Why You Need to Visit Marietta Ohio
Visit Marietta Ohio
Thanks to the wonderful staff at the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau for providing the opportunity to visit some cool places in and around Washington County Ohio. Read below on the places to visit around Marietta Ohio and Washington County. Marietta Ohio is located on the Eastern edge of Ohio, right before you take the bridge to West Virginia. It is a historic riverboat town, just off the banks of the Ohio River.
Flooding has happened a few times to this town, but they are resilient and rebuild. When flooding happens in Marietta, the community comes together and helps each other. Local businesses work together. The high school students too. It is truly a community that cares for one another.
Where to Stay in Marietta
Set along the scenic Ohio River, you will find the historic Lafayette Hotel. The Bellevue hotel was built in 1892 in the same location, but was destroyed by a fire in 1916. The Lafayette was built on the same location, turning the once 4 story hotel into a 6 story hotel in 1918. Be sure to check out the Gun Room Restaurant inside the hotel to have some delicious food and view photos of the fire and memorabilia of the old hotel. You can view the Ohio River from the lobby.
The hotel has a riverboat theme in the lobby and downstairs areas. Make sure too look up and see one of the largest ship stern wheels on the ceiling in the lobby. There is a elevator in the hotel. Some rooms are not accessible without going up and down a few stairs, so make sure to note if you have restrictions when you make reservations.
My room was on the third floor with a queen bed with view of the river, a desk and chair and another winged back chair and television. Air conditioning was provided by a unit in the window. The bathroom utilized a small space efficiently and contained a shower that provided lots of hot water.
Things To Do in Marietta
Bee Barn – located in Marietta, the Bee Barn has been in business since 2012 (owned by David and Teresa). The Bee Barn offers local bee keepers a place to purchase supplies. You can also purchase their tasty honey from their bees there. We were allowed the opportunity to go out to the hives and see the bees in action. Visit their site.
Sewah Studios – located in Marietta, you may have come across Sewah Studios work in your local community. Sewah Studios make the historical sign that tells you in less than 200 words about where you are. Started in 1927 by E.M. Hawes. The signs are made of cast iron for forty of the 50 states. We were allowed to see the process of how they make a sign, which was beyond awesome. Visit their site.
Sweetapple Farms – located in Vincent, Sweetapple Farm has been owned by Mona and her family for 18 years. Offering so many different activities for your family to enjoy in the Fall. Hayrides (wheelchair accessible), 6 acre corn maze (games inside for the kids to play), building your own scarecrow and painting a pumpkin to name a few. This is a place you can spend an entire day at. Find them open September through December for their Fall/Winter activities. You can rent their space in the Summer for birthday parties, wedding and you can rent the home located on the farm. Be sure to check out their herb garden to touch and smell. Find the scarecrow in a tree and the 400lb birds nest. Take your family and easily enjoy a weekend here. Visit site.
things to see in Marietta
Back to Basic Cabin – located in Belpre, you can find Amanda at this adorable German style cabin. About 85% of what she sells is locally hand made. She makes natural lotions, make up (which I tried and loved), soaps, salves, teas and candles to name a few. Amanda is more than happy to answer any questions you have. Amanda’s husband is their bee keeper who provides honey for their products. Make sure to check out the treats they have available for purchase (cookies and scones). Visit her site.
May Clay Pottery – located in Little Hocking, you can find Robin’s shop in a building next to her home where she makes, fires and paints her work. I was able to try to make something from clay. You get a quick appreciation of the skill and patience it takes to make something from clay (I have no skills, but had fun). They are open seasonally, so check their hours. There are many different items you can purchase at her shop (she also does events in the community). Classes are offered too, so you can make a piece, paint and have it fired. Visit their site.
Wildroot Flowers – located in Marietta Ohio, Wildroot Flowers is owned and operated by Lyndsay started just this year. She offers her flowers to CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) in Marietta and the local farmers market. We had the opportunity to make bracelets, rings and crowns with her flowers and succulents. Lyndsay’s explanation made it easy even for me to do! Wildroot offers flowers for weddings, proms and local purchase. You can contact them on their site.
Where to Eat in Marietta
Broasters – I was so impressed with meeting Ashton (he’s 12). What started out as a way to for him to pay to participate in a traveling soccer league, has turned into a good business. At just 11, he started his own coffee roasting business for the local Marietta community. His coffee is now the only coffee served at the Busy Bee Restaurant. Ashton showed us how he roasts and cares for the beans. His coffee can be purchased at the local farmer’s market and online. It is good coffee too. I had to bring some home! Visit his site.
Busy Bee Restaurant – located in Marietta Ohio, the Busy Bee is open for breakfast and lunch only. Owned by Larry, he shared his passion about the food they make being from local companies when possible (they are about 90% local foods) and it must be from scratch. That includes their condiments! You may find Larry going through the local farmer’s market shopping for ingredients for his restaurant. Daily specials may be found from those fresh ingredients as well. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast there. Check out the pancake challenge, they are as big as plates! Visit their site.
Mansfield Ohio has some great things to see
The Galley – located in Marietta, the Galley services some tasty dishes. Known for their burgers, they did not disappoint. My burger was a delicious soft bun, with a juicy burger. Condiments were on the side to dress the burger. There were lots of choices of sides, I stayed with the traditional fries which were crisp and delicious We tried the blue cheese chips and artichoke dip appetizers, both were wonderful. Check out a game on the overhead TVs or slide next door to the Adelphia, where you can watch a concert. Visit their site
The Gun Room – located in the Lafayette Hotel, the Gun Room has delicious and inexpensive food. We ate a filling breakfast. Service was very attentive and the food was delicious. Be sure to explore and look at the memorabilia on the walls of the old Bellevue hotel.
Take it Home Have A Party
Hidden Hills Orchard – located in Marietta Ohio, Hidden Hills Orchard was once a dairy farm. Its rolling hills are now covered with dwarf apple trees (smaller trees, easier to pick!), now owned by Tom and Cathy. Hidden Hill offers u-pick apples from 22 delicious varieties, cider and bagged apples. They offer apple butter and apple salsa as well. They are only open on the weekends, so you will need to plan your trip accordingly. Visit their site.
Lazy H Ranch – located in Fleming, Lazy H Ranch is owned by Randy and Karen and boasts a beautiful historic octagonal barn. They have a large facility, perfect for hosting wedding receptions, bridal showers, birthday parties, game days and family reunions. You would be missing some great food if you didn’t let Karen do the catering. We had cornbread, biscuits, beef and chicken and a sweet potato casserole with a pecan crust and pie! I wish I could have ate more! We toured their facility and learned about the Simmental business and the auctions that were once held there. We also saw the adorable puppies that Karen raises and sells. Randy and Karen gave us a tour of the octagonal barn. Karen also owns Jeremiah’s coffee shop in downtown Marietta. Visit their site.
Where will you start first on your trip to Marietta Ohio?
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