Are gas prices keeping you closer to home? Why not be a Tourist for a Day in Steubenville, Ohio, though you may need several days to include all the events and attractions!
Begin by stopping at the Steubenville Visitor Center to pick up a Find Your Story bag with maps and information on all local events and attractions. Then head out to explore why Steubenville is known as “The City of Murals,” with 24
larger-than-life depictions of people and events from local and American history painted on walls throughout the downtown. You can get a Mural Map & Art Hunt at the Visitor Center to find all the murals. While strolling downtown pick up some treats at the Steubenville Popcorn
Company and some holiday gifts at Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker Shoppe and stop at some of the other unique shops along N. 4 th Street. Be sure to include the nearby Antique Warehouse with three floors of treasures and memorabilia to browse through.
Refresh your knowledge of America’s westward expansion at Historic Fort Steuben and the First Federal Land Office in downtown Steubenville. A visit to the completely reconstructed 18 th century military fort and the adjacent log cabin office is an opportunity to immerse yourself
in history, and to experience the hardships of life on the Ohio frontier. Displays on the Lewis & Clark expedition, local Native American culture, the survey of the Northwest Territory, and Steubenville’s native son Edwin Stanton fill the Fort Steuben Visitor Center Exhibit Hall. celebration of early American skills, endurance, and culture will be held at Ohio Valley Frontier Days, August 6-7 at the Fort with soldier, settler, surveyor, and Native American reenactors and volunteers. The Battalion of the American Revolution will present demonstrations, and Ohio
singer/songwriter Steve Free will be among the entertainers at this year’s festival. Food, crafts, music and more make this an annual favorite in Steubenville.
Mark your calendar for an evening of lively music, art displays, and unique games and activities, at First Fridays on Fourth. This monthly celebration of the arts fills the streets and sidewalks in downtown Steubenville with performers, food, vendors, families, and visitors from
all around the region. Each month features a special theme, and you never know what kind of costumed folk you’ll meet as you stroll down the street. Flags and patriotic music will be out on July 1; big hair and fun music for Eighties Night on August 5; characters from your favorite storybooks will be out for September 2 nd ; and enjoy a pumpkin spiced Fall Festival on October 7. The events are free and run from 6-10pm on Fourth Street in Steubenville.
If Fridays don’t work for you, stop in at Steubenville’s neighboring Wednesdays in Wintersville. Every first Wednesday from 4:30-8:30 sees a mix of entertainment and vendors including crafts, foods, candles, home accessories, and gifts all along the community’s Main Street as well as a local Farmers Market.
Speaking of music, the 16 th Annual Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series offers weekly performances through the summer. These popular concerts celebrate the joy of free, live entertainment by a varied roster of musicians and performers in the Berkman Amphitheater in Fort Steuben Park. The audience members have a choice of bleacher or blanket seating with a great view of the Ohio River flowing behind the stage. Food and drink vendors and a general
spirit of congeniality make these Thursday evening concerts a popular community event. Amphitheater will also host the city’s Independence Day Celebration with music & fireworks on July 4th.
Plan a visit and find out about the many dining, shopping, and lodging options by calling 866.301.1787 or visiting www.VisitSteubenville.com.
Photo: Historic Fort Steuben welcomes history lovers of all ages