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Scioto county is centrally located within a five-state area. |
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| Columbus, OH | 89 Miles |
| Cincinnati, OH | 112 Miles |
| Cleveland, OH | 230 Miles |
| Huntington, WV | 54 Miles |
| Charleston, WV | 94 Miles |
| Lexington, KY | 102 Miles |
| Louisville, KY | 208 Miles |
| Indianapolis, IN | 264 Miles |
| Pittsburg, PA | 274 Miles |
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Map provided by the Greater Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce.
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Portsmouth and Scioto County weren't always as comfortable as they are today. The area's earliest known residents were prehistoric people, who made many objects of stone, shell, bone and beaten metals. The original European colonization of the Portsmouth area was Alexandria in 1796 at the confluence of the Scioto and Ohio rivers. The rivers helped transform Portsmouth into a vibrant and growing city.
Today, Portsmouth holds to much of its early heritage and architecture. The spirit of its people pushes forward, but still retains the fine qualities community. Relive our past, enjoy the present, and be a part of our future. See why people say, "Portsmouth, on Ohio's southern shore, is where southern hospitality begins."
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Scioto County is a comfortable and convenient harbor for boaters, with three private boat clubs and four public boat ramps. Even the nationally recognized Shawnee State Park invites you to take advantage of its resources, with a modem marina, adjacent to their eighteen-hole golf course, on the Ohio River. Berths are available for boats up to thirty- six feet, with many slips held open for visitors.
You'll enjoy nature's beautiful outdoors in Ohio's largest state forest. You'll fall in love with the 60,000 aches of Shawnee State Forest and Shawnee State Park, with all of its recreational activities--the lodge, two lakes, swimming areas with beaches, breathtaking vistas and miles of hiking trails. There are also boat ramps on both lakes for sail boats, canoes and boats with small motors. The fishing is challenging, with many professional and amateur anglers going after largemouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegills and catfish.. Tournaments like the nationally recognized Trout Derby in April roll out the red carpet for visitors. Family and single camping is encouraged in 107 campsites between the two lakes, and the fifty-mile Shawnee back pack trail has overnight campsites for hikers. No matter what your handicap, you'll enjoy Shawnee State Golf Course, an eighteen-hole course located in the heart of the Ohio Valley, with a spectacular view of a wide bend in the Ohio River. Shawnee is complete with clubhouse and a pro shop. Next, tee it up at the Elk's Country Club, another eighteen hole course nestled in the hills of southern Ohio. The Elk's was built in the early 1920s and designed by famed golf architect Donald Ross. There are even two other challenging nine-hole courses in the area if you want to get in a "short round."
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Tri-State Show Choir Competition
In February, show choirs from the tri-state area high schools meet for competition.
Muzzleloaders Shoot
A spectacle of pioneer days, sponsored by the Daniel Boone Muzzleloading Rife Club (the oldest such club in the nation) in Nile Township each Spring. Activities include demonstrations, competition shooting, swap meets and revelry.
Trout Derby
Anglers flock to the shores of Turkey Creek Lake in Shawnee State Park on the last weekend in April to catch their share of the thousands of stocked trout. Prizes are awarded. Camping and special programs are available.
Archery Shoot
Archers from across the state compete at Shawnee State University's Activities Center.
TOSRV Bicycle Tour
Since 1961, Mother's Day weekend has signaled the annual Tour of the Scioto River Valley from Columbus to Portsmouth. Nearly 7,000 bicyclists make the 210 mile round trip and make this one of the world's most colorful bike tours.
Appalachian Spring Festival
Shawnee State University sponsors an arts and crafts festival in early May. The festival includes quilt contest, crafters, primitive villages, broom makers, and apple butter makers.
Roy Roger's Festival
The Roy Rogers/Dale Evans Collectors' Association holds this annual collector's convention, complete with western stars, films, memorabilia, and fun. Outside events sponsored by other local organizations round out the festival, and the whole town goes western the first weekend in June.
Swap Meets
The Poultry Association sponsors a swap meet at the Scioto County Fairgrounds in April, May and October.
Charity Horse Show
The horse show takes place in June and is sponsored by Scioto Memorial Auxiliary, and held at the Scioto County Fairgrounds.
Earl Thomas Conley Homecoming
West Portsmouth is the home of Country-Western singer Earl Thomas Conley, and each Summer he returns for a homecoming concert.
Scioto County Fair
One of Ohio's largest county fairs is held each year during the second week in August.
River Days
This Labor Day celebration on the Ohio River includes concerts, a pageant, parades, rides, and much more. This has been a major event in Portsmouth for the past 31 years, and offers fun for the whole family.
Otway Covered Bridge Festival
Visit Otway the weekend after Labor Day and enjoy home cooked food, crafts, and lots of entertainment, as they commemorate the only covered bridge still in existence in Scioto County.
Old Fashioned Sorghum Makin'
Visit the John Simon Farm on Pond Creek Road in West Portsmouth. Sorghum Making takes place during the later part of September and early October.
Annual Fall Hike and Campout
Enjoy Shawnee State Forest in Autumn when the hills are ablaze with Fall colors. Join in hikes, campouts, hayrides and good food. Relax in the serene "nature" of Ohio's largest state forest.
Rudd's Christmas Farm
Visit Adams County and the serenity of this display of over 190,000 lights and 150 figures, covering hills and valley, depicting the true Christmas story. Open November 25 through December 21.
Dickens' Christmas Festival
A month long celebration of the holiday throughout the Portsmouth area...including Hollydays-a special holiday display at Shawnee State University's Activities Center; the 1810 House decked in Victorian splendor, and a tour of the historic churches; plus musical events, plays, special banquets, train displays, good food, decorations and events that enhance the joyous Christmas season.
For dates and times, or more information, contact the Portsmouth Convention and visitors Bureau at (740) 353-7647.
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Ackerman Collection*
A photo display of Portsmouth and Scioto County located in the Boneyfiddle Historic District.
Boneyfiddle Historic District
Architecture dating back to 1835, antique shops and specialty stores.
Brewery Arcade
(Boneyfiddle) Once the home of Portsmouth Brewing and Ice Company in 1842, now offers a restaurant and Micro-brewery.
Downtown Portsmouth
Modem retailing, contemporary fashion, festival promotions, wonderful architecture, and a recently completed Downtown Improvement Project.
1810 House*
(Portsmouth) Offers a reflection back to the 1800s. Hold and touch thousands of articles from the past.
Fort Shawnee*
(Buena Vista, 15 miles, west) A marvelous collection of guns both antique and new. Gunsmith designed replicas of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson guns.
Greenup Lock and Dam [Franklin Furnace, 15 miles, east) See barges locking through the electric generating dam.
Koenig Tulip Farm
(Henley, 15 miles, northwest) 100,000 tulips. Enjoy the flowers, the view from the gazebo, and the scenic walk along the trails.
Lewis Mountain Herbs
(West Union, 40 miles, west) A most pleasurable experience. Greenhouses, fields, and gift shops of fresh herbs, dried flowers, and baskets. The personal touch atmosphere.
Mitchellace Shoelaces*
(Portsmouth) The world's largest shoestring manufacturing plant. Shoestring manufacturing from raw material to finished product.
Moyer Winery and Restaurant
(Manchester) A beautiful gourmet dining experience.. Enjoy a wine and cheese break with your winery tour.
Philip Moore Stone House*
(West Portsmouth, 2.5 miles, west) Built in 1797 as a home for circuit rider ministers. Displays well in structure, building materials and pioneer furnishings.
Portsmouth Murals
(Boneyfiddle) Robert Dafford, one of America's foremost mural artists, has painted murals on Portsmouth's floodwall depicting Portsmouth and the surrounding area's early history Plans are for additional murals to be painted until the entire floodwall is covered. This is a must see attraction!
Pioneer Village*
(Wheelersburg, 10 miles, west) Displays several eras in American history from early frontier to the Depression. old fashioned general store and blacksmith shop. Old Fashion Day takes place on Labor Day.
Portsmouth Little Theatre
An award-winning community theatre, stages five productions during the year.
Roy Rogers Hometown Exhibit*
(Downtown) Displays western film memorabilia of Roy Rogers and other western stars.
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RiverView Bed and Breakfast Inn
We offer a luxurious and restful location for those looking at homes in Scioto County.
We also can help clients with our knowledge of the area.
Check out our facility via our web page listed below.91 Riverview Drive
Franklin Furnace, OH 45629
740-355-4004
Website: RiverView Bed and Breakfast Inn
Country inn
US 52, 6 miles west of city, Route 5, Box 154, West Portsmouth Phone: 740-858-6671
- 22 Units: 10 Singles/12 Doubles
- Restaurant
- Golf driving range
- Golf course 2 miles west
- Swimming pool
Days Inn
8404 Ohio River Rd. Wheelersburg, OH 45694 Phone: 740-574-8431
- 62 Units
- Swimming pool
- Cable TV
- Albrecht's Family Restaurant on premises
- Close to cinemas and shopping
Holiday Inn
U S Route 23, Portsmouth, OH 45662 Phone: 740-354-2851
- 100 Units
- Outdoor pool
- Complete dining
- Lounge
- Meeting rooms available
- Banquet facilities for up to 140
Ramada Inn
711 Second St., Portsmouth, OH
45662 Phone 740-354-771 1
- 119 Units
- Complete dining
- Indoor pool, kids pool and hot tub
- Lounge with entertainment
- Banquet facilities for up to 300
- Convenient downtown location
Shawnee State Park Lodge
Rt. 125, West Portsmouth, OH 45630
Phone: 740-858-6621
- 50 Rooms
- 25 Cabins-self contained
- Indoor/outdoor pools
- game room
- exercise room sauna
- putting green
- Jacuzzi
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Banquet facilities for 500
- Complete dining
- Forest and park recreation
All the above information has been provided by the Portsmouth Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Call (740) 353-7647 or write to the Portsmouth Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 509, Portsmouth, OH 45662.
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