Day 1
Start your day at Homer Laughlin China Company in Newell and pick up some brightly colored Fiesta Dinnerware, one of the most iconic and collectable brands of china in the country. Then, hop on over to the World’s Largest Teapot in Chester to snap a photo of this 14-foot-tall by 14-foot-wide homage to the area’s pottery industry.
For lunch, stop by DiCarlo’s Pizza in Weirton. This local pizza joint adds cheese after the crust and sauce are baked, making it lightly bubble and melt overtop. Then, test your luck at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, a riverside casino that features slots, daily poker tournaments and more.
By evening, take in some of the beautiful scenery at Tomlinson Run State Park, a favorite for hiking, fishing and more. Dinner is at Drover’s Inn, in Wellsburg. Built in 1848, the building comprises three stories and 16 rooms with vintage decor and historic fireplaces. Finally, spend the night at Barn With Inn. Relax at this bed & breakfast with local farm-to-table food. Visit the Top of WV CVB for more information on these places.
Day 2
Wake up with some history at the Brooke County Museum in Wellsburg, which is the home of Lewis & Clark expedition member Patrick Gas. Then, shop to your heart’s content at the Centre Wheeling Market.This historic public market features everything from coffee and desserts to artwork and antiques.
Get a taste of the famous Centre Wheeling Fish Market Coleman’s fish sandwich – it’s worth the wait! The two fillets of North Atlantic Pollock on plain white bread has patrons lined up around the corner. Stop by the West Virginia Independence Hall, where the state became the 35th to join the United States of America. And catch a performance by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra at the Capitol Theatre, a landmark building in the national historic district of downtown Wheeling.
Time for dinner! Head to Avenue Eats, an award-winning neighborhood eatery known for its delicious burgers. When you’re finished, check out Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino & Racetrack for nonstop gaming action and greyhound racing. Relax overnight at Oglebay Resort, where you can also play a round of golf, pet zoo animals and enjoy the spa.
Day 3
Start your morning with a bike ride along Wheeling Heritage Trails for an urban escape. Reward yourself in Moundsville at Quality Bake Shoppe with a freshly baked famous “mad dog,” a long, creme-filled pastry.
If you like a little history mixed with mystery, stop by the former West Virginia Penitentiary, which is a gothic-style prison that has seen riots, fires and other spooky events you can learn about during a tour. After, stop by the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex to learn the history of these Adena burial mounds that date back to 250-150 B.C. Round out your sightseeing with a trip to one of the top religious wonders in the country near Cameron: the Palace of Gold. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers and 22-karat gold leaves on the walls decorate this Hindu palace. For more information about the Greater Moundsville area stop by the local convention and visitors bureau.
Head into Wetzel County for a leisurely afternoon and evening, where you can learn about how honey is made and taste fresh comb honey at ThistleDew Farm in Proctor. If you’ve got kayaks in tow, paddle along the Ohio River near New Martinsville, or pop into the Wetzel County Museum to brush up on the local history. Wind down your road trip with a home-cooked meal at Quinet’s Corner Restaurant and re energize at a local hotel.
Plan your scenic escape
