Two-Day River Roadtrip
Looking to escape the house during the chilly months, but dislike the frigid temperatures that come along with it? You don’t have to stay confined to your home due to the cold weather blues! Break free from this cycle by planning a small, two-day getaway to Hancock and Brooke Counties, West Virginia. Depending on where you start your travels, you might decide to flip this itinerary on its head, or not.
Starting at the tip of the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, we would be doing you an injustice if we didn’t tell you to drive by the World’s Largest Teapot. This little beacon of happiness will be sure to bring a smile to your face, even if you are just driving by. Located right off the Chester exit from Highway 30, you are sure to catch a great view before you cruise right over to Frank’s Pastry Shop for some delicious doughnuts.
Less than 10 minutes from Chester is the Fiesta Tableware Company in Newell. With an incredible shopping outlet and factory full of all their famous American-made pottery, this is a stop you don’t want to miss. Their rainbow of options is sure to take your breath away, including their newest color for 2024, Sky. Take a tour of the factory itself and get to see how each piece is made. You will not believe how much is made by hand!
Continue south down Route 2, until you hit Mountaineer Casino. Try your luck with the slots or table games for some quick fun, or if you have more time, stick around to see the racehorses at their track. After you win big, you’ll want to take a short drive down to the industrial little city of Weirton. You’ve probably worked up an appetite so grab a fresh, cheesy square slice from DiCarlo’s Pizza for lunch. Keep cruising around downtown to check out the remnants of the popular “Super 8” movie set locations from the comfort of your car. If you find the time, make sure to stop into the Weirton Area Museum & Cultural Center to see even more “Super 8”movie memorabilia. It is easy to get lost in all the artifacts that this museum has on display.
This culturally rich city will have you wanting more, especially after you get a taste of the local cuisine. When dinner time rolls around, take a seat at Theo Yianni’s Greek Restaurant, where their expansive menu will make it so you have to come back and try everything! (Make sure you leave room for the baklava cheesecake!) After a long day of exploring what Hancock County has to offer, grab some beauty sleep at one of Weirton’s hotels.
Before you leave Weirton, swing by Tudor’s Biscuit World for a West Virginia famous breakfast sandwich. Don’t forget to stop by the Top Shop across the street, which is a gift shop located in the Top of West Virginia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. Here you can acquire gifts and souvenirs made by local artisans to remember your trip by, or to share with others. Located in the same building as this shop is the Summit Art Gallery, where you can view or purchase a plethora of artwork made by local artists if you feel inclined.
Hop back on Route 2 and follow the Ohio River towards the city of Follansbee. As you drive down Main Street, stop in at one of the small businesses, such as Moe’s on Main or the Bluewave Center shops, for those unique finds. Continue on your way into Wellsburg, where you will feel right at home at Martha’s Gallery. This quaint and cozy little art gallery that hosts artists throughout the year, so you are sure to always find something different.
Looking for a good spot to have lunch before you begin your journey back home after a fun-filled trip? The Crooked Dock will tickle your taste buds whether you are a burger lover or a seafood fan. This river view location will have you planning to come back during the summer, where you can hang out on the boat dock, or enjoy their outdoor bar. You might even catch some live music on their stage.
You can wrap up your journey knowing that you successfully covered the two Northern-most counties in West Virginia. Our small cities and towns are sure to show you a good, wholesome time, where you will be sure to experience something new every time you visit.
