Like many other cities across Appalachia, Portsmouth, Ohio, faced significant challenges in the 1980s. After losing its primary industries, Portsmouth sank into an economic depression. Adding to this was the impact the Nation’s Opioid Epidemic had, and Portsmouth faced a dire future. But it was the unwavering resilience of its community that became the beacon of hope.

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Portsmouth-Scioto County! Check out the blog published by CompassOhio to learn about the fun holiday-themed attractions and events that will surely bring joy to the whole family!

By: Emily Uldrich, Portsmouth Earthworks Researcher and Executive Director, Main Street Portsmouth In Bloom 740-464-0203 www.mspohio.org This mural depicts the Hopewell Culture in the Portsmouth-Scioto County area. Known today as the Portsmouth Earthworks Complex, these earthworks spanned across Scioto County and even across the river into Kentucky. In September 2023, a collection of eight unique Native American sites in various locations in the State of Ohio were inscribed as World Heritage Sites. These sites include Fort Ancient in Oregonia, OH, two sites at the Newark Earthworks in Newark, OH, and five sites that are part of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe, OH. Collectively, these five sites are known as the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks . None of the above sites are located in Scioto County, but we too, have Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks that you can visit in our area. Discover the Native American history of Scioto County in this handy guide. Scioto County has been a prime location for human settlement since the end of the last Ice Age. The Scioto and Ohio River Conflux provides a bounty of wild game, as well as edible plants, nuts, and berries. These resources attracted Paleo-Indian Culture hunter/gatherers for thousands of years. The presence of Indigenous Cultures persisted in the area through the time when European explorers first made contact with the people of the New World. In the 18th century, the Shawnee Nation operated a popular trading post at Lower Shawnee Town in both Ohio and Kentucky. The Shawnee are thought to have arrived in the area in the 1730s. This mural painted on the floodwall depicts the Shawnee Tribe in the 1700s. Lower Shawnee Town was located in West Portsmouth, Ohio, in and around what is now Earl Thomas Conley Riverside Park . Repeated flooding drove the village to the opposite bank of the Ohio River in Kentucky in 1756. By the time the Declaration of Independence was written in 1776, all of the Shawnee were driven out of Lower Shawnee Town. By the early 1800s, the Shawnee were removed from Ohio. The last Native American tribe living in Ohio, the Wyandot, signed a treaty declaring their move to Oklahoma in 1842. The Shawnee Nation is now three federally recognized tribes living on reservations in Oklahoma: The Absentee-Shawnee Tribe , The Eastern Shawnee Tribe , and The Shawnee Tribe . The prehistoric indigenous presence in Scioto County remains today in the form of monumental landscape architecture and artifacts left behind hundreds and even thousands of years in the past. Scioto County is home to what was once the largest prehistoric earthen mound complex in the entire world: The Portsmouth Earthworks ! The majority of the complex is thought to have been created by the Hopewell Culture around 2,000 years ago. The Portsmouth Earthworks were the largest of all Hopewell Culture constructions. The footprint of the Portsmouth Earthworks covered over 25 square miles or over 50,000 acres! These mounds occupied the cities and hilltop ridges of Portsmouth, West Portsmouth, Lucasville, Sciotoville, and Wheelersburg in Ohio, as well as South Portsmouth and South Shore in Kentucky. The center of the complex was the Twin Horseshoe Mounds Enclosure at Mound Park in Portsmouth. Four sets of Parallel Earthen Embankments formed paths of procession leading in the intermediate directions to the satellite elements of the complex. The purpose of this massive construction is thought to have been ceremonial. Though there are a number of burial mounds included in the Portsmouth Earthworks, many of the mounds were used for different purposes. For example, no burials have ever been discovered at Mound Park. There were never any burials reported to be associated with any of the four sets of Parallel Embankments. While some of the mounds served a mortuary purpose, it is thought that additional ceremonies were performed at some Portsmouth Earthworks sites. Astronomical, directional, and seasonal alignments documented in the Portsmouth Earthworks suggest that some components may have functioned as a type of calendar. The Portsmouth Earthworks were altered and repurposed by subsequent prehistoric peoples, including the Intrusive Mound Culture (~AD 700-1000) and the Fort Ancient Culture (~AD 1,000-c.1675). Mound construction is thought to have begun in Scioto County by Archaic Cultures (~8,000-1,000 BC). In fact, Scioto County houses the oldest earthwork in Ohio: The Scioto County Infirmary Mound . This mound is thought to be nearly 6,000 years old! There are a small number of Portsmouth Earthworks sites still in existence today. Mound Park in Portsmouth features the East Twin Horseshoe Mound , the Mound Park Conical Mound , and the so-called Natural Elevation , which is also an earthwork. Mound Park is open to the public. Archaeological testing and monitoring in 2020 during the installation of paved walking paths and lighting at Mound Park uncovered nearly 4,500 Woodland Period (~1,000 BC – AD 1,000) Native American artifacts! Archaeologists confirm that these objects are consistent with those created by the Hopewell Culture. The artifacts are in the collection of the Ohio History Connection in Columbus, Ohio. The Tremper Mound and Enclosure in West Portsmouth is still present in the modern landscape. Tremper Mound is now part of a nature preserve under the stewardship of the Arc of Appalachia , an Ohio archaeological and ecological conservancy. The Arc of Appalachia has plans to open the Tremper Mound Nature Preserve to the public sometime in 2024. The Tremper Mound was excavated in 1915 by the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society (now known as the Ohio History Connection). The mound is famous for the discovery of around 60 Hopewell Culture effigy pipes carved in the images of local wildlife. The Tremper Mound covered a Hopewell Culture Charnel House which was thought to be the resting place of around 400 individuals, most of whom were cremated. Hundreds of artifacts were discovered in the 1915 excavation, and many were documented with photographs in William C. Mills’ 1916 book, “Certain Mounds and Village Sites in Ohio, Volume 2: Part 3, Exploration of the Tremper Mound.” These artifacts are now in the collection of the Ohio History Connection. The Scioto County Infirmary Mound still exists in West Portsmouth. The mound is owned and cared for by Scioto County and the Scioto County Commissioners. The site was slotted for development in the 1980s, and the Commissioners allowed a salvage excavation because the site was known to have archaeological significance. This excavation was led by Martha Potter Otto, Director of the Ohio Historical Society (now the Ohio History Connection), and spearheaded by David Kuhn, Esquire, and Jonathan E. “JEB” Bowen, Professional Archaeologist. The excavation uncovered hundreds of artifacts thought to range from the Archaic Period through the Late Prehistoric Period (~AD 1,000-1,500). Reports of this salvage excavation may be found in the “Ohio Archaeologist” journal. During this excavation, it was discovered that the Scioto County Infirmary site is actually a prehistoric mound. This finding led to the preservation of the mound as it stands intact today. The Scioto County Infirmary Mound is open to the public by appointment. It may be viewed from Earl Thomas Conley Riverside Park, which is open to the public. There are additional intact Portsmouth Earthworks sites located on private property in Kentucky. These locations are closed to the public. The Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center houses a collection of over 10,000 prehistoric Native American artifacts, many discovered in and around the Portsmouth Earthworks. This collection is displayed in the museum’s “Art of The Ancients” permanent exhibition. For more information about the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center or to schedule a free guided tour, please visit www.somacc.com or call the museum at 740-354-5629. The Raven Rock Overlook is a prominent destination for hikers in West Portsmouth showcasing a vista of over 10 miles up and down the Ohio River. The overlook was utilized by prehistoric people, as evident from the Raven Rock Stone Cairn , an earth and rock mound which used to set at the top of the ridge just to the north of the lookout. Hopewell Culture artifacts are reported to have been found beneath the Raven Rock Stone Cairn. A cache of Leaf-Shaped Adena Culture Blades (~800 BC) were recovered from the cairn. These colorful flint knives or spear points are now part of the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center’s “Art of The Ancients” exhibition. The Raven Rock Overlook is open to the public by permit. The location is part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Raven Rock State Nature Preserve. The overlook may be accessed by a hiking trail rated moderate, as it climbs from an elevation of around 500 feet at the base to over 1,000 feet at the peak. A Free Permit for The Raven Rock Hiking Trail may be obtained from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves through the following website: https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/special-use-permits/nature-preserve-access A Same-Day Permit for hiking to the Raven Rock Overlook may be obtained from the Shawnee State Park Office , located at 4404 State Route 125 in West Portsmouth. The Park Office may be found at the base of the hill leading the Shawnee State Park Lodge and Conference Center. A Same-day permit for hiking to the Raven Rock Overlook may also be obtained from the Shawnee State Park Ohio River Campground and Marina Office , located at 11152 U.S. Highway 52 in Stout. Andrew Feight, Ph.D., Professor of History and Director of The Center of Public History at Shawnee State University has created a tour of the Portsmouth Earthworks sites remaining in Ohio. This tour is hosted on the Scioto Historical website and smartphone app: sciotohistorical.org The Scioto Historical virtual or driving Portsmouth Earthworks Complex Tour may be accessed at the following link: sciotohistorical.org/tours/show/22 As part of the Scioto Historical Portsmouth Earthworks Complex Tour, a virtual rendering of the Portsmouth Earthworks as they are thought to have existed around 2,000 years ago was commissioned. Herb Roe, a visual artist and graduate of Portsmouth High School, created the virtual images of the Portsmouth Earthworks based on historic documentation and professional input The scope of the Portsmouth Earthworks is so large that it is best witnessed from the air. Herb Roe’s Virtual Flyover of the Portsmouth Earthworks Complex may be viewed on the Scioto Historical app and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcZrGnCRKB8 Evidence from Scioto County attests to the monumental and sophisticated prehistoric civilizations that once thrived in the region. Scioto County remains a land of abundance, attracting modern day visitors and residents for many of the same reasons prehistoric people chose to make this place their home.

Get ready for a weekend that promises unforgettable family moments in Scioto County, Ohio. From interactive museums to outdoor explorations, tasty dining experiences to camping under the stars, this guide will help you create cherished memories that will be talked about for years to come. *Do you have tweens/teens in your group? Scroll down for suggestions on activities for older kids! Day 1: Friday Afternoon Arrival: Arrive in Scioto County on Friday afternoon and head to Candyland Children's Museum in Portsmouth for an immersive adventure that sparks your children's imaginations. From interactive exhibits to hands-on activities, this whimsical museum offers a world of fun and learning. Let your little ones explore their creativity, try their hands at pretend play, and embark on an educational journey that delights kids and parents alike. Early Dinner: After working out their wiggles at the children's museum, walk to Patties and Pints in Portsmouth for an early dinner. This family-friendly eatery offers a diverse menu that caters to both grown-up palates and kid-friendly cravings, setting the tone for a fantastic weekend. Evening Camp Setup: After your meal, head to Shawnee State Park Turkey Creek Campground and set up your campsite amidst the natural beauty of the park. Unwind by the campfire, share stories, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the outdoors. Day 2: Saturday Breakfast: For a hearty breakfast, head to the The Smokehouse Restaurant at Shawnee State Lodge . Enjoy a warm morning meal with a view, setting the tone for an adventurous day ahead. Activity 1: Hiking and Nature Play Explore the great outdoors with a hike around Turkey Creek Lake. The tranquil trails offer picturesque views and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Let the kids run wild at the natural playground, fostering a deep connection with nature. Lunch: Playful Dining at Buckeye Dairy Bar Recharge your energy with a scrumptious lunch at Buckeye Dairy Bar in Friendship. Beyond their delicious menu, this family-friendly spot offers an added bonus—a miniature golf course! Enjoy a leisurely meal while the kids enjoy some outdoor fun, putting their skills to the test on the charming course. Afternoon: Splashing and Playground Adventure Cool off at the Ohio River Campground Splash Pad in Portsmouth. This water wonderland is the perfect place for your kids to splash, play, and beat the summer heat. After some aquatic adventures, head to the adjacent playground, where climbing, swinging, and sliding await to keep the fun going. If the weather isn't great...replace the splash pad & playground with some creative fun Let the kids' creativity run wild (and yours too!) at The Happy Pot ceramic painting studio, where your family can personalize ceramic pieces to take home as keepsakes. Dinner: Campfire Cuisine If you're not already in town, head on in and stop by Kroger to pick up campfire-friendly food for a hearty dinner back at your campsite. From marshmallow roasting to storytelling around the campfire, the evening promises to be filled with warmth and laughter. Day 3: Sunday Morning: Departure and Reflection Pack up your campsite and bid farewell to Shawnee State Park, cherishing the memories you've made. As you journey home, take time to reflect on the wonderful experiences you shared as a family. Breakfast: Fueling Up for the Return Home Before you leave town stop by The Landing in Portsmouth , where a warm cup of coffee for you and a kid-friendly beverage for the little ones await. Indulge in hearty breakfast options that cater to every palate, setting the stage for smooth trip home. Make sure to grab a few bags of their house roasted coffee to take home! Pro Tips for a Memorable Weekend: Camping Essentials: Pack camping gear, clothing layers, and essentials to ensure a comfortable stay. Adventure Attire: Dress in comfortable attire for hiking and outdoor play. Reservation Check: Confirm reservations for campgrounds, dining, and activities in advance. Weather Check: Keep an eye on the weather forecast to prepare accordingly. Leave No Trace: Respect the environment and practice responsible camping and outdoor etiquette. From exploring natural wonders to enjoying interactive museums, indulging in delicious meals to camping under the stars, Scioto County offers a wealth of experiences that cater to families seeking both adventure and relaxation. This weekend guide invites you to embark on a journey that celebrates togetherness, nature, and the joy of creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Activities for older kids: River City SUP (stand up paddle boarding) + Yoga Raven Rock State Nature Preserve hiking Earl Thomas Conley Pump Track Portsmouth Skate Park Ben's Happy Trails Horseback Riding Deadbolt Escape Room

Pack your sense of adventure and round up the young ones for a thrilling day trip through Scioto County, Ohio. This guide will take your family on a whirlwind journey filled with interactive experiences, delicious treats, and outdoor play, ensuring that everyone—from the littlest ones to the grown-ups—will create memories to treasure. Morning: Fueling Up for a Day of Fun Start your day at The Landing in Portsmouth , where a warm cup of coffee for you and a kid-friendly beverage for the little ones await. Indulge in hearty breakfast options that cater to every palate, setting the stage for an exciting day ahead. Activity 1: Candyland Children's Museum Head to Candyland Children's Museum in Portsmouth for an immersive adventure that sparks your children's imaginations. From interactive exhibits to hands-on activities, this whimsical museum offers a world of fun and learning. Let your little ones explore their creativity, try their hands at pretend play, and embark on an educational journey that delights kids and parents alike. Lunch: Playful Dining at Buckeye Dairy Bar Recharge your energy with a scrumptious lunch at Buckeye Dairy Bar in West Portsmouth. Beyond their delicious menu, this family-friendly spot offers an added bonus—a miniature golf course! Enjoy a leisurely meal while the kids enjoy some outdoor fun, putting their skills to the test on the charming course. Afternoon: Splashing and Playground Adventure Cool off at the Ohio River Campground Splash Pad in Stout. This water wonderland is the perfect place for your kids to splash, play, and beat the summer heat. After some aquatic adventures, head to the adjacent playground, where climbing, swinging, and sliding await to keep the fun going. Dinner: Patties and Pints Wrap up your day with a delectable dinner at Patties and Pints in Portsmouth. This family-friendly eatery offers a diverse menu that caters to both grown-up palates and kid-friendly cravings. Choose from a range of burgers, salads, and appetizers, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere. With options for both little ones and adults, Patties and Pints is the perfect way to conclude your family day trip on a satisfying note. Pro Tips for a Seamless Day: Early Start: Begin your day early to make the most of your adventure-packed itinerary. Comfortable Attire: Dress everyone in comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing to ensure a day of carefree fun. Hydration: Keep water bottles handy throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities. Capture Memories: Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Check Timings: Confirm the operating hours of each location before your trip to ensure a smooth experience. From interactive learning to outdoor play and delightful dining, Scioto County offers a dynamic range of activities that cater to families with young children. This day trip guide promises a memorable journey that blends entertainment, education, and quality time together, creating a day filled with laughter, discovery, and joy.

When time is of the essence, but your taste buds demand satisfaction, Scioto County has an array of quick bite options that promise flavor-packed experiences. From locally roasted coffee to decadent pastries, this guide will lead you through a culinary journey of quick bites that delight and satisfy. Market Street Cafe 212 Market St, Portsmouth, OH 45662 Lunchtime calls for a visit to Market Street Cafe in Portsmouth, where fresh ingredients come together in delightful sandwiches, salads, and wraps. With a commitment to quality and flavor, this eatery provides a quick and satisfying meal that fuels your afternoon adventures. Sarah's Cafe & Bakery 21 Robert Lucas Rd, Lucasville, OH 45648 Nestled in the heart of Lucasville, Sarah's Cafe & Bakery is a charming, modern cafe where the aroma of freshly baked bread and treats meets the comfort of hearty lunches. Savor a flaky croissant with chicken salad, indulge in a specialty coffee, or grab a no bake cookie to go, all crafted with care and precision. Fork & Finger 232 2nd St, Portsmouth, OH 45662 Discover the heartwarming embrace of Fork & Finger, a true haven for those seeking the comforts of the South in Scioto County. Their menu showcases cherished Southern dishes, each a delightful journey into flavor and nostalgia. Be sure to save room for their enticing assortment of homemade cakes and pies, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience. Skyline Family Restaurant at Portsmouth Airport 130 Barklow Rd, Portsmouth, OH, United States, 45662 Skyline Family Restaurant, located at Portsmouth Airport, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can savor homestyle cooking at its finest. Whether you're enjoying a hearty breakfast or a comforting dinner, their menu is filled with classic dishes that make you feel right at home. Oddfellows 526 2nd St., Portsmouth, OH, United States, 45662 Their delicious selection of fresh, seasonally appropriate items will keep you excited to visit and on their toes in anticipation from season to season. Not to mention their custom tiled wood-fired ovens crank out the tastiest pizzas and chicken wings in town. Oddfellows isn’t just a place to fill your appetite— come here to eat AND play! They offer four duckpin bowling lanes and ten arcade games which are a hit for all ages! Pro Tips for Quick Bites Excursion: Time It Right: Check the opening hours of each establishment to ensure they align with your schedule. Customize to Taste: Many of these eateries offer customizable options, so feel free to personalize your order. Local Love: Support local businesses and savor the flavors unique to Scioto County. Plan Ahead: If you're in a hurry, consider calling ahead for takeout or checking their online menus. From morning coffee to midday sustenance and afternoon treats, Scioto County's quick bite options provide a plethora of choices to suit every palate. This guide promises a whirlwind of flavors that embrace both convenience and quality, offering a culinary journey that's as delightful as it is satisfying.

Whether you are out braving the chilly winter trails or looking for a place to spend some time out of the house and of the cold, there's nothing better than discovering a spot to get all warm and cozy! From local coffee shops serving up a delightful variety of hot (and cold) drinks to lively local hangouts that add a splash of fun! Local Coffee Shops Slow Drip Coffee Warm up with a nice cup of Joe at Slow Drip Coffee! This is a perfect place to cozy up with a nice hot beverage! Slow Drip is a unique place where the coffee shop is located in the historic Bigelow Church in Downtown Portsmouth. They offer everything from your standard cup of joe to flavored lattes. Looking for a place to hang out and warm up? Slow Drip makes you comfortable where you can use their free WIFI while you enjoy their coffee and delicious baked goods made from locally owned bakers in town. Local Favorite: Banana Pudding Latte Market Street Cafe Enjoy a delicious pastry or cookie from Market Street Cafe, all while you are warming from the outside elements. This local cafe offers up an assortment of foods that will fill your bellies up for breakfast or lunch! From freshly baked goods like scones, muffins, and cookies to light food fare of wraps, soups, and paninis. Round out your meal by enjoying a nice cup of hot coffee, fruit smoothie, or even create your own coffee smoothie! Local Favorite: Snicker Bar Latte paired with one of their blueberry scones! Adams Flying Pig Coffee House  (both Minford and Wheelersburg locations) When the weather is cold, warm up with your favorite hot drink at Adam's Flying Pig Coffee House! Photo by   Justin Sharp Photography Adam's Flying Pig Coffee House offers all kinds of coffee concoctions from their signature Flying Pig Mocha to a traditional hot chocolate. These warm drinks are served from warm hearts as this coffee house is staffed by those with special needs. So not only can you warm your bellies with a warm drink, but warm your heart with a happy smile! Local Favorite: Flying Pig Mocha paired with a sugar waffle!   Exciting Indoor Fun The Vault Ohio Play classic arcade games or modern games for some friendly competition at the Vault Ohio! Are you into retro arcade games? Do you have an inkling to try out Virtual Reality? The Vault Ohio has both and more! Grab your friends and family for some friendly gaming competition. Whether you want to go old school with arcade games, play some new modern games on console or PC or put on a headset for some VR, the Vault Ohio is a perfect place to warm up. Pro tip: Check out their schedule of events as they have several tournaments that you can either participate or spectate! The Happy Pot Craft your own pieces of art at the Happy Pot! Embark on an incredible pottery painting journey at The Happy Pot, a one-of-a-kind studio for everyone, regardless of age or skill level! Unleash your creativity with an extensive array of pottery, bright glazes, and exciting techniques. With space for up to 40 painters, it's perfect for solo relaxation or lively group gatherings. Delight in special painting sessions, festive holiday events, and workshops featuring guest artists. The Happy Pot is your ultimate destination for creativity and thrilling events! Pro tip: Painting pottery isn't the only art creation you can make, ask about other art creative options! Deadbolt: Boneyfiddle Escape Rooms and Mysteries Can you figure out how to escape? Try your luck at Deadbolt Boneyfiddle Escape Rooms and Mysteries! Nestled in the lively center of the historic Boneyfiddle district, Deadbolt provides exhilarating 60-minute escape room adventures within the distinctive Deadbolt Warehouse, once a shoe factory in Portsmouth, Ohio. Designed by lifelong friends to inject excitement into Portsmouth, Deadbolt draws families and friends each weekend to engage in scenarios and break free from reality. What began as a pastime has enthralled the whole town, realizing the dreams of its creators. Pro tip: Book your time slot in advance as tickets sell fast! Conclusion Whether you having out hiking the trails of Shawnee State Park or looking for something fun to do during the day, you can find all kinds of places to warm up and have fun! Escape the winter chill with cozy spots like Slow Drip Coffee for a cozy place to warm up, Market Street Cafe for baked goods and customizable smoothies, and Adam's Flying Pig Coffee House with heartwarming drinks. For indoor activities, enjoy games at The Vault Ohio, pottery painting at The Happy Pot, and thrilling escape adventures at Deadbolt: Boneyfiddle Escape Rooms. Find warmth and fun in these local gems!

Escape from reality and challenge yourself or your friends to a thrilling experience at one of our unique indoor recreational spaces. From sharpening your bowling skills to testing your problem-solving skills in an escape room to enjoying a few rounds of golf, there is something here for everyone! Boneyfiddle Golf and Lounge 347 3rd Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 Test your golfing skills and play at over 25 world-renowned golf courses from around the world and shop for top brands of merchandise while staying close to home. The Vault Ohio 317 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662 The Vault Ohio is a state-of-the-art ESPORTS and video arcade arena with a 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) fiber optic connection. The Vault aims to bring people together over the love of ESPORTS and video gaming. Whether you are a pro ESPORTS player or just getting started, The Vault Ohio is a perfect gaming experience for all levels of gamers. They offer a variety of gaming experiences, including LAN events, online tournaments, in-house tournaments, high school ESPORTS, food and drinks, and much more. Deadbolt: Boneyfiddle Escape Rooms and Mysteries 309 Jefferson Street, Portsmouth, Ohio Tucked away in a corner of the historic Boneyfiddle district is an escape from reality, an escape from the ordinary. Deadbolt offers adventure and thrill in the form of 60 minute escape room experiences at our physical location at the Deadbolt Warehouse, an abandoned historic shoe factory. Browse our rooms and book a mystery for a thrilling experience right here in Portsmouth, Ohio. Oddfellows 526 2nd St., Portsmouth, OH, United States, 45662 Oddfellows isn’t just a place to fill your appetite— come here to eat AND play! They offer four duckpin bowling lanes and ten arcade games which are a hit for all ages! The food and fun we offer fills a void our town has had for many years and our locals no longer need to travel 80+ miles for dinner and a good time— whether it’s date night or family night, you can do it all right here.  Their delicious selection of fresh, seasonally appropriate items will keep you excited to visit and on their toes in anticipation from season to season. Not to mention their custom tiled wood-fired ovens crank out the tastiest pizzas and chicken wings in town. Pro Tips for Your Indoor Amusement: 1. Hours and Availability: Each business sets their own hours of operation and may require reservations. Check each business website to plan your visit more efficiently. 2. Activity Choices: When planning activities for your trip, be mindful of your group and their interests and age range. 3. Appropriate Attire: Dress comfortably and appropriate for the type of activity you will be participating in. 4. Food and Drink: Some establishments either sell food and drinks or allow outside food and drink to be brought in. Check with the business to see about their rules and guidelines on food and drink. 5. Respectful Interaction: When engaging in the various activities, follow any guidelines provided by the establishment to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and staff members. Scioto County's indoor entertainment beckons you to escape reality and allows you to immerse yourself in fun, interactive activities. This guide promises an exhilarating and exciting experience that showcases the pleasure of just having some good old fashioned fun!