Portsmouth-Scioto County Visitors Bureau

02/28/2025

Earlier this month, we shared that a documentary about the Portsmouth Spartans would be released soon...well here it is! 🏈🏈🏈

The documentary (link below) looks back at the history and legacy of the Portsmouth Spartans!

Shawnee State University SSU Center for Public History WOUB Public Media NFL Detroit Lions Ohio, The Heart of it All Compass Ohio OhioTraveler Visit Ohio Today Portsmouth Murals Inc. Portsmouth City Government, Portsmouth Ohio Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce

Portsmouth, Ohio has a rich football history, from fielding a semi-pro team led by Jim Thorpe in 1927 to a short but defining run in the NFL from 1930 to 193...

02/27/2025

Some call it vintage...some call it nostalgia...

We call it RETRO! ✨🕹👾🎮✨

Check out the retro arcade games at Oddfellows and The Vault Gaming Center!

What is your favorite arcade game?

02/26/2025

The Shawnee State University Musical Theatre Presents: She Love Me

She Loves Me is an intimate and touching show, featuring music by Bock & Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof), involving two feuding clerks in a perfume shop who respond to a 'lonely hearts advertisement' in the newspaper, and now live for the love letters that they exchange with each other without realizing each other's identity.

Check out a bit of the musical from this dress rehearsal footage!

The show begins tonight, February 26th through March 1st at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Tickets can be found at https://vrcfa.com/events/ssu-theatre-dept-presents-she-loves-me/

02/25/2025

🖤✨ Leatherworks Class - March 10, 2025 ✨🖤

Ready to get crafty? Join us for a fun, hands-on leatherworking experience with Morgan Marquis, the talented owner of Beveled B Leather! 🧵✨

📅 When: Monday, March 10, 2025 | 6:00 PM
📍 Where: The Gathering Place, 1501 State Route 522, Wheelersburg, OH 45694

Morgan, a mom of three, wife, and leather crafter extraordinaire, will walk you through creating your very own leather masterpiece! You’ll design and make a personalized hair claw clip, bracelet, or keychain—perfect for gifting or keeping!

💲 Cost: $25 (all supplies included)
⏰ Duration: 1.5–2 hours
🧒 Ages: 5 and older (children must be accompanied by an adult)
🚪 Doors open at 5:45 PM

Space is limited, so be sure to register today! Plus, Morgan will have additional Beveled B Leather items for purchase. Don’t miss out on this creative night! 💼🖤

🔗 Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/Leatherworks-Class

02/24/2025

March is coming up in just a few short days which means that the 19th Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration and Parade is just around the corner! 🍀🇮🇪

The 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 15th, rain or shine at 11am! This special celebration is brought to you by the 7 Nations Celtic Club of Southern Ohio and Port City Pub.

If you are interested in marching in this year's parade, applications are available at the following locations:
☘The Scioto County Welcome Center
☘Port City Pub
☘Ghosts in the Attic
☘The Mystic Rose

Applications must be received by March 8th, 2025 and can be dropped off at either Port City Pub or the Scioto County Welcome Center.

Remember to keep in mind that while the parade is on Saturday, March 15, festivities will be happening throughout that week at Port City Pub in celebration of St. Patrick's Day! 🍀🍀🍀🍀

No matter if you are planning on marching or just enjoying the Irish festivities, we hope to see you there! 🍀🇮🇪

02/23/2025

Valentine's Day may have come and gone, but the sweet treats are here to stay in Portsmouth-Scioto County! 🥐🍩🍪🍰🧁

Learn more about our very own Pastry Path below 👇

Explore the bakeries in Scioto County along the Pastry Path for croissants, cupcakes, and cookies! From classics to creative treats.

02/22/2025

Today is Daddy Daughter Date at Candyland Children's Museum! 🤗

Hey, dads (grandpas, uncles, and other caregivers)! It’s time to sweep your little sweetheart off her feet for an unforgettable evening at CCM! Join them today from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM for a magical night packed with giggles, games, and oh-so-sweet 🥰 memories.

Here’s the lineup for your dream date👇
🍪 Dessert Dash: Snack on yummy treats that are as sweet as she is.
🎨 Crafty Creations: Dive into Valentine’s crafts she’ll treasure forever (and proudly display).
🎲 Game On: Laugh, play, and team up for some fun-tastic games!
🏰 Explore & Play: The whole museum is your playground—go wild!
🎤 Karaoke Serenade: Belt out your favorite tunes together or cheer her on as she steals the spotlight!

💕 There are still tickets available, get yours at: https://www.candylandmuseum.com/daddy-daughter-date

02/21/2025

If you are looking for opportunities for outdoor recreation, we promise you that Shawnee State Park and the surrounding Shawnee State Forest have got you covered! 🏹🎣🚣‍♀️🚵‍♂️🥏🥾🏇

Check out the post below from Ohio State Parks 👀 ⬇

Have you explored Shawnee State Park yet? Nestled in the heart of southern Ohio, this breathtaking park has a rich history and is a must-visit for nature lovers! 🏕️ Stay in a cozy cabin, unwind at the full-service lodge, or camp under the stars at one of two scenic campgrounds. Hike or ride horseback through miles of trails, or enjoy boating and fishing on the park’s serene lakes.

📸 Big thanks to Alex Smith for capturing this stunning aerial view from the lodge! Ready for your next outdoor adventure? 🌲🚣‍♂️🏇

Plan your visit: https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/shawnee-state-park

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio, The Heart of it All
Shawnee State Park Lodge
Great Ohio Lodges

02/20/2025

Need a place to hang out? Look no further than The Landing In Portsmouth! 🪑🧩📚🛋

From delicious warm (or cold) drinks, books, board games, and a quaint setting, the Landing in Portsmouth has it what you need! The Landing also features local music throughout the week as well to add to the quaint ambiance of the atmosphere.

The Landing in Portsmouth recently moved and is now located on 2nd Street right next to the Rutman Burnside Reality Group.

Check them out, especially today in celebration of ! ☕

02/19/2025

We want to introduce to you all a new member to our team! 👩‍🎓💼

Meet our new intern, Bianca Belo-Diaz! She is in her Senior year attending Shawnee State University, majoring in Business Management. She also plays Infielder with the Shawnee State University Softball Team. She will be interning with both us (the Visitors Bureau) and the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce learning how each of our non-profits organizations work as well as assisting us with a few projects.

We are excited to have her skills and insight throughout the next few months! 😁

02/18/2025

Southern Ohio sure got some interesting weather this past weekend! From heavy rain and thunderstorms to floods and snow! ⛈ ➡ ❄

While weather may have been crazy at times, it can create some of the most beautiful scenery. Just check out the scene from Arc of Appalachia's Tremper Mound! The snow provided the outline of the mound itself while the rain water provided an overflowing, yet beautiful look to the Scioto River.

You just never know what beautiful things may come from the natural world! 🤩

📷: Photo Credit: Elijah Crabtree

02/17/2025

Happy Presidents' Day 🗽🇺🇸!

We hope you enjoy your day! Visit our website (explorescioto.com) to get the fun started!

📷: Shawnee State Park Lodge ()

02/16/2025

Robert Dafford and his work with Portsmouth Murals Inc. were featured in January's Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine! 🎨👨‍🎨

Check out the article below! 🤩⬇

The Portsmouth floodwall was built after the 1937 flood that devastated the city and, while necessary, was an eyesore and bleak reminder to locals of what was lost. But in the early 1990s, a group of locals formed a mission to turn the city’s history into public art that would uplift the city. Robert Dafford took on the project and spent three decades painting 75 murals that chronicle the evolution of Portsmouth. 🎨🖌️ https://bit.ly/40m3JgR

02/15/2025

🎶 Two amazing events, ONE night! 🤩

First up, don’t miss the legendary Lorrie Morgan performing LIVE tonight, Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts! 🌟 Dead Girl Walking, her upcoming album produced by the late Richard Landis, is set to showcase the emotional depth and strength that Lorrie is known for. With a career full of heartfelt ballads and sassy hits, this is a show you won’t want to miss! 🎤❤️

Not a country music fan? You may want to check out Rock This Way instead! Rock This Way will be performing a lot of major rock hits at the Columbia at 8:00 p.m. on tonight! 🎸🔥 After a stellar performance at our grand opening, they're back to rock the stage with all your favorite classic hits. Get your General Admission tickets for just $20 (pre-sale) or $25 at the door. Reserved table seating is also available for a more comfortable experience! 🤘

It’s a night of music you won’t forget! 🎶 Which one are you hitting up? Let us know in the comments! 👇🎤🎸

02/14/2025

💖 Valentine’s Weekend Plans? We’ve Got You Covered! 💖

Looking for fun ways to celebrate? Check out these amazing events happening on February 14th and 15th in Portsmouth:

1️⃣ Portsmouth Connex Sweetheart Hike 🥾
Join us for the 4th Annual Winter Hike at Shawnee State Park! Enjoy a scenic 5-mile trek through the winter woods, with soup and hot chocolate along the way. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers!
📅Saturday, February 15th
🕒 Beginning around 9 AM
📍 Turkey Creek Beach Parking Lot, Shawnee State Park

2️⃣ Comedy Night at Oddfellows! 🤣
Laugh the night away with hilarious performances by Michael Cheselka and Val Werner! Enjoy great food, drinks, and a night full of laughter. It’s the ultimate date night!
📅 Saturday, February 15th
🕒 Doors & Buffet at 6 PM, Show at 7:15 PM
📍 Oddfellows Restaurant, 526 Second St.
🎟️ Get your tickets now: https://fop-feb15-comedy-night.eventbrite.com

3️⃣ The Play That Goes Wrong 🎭
For theater lovers, don’t miss The Play That Goes Wrong! It’s a hilarious Tony Award-winning comedy about a murder mystery gone totally awry. Slapstick humor at its best!
📅 Date: Friday, February 14th and Saturday, February 15th at 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Portsmouth Little Theatre

Which one are you going to? 😍 Tag your Valentine or friends and make it a weekend to remember! ✨

02/12/2025

Recently, we got an update from the City of Portsmouth on the Riverfront Redevelopment Project. For a quick refresh on the topic, the Riverfront Redevelopment Project was part of the Appalachian Community Grant Program facilitated by the State of Ohio. The City of Portsmouth was awarded $34.2 million to redevelopment our riverfront. The project timeline states that it must be completed by October 2026.

Check out the City's recent announcement below ⬇

We are excited at the possibilities and opportunities the future will bring with this project! Check out the renderings for what is in store in the future! 🤩
Portsmouth City Government, Portsmouth Ohio Ohio, The Heart of it All

02/11/2025

💖🎶 Forever Simon & Garfunkel – A Tribute 💖🎶

This Valentine’s Day, fall in love all over again with the timeless music of Simon & Garfunkel! 💕✨ Join us for Forever Simon & Garfunkel – A Tribute, a heartwarming celebration of their iconic songs, from their early folk roots to their legendary hits. With humor, charm, and harmonies that will steal your heart, this show is the perfect way to spend the evening with your special someone (or on your own—we promise you’ll feel the love)! 😍

🎵 Enjoy classics like:
🌹 The Sounds of Silence
🌹 Bridge Over Troubled Water
🌹 Mrs. Robinson
🌹 Cecilia
🌹 Hazy Shade of Winter
…and so much more! 🎤

Award-winning performers Sean Altman (Rockapella) and Jack Skuller (Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Buddy Holly Prize) bring this unforgettable show to the stage. It’s a musical journey you won’t want to miss! 💘

📅 Date: Thursday, February, 13th at 7:30 p.m. (Perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift!)
📍 Venue: VRCFA Stage
🎟️ Tickets: https://vrcfa.com/events/forever-simon-garfunkel/

02/10/2025

Are you trying to recover from the events of last night's Super Bowl? Look no further that Minikake's Cafè in downtown Portsmouth! From coffees to electrolyte-filled drinks to a delicious breakfast, you can count on the smiling faces of this local cafe to get you back on track!