Once in a while, if you have to put some distance between the modern high-rise and the age of wired interference for a truly out-of-this-world, back-in-time adventure, try Portsmouth.  Nestled between Cincinnati and Marietta, next to the border of Kentucky, is this quaint little town with a population of almost 20,909. One thing is sure, there will not be one thousand and one surveillance camera on your back.

If you like outdoor adventures from hiking, fishing, biking, off-roading, rock climbing to camping, you will be spoilt for choice with the many surrounding parks and forests. The Wayne National Forest park, southeast of Ohio, covers almost a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills. There are over 300 miles of trails in this National Forest alone. For more information, check http://www.waynenationalforest.com/

“The 1,095-acre Shawnee State Park is nestled in the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest. Once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians, the region is one of the most picturesque in the state, featuring erosion-carved valleys and wooded hills • The rugged beauty of the area has earned it the nickname “The Little Smokies” See http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/outdoorfun/tabid/74/Default.aspx

If you would rather be near a blue, crystalline clear lake, trek the Forked Run Park, “Forested hills, a picturesque lake and the lazy Ohio River characterize 791-acre Forked Run State Park • Located in the heart of Appalachia, colorful history, riverboats, scenic vistas and abundant wildlife give the park its rural charm.” http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/forkedrn/tabid/735/Default.aspx

Oh yes, before you trek up the forest mountains, titillate your taste buds at Bob Evans Farms with the new seasonal “Bob-B-Q® Memphis Spice-Rubbed Chicken Farm”. In Portsmouth, the Bob Evans Farms are in nearby Rio Grande, and remain a historic landmark to the once mom and pop restaurant turned national chain. http://www.bobevans.com/Default.aspx

Portsmouth is the midway point between the four major cities of Charleston, Cincinnati, Lexington and Columbus, approximately ninety miles away from each of these cities.

What next? Wall murals, Music Hall and Museums – next blog, please.

Portsmouth? Portsmouth?… isn’t that a city in the United Kingdom?
Yes it is. As many cities in United States are named after cities in the UK, such as Manchester, London, Glasgow and Portsmouth of course, people can be confused when you say you have been to Portsmouth Ohio.

So to clear up any confusion, let me tell you more about this city.

Located in the South of the state of Ohio, Portsmouth was founded in 1803 and its population is about

Portsmouth Public Library

20,000. Portsmouth grew along the Ohio River mostly focusing on industry and manufacturing until 1970. Then, the city started to promote service businesses such as the Southern Ohio Medical Center which is currently the largest employer of the city. Portsmouth also wants to attract younger people like students thanks to the new Shawnee State University.

Portsmouth has been able to keep its historical identity through its old churches, its public library founded in 1879 (See pictures) and its beautiful architecture.

Why don’t you come over and check out our beautiful city for yourself? During your extended stay, you can stay at our hotel, River Inn Hotel in the South West of Portsmouth, formerly the Ramada Hotel of Portsmouth. We recently renovated our hotel to match the old history of this river city.

We look forward to welcoming you in Portsmouth.

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Its time again for The Rock & Roll House Party. The date is Saturday April 17, 2010 at The Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, within walking distance from the River Inn Hotel.

Performing their great hits are, Eric Burdon & The Animals. Also performing is, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals. The River Inn,(fomerly Ramada), will be offering 20% off Sleeping rooms with guest holding Rock & Roll ticket stub. Damon’s Bar & Grill, located inhouse hotel will extent hours for after show rockers. Please join us for a weekend of fun.