Main Street Shopping: Marietta

With its walkability and small-town charm, downtown Marietta is a day-tripper’s dream. Pop into any one of its over two dozen small retailers and you’ll meet friendly folks who create a vibrant quarter teeming with character. “Marietta’s history is on full display the second you step foot downtown, from the ornate facades on our buildings to historic markers sprinkled throughout the district and even the murals designed by local artists,” says Cristie Thomas, executive director of Marietta Main Street. The district, which has remained vital for so many decades, continues to evolve. The city — the star of Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough’s 2019 nonfiction bestseller The Pioneers — is proud to welcome visitors who come to experience how the town’s past merges effortlessly with present.

justAjar Design Press: Bobby Rosenstock prints woodcut and letterpress posters on vintage equipment. With cabinets of movable type, the shop is almost a micro museum of printing technology. Browse through concert posters, T-shirts, notecards and frameable woodblock prints at this blast from the past. 208 Front St., Marietta 45750, 503/853-6720, justajar.com

Marietta Adventure Co.: During warm months, this is the local stop for bike and kayak rentals so you can explore the natural beauty of Marietta’s nearby trails and waterways. But the shop also offers an enticing array of apparel and accessories, plus a full range of high-end mountain and road bikes. 219 B Second St., Marietta 45750, 740/538-0801, 
mariettaadventurecompany.com


740 Social: The newest eatery to open downtown, 740 Social brings big-city ambiance to Marietta. Locals have quickly embraced its Sunday brunch, house-made baguettes and splashy cocktails. This is the place to order drinks and an assortment of apps and enjoy a grown-up vibe. 181 Front St., Marietta 45750, 740/336-7422

Antique Mall of Marietta: Weaving through the nooks and crannies of this labyrinthine antique mall, you’ll stumble across stalls chockablock with Griswold cast-iron cookware, vintage vinyl records, giant stoneware crocks and other finds you never even knew you needed. There’s always something fun to discover. 135 Second St., Marietta 45750, 740/376-0038, antiquemallofmarietta.com

The Cook’s Shop: This classily appointed cookware shop offers top-of-the-line brands like Wusthof knives and Le Creuset, plus dozens of specialty cookie cutters and an array of hard-to-find spices, oils and vinegars. A must-stop for hardcore foodies on your list, this place is teeming with stocking-stuffer gadgets. 180 Front St., Marietta 45750, 740/538-6003, thecooksshop.com


Schafer Leather Store: In business more than 150 years, Schafer’s heady scent of fine leather goods is detectable before ever entering the store. The selection of cowboy boots here is incredible, and those who prefer an urban look will find sophisticated pieces ranging from belts to purses to hats. 140 Front St., Marietta 45750, 740/373-5373, schaferleather.com

Green Acres of Marietta: Green Acres offers nostalgia and style all in one store. Dazzlingly arrayed antiques, curios and jewelry sit alongside a great selection of soy candles. Owner Jennifer Sturgill and her staff offer kind greetings and, in the past, warmers of hot herbal tea. 128 Front St., Marietta 45750, 740/371-5117, greenacresofmarietta.com


Marietta Brewing Co.: Known around town as simply “the brewery,” this is a local favorite for great casual meals and friendly service. The space is striking, with murals on high brick walls. Sample the craft beers and choose from a menu of brewpub classics. 167 Front St., Marietta 45750, 740/373-2739, mariettabrewingco.com

Wit & Whimzy: Those with a sharp sense of style and wry sense of humor will adore the unique gifts at this unbeatably curated shop with an emphasis on Mid-Ohio Valley makers. Find understated jewelry, Mothman tote bags, sardonic notecards and quality desk goods. 152 Front St., Marietta 45750, 740/371-5022, witnwhimzy.com

Putnam Chocolate (now closed): A lot of love goes into chocolatier Shane Danford’s confections. This spot puts large-scale luxury bonbons to shame with some of the best hand-dipped chocolates and pretzels you’re likely to encounter. With lucky timing, you can see Danford making chocolates right in front of you. 288 Front St., Marietta 45750, 740/373-9119

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