"MARIETTA OHIO" Marietta by LoriPori

Marietta Travel Guide: 19 reviews and 113 photos

Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Pioneers of the Ohio Company made MARIETTA the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Founded in 1788, Marietta is the state of Ohio's oldest city. It was named in honor of Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France (1755 - 1795). The municipality is in southeastern Ohio where the Muskingum River joins the Ohio River.
I found Marietta very charming, especially near the Harbor where we first saw the Valley Gem coming in on the River, to pick up the day's passengers. The Lafayette Hotel, which faces the river, is full of local history. Also across the street, you will see a plaque reading that Lafayette landed at this point in May 25, 1825.
The city also offers its River Trail and the old Railroad Bridge, which is now a pedestrian walkway that takes you to Harmar Village. We also admired the Washington County Courthouse and the Lockmaster's House. Also we were amazed at the beauty of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
So overall, we were happy that we decided to spend the afternoon here .

Marietta - Founded 1788

THE LAFAYETTE

The Lafayette

Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, THE LAFAYETTE is the focal point of the downtown Marietta district. The Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Hotel offers 77 unique Victorian style Rooms
Gunroom Restaurant
Riverview Lounge

Though we did not stay here, I could not resist going inside to see for myself, the grandeur of this Hotel. It was amazing, esp the Lounge. There were lots of Antiques and old photographs of bygone days at the Lafayette.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Charming Town with lots of History

Last visit to Marietta: Sep 2010
Intro Updated Nov 17, 2010
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Reviews (14)

DINER IN ZANESVILLE Restaurants (1)

Monday October 18, 2010 I always enjoy my meals at Denny's. They have a terrific Senior's Menu - economical price & more... more travel advice

LEVEE HOUSE CAFE' Favorites (7)

As we did not eat at the LEVEE HOUSE CAFE' I have put this tip in General. Located at 127 Ohio Street, Marietta, the... more travel advice

SHOPPING IN MARIETTA Shopping (1)

The Historic downtown district of Marietta is truly a unique shopping experience. Take a relaxing walk by brick streets... more travel advice

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER Things to Do (3)

I always like to get information on the area I am visiting, so I stopped in at the Marietta VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
A GRAND RIVERBOAT ERA HOTEL

Local Customs (1)
MARIETTA HARBOR CONCESSION STAND

Travelogues (6)

1 - 4 of 6

Comments (5)

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toonsarah May 8, 2011 at 12:35 PM

Looks a lovely historical spot in which to spend an afternoon. I enjoyed reading about your visit here :-)
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MalenaN Feb 9, 2011 at 9:33 PM

It looks like you spent a lovely sunny afternoon in Marietta! And what a nice boat the Valley Gem looks to be. I wouldn't mind taking a tour with it on Muskingum River!
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hunterV Nov 28, 2010 at 9:21 AM

Marietta looks like a nice place to explore... Thanks for sharing, Lori~! ><><><*
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Trey252 Nov 27, 2010 at 4:38 AM

Very nice writeup of a place with fond memories. There once was also a Becky Thatcher sternwheeler with restaurant onboard. Nice memories. Thank You!
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HORSCHECK Nov 22, 2010 at 1:41 PM

Lori, it looks like you had lovely, sunny weather during your time in Marietta. Brilliant photos here. I especially like the old Hamar Railroad Bridge.