ohio Valley makes people feel like they are truly home and that the American hometown feeling really resonates here.
The Ohio Valley loves its sports especially a high school football Friday night or football Sunday in Pittsburgh.
For the most part, the residents are nice and the cost of living is decent in the small town atmosphere.
If you ever happen to be in town, make a stop and see what the Ohio Valley really has to offer.
Are you from the Ohio Valley? What recommendation would you give to visitors? Please share in the Leave A Comment section below.
Morgan Large loves to explore the world. She’s traveled across the United States and to 11 countries.
Native of the Ohio Valley and born in Wheeling, WV, Morgan currently lives in Arkansas with her Australian Shepherd, Oxley.
A graduate student at the University of Arkansas, Morgan’s studies are focused in agricultural communications. Her blog, RazorBuck: A Midwestern girl living in a Southern world highlights her adventures in photography, cooking and travel.
Check out more of Morgan’s posts ….
- 5 Things I Love About Wilmington, North Carolina
- Destination Discovery: Yellowstone National Park
- Weekend Wandering: America’s Heartland with a Presidential Twist
- 4 Reasons Why Should You Travel While You Are Young
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