Dean Martin/Steubenville, Ohio
I had an amazing time in Steubenville, Ohio, a charming city located along the Ohio River in the eastern part of the state, just 45 minutes west of Pittsburgh, PA. Known for its industrial history, picturesque views, and cultural heritage, Steubenville offers a mix of historic sites, natural beauty, and a unique sense of community.
Steubenville is uniquely situated along the Ohio River, which carved out the wide valley with Steubenville on one side and West Virginia on the other. The stunning waterfront provides ample opportunities for riverfront activities, including boat rides, fishing, and scenic overlooks, which make for a pleasant visit.
A local visitor’s center is always a good first stop when visiting a new city, and the Steubenville Visitor’s Center does not disappoint. Located on the site of Historic Fort Steuben, the center offers a museum, gift shop, and plenty of memorabilia celebrating their most famous resident, Dino Paul Crocetti, also known as Mr. Dean Martin.
Steubenville was once a thriving industrial town where immigrants settled for well-paying jobs and the opportunity to live the American dream. The past 40 years have been devastating to the local steel and manufacturing economy in the area, and it has left Steubenville struggling for a new identity. The downtown area reflects a bygone era, but there are some quaint shops, coffee shops, and local restaurants at the heart of the city, where there are plenty of opportunities to pick out the interesting architectural touches that still exist.
The Steubenville Nutcracker Village is a must see downtown, with over 150 hand-painted nutcrackers, and a wide variety of holiday ornaments and décor. During the holiday season, they offer a stunning display of holiday cheer.
Steubenville is known as “The City of Murals,” and I had a lot of fun seeking out the 25 historic murals that are scattered throughout the city. I also made my way to peaceful Beatty Park which offers trails, green spaces, and a fantastic view of the Ohio River. It’s an ideal spot for picnics, walking, or simply relaxing and enjoying nature. Outdoor enthusiasts will be glad to know there are several parks and golf courses in the area.
The Jefferson County Historical Association Museum highlights the history of Steubenville and the surrounding area, showcasing artifacts, exhibits, and collections that trace the city’s industrial past, the development of the region, and notable local figures, including Dean Martin.
Dean Martin: Steubenville’s Most Famous Former Resident
Dino Paul Crocetti, born in Steubenville on June 7, 1917, is one of the most iconic figures in American entertainment history. Martin rose to fame as a crooner with a smooth voice and relaxed demeanor, earning the adoration of fans worldwide. He was a star of television, radio, film, and a member of the legendary “Rat Pack” alongside Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop.
Dean Martin’s early life in Steubenville, which he later described fondly in interviews, shaped much of his career. Growing up in a working-class Italian American family, Martin always had a passion for music and performed at local clubs before making it big in Hollywood. His breakthrough came when he teamed up with Jerry Lewis in a comedy duo in 1946, eventually gaining prominence as a solo performer. I grew up watching Martin and Lewis films, and to this day, I enjoy finding hilarious clips of their 1950’s TV show on YouTube. There was something magical about their creative synergy.
For three days each June, the Dean Martin Association hosts an annual Dean Martin Festival, celebrating the beloved entertainer’s legacy. The festival includes concerts, performances, a car show, and a wide variety of activities that honor his musical career and his impact on entertainment.
There are a few locations in Steubenville that are particularly fun for Dean Martin fans to visit. Although most of the establishments from Martin’s early days no longer exist, I got to a few places where Dean was known to have hung out in his Steubenville days, including the Spot Bar on South Fourth Street where he used to play dice in the back room, and Naples Steak and Spaghetti House, one of Dean’s favorite places for Italian food and which hosted Dean’s friends and family for a dinner during his visit to Steubenville in 1950. I met super nice people at each establishment, enjoying a cool cocktail at the Spot, and a delicious sausage dish at Naples that was so hot, it made me sweat…in a good way.
Steubenville, Ohio, is a hidden gem filled with history, scenic beauty, and cultural attractions, with a particular pride in its connection to Dean Martin. His life and legacy continue to shape the identity of the city, which celebrates his achievements with a festival, historic markers, and special displays. Whether you’re a fan of his music or simply looking to explore a city with deep roots and charm, Steubenville offers an inviting experience that blends history, entertainment, and local culture.
While not really a rock ‘n’ roll guy (he wasn’t very fond of the genre), he earns a spot on oldies radio because although he hadn’t had a pop hit since 1958, on August 15, 1964, he knocked The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night” off the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Everybody Loves Somebody,” and he stayed on the Pop-Standard Singles chart for eight weeks. That works for me, because I am a Dean Martin fan!
Video content from my time in Steubenville will soon be available on my YouTube channel: Rock Travel Show! Please check it out and be sure to subscribe, as I’ll be trekking all over the world to visit the places that shaped the music and artists we all know and love.