Art center, tours and retail feature creative work, amazing architecture and more in Parkersburg and Marietta’s walkable downtowns and beyond
PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA & MARIETTA, OHIO–AUGUST 2026–Parkersburg, West Virginia’s historic downtown is emerging as a lively arts hub where galleries, theaters and culinary experiences converge within a walkable district. Just across the river in Marietta, Ohio, shopping and dining options in the historic downtown are complemented by live performances and waterfront views. Just a two-hour drive via I-70 and I-77 from Columbus, Ohio, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, these two Ohio River cities offer a variety of art and entertainment for visitors to enjoy.
Parkersburg Art Center (725 Market Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101; 304 485-3859), one of West Virginia’s longest-running arts organizations, anchors the area’s creative scene. The center has five gallery spaces displaying works of regional artists and crafters. Artists’ work is for sale in The Market at Parkersburg Art Center, which is also a dynamic, contemporary gallery located at the center. Visitors are invited to enjoy the center’s exhibitions, guided tours, classes and special events. Many consider the restored 1926 Smoot Theatre (213 Fifth Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101; 304-422-7529) to be a work of art, as well. The vaudeville house is known as the Grand Lady of downtown Parkersburg and hosts artists of national and international prominence as well as local performances.
2026 brought the launch of a new seasonal event series, Second Sunday Pop-Ups. The debut transformed a corner of downtown Marietta into a vibrant outdoor marketplace featuring local and regional artists, live music and a community gathering place.
Downtown shopping venues in Marietta also offer local art to peruse and purchase. Clutch Collective (152 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750; 740-525-5510) is an independent art shop featuring exceptional fine art, art prints, ceramics, cards and more from dozens of local and regional artists. The creative work of more than 80 artists from the Appalachian region and beyond, including emerging and established artists, is on display. Green Acres of Marietta (128 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750; 740-371-5117) is known as the “coolest little store in Marietta.” It is home to a variety of art, antiques, jewelry, collectibles repurposed items and handmade one-of-a-kind items.
Nearby, Fenton Art Glass Gift Shop (2242 Williams Highway [Route 14 in Boaz], Williamstown, West Virginia 26187; 304-375-7772 ext. 203) is carrying on the legacy of the regional glass company renowned for innovative glass colors as well as hand-painted decorations on pressed and blown glassware. Today, the Fenton Gift Shop continues to honor that legacy at its new location, featuring vintage Fenton Art Glass and unique gifts along with a variety of limited-edition glass made at other glassmaking facilities.
For those who love architecture, Parkersburg’s Julia-Ann Square Historic District (304-422-9861) is a feast for the eyes. This is the largest and oldest historic district in West Virginia and the Historic Walking Tour features 54 houses, a historic church and one of the area’s first cemeteries. Visitors can pick up a free copy of the walking tour guide at the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) office. The tour starts at the arch on 9th and Juliana Street. One of Marietta’s architectural treasures is The Castle (418 Fourth Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750; 740-373-4180), a striking Gothic Revival mansion built in 1855. Guided tours reveal stories of Victorian-era life, local history and the prominent families who helped shape the city.
Stays at these two historic hotels will add to the experience for any art or architecture lover. The Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa (320 Market Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101; 304-422-3131) is a historic, boutique hotel in downtown Parkersburg. This Victorian hotel was designed to reflect the wealth of the oil and gas boom of the 1880s. The Lafayette Hotel (101 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750; 740-373-5522), perched on the banks of the Ohio River, offers views of the same magical beauty that fascinated early settlers in 1788. Visitors can experience the charm of the riverboat era while enjoying modern amenities and luxurious service.
If you go
Exquisite craftsmanship is an art in no short supply here. Any visit should include a stop at one of these specialty shops:
Holl’s Swiss Chocolatier (2001 Grand Central Avenue, Vienna, West Virginia 26105; 304-295-6576) is known for an uncompromising commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and an unwavering attention to detail. This combination ensures an extraordinary chocolate experience. Their classically trained Master Chocolatier is dedicated to creating and sharing a taste of Switzerland in every bite.
Schafer Leather Store (140 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750; 740-373-5101) has been handcrafting quality leather products since 1867. This fifth-generation, family-owned institution invites patrons to explore a diverse collection of quality products and experience their excellent customer service. The inventory includes hand-selected boots, hats, jewelry and fine leather goods, fitted in person by people who know them.