Marietta, Ohio

Boat docks, riverfront businesses, tours provide unique opportunities for visitors

MARIETTA, OH (August 10, 2010) – Lazy, hot summer afternoons serve as great opportunities to spend time on the river boating, kayaking or fishing. Marietta/Washington County offers a unique opportunity that few river towns continue to provide today, such as public docks and riverfront businesses.

Marietta’s unique riverfront and riverboat heritage isn’t lost on the locals or its visitors. In fact it’s beautifully recounted in several area museums and historic sites. However, the ability to dock your boat at a restaurant or hotel is somewhat unique.

“We are so fortunate to be located on both the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers,” Marietta/Washington County Executive Director Wendy Wharff said. “We’re fortunate to still have an unobstructed river view and have the option of speed boating or relaxing with a canoe or kayak. We are also home to several riverfront restaurants, a hotel, and public docks that welcome residents and visitors.”

The Best Western of Marietta is located on the Muskingum River Waterway just a few miles from downtown. The location allows for fantastic fishing and unrestricted water skiing with free boat dockage and even a picnic area.

Many local restaurants are riverside with access from land or water. The Boathouse, located on Virginia Street in Harmar, is a relaxed dining atmosphere that provides both indoor and outdoor seating with a large dock for boaters to tie up to. The House of Wines, located along State Route 60, is both a retail wine shop and restaurant. The shop offers beers of the world and an extensive wine collection. A European Style Pub restaurant, complete with indoor and outdoor seating, is located within sight of the manually operated locks at Devol's Dam, which was built in the early 1840s. The pub is open for lunch and dinner and is known for Ohio’s best Swiss Onion soup. Docking facilities are available while shopping and dining at the House of Wines. Marietta’s public dock at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers is within walking distance of many downtown restaurants including the Lafayette Hotel’s Riverview Lounge and the Levee House Cafe, both with beautiful river views.

Wharff noted that the majority of businesses, attractions, events and shops, are just a few steps away from the Marietta River Trail that stretches 3 miles through town and offers a quiet retreat for walks and leisurely bike rides. Bike rentals are available (summer and fall) at the Marietta Harbor.

“A trip to Marietta wouldn’t be complete without a river cruise aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler,” Wharff said. “The late summer and early fall months are great times to be out on a paddlewheel boat, mild temperatures and the changing autumn leaves make our sightseeing cruises even more enjoyable.”

Upcoming Valley Gem Sternwheel Tours & Events:

Sweet Sunset Cruise

Every Wednesday Evening in August | Time: 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Tropical Dinner Cruise

August 7, 2010 | Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Parkersburg Homecoming Fireworks Cruise

August 21, 2010 | Time: 7:30 p.m. Departs; 12:30 a.m. Returns

Labor Day Muffin Cruise
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