Hostess Guidebook
Hiking
The rare Golden Star Lily blooms here in abundance in the spring. There are two loop trails (1 mile & 1.5 mile) or, if you're like us, hike both!
https://arcofappalachia.org/gladys-riley-home/
7 locals recommend
Gladys Riley Golden Star Lily Preserve
Tick Ridge-Koenig Hill RoadThe rare Golden Star Lily blooms here in abundance in the spring. There are two loop trails (1 mile & 1.5 mile) or, if you're like us, hike both!
https://arcofappalachia.org/gladys-riley-home/
Several hiking trails of varying lengths are available in the park and the forest. Shawnee is sometimes referred to as "The Little Smokies."
13 locals recommend
Shawnee State Park
4404 OH-125Several hiking trails of varying lengths are available in the park and the forest. Shawnee is sometimes referred to as "The Little Smokies."
This is a popular trail that you do need a permit to hike. The view from the top overlooks the river valley. The permit is free but you do have to apply a couple of weeks ahead of time. You can access the permit from this page:
https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/raven-rock-state-nature-preserve
Raven Rock State Nature Preserve
Old River RoadThis is a popular trail that you do need a permit to hike. The view from the top overlooks the river valley. The permit is free but you do have to apply a couple of weeks ahead of time. You can access the permit from this page:
https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/raven-rock-state-nature-preserve
This out and back trail at Scioto Brush Creek State Nature Preserve runs along Scioto Brush Creek. The creek is very clean and is home to many state and federally endangered species of plants and animals.
Scioto Brush Creek State Nature Preserve
Tatman-Coe RoadThis out and back trail at Scioto Brush Creek State Nature Preserve runs along Scioto Brush Creek. The creek is very clean and is home to many state and federally endangered species of plants and animals.
Neighborhoods
The Boneyfiddle Historic District has been experiencing revitalization in the past few years and the work is continuing! Looking to do some shopping? Check out Charm Boutique. Enjoy antique shops? Walk down 2nd Street and you'll find several to browse. If you find yourself in need of refreshment check out Market St. Cafe and Kathy Sue's Bakery on Market Street or Patties & Pints, Whit's Ice Cream, Brain Freeze, Portsmouth Brewing, Fork & Finger Cafe, or 2nd Street Dairy Bar. Have fun exploring!
6 locals recommend
Boneyfiddle Commercial District
The Boneyfiddle Historic District has been experiencing revitalization in the past few years and the work is continuing! Looking to do some shopping? Check out Charm Boutique. Enjoy antique shops? Walk down 2nd Street and you'll find several to browse. If you find yourself in need of refreshment check out Market St. Cafe and Kathy Sue's Bakery on Market Street or Patties & Pints, Whit's Ice Cream, Brain Freeze, Portsmouth Brewing, Fork & Finger Cafe, or 2nd Street Dairy Bar. Have fun exploring!
Food scene
Local restaurant with lots of beer on tap. Also serves burgers, sandwiches, etc.
http://pattiesandpints.com/
13 locals recommend
Patties & Pints
546 2nd StLocal restaurant with lots of beer on tap. Also serves burgers, sandwiches, etc.
http://pattiesandpints.com/
Irish themed pub with food and fully stocked bar. Some nights you'll find local entertainment ranging from poetry to music.
8 locals recommend
Port City Pub
424 Chillicothe StIrish themed pub with food and fully stocked bar. Some nights you'll find local entertainment ranging from poetry to music.
1026 Gallia St
1026 Gallia StreetThe Scioto Ribber has chicken, country style pork ribs, and steak smoked on site.
Called "The Brew Pub" by locals, they serve pizza, wings, sandwiches, etc.
13 locals recommend
The Portsmouth Brewing Co.
224 2nd StCalled "The Brew Pub" by locals, they serve pizza, wings, sandwiches, etc.
A great stop for lunch serving hot & cold sandwiches, soup, wraps, and salads.
8 locals recommend
Market Street Cafe
212 Market StA great stop for lunch serving hot & cold sandwiches, soup, wraps, and salads.
Kathy Sue's
219 Market StreetKathy Sue's offers cookies, donuts, cinnamon rolls, etc.
Maestro's Mexican Grill
836 4th StreetNot your typical Mexican food. It's our favorite place for lunch!
Whit's Frozen Custard of Portsmouth
631 2nd StBrain Freeze Frozen Yogurt Bar
507 2nd Street83 Sweets Gourmet Cupcakes
722 6th StreetWinners of Food Network's Cupcake Wars
Fork And Finger Restaurant
232 2nd StHomestyle food and delicious desserts
Toro Loco Mexican Restaurant
701 Washington StVery fast service
Belini Cucina Italian Restaurant
603 Chillicothe StFooters, milkshakes, fried foods. Ordering here can be a little tricky as there's usually a group of people standing around waiting for orders. Just start asking folks if they've ordered and you'll figure our where the line is.
Second Street Dari Creme
333 2nd StFooters, milkshakes, fried foods. Ordering here can be a little tricky as there's usually a group of people standing around waiting for orders. Just start asking folks if they've ordered and you'll figure our where the line is.
Things to do
Splash pad for younger kids, bicycle pump track for kids of all ages, hiking trail, playground equipment, picnic shelters
Earl Thomas Conley Riverside Park
15888 U.S. 52Splash pad for younger kids, bicycle pump track for kids of all ages, hiking trail, playground equipment, picnic shelters
Murals painted on the floodwall that protects Portsmouth from the Ohio River. Going from east to west shows the history of the area.
16 locals recommend
Portsmouth Floodwall Mural
429 Front StMurals painted on the floodwall that protects Portsmouth from the Ohio River. Going from east to west shows the history of the area.
Candyland Children's Museum
202 Market StreetFun for young children
Portsmouth Skate Park
Hosts a variety of shows throughout the year. Ticket prices vary by show.
Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
940 2nd StHosts a variety of shows throughout the year. Ticket prices vary by show.
Portsmouth Winterfest
Various holiday events including ice skating during the month of December
Three Bridges Concert Venue
132 2nd StreetFree outdoor concerts the last friday of the month May-September
Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center
825 Gallia St