Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Clarksburg, WV

  • Published 2022/07/22

Formed in 1785, Clarksburg is now the seat of Harrison County.

This city overflows with culture due to its long history.

Visitors will get an exciting mix of industrial, retail, and professional services when they visit this place.

There are a wide variety of things to do.

Clarksburg has its way of giving a unique spin to even the most mundane of activities.

Don’t worry about getting bored or uninterested because that’s impossible in a place like this.

Here are the best things to do in Clarksburg, WV:

Walk Down the Downtown Historic District

Exterior of Waldo hotel at Clarksburg Downtown Historic District

Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com

The historic district of Clarksburg is undoubtedly a sight to behold.

It’s not a site that any interested tourist would ever want to miss.

The downtown district consists of more than a hundred buildings spread out over 16 blocks.

It includes a wide variety of architectural styles, the most notable of which are the Renaissance Revival and Italianate styles.

Some notable buildings in the area include the municipal building, the post office, Waldo Hotel, the Harrison County Courthouse, and the Masonic Temple.

A stroll through this place will surely take your breath away; it’s a sight unlike any other.

Exterior of Harrison County courthouse at Clarksburg Downtown Historic District

Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com

Walking down the street, you’ll get a good glimpse of the place’s history and the many exciting and different ways it has developed over the years.

You can also get a sense of the area’s culture just by observing how the locals interact with the site and the many different businesses and establishments there.

Don’t forget to snap a lot of pictures while you’re there to preserve the memories of the unique experience.

Exterior of the Masonic temple at Clarksburg Downtown Historic District

Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com

View the Exhibits of the Clarksburg History Museum

In 2018, a group of dedicated volunteers opened the Clarksburg History Museum as part of their Veteran’s Day celebration.

Today, the museum is a testament to their dedication.

The museum educates the community and passing down its appreciation for art, history, and culture.

They host a wide variety of exhibits, ranging from military artifacts, art pieces, and fossil collections.

There’s always something interesting for a wide variety of people.

The museum also hosts special events regularly, so make sure to participate in those if you get the chance.

Host an Event at the Veteran’s Memorial Park

The Veteran’s Memorial Park features several grills, water, and electricity shelters.

It is the perfect venue for a medium to a significant event.

Whether it’s a birthday party or a family reunion, you and your loved ones will indeed have a great time if you visit.

Keep the air casual and relaxed as you and your family and friends take the time to chat and catch up with each other.

You can reserve these shelters a year in advance, so make sure to make the appropriate arrangements for your event.

Attend a Concert at the Clarksburg Amphitheater

The Clarksburg Amphitheater sits at the center of all the excitement within Clarksburg.

This place hosts a large number of events and cultural presentations.

If you want to have some fun, then this is the place to go.

Built in 2009, the amphitheater has become a well-established facility in the community.

It features multiple stages and modern technology to give its viewers the best experience possible when watching one of their shows.

Since the place opened, they’ve hosted various nationally acclaimed artists, such as Jake Owen, Old Dominion, Kidz Bop, and so many others.

It’s not just concerts you can watch in the amphitheater, either.

They also host movies, Shakespeare plays, and wheeling symphonies, among other things.

If you’re interested in watching a fantastic performance, make sure to head over to this place.

There’s usually a show playing, so you’re never going to miss out on anything.

Just grab a ticket for anything that looks interesting, and make sure to have as much fun as you can while you’re there.

Try Some Pasta at Minard’s Spaghetti Inn

In 1937, Michael and Rose Minard established Minard’s Spaghetti Inn.

They wanted an outlet to express their love and talent for Italian cooking that they had learned from their family.

This restaurant served its first plate of spaghetti in the Minards’ own dining room.

After all these years, the business hasn’t lost any of its charm and love.

When you visit this restaurant, there are a wide variety of dishes you can try.

Sample more than one to get the complete dining experience.

If you’re visiting with your friends and family, order a shareable appetizer like the Italian sampler platter or the charcuterie board.

For the main course, there are more than enough options to choose from.

Order the lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, or ravioli, to taste those Italian flavors.

You can also try out the family-style pasta for you and your family.

If you’re with a child under three, they get to eat for free!

Go Shopping at the New Pointe Plaza

Everyone can use a little shopping to help relax and fall in love with the place they’re in.

Travelers are no different.

One of the best places to do this in Clarksburg would be the New Pointe Plaza.

So make sure to visit to get all your shopping needs out of the way right away.

Browse the many shops and stalls you can find inside.

Grab a souvenir for your loved ones back home, and don’t forget to get yourself a little treat while you’re there.

Sample the Dishes of the Parkette Family Restaurant

The Lehosit family has owned and operated the Parkette Family Restaurant for more than 65 years.

They’ve provided locals and visitors with the best restaurant services and savory dishes.

The establishment features an extensive menu with a wide variety of dishes that everyone in the family will love.

Give the place a shot if you find yourself in the area.

Start your meal with some delectable appetizers, such as cheese sticks, chicken tenders, or some mushrooms.

You can also sample their salads and soups, particularly the chicken salad or the homemade soup.

A little taste would make you feel like you’ve made the best decision in your life.

Then, you can move on to the main dishes like the ham steak, cubed steak, chicken dinner, or the hot roast beef sandwich.

Whatever you choose, you’ll fall in love with it just after one bite.

You can also try out some Italian or seafood dishes if you’re looking for something a little different from what you’re expecting.

Climb Pinnickinnick Mountain

Are you interested in hiking and spending time in the natural environment?

Activities like that can relax people who enjoy the outdoors and find comfort in the middle of the wilderness.

If that’s what you’re looking for in your trip, then Pinnicknnick Mountain is the destination you should visit.

It has a high peak, so climbing it would be a challenge.

Come fully prepared and with the right amount of training to prevent anything terrible from happening.

Admire the Architecture of the Empire National Bank

Exterior of the Empire National Bank

Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com

The Empire National Bank is a historic structure.

Marveling at its fantastic architecture should be near the top of your things to do.

Established in 1903, the bank used to stand on Main Street.

Four years later, they moved it to its current location and in its current building.

The building is undoubtedly a marvel to see, with its exciting shape and facade.

Stop by and marvel at its construction.

Snap a few pictures and contemplate its long history and how it influenced the community.

See a Play at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center

The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center opened in 1913.

In 1927, it underwent significant expansion and remodeling.

The theater has collected a lot of memories, making it a truly iconic and historic site within its community.

Whether it was a screening of Annie or War of the Worlds, the theater holds a special place in the hearts of locals and will continue to do so for years to come.

If you want to make some great memories of your own, make sure to catch a show there as well.

They host and screen several plays, events, and films every season, so you’ll never be short on choices.

Don’t forget to bring your loved ones so you can all share in the magic and history those historic halls hold.

Grab a Cup of Joe at the Stonewall Coffee House

Coffee is the perfect drink to start your day of traveling and keep your energy up after hours of sightseeing.

There’s no better place to grab a cup than at the Stonewall Coffee House in downtown Clarksburg.

The coffee shop is family owned and operated, which opened in 2016.

The owners’ only goal is to bring the best cup of coffee to each of their customers.

Their mocha is one of the most famous drinks in the entire state, and you’ll miss out if you don’t try it.

Savor the sweet taste and let it energize you for the rest of the day.

While you’re there, relax and settle against the warm and laid-back atmosphere as you let go of all your stress and worries.

Try the Bread of Tomaro’s Bakery

Tomaro’s is one of the oldest Italian bakeries in the area, opening more than a hundred years ago.

They have a wide variety of bread at their disposal.

If you want to try out some iconic local tastes, then this is the place to go.

After all, almost everyone who grew up in the area probably grew up eating their bread.

Try out their pepperoni rolls or the other options on the menu.

During special occasions, you may even catch the establishment serving pizzas, so make sure to try it if you get the chance.

Go Swimming at the Clarksburg Splash Zone

Who hasn’t had to fight the urge to play around in the water and cool off at the peak of summer?

Luckily, the Splash Zone is the perfect place to do just that without any restraint.

Go swimming with your family and friends and enjoy the summer, away from the oppressive heat.

It’s more fun if you have people to do it with, so bring your friends or family.

Otherwise, you can make friends while you’re there.

Play at the River Bend Miniature Golf Course

Mini golf is an easy game to get into, and it’s a family-friendly activity that everyone of all ages can enjoy.

If you haven’t tried it out yet, give it a shot at the River Bend Miniature Golf Course.

It’s not hard, and you won’t have any trouble learning the basics.

Make a competition out of it with your family and friends, follow the area and start playing.

Tally up your scores and see who does best.

Don’t forget to give the winner a prize since that’s the best part of every competition.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Chill Out at the Clarksburg City Park

Parks are a great way to learn about the local landscape, mingle with new people, and make new friends.

There’s no better place to do that than at Clarksburg City Park.

You can find it in Nutter Fort, West Virginia, eight minutes from Clarksburg.

The place features picnic tables and grills.

Cook up a meal as you explore the park and get to know the people around you.

There’s also a baseball and tennis court, so you can watch a few games with your friends and have a lot more fun with them.

If you’re with a large party, you can also rent shelters to host bigger events like a reunion or reception.

Final Thoughts

Clarksburg’s rich culture and history are only a couple of its biggest appeals.

It doesn’t hurt that the place is beautiful and the locals are warm and friendly.

Book your trip today and start planning your Clarksburg adventure!

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