Marietta named Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine

There's something special about Marietta, and now the rest of Ohio knows it too.

Marietta has been named one of Ohio Magazine's 2026 Best Hometowns, earning statewide recognition as one of the very best places to live, work, and visit in Ohio.

Selected from communities across the state, Marietta was recognized for its rich history, vibrant downtown, thriving small businesses, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the community spirit that continues to make the city a destination unlike any other.

According to Ohio Magazine, editors selected Marietta for its charming historic district, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and the way the community celebrates and preserves its deep ties to American history. Communities were evaluated in six categories: Community Spirit, Education, Entertainment, Health & Safety, Business Environment, and Culture & Heritage.

"This recognition belongs to our entire community," said Jen Tinkler, Executive Director of Marietta Main Street. "Every business owner who opens their doors each morning, every volunteer who gives their time, every organization that works to make Marietta better, and every resident who believes in this community played a part in earning this honor. We have always known Marietta is a special place, and it's exciting to see that recognized on a statewide level."

As Ohio's first settlement, Marietta blends more than two centuries of history with a thriving downtown filled with locally owned businesses, restaurants, festivals, public art, outdoor recreation, and year-round events. From the brick streets and historic architecture to the scenic riverfront and welcoming community, Marietta continues to attract visitors while offering an exceptional quality of life for those who call it home.

Marietta Main Street has been proud to work alongside community partners, business owners, volunteers, and local leaders to strengthen downtown through historic preservation, economic development, beautification, and events that bring people together.

The Best Hometowns recognition will be featured in the November/December 2026 issue of Ohio Magazine, with additional coverage in the July/August 2027 issue and online.

"We hope this recognition encourages even more people to visit, explore, shop, dine, and experience everything Marietta has to offer," Tinkler said. "There has never been a better time to discover why we're proud to call Marietta home."

Whether you're a lifelong resident or planning your first visit, there's never been a better time to experience everything Marietta has to offer. From our locally owned shops and restaurants to our festivals, parks, museums, and riverfront, this honor is an invitation to discover why so many people love calling Marietta home.

Make the Holidays Shine in Downtown Merry-Etta

The holiday season in downtown Marietta is something truly special. From the excitement of the Merry-Etta Christmas Parade to the glow of the Holiday Tree Walk and the joy of our annual Tree Lighting, these events bring thousands of people together to celebrate everything that makes our community unique.

What many people don't realize is that these traditions are only possible because of the generous support of our local businesses, organizations, and community partners.

Marietta Main Street is now offering Holiday Sponsorship Packages, giving businesses the opportunity to support the events that make downtown magical while receiving valuable recognition throughout the holiday season. Whether you're looking to sponsor one event or take advantage of multiple opportunities, there are packages available to fit a variety of budgets and marketing goals.

Sponsoring our holiday events is more than just advertising. It's an investment in our community. Your support helps create memorable experiences for families, encourages people to shop and dine locally, and keeps our historic downtown vibrant during one of the busiest times of the year.

This year's sponsorship opportunities include:

• Holiday Tree Walk

• Merry-Etta Christmas Parade

• Tree Lighting Celebration

Each event offers its own unique sponsorship opportunities, and several sponsorship levels are available throughout the season.

If your business is looking for a meaningful way to give back while increasing its visibility, we'd love to partner with you.

View our Holiday Sponsorship Package to learn more about the available opportunities and reserve your sponsorship today. Together, we can make this holiday season one to remember in downtown Marietta.

MOV Studio Tours

Join Marietta Main Street and the Parkersburg Art Center for our first MOV Artist Studio Tour! The Studio Tour is a self-guided tour of local artists' studios in Washington County, Ohio and Wood County, West Virginia. Local artists will have their studios open to ticketholders on Saturday, June 13th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The tour includes at least six stops and features over ten artists, with two stops hosting guest artists in their space. Tickets are $25 per person. Each ticket holder will receive a map with the locations and a wrist band for access.

Check-in locations:

Parkersburg Art Center 725 Market Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101
JustAJar Design Press 208 Front Street, Marietta, OH 45750

Tickets are $25 on-line, $30 at the door.

Purchase your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/mid-ohio-valley-artist-studio-tour

Wine & Chocolate Walk

Indulge in an afternoon of wine, chocolate, and charming downtown vibes at Marietta Main Street’s 2026 Wine & Chocolate Walk, sponsored by Hall Financial Advisors. Stroll through historic downtown Marietta as you visit local restaurants and retail shops, savoring delightful wine and chocolate along the way.

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Event Times: 2pm - 6pm (Check-in: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)

Upon check-in, you’ll receive a wristband, a tasting glass, and a map to guide you through 10 wine and 10 chocolate stops. Take your time exploring downtown’s unique shops and restaurants as you sip, savor, and shop!

Important: Materials are only available during check-in hours and will not be held for late pickup. Unclaimed materials after 3:00 PM will be forfeited. Must be 21+ to participate.

2026 Flower Basket Campaign

Every year, Marietta Main Street hangs flower baskets on the lampposts in downtown Marietta and Historic Harmar Village. Over time as our downtown district grew with new businesses and new programs, we also grew our downtown flower program that now installs 360 hanging flower baskets full of petunias throughout our commercial district.

Our fundraising goal for this year's flower campaign is $25,000 to fund each flower basket + the 6 hours a day for 180 days it takes in labor to water the baskets + care and maintenance of our watering tractor, all managed by Jay Huck and his team at Huck Greenhouses.

We are asking individuals, organizations, and businesses who can financially support this campaign to join us in our efforts to beautify our historic, vibrant downtown! Flower baskets can be sponsored by your business or organization or In Honor of or In Memory of anyone of the sponsor’s choosing, especially those who make- or have made - a positive difference in Marietta.