Posted April 17, 200718 yr Another installment in what may become a series of periodic river-town threads. Marietta is not depressing like Bellaire. Ohio's first permanent settlement has a namesake college to help keep the city vibrant, but it also continues to build on an interesting heritage. Most Ohio river towns put their industry along the riverbanks or otherwise turned their backs on the water. Marietta and Gallipolis are among those that embraced the riverfront. The Front Street landing in Marietta, below the Lafayette Hotel, is a site of summer activity even when the Mississippi and Ohio riverboats aren't there for the annual Sternwheeler Festival, which is the second weekend in September. Marietta, where the Muskingum flows into the Ohio, has a few riverboats of its own, and some museums showcasing the local history. Across the Muskingum from downtown (walk across the old railroad bridge now reserved for pedestrians) is the old town of Harmar, now part of Marietta, with its own little downtown and lots of character. Washington County courthouse and the downtown-core skyline from the observation point on the bluff across the Muskingum River. Riverfront part of the skyline (including the Lafayette) from the same point Skyline panorama Lafayette Hotel from the riverboat landing Shops along Front Street, across from the Lafayette Front Street, looking north Front Street, looking south Long view of Front Street Front Street character Lafayette Hotel, and friend Same buildings, different view Washington County courthouse Bank building, now leasing Courthouse and bank Skyline and trees Skyline sans trees Putnam Street Zooming in on Putnam Architecturally diverse block of Putnam Street Williamstown (W.Va.) Bridge from 2nd Street Downtown skyline, rear view Alley and buildings, 2nd Street Downtown Harmar and railroad pedestrian bridge Riverboats and highway bridge across the Muskingum, north of downtown Church from the lookout point across the Muskingum Downtown, from the road above the lookout point Marietta also has some beautiful homes, neighborhoods, parks and neighborhood commerical districts beyond downtown. Maybe a followup thread is in order.
April 17, 200718 yr Are these pics from 10-20 yrs ago...because that is definitely the feel I get from the images. :laugh:
April 17, 200718 yr Loving these! Another installment in what may become a series of periodic river-town threads. May? BETTER, you mean! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
April 17, 200718 yr Are these pics from 10-20 yrs ago...because that is definitely the feel I get from the images. :laugh: thats just appaliacia [sic]
April 17, 200718 yr These pics are from about a year ago. I was there again a week ago (no new pics) and it's still the same feel. I hear there's a fundraising effort to save and restore one of two old downtown theaters.
April 17, 200718 yr Marietta is a gorgeous town. There are sightseeing cruises on the Valley Gem that are a pleasant way to spend an hour or so on a sunny day, and the Ohio River Museum is a beautifully designed and executed place with various river-related displays including perhaps the most extensive collection of exquisitely-detailed model riverboats, many dating from the steamboat era.
April 17, 200718 yr Now that's what a small river city is suppose to look like. Thanks for the wonderful tour. Guess there's another place in Ohio I'm gonna have to visit one of these days.
Create an account or sign in to comment