Spring is when nature comes alive.

It’s when blooming flowers, green meadows, chirping birds, rain showers and sunshine fill our souls with joy. And just like those spring flowers, events will start popping up all around the county, too!

From museum reopenings to community events to wildflower walks to hiking through our scenic landscapes, now is the time to embrace the change of the season and start exploring right here in our own backyard in Friendly. Beautiful. Belmont County.

The Belmont County Heritage Museum, in St. Clairsville, will reopen Thursday for the 2022 season. Located in the historic former county sheriff’s residence, next to the courthouse, the Heritage Museum celebrates and preserves the county’s history. In addition to displays about the county’s sheriffs, each room depicts communities within our county and showcases their heritage, industries, landmarks, and important historical figures.

A visit to the Heritage Museum will leave you discovering the hidden gems that Belmont County is proud to hold in our history.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. The Heritage Museum will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit belmontcountyheritagemuseum.org or call 740-298-7020.

The National Imperial Glass Museum in Bellaire reopened for the season on Friday. Imperial was one of the largest handcrafted glass companies in America.

This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Imperial Glass Corp., paying tribute to its employees, educating the public, providing research opportunities, and is a “must visit” for glass enthusiasts.

It has over 3,000 glassware pieces on display and is featuring many new ones for 2022, including a beautiful Candlewick Chandelier. For more information visit imperialglass.org or call 740-671-3971.

Step back in time at the Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum in Barnesville. The mansion was built in 1893 and consists of 26 rooms. This award-winning, Romanesque Revival mansion has been restored and furnished with the finest of Victorian-era pieces. Visitors of all ages thrill to the splendor and elegance on display. The Victorian Mansion Museum is hosting a community day offering free admission on April 30 from 1-4 p.m. and will officially open for the 2022 season on May 1. For more information visit belmontcountymuseum.com.

When you’re ready for outdoor adventure, Belmont County has many options for you: whether you are looking for a weekend staycation or an afternoon to unplug, we have the perfect outdoor recreation activities and spaces for you to explore. So, grab your kayak, load the bikes, or put on your walking shoes — miles of trail and glistening shorelines await you.

The National Road Bikeway in St. Clairsville provides paved miles for walkers, joggers, and bikers of all ages. The trail is well maintained and has several interesting visual features such as two tunnels, a gazebo, and a 40-foot-high trestle bridge.

Ready for more challenging trails and rugged terrain? Visit Barkcamp State Park in Belmont and explore scenic hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Plan a picnic in the park, a kayak adventure on the water, or spend the day hunting, fishing, and boating. End your day camping under the stars by finding the perfect campsite for the whole family or grab some friends and listen to music while sitting by the campfire.

Belmont County is home to many beautiful wildflowers, and if you have ever wondered about them, join the Friends of Captina Conservancy on April 23 from 1-3pm at the Annual Wildflower Walk at Barkcamp State Park. Nature lovers are sure to see all kinds of wildflowers and birds during this self-guided hike along the 1.7-mile Lakeview Trail at Barkcamp. Wildflowers will be marked ahead of time, so you can enjoy the walk at your leisure. For more information visit, captina.org.

These are just a few of the upcoming events and outdoor recreation options we have to offer right here, in Friendly. Beautiful. Belmont County. To find out more go to our website at visitbelmontcounty.com.

Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. Pugh will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will also share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.