Summer may quickly be coming to an end, but there are still ways to make memories right here in friendly, beautiful, Belmont County.

From fairs and festivals celebrating our heritage and history, to exploring the beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreation, there is always something for everyone!

Betty Zane Days, this weekend in Martins Ferry, is sponsored by the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department. This multi-day event, named after the legendary local Revolutionary War heroine Betty Zane, celebrates the community’s rich history. The annual event features a 5K run, firefighter water battle, amusement rides and games, food and craft vendors, live music and nightly entertainment.

If you’re looking to dust off your dancing shoes, head to Barton this weekend for the 30th Annual Barton Polka Festival. Enjoy great music, polka dancing, homemade Polish food, and celebrating culture at the largest and oldest festival of its kind in a 60-mile radius. The event also includes face painting, kids’ games, raffles, door prizes, and a cash bar.

Maybe you want to slow things down and take in some serene surroundings?

Belmont County offers an abundance of ways to unplug and unwind. So, grab your kayak, load the bikes, or put on your walking shoes — miles of trail and glistening shorelines await you. Regardless of your skill level you can enjoy the beautiful scenery our county has to offer.

Zion Retreat & RV Park, in Flushing, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Become immersed with the peacefulness of 1,300 acres of rolling hills, green fields, sparkling water and beautiful sunsets. Explore the 27-acre lake on a kayak or paddle board — which are available to rent from the park’s new general store. Fish in one of the many ponds, or swim at the beach, where there is a water trampoline and aqua zip line, too. Spend the night in a luxury or rustic cabin, or in your own RV or tent in a tree-lined spot. Zion is a hidden gem in our county!

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. Nature lovers are sure to find the perfect location to see all kinds of wildflowers and birds. 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 making s’mores. At Barkcamp there is something for everyone!

And, if you’re up for more adventure, then check out the Belmont County Bigfoot Geotour — you never know what you might find hiding in the woods of Belmont County! Our Bigfoot-themed geocache containers could be hidden anywhere and will have you exploring surroundings of our county that you might have never experienced before.

The Belmont County Bigfoot GeoTour has 20-plus geocaches just waiting for you to find and earn a trackable coin for those that complete the challenge. From the scenic Ohio River to a Longhorn cattle ranch, you will encounter Sasquatch-sized fun all around Belmont County!

So pack up the family, get outside and explore, and make more summer memories right here in our own backyard in Belmont County.

To find out more about all the upcoming events happening in Belmont County, go to our website at visitbelmontcounty.com.

Also, if you are planning an event, please share information with us by using the calendar event submission form on our website at visitbelmontcounty.com. We here to promote and share our love of friendly, beautiful Belmont County.

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