Portsmouth, Ohio

I took a recent road trip with two of my boys to Ohio. My 17-year-old will be graduating from high school this spring and was interested visiting Shawnee State University's campus in Portsmouth, Ohio. So, we were there for just a day and spent most of that time touring the campus, but should it be where he ends up going to school the next four years, it's an area I'd love to explore more.

Portsmouth (which I understand is pronounced Portsmith by locals) is situated in the Ohio River Valley in Scioto County in south-central Ohio. The campus sits just along the Ohio River with a pretty view of the Kentucky mountains on the other side. The U.S. Grant Bridge is a beautiful structure that can be seen as you make your way around the downtown area.

The town's Historic Boneyfiddle District is known for its antique shops and dining. The flood wall murals artistically portray the history of Portsmouth and was declared the largest continual work of art by a single artist.

We also paid a visit to Shawnee State Park, which was just about 20 minutes away.

For more information on Portsmouth, visit ohiorivertourism.org.

Looking through town at the U.S. Grant Bridge and into Kentucky.

Heading onto the U.S. Grant Bridge heading into Kentucky.

Coming into Kentucky across the U.S. Grant Bridge from Portsmouth.

My sons on the campus of Shawnee State University with the U.S. Grant Bridge in the background.