While there are endless possibilities of how to spend your time at Oglebay, there is plenty to explore off the hill as well. Wheeling is a destination rich in history, culture, and entertainment options.
Founded in 1769, the town predates America and is recognized as the founding city of West Virginia. Here you will find a community that celebrates its affluence along with its blue-collar underpinnings. As a result, it is a great place for a dive into a working-class bar followed by a night at the Theatre.
Grab a drink with the Moose—Ye Olde Alpha is a Wheeling institution that opened in the 1930s. Step into the bar side and bask in a vast array of taxidermy that has been collecting since the doors opened. Belly up to the bar and ask one of the old-timers at Happy Hour if they remember Babe, a long-time bartender who, though deceased, probably still watches over the place.
Find your Wine—Good Mansion Wine and Bakery offers one of the most thorough collections of wines in the Mid-Atlantic, and we are not kidding. If you are a wine connoisseur, you will truly be amazed. When done perusing the wine, head back to the bakery where you will find the finest selection of deli cuts, olives, and cheeses anywhere in town. The menu features a different selection of handcrafted sandwiches each day and the desserts are to-die-for French favorites. Check their website goodmansionwines.com for a schedule of tastings and more information.
Get Smoked with Hangover BBQ—Located at the foot of Oglebay hill, Hangover smokes the best brisket, ribs, and pulled pork in the valley. As their name suggests, it’s the perfect food cure after a late-night reception. It’s a take-out joint and suberb for a catered meal at an Oglebay cabin or shelter, or dine like a local and eat in your car in the parking lot. Ask about the ice cream sandwiches. The website offers menu information at hangoverbbq.com.
Hit the Market—Located in the Centre Market Historic District, the 1853 Market House is the heart of the activity in Wheeling. Here you will find an art gallery along with the iconic Coleman’s fish market. The Coleman Fish Sandwich is legendary and has been credited as the “best fish sandwich in America” by Gourmet magazine. The Market House is surrounded by coffee shops, retail shops, restaurants, and two microbreweries.
Trek the Trail—The Wheeling Heritage Trail is a 26-mile urban rail trail that winds along the Ohio River with a spur that shoots up Wheeling Creek. It is a flat, asphalt paved trail that provides a gentle walk or ride. Bikes can be rented for a small fee at the waterfront through the city’s new bike-share program.
Have a Night on the Town—Catch some action on the ice with our professional hockey team, the Wheeling Nailers. Relax for a night of Broadway or symphony at the historic Capitol Theatre. Find what’s happening at wesbancoarena.com.
Visit the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau website visitwheeling.com to learn about all there is to do.
Wheeling Going Off the Hill