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Parkersburg - Part 3
Wild and Wonderful
Written by: Janet Pope
Touring the northern section of West Virginia involves, biking, glass factories, historic mansions, and even a side trip to Ohio.
Day 3
Last night, we had been deeply impressed with a delicious dinner at the Comfort Inn of Mineral Wells. Today, we started our day with the best complimentary breakfast that we've ever had. We enjoyed a varied assortment of hot and cold cereals, breads and muffins, fruits, juices, pastries, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. Everything was fresh-looking and constantly being refilled. We were sad to leave this great hotel and wished once again that we had more time to enjoy the facilities and the indoor/outdoor pool. But we were off to visit the Blennerhasset Museum in Parkersburg.
There we met Dr. Ray Swick, the museum director. He is a gentleman filled with a wealth of local history, a character with passion and an abundance of stories. Dr. Swick proved to be a great match for Donald in storytelling, historical knowledge and humor. They immediately became fast friends, swapping tales back and forth. In between, I learned the museum opened in 1988, and functions as a regional museum. On four spacious floors, it houses an extensive array of locally collected Native American artifacts, sterling silver souvenir spoons, antique farm equipment, historical paintings, postcards, and so much more.
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Dr. Ray Swick in the Blennerhasset Museum | |
The museum is an historical resource for school children, and its busiest time of year is May and June, when it has a constant stream of students.
A short distance away is Point Park, where we boarded a sternwheeler for a cruise to Blennerhasset Island. The Blennerhassetts were evidently very wealthy local folk heroes to this Ohio Valley Area. When the Blennerhassetts lived here in the early 1800s, they were well known for their lifestyle and their opulent house set off on its own island. The Palladian-style house unfortunately burned down in 1811. The house was gone, but the legend of the Blennerhassetts would not fade away. Finally in 1984, about one million dollars was allocated to rebuild this grand home.
The tour guides to the house, dressed in period costume, show visitors around the almost 7,000 square feet of history. The building has been furnished with original and vintage furniture and decorations. Over the years, patrons who wanted to be a part of history donated many of the original Blennerhasset pieces. If you love history, this house is a treat. The many rooms are filled with period pieces, and we learned Venetian Blinds were invented as early as the 1760s.
We enjoyed a lunch on the front lawn and were lucky enough to have excellent spring weather. Then, we toured the remainder of the island on a horse-drawn wagon ride. The guide, Luke, pointed out the wildlife of deer, foxes, raccoons and squirrels.
Coming from a very busy and noisy city, Don and I were struck by the silence of the forest and the peacefulness of the island.
We hopped on the sternwheeler for the half hour ride back to the main dock in Parkersburg.
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TLittle Kanawha Craft House | |
"A stone's throw" from the dock is The Little Kanawha Craft House. We were interested in seeing this store, opened in 1988, as it features only crafts made in West Virginia by local artisans. The store contained every craft item imaginable from woodcarvings to quilted jackets, to coal statues to handmade soaps, candles and lotions. I found the most adorable finger puppets there, which I'll save for future grandchildren. I'm waiting impatiently!
Next, we toured the Oil and Gas Museum. By now, I felt like I was overdosing on West Virginia history, but Donald was just getting started. This building was originally built as a lumber warehouse in 1870. In 1990, it was converted into the museum in order to tell the story of how oil and gas exploration and production began in the United States in this region. I was surprised to find out the first oil refinery was in Parkersburg in 1859. I falsely assumed Texas had won the race. The museum features an outdoor exhibit of trucks, pumps, jack and oil tanks. Inside, there is a video, and an abundance of antiques and memorabilia depicting the history of oil in America.
Our last stop of the day was a Bed and Breakfast in the historic district of Parkersburg. We received a tour of the Avery Savage House, circa 1880, by the current owner Sharon Mace. She and her husband opened the doors to their B&B after 18 months of renovation and restoration in 1996. The Victorian Theme was carried through the 4 guest rooms, aptly named the Holly Room, the Wisteria Room, the Rose Room and the Cupid Room. (I already picked out my room for our next visit. The Rose Room looked like a floral dream!) As I soaked up the atmosphere of flowers, angels and period furniture, Don was more impressed with the extensive Victorian gardens which Sharon designed and maintains. Sitting on a swing or in the gazebo and gazing at all of the flora, transports you to another place and time. What a great place to relax!
Our last great meal in West Virginia was at the Calabash Restaurant inside the Holiday Inn. Don and I both enjoyed a salad and a prime rib of beef dinner. We were even treated to "entertainment" as we watched a group of high school seniors arrive for their prom. It was great fun checking out every style of dresses and tuxedoes imaginable.
Well, these are our highlights of West Virginia! They promised Wild and Wonderful, and I can attest to the people, the food, the history, the museums and the shops being wonderful! Perhaps, being over 50, it's harder to find the wild side of life, but to me, wonderful itself sounds pretty good!
Read part 1 | Read part 2
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