Oglebay is preparing to reveal its newly redesigned restaurants located within the Lodge.
These reimagined dining spaces celebrate the spirit of Oglebay and the rich history of our region. Nestled in the heart of Oglebay Lodge, Trace Chophouse and Skyline Kitchen & Bar will delight patrons with creative menus, thoughtful interior finishes, and energizing activations.
Trace Chophouse, inspired by our pioneer history, pays tribute to our location on the National Road and the mile marker-lined path that charted the trailblazers (or, “tracers”) journey west. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are welcomed into a ruggedly lavish dining room adorned with glowing fireplaces, etched stones, and artisan leather elements. A highlight of the space is the historic hearth, crafted from logs of the Zane family’s late 18th century home. These logs were gifted to Oglebay, serving as a tangible tribute to Trace’s dedication to celebrating our local history and Wheeling’s founding family.
Trace Chophouse will offer an extensive selection of Old World and New World wines, premium steaks, and high-quality seafood. And for those who know the code word, a hidden door will reveal a modern twist on a secret throwback experience showcasing curious mixology techniques and tinctures.
Adjacent to Trace Chophouse, Skyline Kitchen & Bar offers a gastropub family dining experience inspired by nostalgic and regional favorites. Set against the stunning backdrop where the sky meets the horizon, Skyline is the perfect destination for any meal, a casual seat at the bar, or a late-night snack and cocktail.
Skyline’s open display kitchen invites guests to indulge in the expanded breakfast buffet or participate in hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations. Overlooking Schenk Lake, the Ihlenfeld Room celebrates the philanthropic legacy of the Ihlenfeld family and features pop-up surprise menus for all ages. The humble, striking beauty of Oglebay’s surrounding landscape enhances every Skyline dining experience.
Bob Peckenpaugh, President & CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission, is eager for the project’s completion. “The restaurant openings are just around the corner, and we’re excited to welcome guests to these beautiful new spaces where our team will be providing unforgettable experiences. These redesigned areas highlight our commitment to offering fresh, elevated activations while honoring Oglebay’s rich history.”
In addition to the revamped restaurants, Sarita’s Coffee & Goods will find a new home within Oglebay’s redesigned lobby area. This new venue features a thoughtful mix of barista-style coffee drinks, fresh baked pastries, grab-and-go food items, and carefully curated apparel and keepsakes. Sarita’s is all about the simple pleasures, from our private label coffee selection to the beautiful views from the veranda.
Meanwhile, Hickman Lounge has also been elevated to include a full bar and a garden to glass beverage menu featuring cocktails crafted from herbs and spices grown in Oglebay’s greenhouse.
The renovation costs have been partially funded by a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), with additional support from the Oglebay Foundation. Through its “Forever Yours: The Campaign for An Enduring Oglebay,” the Foundation aims to secure the remaining funds, rallying philanthropic support for transformative renovations across Oglebay.
Eriks Janelsins, President & CEO of the Oglebay Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing enhancements, stating, “These updates align with our mission of preserving Oglebay’s legacy while enriching the park experience for generations to come, especially as we approach Oglebay’s centenary in 2028.”
Peckenpaugh thanks the Wheeling Park Commission, Economic Development Administration, and the Oglebay Foundation and its donors, for their pivotal role in creating an exceptional experience for our entire community.
About Oglebay – Located in Wheeling, WV, Oglebay is a 2,000-acre public park, offering year-round recreational activities and overnight accommodations. Studied by planners worldwide as the only self-supporting public municipal park in operation in the United States, Oglebay stands as a successful tribute to Earl W. Oglebay, a notable achievement of the Wheeling Park Commission, and a credit to the many benefactors and organizations involved in its growth. www.oglebay.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
