A Perfect Day Trip to Marietta, Ohio from The Inns at 8th and Main

When guests stay at The Inns at 8th and Main in McConnelsville, one of our favorite recommendations is a day trip to Marietta, Ohio.

Amy S. Smith-Innkeeper | The Inns at 8th and Main

Known as Ohio’s first settlement, Marietta offers a beautiful mix of river views, shopping, history, dining, and unique attractions that make it well worth the drive.

What makes the experience even better is that the day need not begin in Marietta.

It begins here first, in the quiet charm of McConnelsville, where guests can settle in, explore downtown, and enjoy a slower start before heading out to experience more of Southeast Ohio.

Start Your Stay in McConnelsville

For guests arriving early, one of our favorite recommendations is to begin right here in McConnelsville.

Start your stay in McConnelsville. A walk through downtown McConnelsville is the perfect way to begin your stay and settle into the rhythm of Southeast Ohio.

Spend a little time downtown shopping, pick up cinnamon rolls from Myers if you are here on a Friday, visit our friends at Bellavenue, and then head to Old Bridge Brewing Company for an afternoon pint and beautiful river views.

It is an easy and enjoyable way to begin your stay, giving you a feel for the charm, flavor, and relaxed pace that make this corner of Southeast Ohio so special.

It is not just a stop along the way. It is part of the experience.

Wake Up Slow at the Inn

The next morning begins the way a getaway should.

Coffee. A homemade breakfast. Vintage dishes set with intention. A slower pace that invites you to settle in before the day begins.

That is part of what makes staying at The Inns at 8th and Main so different. Your lodging is not simply where you sleep. It becomes part of the memory.

Enjoy the Scenic Drive to Marietta

The drive from McConnelsville to Marietta is part of the experience itself.

Rolling hills, winding roads, and the beauty of Southeast Ohio make the trip feel like more than a drive. It sets the tone for a day built around exploring, wandering, and discovering something new.

For many of our guests, Marietta makes the perfect day trip because it offers so much to do while still allowing them to return to a quieter, more personal place to stay at the end of the day.

Ride the Valley Gem Sternwheeler

One of the most memorable things to do in Marietta, Ohio, is taking a ride on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler.

Floating along the river offers a different view of the town and a slower, more nostalgic kind of experience. For many guests, this becomes one of the highlights of the trip.

It is peaceful, scenic, and a wonderful way to take in the area's history and beauty.

Whether you are visiting for a regular weekend getaway or planning your trip around one of Marietta’s signature events, this river experience is one of the best ways to enjoy the city.

Riverboat Cruises Along the Ohio River

Another unexpected highlight for many visitors is catching sight of a riverboat cruise along the Ohio River that stops in Marietta.

Seeing one of the Ohio River cruise ships pass through Marietta is one of those unexpected moments that makes a river town visit feel even more special.

These boats quietly arrive, carrying travelers exploring the region's river towns, adding to the historic feel of the waterfront. Seeing one docked along the river or passing through is a reminder of how important the Ohio River has been to this area for generations.

It is one of those moments that you do not plan for, but it ends up becoming part of what makes the day feel special.

Explore Front Street Shopping and Antiquing

After your time on the river, head to Front Street in Marietta for shopping, antiquing, and strolling through one of the most charming parts of town.

This is where many of our guests love to spend the afternoon, exploring antique shops, boutiques, and locally owned businesses tucked into historic storefronts.

From antiques to one-of-a-kind finds, shopping in this region is always part of the adventure.

If you enjoy discovering one-of-a-kind finds, local treasures, and a walkable downtown atmosphere, this part of Marietta is worth taking your time with.

Marietta offers the kind of shopping experience that feels relaxed and interesting, with just enough history and character around every corner to make the afternoon feel special.

Stop for Lunch or Dinner Along the River

No day trip to Marietta, Ohio, feels complete without a meal by the water.

We often recommend The House of Wines, where guests can enjoy lunch or dinner with river views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Riverside dining in Marietta is the perfect way to slow down and take in the day.

It is the kind of place that invites you to sit a little longer, enjoy the setting, and let the day unfold at an easy pace.

Dining along the river adds another layer to the experience and gives guests a chance to truly slow down and take in what makes Marietta so memorable.

Add a Unique Experience at the Mortuary Museum

For travelers who enjoy something a little different, the Mortuary Museum offers one of the most unique experiences in Marietta.

It is a fascinating stop for guests who enjoy history, curiosity, and attractions that are a little outside the expected.

It adds another layer to the day and gives visitors something they will definitely remember and talk about later.

It is one more reason Marietta makes such a fun and interesting day trip from The Inns at 8th and Main.

Visiting During the Sternwheel Festival?

Planning to attend the Sternwheel Festival in Marietta? Staying at The Inns at 8th and Main gives you the best of both worlds.

You can enjoy all the energy, tradition, and excitement of the festival, then return to McConnelsville for a quieter evening, a comfortable night’s rest, and a slower start the next morning.

Visiting During the Sternwheel Festival? The Sternwheel Festival lights up Marietta with one of the most memorable riverfront experiences in Ohio.

For guests who love the event but also want a peaceful place to recharge after the crowds, our Inn offers a wonderful alternative to staying right in the middle of it all.

It is the perfect escape after a full day on the riverfront.

Return to McConnelsville and Unwind

After a full day of exploring Marietta, Ohio, there is something special about returning to McConnelsville.

The pace slows again. The evening feels quieter. And your stay at The Inns at 8th and Main becomes the place where the day comes full circle.

That is one of the best parts of choosing lodging near Marietta instead of staying in the middle of it all.

You experience the destination, then return to a place that feels personal, peaceful, and welcoming.

Plan Your Marietta Getaway

If you are looking for things to do in Marietta, Ohio, while enjoying a more personal place to stay nearby, this is one of our favorite ways to spend the day.

From shopping in McConnelsville and breakfast at the Inn to a scenic ride on the Valley Gem, riverboat cruises along the Ohio River, shopping and antiquing along Front Street, riverside dining, the Mortuary Museum, and even the excitement of the Sternwheel Festival, a Marietta day trip from The Inns at 8th and Main offers the best of Southeast Ohio in one memorable getaway.

Book your stay and let Marietta be just one part of your story.

Marietta Day Trip Highlights

A few favorite moments from a day well spent in Marietta.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Marietta, Ohio

How far is Marietta, Ohio, from The Inns at 8th and Main?

Marietta is an easy day trip from The Inns at 8th and Main in McConnelsville, making it a wonderful option for guests who want to explore Ohio’s first settlement while enjoying a quieter, more personal place to stay.

What are some of the best things to do in Marietta, Ohio?

Some of our favorite things to do in Marietta include riding the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, shopping and antiquing along Front Street, dining by the river, spotting riverboat cruises along the Ohio River, and visiting unique attractions like the Mortuary Museum.

Is Marietta a good day trip from McConnelsville?

Yes. Marietta makes a wonderful day trip from McConnelsville, offering riverfront scenery, history, shopping, dining, and seasonal events, while still allowing guests to return to a peaceful stay at the Inn.

Where should we stay if we are attending the Sternwheel Festival?

If you are attending the Sternwheel Festival and want a more relaxing place to stay after the crowds and activity, The Inns at 8th and Main in McConnelsville offers a comfortable and peaceful alternative nearby.

What should we do in McConnelsville before heading to Marietta?

Guests arriving early often enjoy spending time in historic downtown McConnelsville first. Shopping at Bellavenue, picking up Friday cinnamon rolls from Myers, and enjoying a pint with river views at Old Bridge Brewing are favorite ways to begin a stay.

Is The Inns at 8th and Main a good place to stay near Marietta, Ohio?

Yes. The Inns at 8th and Main is ideal for guests who want to enjoy Marietta and other experiences in Southeast Ohio while staying in a place with historic charm, a slower pace, and a more personal guest experience.

Why stay near Marietta instead of in Marietta?

Many guests enjoy staying near Marietta so they can experience the city during the day and then return to a quieter setting in the evening. It is a lovely way to enjoy the best of both worlds: activity and relaxation.