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I love West Virginia! I mean LOVE West Virginia. The people are amazing, scenery breathtaking, and food varied and muy delicioso!
I grew up exploring West Virginia with my family but there are still so many places to see! Plus, I love revisiting places on adventures with my husband.
Once such adventure was traveling alongside the Ohio River from Parkersburg to Chester, the most northern incorporated city in West Virginia (and the Southern States) and home of The World’s Largest Teapot. Read about our four-day West Virginia road trip to inspire you for your West Virginia adventure.
If you want more trip inspiration, check out our Perfect Long Weekend in Nashville and the East Coast Road Trip: Charleston, SC to Cape Canaveral, FL.
Day 1: Parkersburg, WV
We got up early and spent the morning traveling the interstate to Parkersburg. I would say the main tourist attraction in Parkersburg is Blennerhassatt Island Historical State Park, and we had to visit. One, because it is awesome and two, because it is on our VIPP (Very Important Parks Person) list.
Blennerhassatt is located on an island in the Ohio River and is steeped in history, plus you get to travel there on the Island Belle sternwheeler.
You purchase tickets at the Blennerhassett Museum and go to Point Park to go aboard the Island Belle. Lucas and I purchased the package ticket which included the sternwheeler, museum, mansion, and horse-drawn wagon ride, but you can also purchase them separately.
After taking our time enjoying the island, we ate at the concession stand. I’d forgotten not everyone uses the word “chili” so I looked very confused when asked, “Do you want sauce on your hot dog?”
If you have additional time in Parkersburg, check out the town guide for dining and entertainment ideas. Make sure to stop by Holl’s Chocolate in Vienna.
Accommodations
For the night, we traveled to North Bend State Park, set up camp, and checked off our VIPP. The scenery was beautiful and the dinner delicious. If you like to bike, then the North Bend Rail Trail is perfect for you.
If you want to stay close to town, check out the luxurious Blennerhassett Hotel. The hotel also serves several packages, included Blennerhassatt Island.
Day 1 Costs
- $20 – Gasoline
- $60 – Food
- $50 – Blennerhassatt Package
- $28 – State Park Camping
Day 2: Travel to Moundsville, WV
We took our time traveling Route 2 alongside the Ohio River, stopping once to stretch our legs during the 2-hour trip to Moundsville.
I could not wait to show Lucas the treasures of the town. We spent midday exploring the Grave Creek Mound Archeological Complex (which was super neat because it was WV Day) and touring the (former) West Virginia State Penitentiary, which is full of history and gothic-style architecture.
We were short on time so we went straight to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold (30 min drive) but I wish we would have had time to explore Grand Vue State Park’s zip lines and the Fostoria Glass Museum.
The Palace of Gold complex greeted us with a peacock in the middle of the entrance road. We first explored New Vrindaban. Here, just outside the Krishna Temple, we were invited to share in a meal and meet new people.
We did not explore the interior of the palace, but the grounds and garden were quite wonderful. The exterior of the palace needed some updates and that was in the works, but overall, the experience gained was well worth the trip.
Accommodations
Traveling on to Wheeling from The Palace of Gold, we decided to stay at The McLure Hotel based on affordability and positive reviews on Hotels.com. The hotel is full of history and has had many famous guests, and we had a great experience.
After checking in, we walked to the riverfront and had a great view of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, a National Historic Landmark.
Day 2 Costs
- $10 – Gasoline
- $40 – Food
- $25 – Penitentiary Admission
- $55 – Hotel
Day 3: Wheeling, WV
Lucas and I started the morning visiting the Wheeling Convention & Visitors Bureau. After exploring downtown by walking, we visited the Centre Market, with tons of food options and some cute shops.
We were unable to visit some places due to timing (check daily hours beforehand!), but were interested in the Eckhart House and Artisan Center Shop. The Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack is another option.
The Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum was our top interest of the day. Lucas was dying to go so we drove out of downtown to visit. We thought it was worth it!
For the afternoon, we traveled north to Oglebay Park. You could stay here for the night and participate in some of their fun activities. We spent our time at the Good Zoo, where we go to see kangaroos only separated from us by a rope!
I worked at Bethany College for a summer, so I wanted to show Lucas the campus and town. So we drove through West Liberty, explored their university for a moment, and traveled to the small, no gas station town of Bethany. It’s definitely a hidden gem.
Now, take Route 88 north and 27 west to Drover’s Inn Restaurant & Tavern, the home of the best wings I’ve ever had!
Accommodations
Then drive west to Wellsburg to reach Route 2 again. You can stay here or across the river in Steubenville but we travel north to camp at Tomlinson Run State Park.
This park offers only offers camping, which was one of the best experiences of our trip. We went on a small hike, explored the park, checked off our VIPP, and enjoyed the evening by the campfire.
Day 3 Costs
- $10 – Gasoline
- $60 – Food
- $24 – Toy & Train Museum Admission
- $25 – Good Zoo Admission
- $22 – State Park Camping
Day 4: Fiestaware & The World’s Largest Teapot!
This was the day I was really looking forward to. I don’t have many pieces (yet) but totally love the look of Fiestaware. It’s bright and colorful and just makes me happy.
So yay, we got to visit the Homer Laughlin China Company in Newell, WV. Here, you can go on a factory tour, shop the best dinnerware and accessories, and spend HOURS in the seconds shop.
Lucas had to pull me away so we could continue on our way. Since it was past lunch time, we drove to Chester to see The World’s Largest Teapot.
Day 4 Costs
- $20 – Gasoline
- $60 – Food
Extend Your Vacation
Day 3 was pretty jammed packed, so when you’re planning your trip, you may want to space it out with Day 4. We actually drove to Cleveland, OH the afternoon of Day 4. It wasn’t that far (2 hours) once we were already in Chester, WV.
In Cleveland (which is a beautiful city), visit the West Side Market, Museum of Art, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, A Christmas Story House, and The Arcade. And you have to, I mean have to, go to Toft’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor (the one on the Dairy Farm).
We went to Cedar Point the next day then drove home the day after, stopping in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Total Cost
- $60 – Gasoline
- $220 – Food
- $124 – Attractions
- $105 – Accommodations
In conclusion, we spent a total of $509 for the four-day road trip from Parkersburg, WV to The World’s Largest Teapot. You could make it more budget friendly by spending less on food. The two additional days in Cleveland cost around $400 (including the theme park tickets).
This is one of the best trips we have experienced. It was very laid back and we were able to relax and just enjoy the time.