Blennerhassett Island & Blennerhassett Hotel

PARKERSBURG, WV - October 11, 2014

Before getting on the stern wheeler there is a museum where the tickets are purchased for the stern wheeler boat ride. In that museum were artifacts found from the original Blennerhassett Mansion. Many paintings line the walls as well as some of the personal belongings of the Blennerhassett's. It doesn't take long to ride the ferry over to the island. The island is located in the middle of the Ohio River. The Mansion can be seen very easily once you get off the ferry.

The original Mansion was burned down due to a fire that possibly started in the study room of the Mansion. It is possible that the fire could have started in the basement of the study, where the wine cellar was located. The replica was constructed on the original foundation of the Mansion.

This place may be a replica, but you have to admit that it is very beautiful, especially the interior. I especially love the foyer. It has been said the foyer is an important part of the house because it gives guests an idea of what your home is like. Almost like a sample.

The Walnut Room was especially beautiful as well. I'm not sure what it is about the room but it gives such a cozy and warm feeling. Much of the Blennerhassett Mansion has a cozy feeling but it would be so hard living in something so historic and so expensive.  

I like to imagine being a guest in this Mansion and enjoying the beautiful home. Drinking tea and listening to someone playing the piano. I also remember that there isn't a way there unless it is by boat.

The kitchen was separate from the house. That was to prevent fires from starting and spreading to the house. While the home owners lived inside the house in beautiful bedrooms, the slaves were living in the kitchen in the upstairs part which wasn't considered part of the kitchen.

During this era, ballrooms were essential to have in a Mansion. The upstairs of the Blennerhassett Mansion was used for dancing, while bedrooms surrounded the room.

The forests of the island were very beautiful. The trees were never cut down which is why the trees tower over you as you look up at them.

To tell you the truth, my favorite part of the whole adventure was the horse pasture. The pasture was full of sweet magnificent horses. One followed me as I took photos and also stood in front of the other horses. So I barely got photos of the other horses. But I am okay with that because I really enjoyed myself spending time there.

The horses don't stay on the island all the time. They are sent over to regular land. I am not positive where they are sent. There is a special ferry that sends them back and forth.

Taking the wagon ride is a must because you are able to see a majority of the island. The wagon rides are very nice especially after you have toured everything and you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Near where the museum was back over on regular land, there is the Blennerhassett Hotel. It is historic but the inside has been remodeled. The architecture is very impressive. The Hotel is very fancy and I imagine very expensive.