As the warm embrace of summer continues, now is the perfect time to make memories that will last all year long without having to travel far. In an era where travel often dominates our summer plans, there’s a quiet revolution brewing closer to home: the art of the staycation. Defined not by distance but by depth, a staycation invites us to explore the treasures hidden within our own communities.
Discover new adventures while exploring local treasures, immersing yourself in nature, or just cherishing time with loved ones and creating new memories together. This summer, let us redefine travel by rediscovering Belmont County experiences. From festivals celebrating our heritage and charming towns, to checking out the latest fresh produce and homemade treats while supporting local farmers markets, to exploring the rolling hills and rural landscapes of our beautiful outdoors. Belmont County offers many opportunities for family fun and memorable experiences!
Take a stroll down memory lane and relive the feelings of the days of yore at the Chautauqua Homecoming Days & Bethesda Festival July 13th and 14th, at Epworth Park. Stroll along the quaint Victorian cottages built in the 1880s and nestled among a grove of majestic oak trees, reminisce and escape from today’s fast-paced lifestyle while enjoying a picnic by Bethesda Lake, or fishing for bluegill or bass. This year marks the 34th annual event and features a parade, a youth fishing tournament, craft vendors, concession stands, live music, a car show, and much more.
This summer, embrace the heartbeat of local flavor at a farmers’ market where you’re immediately greeted by an array of colors and aromas. Where, farmers proudly display their harvests from crisp greens to juicy heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant herbs cultivated with care and picked at peak ripeness. Enjoy food straight from the earth to your table at the Ohio Valley Farmers Market on Tuesdays at the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville or Saturdays in Bellaire or check out the Blue Moon Tavern Farmers Market on Sundays in Barnesville.
Belmont County offers an abundance of ways to unplug and unwind in serene surroundings. So, grab your kayak, load the bikes, or put on your walking shoes – miles of trail and glistening shorelines await you. Regardless of your skill level you can enjoy the beautiful scenery our county has to offer.
Zion Retreat & RV Park in Flushing is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature – it’s a hidden gem in our county! Become immersed with the peacefulness of 1,300 acres of rolling hills, green fields, sparkling water & beautiful sunsets. Explore the 27-acre lake on a kayak or paddle board, fish in one of the many ponds, or splash into the water on the aqua zipline. Spend the night around the campfire and stay in a luxury or rustic cabin, or in your own tent or RV in a tree lined spot. Be sure to check out their new 4-mile mountain bike trail, along with many other hiking trails around the property.
Ready for more challenging trails and rugged terrain? Visit Barkcamp State Park in Belmont and explore scenic hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Nature lovers are sure to find the perfect location to see all kinds of wildflowers and birds. Plan a picnic in the park, or a kayak adventure on the water or spend the day fishing. Sleep under the stars by finding the perfect campsite for the whole family or grab some friends to sit around the campfire making s’mores. At Barkcamp there is something for everyone!
The essence of summer travel lies not only in the destinations we visit but, in the memories, we create along the way. It is in the laughter shared with loved ones under starlit skies, it is the adventure of exploring someplace new, and in the peace found only in nature. So, pack up the family, get outside and explore, and make summer memories right here in your own backyard.
To find out more about all the upcoming events happening in Belmont County, go to our website at visitbelmontcounty.com. Also, if you are planning an event, please share information with us by using the calendar event submission form on our website at visitbelmontcounty.com. We here to promote and share our love of friendly, beautiful Belmont County.
Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.
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