Go visit an island……in West Virginia?

Who knew?

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Dear Friends,

Hope all is well with my readers! I just got back from the Kentucky State Fair….had a blast! If you get a chance, you should go next year. I will tell you more about it later. There are some tips you should know before you go.

Did you know you can visit a historical mansion, take a horse drawn wagon ride, explore historical ruins, shop, take a riverboat ride, visit a museum, view wildlife, and stick your toes in the sand and water….in West Virginia?

It may not be Caribbean blue water or white beach sand, but it is an island; a 511 acre island to be exact, in the middle of the Ohio River! Blennerhasset Island Historical State Park is located on Blennerhasset Island below the mouth of the Little Kanawha River near Parkersburg WV.

I stumbled upon this little hideaway a couple years ago when thumbing through a tour booklet from Jolly Travelers Tour Company of Charleston, WV, a travel company I use frequently. Having never heard of it, I was intrigued, so I did a little research, and that friends, is what adventure is all about. You hear, you see, you do!

Blennerhasset’s first known inhabitants were Native Americans, namely, the Delaware Nation. In 1792, the island was purchased by Elijah Backus following the Revolutionary War. In 1798, Harman Blennerhasset, a wealthy Irish aristocrat and his wife, Margaret, bought the island and built a magnificent Palladian style mansion, similar to George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. It was the most beautiful and elegant home west of the Allegheny Mountains.

In 1806, Harman became entangled in a mysterious military scheme with Aaron Burr, who served as Vice President under Thomas Jefferson. Supposedly, the Blennerhassets conspired with Burr to break away the western part of the United States to form a new country that Burr would lead. The government got word of this uprising and militia was sent to seize the island. Harman was in hiding and Margaret was away. When she returned, she found the house ransacked. She fled with her three children, and her husband was arrested a few weeks later.

Harman was released and he and his wife returned to the mansion, but were now destitute due to their support of Burr. They left the mansion, seeking their fortune in Mississippi. The property was purchased by a new owner, but the house burned in 1811. Years later, remains of the mansion was discovered and in the 1980’s the house was reconstructed based on its original foundations. The island is now a West Virginia State Park.

Blennerhasset Island is about two and a half hours from Louisa, a straight shot from I-64 East to I-77 North. The island is accessed by a stern wheeler riverboat (The Island Bell), for which tickets can be purchased at the Blennerhasset Museum, located at the corner of 2nd and Juliana Streets in Parkersburg.

Riverboat tickets are $10. Museum tickets are $4. Board the beautiful Island Bell, find a seat, relax, and enjoy a 20 minute ride to the island. As you disembark the boat, you get an immediate sense of serenity as the lush landscape and huge trees envelop you and invite you to explore the island.

You will be in awe when you see the majestic Blennerhasset Mansion. Period costumed docents lead you on a 45 minute tour, giving you insight into the era. As you sit on either of the dual verandas, you imagine how peaceful it must have been to live here in the late 1700’s.

Another structure on the island is the historic Putnam-Houser House which is open on a limited schedule to tour without a fee.

Take the pleasant horse drawn wagon ride around the island ($6), as a guide narrates the history of the area. You will see remains of historic buildings and learn about the early inhabitants. You may opt to ride a bike or take a nature walk, exploring the island at your leisure. Make sure you visit the souvenir shop and the refreshment stand. You may even want to picnic, finding that perfect secret spot.

The park is open May 1- October 25, and is closed on Monday. Check website for hours of operation, as some times change in the fall. You may enjoy the museum, riverboat ride, mansion tour, and horse drawn wagon ride all for $25, children, $17.

The park is closed January 1-April 30.

Special events are held on the island including Applebutter Weekend, Sept. 5-6, ‘Brunch with Margaret’ Sept. 10, Blennerhasset Fall Dinner Cruise Oct. 2, Nature Walk ‘What’s in a River’ Oct. 3, Mansion by Candlelight Oct. 9-10, and Trees of Our Heritage Nov. 16-21, with a holiday kick off event on Nov. 15.

For more information, call 304-420-4800 or visit www.blennerhassettislandstatepatk.com. Nearby attractions in the Parkersburg area include Henderson Hall Plantation, the Oil and Gas Museum, Ft. Boreman Civil War Park, Holl’s Swiss Choclatier, the impressive historic Blennerhasset Hotel, North Bend Rail Trail and State Park, and many more. Enjoy shopping, dining, and recreational activities.

A visit to Blennerhassrt Island is a great day trip, but if you have time to stay for the entire weekend, there is plenty to see and do on your own, although I chose a day trip with Jolly Travelers. For about $65, I received a plush ride through WV to Blennerhasset Island via a comfortable motor coach, rode the riverboat (even got to ‘drive’ it!), toured the mansion, rode the horse drawn wagon, visited the museum, and stopped at Coldwater Creek Outlet nearby. To request a catalog by Jolly Travelers, call 304-727-8696 or 304-744-2540 Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.

This is one of those ‘who knew?’ places right here in our region. I’m sure some of you have heard of it, but it was news to me. This is a great place to visit with a very interesting story behind it, and definitely worth the money. Check it out!

Well friends, enjoy the rest of your summer. I can’t believe it’s almost over! However, I love fall…all the festivals, and time to kick hiking and camping into full gear! I am currently planning a trip out west. Can’t wait!

Until next time…..

Adventure Awaits!