THINGS TO DO IN BELLAIRE
Riverfront activities: At the Bellaire Marina, you can launch a boat, fish from the dock, enjoy a picnic with a scenic view, or simply watch the river traffic and wildlife. To reach the marina from Noble St., turn east onto 38th St. (you will see a small garden backed by a cedar fence on the corner). Pass under the railroad viaduct and turn left at the blue Marina sign. Continue to follow the blue Marina signs to the marina parking lot. The picnic area is south of the parking lot, and the boat ramp to the north. (Photo #1 courtesy of Mr. Dan Brown)
Museums: Visit the Toy and Plastic Brick Museum, open seasonally, and marvel at the amazing Lego block constructions. At the National Imperial Glass Museum, also open seasonally, you can learn about the many beautiful glass products once manufactured in Bellaire. (Photo #1 courtesy of Mr. Dan Brown)
Great Stone Viaduct: View Bellaire's Great Stone Viaduct, which passes through the downtown area. This National Historic Structure was constructed in 1870-71 to support the railroad line approaching the Ohio River, using beautiful golden sandstone quarried in Lorain County. The 37 stones in each of the 43 arches represent the 37 states which made up the United States at that time. In 2009, the viaduct featured in the movie "Unstoppable", part of which was recorded in Bellaire. A portion of the viaduct is still used for railroad traffic. The unused section was purchased by the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society, which is working to conserve this portion of the viaduct and develop a park around it. Visitors can view the viaduct from a paved plaza below the structure, and enjoy a paved hike/bike trail, accessed from 26th St., which extends to an observation deck atop the viaduct. For more information, visit https://www.greatstoneviaduct.org or https://www.facebook.com/GSVSociety. (Photo #2 courtesy of Mr. John Kniesner)
Restaurants: Enjoy a meal at one of Bellaire’s unique, locally owned restaurants:The All American Family Restaurant; Gulla's Lunch; Lil' Gerardo's; Denny's Blue Angel Bar and Grill; The Roosevelt; 24/7 Pizza; or The Compass.
Ohio Valley Airsoft: Exercise your teamwork, aim, and other skills in a safe, structured mock combat environment at Ohio Valley Airsoft (above right). Visit http://www.ohiovalleyairsoft.com or https://www.facebook.com/Ohiovalleyairsoft for more information. (Photo courtesy of Ohio Valley Airsoft)
Bellaire House Afterlife Research Center: Book a tour of The Bellaire House, the haunted house featured in the book "1699 Belmont Street, a Portal to Hell" by Kristin Lee. The house has been highlighted in programs on A&E; Destination America; The Travel Channel; and Lifetime Television. Arrangements can be made for paranormal investigation teams, groups, or individuals to spend days and nights at the house. Special programs are also frequently offered. For more information, visit https://www.bellairehousetours.com or https://www.facebook.com/thebellairehouse. (Photos courtesy of Ms. Kristin Lee)
Christmas Parade: The annual Bellaire Christmas Parade usually takes place the first weekend after Thanksgiving (check the Experience Bellaire, Ohio facebook page for the date and time). (Photo #1 courtesy of Mr. John Kniesner; photos 2 and 3 courtesy of Mr. Kevin Sochor)
Farmers’ Market: Shop for fresh, locally grown produce (including organic); pasture-raised meats, eggs, and cheeses; preserves and baked goods; healthy personal care products; and hand crafted items at the Ohio Valley Farmers’ Market, held in Bellaire at the village parking lot on 32nd St., from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday mornings from early June through October. A variety of demonstrations, samplings, and special events, as well as live performances by local musicians, take place throughout the season. Children's activities are offered at the Kids' Corner and garden each week. The Ohio Valley Farmers' Market participates in the USDA SNAP program and can match up to $25 per market with Produce Perks. The WIC and Seniors Farmers' Market coupons are also accepted. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049256534571 or http://www.ovfarmersmarket.org.
Scenic Walk: Enjoy a stroll up Indian Run Road in spring to look for rare wildflowers, in autumn to enjoy the brilliant foliage, or even in winter, when the creeks and forest become a frozen wonderland. Watch for the many small waterfalls along the creek.
Bingo: Enjoy a game of bingo at the Disabled American Veterans Post 117 . Check with the DAV for times and costs.
Shopping: Browse Bellaire’s locally owned shops, where you will find antiques, athletic shoes, CBD products, electronics, flowers and other gift items, new and used furniture, personalized sportswear, tasty treats, and more: Around the World Gourmet Market Place; The Barn Furniture; The Bellaire Flower Shop; The Bellaire Party Center; Checkerboard Square; Frizzi Customs; The Holistic Cloud; Hornswogglers; Leva's Jewelry LLC; Peace Pipes; The Runner's Connection; Unique Treats by Jacquie; Vivid Graphix; and WSLdesigns. (WSLdesigns photo courtesy of WSLdesigns.)
Quick Treats: In need of a pick-me-up? Stop by Sno-Biz and choose one of the luscious flavors of shaved ice. There's nearly always a cool breeze around the pleasant outdoor seating. Or vsit Bellaire's locally managed Dairy Queen for a cool treat or a quick snack. Sno-Biz and Dairy Queen are both open seasonally. Unique Treats by Jacquie is a favorite any time of year, offering a variety of donuts, desserts, nuts, gourmet dipped apples, and savory dishes for carry-out. For a relaxing drink, and perhaps a bite of something sweet, try the Community Coffee and Tea shop.
Senior Citizens’ Activities: The Bellaire Senior Center, located at 3396 Belmont St., hosts a variety of events and activities for the over-60 crowd, including free luncheons, games, seminars, exercise sessions, and outings. For more information, call 740-676-9473.
Veterans' Activities: The Belmont County Veterans Service Office, located at 400 Imperial Plaza, offers a variety of programs and services for veterans, as well as providing useful information about resources for veterans. Bellaire also hosts several veterans' groups: American Legion Post 52 (740-676-2515); DAV Chapter 117 (740-676-5094); and VFW Post 626 (740-676-9017).
Children and Youth: The Bellaire Public Library offers a variety of programs for children, including story hours and a summer reading club. Bellaire also has a lively Scouting program; for information, contact Scoutmaster Dan Lofton of Boy Scouts of America Troop 111 at 740-676-8608, or The Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. Those who enjoy athletic activities may wish to join Bellaire Girls' Softball (for information, please call Brent Phillips at 740-296-0160), or Bellaire Junior Sports. RL Strength & Conditioning, Inc. offers free training sessions for young people. Bellaire WyldLife provides fun Christian activities for middle-school children. Turn It Out Dance Academy offers classes for children and teens. In addition to these activities, several special children's programs are provided each year by the Bellaire Planning Committee, such as an egg hunt, Trick-or-Treat event, or Back-to-School celebration. Pictured below, left to right: Summer Reading Club at Bellaire Public Library; a Bellaire Planning Committee activity; a Bellaire Junior Sports team; and an RL Strength and Conditioning session. (Photos courtesy of Mr. John Kniesner; the Bellaire Planning Committee; Bellaire Junior Sports; and RL Strength & Conditioning, Inc.)
Library Programs: The Bellaire Public Library offers programs for children and adults, including story hours, a summer reading club, and a lively winter lecture series on local history which is provided by the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society. Below left, Mr. Mark Hammontree portrays Commodore O.H. Perry for a "Right to Read" program. Below right is Community Christmas Caroling at the library. (Photos courtesy of Mr. John Kniesner.)
Classes: Take classes in dancing at the Turn It Out Dance Academy. Young people may participate in free training sessions with RL Strength & Conditioning, Inc. (Photo #2 courtesy of RL Strength & Conditioning, Inc.)
Get involved: There are many opportunities to get involved in the Bellaire community. The public is welcome to attend meetings of Bellaire's Village Council, which meets in the Municipal Building at 6pm on the first and third Thursday of each month (this schedule may be adjusted for holidays or other special circumstances). The Bellaire Planning Committee, which provides interesting seasonal activities for area children, the Bellaire Citizens' Action Group, which initiates a variety of community improvement projects, the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society, and the Friends of the Library all welcome new members. Other local groups offer a variety of options for socializing and service. Check out the full list on our Organizations Page.
Watch the Experience Bellaire, Ohio facebook page for events such as plays and musicals, sporting events, library programs, dinners, bake sales and craft sales, special activities for senior citizens and children, and much more.