Top 10 Things to do in Parkersburg, WV
Parkersburg is known to be one of West Virginia's most historic cities, a bustling town on the Ohio River that's filled with delectable restaurants, impressive museums, and exciting entertainment venues. Our team at Lakeview Estates has put together a list of our favorite restaurants and activities to make it easy for residents to enjoy the city we call home.
Top 5 Restaurants in Parkersburg
Southern Craft Restaurant & Bar
Southern Craft Restaurant & Bar is a standout destination for Southern and Cajun-inspired cuisine in Parkersburg. The menu, stamped with a fleur-de-lis, features an array of homestyle dishes like jambalaya, Cajun red snapper, and Creole fettucine alfredo with blackened shrimp. Guests can also find creative appetizers like pulled pork nachos, bang-bang chicken, and “Voo Doo” eggrolls filled with shrimp, roasted jalapeños, and a pineapple-habanero pepper sauce. There’s a reason why Southern Craft Restaurant & Bar is one of Parkersburg’s most highly rated eateries.
Mizu Sushi Hibachi
North End Tavern & Brewery
North End Tavern & Brewery is steeped in history and overflowing with character. As a matter of fact, the North End Tavern & Brewery (or the NET as locals call it) is a true Parkersburg institution and is considered the oldest pub in all of West Virginia! Originally opened in 1899, the North End has been serving the community 125+ years. In 1997, the tavern became a microbrewery, producing local favorites like award-winning Roedy’s Red amble ale. When it comes to food, the legendary NET burger is the star of the menu, available with a single or double patty option and customizable toppings. North End Tavern & Brewery delivers all the pub classics inside a piece of West Virginia history.
George's Place Bar & Grill
You can’t fully understand Georges Place Bar & Grill without relaying the story of George Tannous. George is a local legend that has owned restaurants in Parkersburg for over 35 years, the two most popular being Caesar’s and Georgio’s. George’s Place Bar & Grill became George’s culinary sanctuary, a place where he could serve the Mediterranean-inspired recipes that he’s been serving for years, including top-tier pizza, classic bistro dishes, and Lebanese entrées like kibbe, kabob, and shish taouk. Tannous is quoted as saying, “I do not serve anything I cannot eat. I always want to serve the best, because it does make a big difference.” George’s Place Bar & Grill successfully delivers fresh ingredients, international flavors, and a family-like atmosphere.
JR's Donut Castle
Speaking of local institutions, let’s shift our focus to JR’s Donut Castle, a family-owned bakery that has been serving fresh donuts, breads, and pastries for over 45 years. Set inside a standalone building that’s decorated like a medieval fortress, JR’s is well known for its cakes, cupcakes, pies, pastries, fresh bread, and of course… donuts! The fan favorites are the cinnamon roll donut, the yum yum, and the classic original glaze donut. Over the decades, word spread of JR’s Donut Castle’s delectable treats and was voted to be the “Best Bakery in West Virginia” by West Virginia Living magazine. Stop by today and experience a donut that’s been co-signed by the entire state!
Top 5 Places To Go In Parkersburg
The early years of America are on full display at Blennerhasset Island Historical State Park, which offers up a captivating blend of natural beauty and history. Located on a small island in the Ohio River, the centerpiece of the park is the recreated Blennerhassett mansion, a Palladian-style architectural gem that was originally build in the 1790’s by Irish aristocrats Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. Visitors can take guided tours through the mansion and experience a taste of the 18th century with furnishings that are true to the period. Aside from the inherent beauty of the home, the Blennerhassett mansion is famous for housing Harman himself, who was a co-conspirator of the famous American traitor Aaron Burr. This is a seminal piece of American history.
Established in 1897, Parkersburg City Park is a hundred-year-old testament to the strength and longevity of the local community. When the corners of the park were first marked out, the area was considered untamed land on the outskirts of town. Today, the 46 acres of Parkersburg City Park are considered the heart of the city, a place where locals gather to walk, run, play sports, or experience performances and public events. Other features include the Jackson Memorial Fountain (the largest Victorian fountain in the state), tennis courts, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a public pool, baseball field, and more. There’s no shortage of exciting things to do at Parkersburg City Park.
The Julia-Ann Historic District is a prime example of Victoria-era grandeur. Focused on 126 homes and buildings spread across five blocks between Ann and Juliana Streets, the neighborhood showcases some of the most impressive examples of Victorian architecture in the region. The origins of the district can be traced back to Parkersburg’s major oil boom in the second half of the 19th century. Following the Civil War, the city’s wealthiest individuals congregated in the lightly populated area (at the time) now known as the Julia-Ann Historic District. Visitors can explore the neighborhood with free self-guided walks or guided tours beginning at the visitor’s bureau. See the golden years of Parkersburg’s early history at the Julia-Ann Historic District.
Planet X Laser Tag & Arcade delivers high-energy entertainment for visitors of all ages with a mix of state-of-the-art technology and classic arcade games. The venue’s centerpiece is the galactic laser tag arena which uses the Laserforce Gen7 Professional Laser Tag System to enable one of the most advanced laser tag experiences that one can find. The arena is a multi-floor, neon masterpiece that provides players with an exhilarating game. Afterwards, Planet X offers all of your favorite arcade machines including Pac-Man, Asteroids, and much more. Planet X Laser Tag & Arcade is also the perfect place to host birthdays, corporate events, and other celebrations.
The League Room is a veritable sanctuary for billiards afficionados. The space is lined with blue felt, Diamond-branded pool tables that give you and friends an opportunity to battle it out in a game of 8-ball. For the aspiring professionals, The League Room hosts its very own pool league which brings together competitive players from around the region. Less serious billiards players will also enjoy the atmosphere. The League Room serves classic pub eats like burgers, chicken wings, and a series of appetizers including jalapeño poppers, nachos, and fried mushrooms. If you’re serious about the game of pool, The League Room hosts throwdowns and tournaments where winner can take home cash prizes. The League room is the real deal.