Mid-Ohio Valley sites part of 155 West Virginia tourism list
PARKERSBURG — In honor of West Virginia’s 155th birthday Wednesday, the state Tourism Office released a list of 155 places to go and things to do, including more than a dozen in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
West Virginia became a state June 20, 1863, and is celebrated annually as a state holiday. The “155 ways to enjoy summer in West Virginia” list ranges from food and fun to art and history, highlighting some of the best locations and things-to-do in the state.
Thirteen locations in Wood and surrounding counties are mentioned on the list. The full list, as well as links to individual websites, can be found at wvtourism.com/155-ways-to-enjoy-summer-west-virginia/.
The ranks and listings for local attractions are:
* 7. Bike through a haunted tunnel — The North Bend Rail Trail boasts the Silver Run Tunnel, a 2,297-foot tunnel that locals claim to be haunted. Legends say a bride was killed in the tunnel on the day of her wedding and some have even seen a woman in a wedding dress!
* 32. Grab a bottle of moonshine– legally — West Virginians are keeping the long mountain tradition of moonshine alive, legally. Try a variety of flavors from Appalachian Distillery in Ripley.
* 47. Wake up with a “Thundering Herd” biscuit — If you haven’t already, you’ve got to try one of West Virginia’s most beloved breakfast secrets: Tudor’s Biscuit World.
* 81. Unwind with a great cup of coffee — This quaint cafe in New Martinsville will quickly become your favorite hangout spot. With good food, live music, and a hidden downstairs bar, Baristas Cafe and Pub is not one to miss.
* 89. Dance to some bluegrass — Wetzel County’s Back Home Appalachian Arts & Music Festival features a lineup of 18 bands, from Grammy-Award winning bluegrass stars The Del McCoury Band to local favorites Ryan Cain & the Ables delivering their hopping mix of rockabilly and honky tonk. Be sure to come done June 29-July 1.
* 97. Celebrate the Fourth of July in Ripley — Locals dub this celebration the largest small town Indepence Day celebration. Even President George W. Bush stopped to celebrate a few years back.
* 99. Take a sternwheeler ride to Blennerhassett Island — And learn more about the treasonous secrets of this large and lavish estate.
* 104. Float along the Ohio River — While there are only 4 ferry’s left on the entire Ohio River, the Sistersville Ferry is the only one in a 277-mile stretch.
* 111. Birdwatch in North Bend State Park — Did you know Parkersburg is home to over 250 different species of bird? Grab your binoculars and get to watching!
* 122. Bring home a taste of Switzerland — Holl’s Chocolates is a handcrafted chocolate company based in Vienna, WV that specializes in assorted boxed collections and chocolate confections.
* 140. Honor our veterans — The Veterans Museum of Mid Ohio Valley has war memorabilia, a library of books and videos and is a resource center for local veterans.
* 152. Find your home away from home — The Ravenswood Inn Bed & Breakfast is a restored late Victorian Era Folk Style house that is sure to make you feel right at home.
* 154. Taste a WV classic — Dicarlo’s Pizza is famous for the weird way they makes their pizza. A crisp square of pizza comes out of the oven, baked piping hot with a slightly sweet and rich tomato sauce. Then, freshly grated cold provolone cheese is sprinkled on top so that it delicately melts over that oven-baked sauce and crust. Dicarlo’s has locations in Wheeling, Fairmont, Parkersburg, Weirton and South Carolina.