Attractions and Historic Sites

Murals

Artist Robert Dafford has helped turn a 2,000 foot concrete floodwall along the Ohio River in Portsmouth, Ohio, into an outdoor art gallery depicting the history of Portsmouth and surrounding areas. Dafford, a native of Lafayette, LA, is an internationally known muralist who has over 25 years of experience. His work is on display throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

The planning stages of the Floodwall Mural Project began in 1992 with the formation of the Portsmouth Murals, Inc. The purpose of the project is to depict the history of the Portsmouth area, creating one of the world's single largest mural projects. The section of the floodwall included in the project is 20 feet high and extends for 2,200 feet along Front Street in downtown Portsmouth.

Antique Shops

You’ll find antique shopping at its best in Southern Ohio. Whether its downtown Portsmouth or one our picturesque country roads – quaint shops await you. Spend a weekend browsing Portsmouth’s Historic Boneyfiddle District and get lost in the nostalgia you find in the antique and specialty shops. The district bears a strong resemblance of the town it was in the 1860’s. Antique and specialty shops also adorn the nearby downtown business district of Portsmouth.

Biking, Walking & Hiking

• Whether you're exploring the area on two feet or two wheels, be sure to follow the scenic road along the Ohio River. Take time to go to Alexandria Point where the Ohio and Scioto Rivers meet. If you can, take time for a picnic or outdoor lunch at Alexandria Point Park and enjoy the serenity and the view.
  
  
• Portsmouth has some very pretty residential areas also, so, as you get your exercise, enjoy the peaceful tree-lined streets and view a variety of homes and neighborhoods from historic to contemporary.
  
  
• Shawnee State Forest provides a number of marked roads and trails for walking, hiking and biking. Travel through the forest and find wild-flower-filled glades, hilly climbs and phenomenal views from every vantage point. Enjoy what is truly one of the area's treasures.

Indian Mounds

• Serpent Mound: Built between 100 B.C. and 700 A.D., this is one of the few effigy mounds in Ohio and is the largest and finest serpent effigy in the United States. The earthen "serpent" stretches nearly a quarter of a mile. 36 miles northwest of St. Rt. 73, near Locust Grove.  Call (937) 587-2796.
  
  
• Mound Park: Horseshoe-shaped Indian burial grounds located in one of our beautiful city parks on 17th St. in Portsmouth.
  
  
• Tremper Mound: Tremper is the historical site where the famous Indian "stone pipe" artifacts were discovered. Situated at the southwest junction of Route 73 and Route 104, six miles from Portsmouth.

Historic Homes

• 1810 House: Examine and hold timeless articles found throughout this extraordinary "touching museum." Open 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, May through December; other times by appointment. Donations accepted. Located at 1926 Waller Street, Portsmouth. Call (740) 354-3760.
  
  
• The Philip Moore, Jr. Stone House: Dating back to 1797, this is the oldest house in Scioto County. The birthplace of Methodism in the county, it is also the last remnant of Alexandria. Pioneer furnishings. On Hill Road, West Portsmouth. Tours by appointment.
  Call (740) 353-5605.
  

Accommodations

Hotels and Motels

Ramada Inn 711 Second Street (Downtown Portsmouth) Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 (740) 354-7711 · 119 Rooms * Damon's Clubhouse Restaurant * Indoor Pool & Hot Tub * Banquet Facilities Up to 300 * Free HBO * Free Exercise Facility Across Street * Convenient Downtown Location * Free Breakfast (Near Shawnee State University) Days Inn 8404 Ohio River Road Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 (740) 574-8431 · 62 Rooms * Cable TV * Free HBO * Bob Evans Restaurant On Premises * Outdoor Pool * Close to Theaters and Shopping Holiday Inn Express 5100 Scioto Trail US 23 N Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 (740)-353-3232 · 62 Rooms * 3 Jacuzzi Suite * Heated Indoor Pool * Free Hot Breakfast Bar * Convenient Business Center * Conference Room * Warm Cookies Every Evening * Fitness Center Coming Soon

Super 8 Motel U.S. Route 23 Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 (740) 353-8880 · 52 Units * 2 Jacuzzi Suites * Indoor Pool & Hot Tub * Free Continental Breakfast Comfort Inn 8226 Ohio River Road Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 (614) 574-1046 · 47 Regular Rooms * Free Continental Breakfast * Indoor Pool * Conference Room * Free Access to Fitness world Shawnee State Park Lodge Route 125 West Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 (740) 858-6621 · 50 Rooms * 25 Cabins * Indoor/Outdoor Pool * Game Room * Tennis & Basketball Courts * Banquet Facilities up to 500 * Forest & Park Recreation

Bed & Breakfasts

The Captain's Quarters 529 Sixth Street Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 (740) 354-6609 · Off Street Parking * Tastefully decorated rooms * Within walking distance of many area attractions, restaurants and stores. Your hosts: Linda & Don Evans

Riverview Bed & Breakfast Inn 91 Riverview Drive Franklin Furnace, Ohio 45629 (740) 355-4004 Toll Free 1-888-388-VIEW "Sleeping, meeting and celebrating on the Ohio River." Innkeepers: George & Bobbi Sich

Attraction - Entertainment

Portsmouth Raceway Park Inc.

P.O. Box 1543
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
(740) 354-FAST
Non-Season (740) 858-6661

Situated on the picturesque Ohio River Valley, Portsmouth Raceway Park is located 1 mile west of Portsmouth off U.S. Route 52 and State Routes 73 and 104. It is a 3/8 mile clay high banked track with seating for over 4,000 spectators with additional seating of 300 in the pit area. Regular Saturday night racing format consists of Late Model, Modified, Street Stocks, and Bombers.

Southern Ohio Opry - Real County! Located five miles west of Lucasville, the Southern Ohio Opry offers the finest talent from Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, every Saturday night. Doors open at 6:00 pm, show begins at 7:00 pm. Call (740) 259-1195 for more information. Family friendly, smoke-free environment.

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