Courtney Knoch15.7 miles. That’s the distance from downtown Marietta Ohio to Blennerhassett Island. Many locals who have lived in the MOV their whole lives never see some of the awesome things that the area has to offer. But a 20 minute drive up the road offers the opportunity to visit a pivotal part of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s history.
For two days every autumn, visitors have the opportunity to step onto the Sternwheel bound across the Ohio River to the Blennerhassett Island, and step off the vessel into the early 1800’s. With the chance to be a guest of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett in their beautiful home just up the river, how could anyone not take advantage of this opportunity?
The evening includes a tour of the elegantly candlelit Blennerhassett Mansion, transformed back to its early 19th– century glory days, with a party hosted by the Blennerhassetts. Guests can enjoy period music, dancing, and card playing along with the tour and explanation of the story of the Blennerhassetts. The family and their staff of servants are dressed in the style of the period, with long skirts and pearls for the ladies, and vests and buckle shoes for the menfolk. The tour highlights the multi-million dollar walnut grove, hints at the scandal of the era, and shows the whole island with the original buildings and critical plantations, via quaint carriage ride.
Add in the gingerbread baked fresh in the Blennerhassett’s kitchen and the palm-reader and her crystal ball, the evening couldn’t be more charming and enlightening, a must-see of tiny little Belpre, Ohio.