Entertainment/Culture - The Shopping Center
 Wheeling could be said to have the nickname "The Friendly City" not
only for its hospitality to visitors, but also for the ambiance of
its unique shopping districts.
In downtown Wheeling, Center, and North Wheeling, more than 100 shops and stores can be found along tree-lined, landscaped streets that offer a wide assortment of retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, entertainment establishments and lodging, all within an easy walking radius.
Shopping at The Highlands, located at the Cabela exit (exit 10)
off of I-70 features many national chains and high-end stores. Construction
continues and additional stores open monthly.
Inexpensive parking is readily accessible, with on-street spaces, large surface lots and multi-story garages providing spaces not only for downtown office workers, but also shoppers and visitors.
Spanning two blocks along Market Street is a pedestrian mall lined with trees, benches, flowers, and a fountain. Near the WesBanco Arena, major changes have been made with the development of the riverfront into Heritage Park. Currently, there are picnic tables, a waterfront amphitheater and one segment of the illuminated, paved walking/jogging trail (see Recreation). During warmer months it is not unusual to see downtown workers enjoying an outdoor lunch or stroll. You are most welcome to join them!
Between the historic B & O Railroad Station (now West Virginia Northern Community College) and West Virginia Independence Hall  is College Square Park, with inviting benches shaded by trees and circling arbors.
Just a few blocks south is one of the most unusual shopping districts anywhere. The Centre Market area offers dozens of unique restaurants and specialty shops. The Market House was built in 1853 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. It was restored and renovated in a major multimillion-dollar beautification effort. Brick accented, landscaped walkways and turn-of-the-century style lighting add to the bustling Victorian charm for shoppers, diners and browsers.
Suburban shopping centers can be found in Woodsdale, Elm Grove, Edgington Lane, South Wheeling and Warwood. Ten miles west of Wheeling on Interstate 70, the Ohio Valley Mall and the newest developments, the Ohio Valley Plaza and Plaza West, offer more than 100 stores.
Overnight visitors to Wheeling are assured of having a wide choice of comfortable lodging. More than 1,300 rooms can be found in the region, ranging from the historic Ramada Plaza City Center Hotel and the Best Western Inn, both in downtown Wheeling, to the Hampton Inn on National Road in Woodsdale, Oglebay's Wilson Lodge and array of family cabins, and several charming Victorian bed and breakfasts.
Other area motels include the Comfort Inn, the Hampton Inn/St. Clairsville, Knight Inn, Super-8 Motel, Red Roof Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. Also be sure to check out the Holiday Inn in Weirton, the Meadowlands, and St. Clairsville. There's also a Holiday Inn Express in Wheeling East, and an Econo Lodge and a Days Inn at St. Clairsville.
When it comes to dining, the Wheeling area offers more than 150 food service establishments that literally can satisfy any taste. Diners can choose from elegant haute cuisine to moderately-priced family dining or from a wide variety of fast- food fare. Choices can include seating overlooking the Ohio River, a neighborhood bistro, a microbrew pub and restaurant, steakhouses with line-dancing servers and peanut shells on the floor and cozy pizza shops. If ethnic choice appeal to you, the Wheeling area can offer several Chinese restaurants, Mexican and Southwest, Greek, Irish, Italian and traditional American. The Wheeling are loves seafood, and a popular choice is to line up for hearty fish sandwiches a Coleman's Fish Market' in the. Centre Market. Don't forget dessert! There are also several ice cream specialty shops in the area serving up freshly-made cone sundaes and shakes.
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