Visit Hobart, Ohio
Whether you’re crossing the bridge from Guthrie or drifting down Route 3 on purpose, Hobart welcomes you with open arms, watchful eyes, and an unsettling sense of order. From historic architecture to slush stands and art deco oddities, Hobart’s got a little bit of everything.
Getting Here
By Road: Route 3 (State St.) carries most visitors through town. Gallia and Court Streets run north–south toward Village Hall, while Hocking Street climbs past the industrial and market district. Canal Street follows the canal works from the bridge northward, scenic, fog permitting.
Parking: Civic Lot (Court & Symmes) – Free, 2-hour limit 8a–6p; Bandstand Green – Street parking on Mulberry & Scioto; Overflow – Hobart High School (400 High St., event nights only).
Things to Do
Hobart blends river-town charm, hillside views, and mild existential confusion. We recommend starting downtown and seeing where the sidewalks take you.
- Chaffin Place (Hobart Historical Society) – Rotating exhibits, early plats, and the occasional lecture from Dr. Loretta Marlowe. Upper floors remain closed to the living.
- Partridge Estate (Hobart Garden Club) – Seasonal displays, civic horticulture, and the annual Chrysanthemum Dinner.
- Radar Ridge Overlook & Transmitter – A clear-day view of four counties; secure hats and small dogs.
- Water Towers (Gallia St. Terminus) – Hobart’s iconic blue-and-white towers; best viewed from Alma at dusk.
- The Mural Behind the Post Office – Appears to change slightly every spring. No artist identified.
- Mulberry Bend Culvert – 19th-century drainage marvel. Observe from across the street, preferably with company.
- Bandstand on the Green – Community hub, market space, and traditional meeting point for the lost.
Events & Festivals
Mark your calendar, or just let PAL-TV tell you when it's happening.
- Hobart Pumpkin Festival (October) – Parade, pies, PAL-TV coverage, and a suspicious number of gourds.
- Possum Fest (November) – Family events, civic pride, and intermittent chaos.
- HHS Homecoming & Band Night (October) – Friday lights and alumni intrigue.
- Leadville Pencil Days (Nearby) – Regional celebration of the graphite trade.
- Guthrie Riverfront Market (WV) – Saturdays across the bridge; barter optional.
- The Marlowe Lectures – Historical talks broadcast on PAL-TV, occasionally interrupted by weather alerts.
Dining & Nightlife
From neon supper clubs to questionable burritos, Hobart’s dining scene is as unpredictable as its utilities.
- Punky’s Pizza – Local favorite with live music and strong opinions.
- Fisher’s Dairy Bar – Ice cream, comfort plates, and civic networking opportunities.
- The Griddle Shack – All-day breakfast and hubcap-sized pancakes.
- Ma’s Fried Bologna Shack – Cash only. Mustard hours strictly enforced.
- The Rusty Spoke – Biker karaoke Thursdays. Bring earplugs.
- The Furnace Taproom – Craft brews in a converted mill. Probably haunted.
- Taco Well – Home of the XXXL 18-Layer Burrito.
- Pho Real – Authentic Vietnamese in Hobart’s most exclusive strip mall.
- The Oompah House – German-themed bar and festival favorite.
- Fryer’s Club – Fried chicken with live accordion Fridays.
- The Foxhole – Basement bar, Christmas lights year-round.
- The Moonlight Lounge – Supper club with the infamous neon crescent and martini of the month.
- Aztec Palace – Where they set your dinner on fire. Sometimes unintentionally.
Visitor Guidelines
- Curfew is dusk. Curfew is always dusk.
- Doors marked “Authorized Local Access Only” are not part of the tour.
- Stay on sidewalks near the canal; footing may shift.
- Wildlife (raccoons, possums, foxes) are friendly but unionized.
- If lost, return to the bandstand and wait. Someone will arrive.
Practical Information
Alerts & Notices: All civic and emergency notices appear on PAL-TV Channel 6 and the east lobby bulletin board at Village Hall. Boil orders will be announced with unnecessary fanfare.
Meetings & Check-In: Visitors are welcome at public meetings. Residents must use CivicKey; visitors may sign the paper ledger if it’s available.
Utilities & Services: HMUC handles water, sewer, and electric. The Village does not mediate billing or metaphysical disputes.
Across the River: Guthrie, West Virginia offers a riverfront market, fuel, and further opportunities for interpretive navigation.
“You can't get lost in Hobart, you just end up somewhere familiar.”
— Official Motto of the Hobart Convention & Visitors Bureau