The Mountain State is one of the most unusually shaped states in the country, and may be the only one where forming the shape with one hand requires the use of both the thumb and middle finger; one of them in a rather precarious position. Up at the very tippy top of the middle finger lies the small community of Newell. It sits on the Ohio River and has much to see and do, even though it’s not an official “town.” A day trip here should be an unforgettable experience. Here are all the reasons why:
- Newell is home to the factory that makes Fiesta ware.
TripAdvisor/p2hannley
If you didn’t know Fiesta Dinnerware was made in West Virginia then you’re in for a real treat. You can even take a tour if you call the factory two weeks ahead of time to pre-schedule. (Details can be found at this link. )
TripAdvisor/Artist-teacher4BES
Or, you can always just visit the factory outlet and shop ’til you drop in their showroom. The best part? A separate “seconds” room where presentation is less of a priority and the prices are much, much lower.
TripAdvisor/glendale215 The Fiesta Factory and Outlet Showroom are located at 672 Fiesta Drive, Newell.
- The Newell Toll Bridge is an amazing sight. Of course crossing it means you’ll end up in Ohio but you can always turn around and come right back to the Mountain State.
Flickr/C Hanchey
The historic bridge replaced a ferry that was the only means of crossing the Ohio River. It opened in 1905 as a private toll bridge connecting West Virginia and Ohio.
Flickr/C Hanchey The Newell Toll Bridge is located on Ohio River Boulevard in Newell and carries approximately 2,000 vehicles per day across the Ohio River.
- The World’s Largest Teapot is a must-see in these parts.
TripAdvisor/Thomas C
It was originally built in the 1930s as an A&W Root Beer barrel advertisement and then later modified, and placed outside a pottery studio.
Facebook/The World’s Largest Teapot It’s located less than a mile to the east of Newell in the community of Chester at the intersection of State Route 2 and Old Highway US Route 30.
- Connie’s Corner for lunch.
Google Maps/Jerry Bridge
Don’t miss stopping at Connie’s for a delectable meal featuring American fare. Save room for dessert! And enjoy it all on that famous Fiesta dinnerware made locally.
Google Maps/Steven Okamoto Connie’s Corner is located on the corner at 3rd Street and Carolina Avenue in the community of Chester.
- Pay a visit to historic Laurel Hollow Park - for more reasons than one.
Google Maps/Mighty Grimm
In the early 1900s this hollow was home to a grand scale, huge formal park with large fountains and gorgeous fields.
Google Maps/Kevin Cartright
It was also home to a zoo where a major tragedy occurred when the zoo keepers bought two polar bears with the understanding that one was male and the other female. When they introduced them for the first time at a very publicized public event, it turned out they were both male. The two males fought a bloody battle to the death right in front of everyone. The zoo closed soon after… and soon after that the park was abandoned.
Google Maps/a google user Today the park is a gorgeous outdoor haven and has an amphitheater with a stage that features the bear den as a back drop. Laurel Hollow Park is located on Ohio River Boulevard in Newell.
Technically speaking, the Northernmost point in West Virginia lies less than a mile upstream from the point where the Newell Toll Bridge crosses the Ohio River. That point, coincidentally is in the middle of the river. If you seriously want to reach the ‘Northernmost’ point in the Mountain State, you’ll need to bring your canoe.
Google Maps
Have you been to Newell and visited any of the awesome places above? We’d love to know!
TripAdvisor/p2hannley
TripAdvisor/Artist-teacher4BES
TripAdvisor/glendale215
The Fiesta Factory and Outlet Showroom are located at 672 Fiesta Drive, Newell.
Flickr/C Hanchey
The Newell Toll Bridge is located on Ohio River Boulevard in Newell and carries approximately 2,000 vehicles per day across the Ohio River.
TripAdvisor/Thomas C
Facebook/The World’s Largest Teapot
It’s located less than a mile to the east of Newell in the community of Chester at the intersection of State Route 2 and Old Highway US Route 30.
Google Maps/Jerry Bridge
Google Maps/Steven Okamoto
Connie’s Corner is located on the corner at 3rd Street and Carolina Avenue in the community of Chester.
Google Maps/Mighty Grimm
Google Maps/Kevin Cartright
Google Maps/a google user
Today the park is a gorgeous outdoor haven and has an amphitheater with a stage that features the bear den as a back drop. Laurel Hollow Park is located on Ohio River Boulevard in Newell.
Google Maps
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