Marietta (Ohio)

Marietta is a city of 13,000 people (2019) in Southeast Ohio. It is at the confluence of the Muskingum River and Ohio River. Founded in 1788 it is the oldest city in Ohio. From the beginning it was one of Ohio's more important Ohio River ports. It is adjacent to part of the Wayne National Forest.

Understand

Marietta, the county seat of Washington County, the first organized settlement of the Northwest Territory, is a small town that has maintained its small-town charm due to having been left off of the rail lines and having had no connection to a highway until 1967. Since the construction of Route 7 and the new bridge across the river, Marietta has been on a slow path to resurrection. It has grown to extend from the Ohio Riverfront to the intersection of Interstate 77. The historic downtown has gone through several renovation phases, with a streetscape program being the crowning touch. The town's name is derived from Marie Antoinette, the French Queen, who supported the American Revolution. It is now one of the Ohio Valley and Southeastern Ohio's favorite destinations.

Get in

Interstate 77 connects Marietta with central Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Or by boat, at the Ohio Riverfront. It is on the State line with West Virginia. The Ohio River separates the two states. Directly across the river bridge on Ohio Route 6 is Williamstown. Parkersburg, West Virginia is a short distance south with access to I-77.

Get around

Marietta is a small town on the banks of the Ohio River. The historic downtown is easy to walk, except everything is uphill from the river. There is a public boat ramp. Exploring the river with a guide should not be too difficult.

Harmar is a historic district of Marietta, found across the Muskingum River from downtown Marietta. Once connected by the Historic Harmar bridge a railroad bridge converted to a pedestrian crossing. The next closest crossing is the Putnam Street Bridge which includes historical information signs at stopping points along the crossing.

See

Marietta is rich in history as is made visible by a scattering of Ohio Historic Markers as well as markers placed by the Rotary Club in front of historic buildings. Walking along the streets and through the parks you will encounter dozens or more. In addition to these there are a variety of specific locations to see including the following.

Do

Buy
  • 🌍 Fenton Art Glass, 700 Elizabeth Street, Williamstown (in Williamstown, across the Ohio River). The largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States. Each piece of glass is an artistic creation by skilled glassworkers and decorators. (Note: the Fenton Art Glass Factory nearly closed 2007, adding to the collectability. The factory stores are still open.) 
  • 🌍 Lafayette Shopping Center, 464 Pike St. (updated Mar 2019)
  • 🌍 The River City Farmer's Market (Marietta Farmer's Market), Butler Street between Front and Second, ☏ +1 740-516-6253, . 8AM-noon. Saturday mornings the farmers market takes over the street of downtown Marietta and you can find local crafts, meats, dairy, plants, mushrooms, honey, and more. (updated May 2021)
  • 🌍 Wit & Whimzy, 152 Front St, ☏ +1 742-371-5022, . An eclectic selection of Marietta local and unique gifts. (updated Jul 2022)

Eat
  • 🌍 Napolis Pizza, 335 Pike St, ☏ +1 740-423-1111, . Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. Homemade pizza, pasta and subs. All breads, including for sandwiches and subs, are baked from scratch that very morning. Dine in, carry out and delivery. $10 and under. (updated Mar 2015)
  • 🌍 Smitty's Pizza, 500 Front Street, ☏ +1 740-374-2280. Locally-owned pizzeria with a wide menu of pizzas, subs, soups, and desserts. Delivery, dine-in, and carry-out all available. 
  • Las Trancas (in the Lafayette Plaza off of Pike Street), ☏ +1 740-373-9508. Mexican restaurant with a huge menu of traditional fare. Snack on chips and salsa while waiting for your meal, or try one of the many margarita flavors. Great family atmosphere with plenty of seating. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 🌍 Levee House Bistro, 127 Ohio St, ☏ +1 740-371-7035. Great view of the Ohio river from the outside patio and the chef is outstanding. (updated Mar 2022)
  • 🌍 Busy Bee Restaurant, 226 Gilman Ave, ☏ +1 740-373-3755, . M-Sa 6:30AM-2PM, Su 8AM-2PM. This is a cozy place is a local favorite for breakfast and sources ingredients from local farms. A solid choice for breakfast or brunch. (updated Mar 2022)
  • 🌍 The Original Pizza Place, ☏ +1 740-374-4333. This pizzeria was founded in 1976 by a Brooklyn, NY native and in addition to this Marietta location, there is another in Vienna, WV. This Marietta location has a Gluten Free crust available and a couple other specialty exclusives. Buy your pizza (or cake) by the slice or get your party a entire sheet or hand tossed pizza to share. The fresh made dough and ingredients make this a great choice for a meal. (updated Mar 2022)
  • 🌍 The Cozy Kitchen, 114 Putnam St, ☏ +1 740-371-7100. M-Sa 8AM-2:30PM. Solid breakfast and brunch spot on Putnam that will keep your taste buds happy. (updated Mar 2022)

Drink

Sleep

Connect
  • 🌍 Marietta Public Library, 615 Fifth St, ☏ +1 740-373-1057. A Carnegie library built on top of an Indian mound. Offers computers and Wi-Fi. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 🌍 Local History & Genealogy Archives, 418 Washington St, ☏ +1 740-376-2172. If you're a history buff or interested in genealogy and are looking to dig into Marietta's resident history, this is the stop for your. There are volumes to explore curated by the librarians, historical society, and local families. (updated Mar 2022)

Go next
Routes through Marietta
Canton ← Caldwell ←  N  S  → Parkersburg → Charleston
Steubenville ←  N  S  → Belpre → END


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