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Top 10 Things to do in Parkersburg, WV
Parkersburg is representative of American history, a city that has played a pivotal role from the beginning of America and all the way up to today. Located near the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, the story of Parkersburg is one of commerce, transportation, and intrigue. Locals will find an abundance of tasty restaurants, fascinating museums, and outdoor activities. Our team at Oakwood Village has put together a list of our favorite spots so residents can easily explore the city.
Top 5 Restaurants in Parkersburg
Huffman's Prime Steakhouse
Huffman's Prime Steakhouse is the brainchild of Zak Huffman, a local restauranteur with a passion for premium cuts of beef, rare whiskeys, and creating an atmosphere where guests feel like family. Mirroring the world’s top steakhouses, the steaks at Huffman’s are seared at 1800 degrees, resulting in a beautiful char that makes every bite memorable. Patrons can choose between sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, and a rare, aged wagyu. Other options include salmon, Chilean sea bass, specialty sushi rolls, homemade pasta, and a Huffman’s All-American burger. Opened in 2025, the steakhouse quickly became a hit with locals and continues to grow in popularity to this day.
Chams Lebanese Cuisine
Colombo's Restaurant
Colombo’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant that was established in 1954. As the legend goes, founder Jimmy Colombo was the first person to bring New York-style pizza to Parkersburg, and the family hasn’t stopped serving since! The menu delivers classics like chicken parmesan, fettucine alfredo, lasagna, and of course, premium pizzas that are prepared with Jimmy’s original dough recipe and all your favorite toppings. If you’re looking for generous portions served inside of a charming redbrick interior, then Colombo’s Restaurant is your spot. Colombo’s Restaurant is a local Parkersburg legend that will be here for decades to come.
Unity Mac Bar
The concept behind this downtown eatery is simple: deliver West Virginia’s best mac and cheese with a unique combination of recipes and toppings. The colorful menu allows visitors to build their very own mac bowl. Choose from meats like shredded chicken, pulled pork, steak, and bacon, along with various items like corn, mushrooms, jalapeños, and breadcrumbs. More adventurous eaters have the option to top their mac with crushed Doritos or Flamin’ Hot Cheetos! Unity Mac Bar also serves specialty Italian-style sodas like the cream cola made with coke, vanilla, and sweet cream or the piña colada mixed with Sprite, coconut, and pineapple. Unity Mac Bar is one of a kind.
Wine Down on Market
Known as downtown Parkersburg’s first and only wine bar, Wine Down on Market provides locals with a sophisticated space to slow down, relax, and enjoy bistro-style eats and world class wine. The menu excels at creative flatbreads, soul-warming soups, and signature entrees. Many of the plates are tapas-style and taste best when shared, such as the meatball bruschetta, bourbon bacon crostini, and spinach artichoke dip. Wine can be served by the glass, by the bottle, or as a wine flight with a series of 2-3oz pours that allow you to explore a mix of international variations. Wine Down on Market offers guests a fantastic dining experience.
Top 5 Places To Go In Parkersburg
Fort Boreman is the site of a Civil War-era fort that sits on a hilltop overlooking the valley formed by the confluence of the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers. Originally built in 1863 by the 11th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the fort was named after West Virginia’s first governor and Parkersburg local Arthur Boreman. Today the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and history buffs from around the world make their way to Parkersburg to see it for themselves. Guests can enjoy nature while weaving through unique relics from the Civil War. The mix of history and natural beauty is well worth a visit.
In almost every American downtown, there sits a historic theater that functions as the city’s entertainment center. In Parkersburg, this is undoubtedly The Smoot Theatre. Built in 1926 as a vaudeville house and remodeled with an Art Deco makeover in the 30’s, the venue has experienced many iterations and provided a home for a wide range of entertainment throughout the decades. In 1986 The Smoot was closed and only saved from demolition by local volunteers. After renovation and restoration, The Smoot now provides live shows throughout the year including music, comedy, dance, and lectures, from local and national acts. The Smoot Theatre allows guests to be entertained inside a rare piece of local history.
There’s nothing quite like a classic roller-skating rink featuring tasty jams, colorful lights, and those old-timey, four-wheel roller skates for rent. Skate Country delivers all of this and more with a top-of-the-line skating rink that hosts open skates, birthday parties, corporate events, and other celebrations. Patrons have the opportunity to skate solo or take part in exciting games led by Skate Country’s team members. The venue also has a concessions area for snacks and a series of arcade games. There’s no shortage of fun at Skate Country.
You know what to do— gather a crew and come down to Pike Street Lanes for a fun and competitive game of bowling! Known as Parkersburg’s top-rated bowling alley, Pike Street Lanes provides a series of slick hardwood lanes that usher you to bowling glory. Pike Street Lanes hosts open bowling, league play, as well as private events and includes a concessions stand and arcade games for those wanting to explore outside of the lanes. All skill levels are welcome and team members do a great job of creating a friendly atmosphere. Best of all, Pike Street Lanes is just a two-minute drive from Oakwood Village.
One of Parkersburg’s most defining features is its unique place in the history of American oil. Located inside the W.H. Smith Hardware store, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this nationally recognized museum tells the story of the West Virginia oil industry. Parkersburg was at the center of an oil boom in the late 1800’s, a period which heavily influenced the growth and affluence of the city. Visitors have an opportunity to experience the “black gold” rush for themselves with a variety of intriguing exhibits, rare artifacts, and informative displays. The Oil & Gas Museum will paint a vivid picture of Parkersburg’s unique and oil-rich history.