Dine On The Water Before Boarding A Riverboat On This Delightful Ohio Day Trip On The Water
By Sarah McCosham|Published June 28, 2023
×
Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Ohio is an endlessly fascinating state that never ceases to amaze me. Even after nearly 40 years of living in various parts of the Buckeye State, I’m never at a loss for fun things to do. Ohio has countryside and beaches, caves and waterfalls, and mile upon mile of beautiful lakeshore and riverfront. Today’s adventure, then, is a day trip on the waters of the Ohio River in Marietta: a meal at a delightful waterfront restaurant followed by a riverboat ride aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler.
A river town through and through, Marietta is fondly referred to as "Ohio's First Adventure." You'll find this town of around 13,000 nestled on the banks of the Ohio River in the southeast corner of the state.
History, scenic beauty, and small-town come together in magical Marietta, Ohio, and if you've yet to experience the charm of this Buckeye State town, I've put together the perfect day trip to inspire you!
Begin (or end) your day with a ride aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler. This 50-year-old vessel is a genuine sternwheeler that runs the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers.
Valley Gem Sternwheeler, 601 Front St, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
You'll find a bevy of tours from which to choose; the Narrated Sightseeing Tour is a 90-minute option that provides a fascinating dive into the area's rich history -- from aboard this impossibly charming boat!
The Levee House Bistro is a local favorite that serves up fine dining a casual and historic atmosphere. Located at 127 Ohio Street, it is the only remaining original riverfront structure in Historic Marietta.
Levee House Bistro, 127 Ohio St, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
If you're craving seafood, this is the place to go -- the Peppercorn Tuna and Crab Cakes are both local favorites -- and if the Lobster Mac 'n Cheese is on the menu, get it!
Of course, in a town that's located on the water, you can expect stunning views pretty much anywhere you dine! True to its name, Riverfront Bar & Grill is a casual eatery that serves up All-American classics with a side of All-American views...
Riverfront Bar & Grill, 101 Front St, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
...like this! Watching beautiful riverboats and sternwheelers cruise down the mighty Ohio River while you enjoy a great meal? That's an experience for your Ohio bucket list.
