Roadtrip to Portsmouth, Ohio!

Today the two younger kids and I headed to Portsmouth, Ohio to deliver their older sister and her best friend to work camp. As we headed down U.S. 23 South, we enjoyed the scenery and the conversation. We laughed as we recalled past adventures and the girls talked about their expectations for this year's camp.

When we arrived at the drop off point, we helped the girls unload, wished them well and were on our way. Before we left Portsmouth, I decided it would be a good idea to check out the famous murals that are painted on their flood wall.

What I saw when we arrived at the wall was beyond anything I could have imagined. The wall, which was built after the devastating 1937 flood, is 2000 feet long and 20 feet high! Every square inch that faces Washington Street is covered in the most beautiful murals I have ever seen! The murals tell the history of the Portsmouth area from it's beginnings to modern times. They are truly breathtaking.

Make sure to take your camera. There are some amazing turn of the century street scenes that would be really fun to have picture taken in front of. For a virtual tour that in no way gives you the feeling of the towering murals, but does at least give you a taste of their beauty, visit the mural website at: http://www.portsmouthmuralproducts.com/index.html.

One word of warning, I would pair this excursion with other activities in the area if you plan on taking youngsters with you. Children may not be as impressed as you are. Thankfully, there are a great deal of child friendly activities in the area. Visit the Portsmouth City site at: http://www.ci.portsmouth.oh.us/community/mustsee_attractions.html to check out some possibilities. There are some lovely state parks and even a planetarium in the area that just might fit the bill.

If you are traveling with only adults, perhaps a drive or stroll past the murals is all you really need. There are lovely antique shops nearby, small restaurants and some museums (look on the Portsmouth website and call for the hours they are open) that could easily occupy most of a lazy day for grown-ups. Either way, a day down by the Ohio River is sure to bring pleasure to everyone in your company.