Welcome to Morgantown, the lively heart of north-central West Virginia! Nestled in the rolling Appalachian Mountains, this college town perfectly blends mountain beauty, small-town charm, and a dose of big-city energy. Whether you’re chasing outdoor adventures, live music, or great local eats, we’ve curated the best things to do in Morgantown to optimize your visit.
And as a West Virginia native (who used to come here just for Mountaineer football games), I’ll admit—Morgantown totally surprised me. With its riverfront trails, boutique hotels, and craft breweries, it’s one of the most exciting spots in the Mountain State.
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Stay Downtown: Hotel Morgan
You can’t beat the Hotel Morgan, a stylish boutique property (81 loft-like rooms and two suites), right on High Street. The rooms are sleek, comfy, and full of personality—think exposed brick, plush bedding, and marble bathrooms that feel straight out of a spa.
Don’t miss Anvil + Ax, the hotel’s chic craft cocktail bar—it’s a local favorite for happy hour and a dreamy little stylish spot for unwinding.
If you prefer something with a little more space and parking perks, the nearby Hilton Garden Inn is another excellent choice. I loved its location, beautiful lobby and rooms, plus the bustling restaurant and bar scene.
Sip, Shop & Stroll
Downtown Morgantown is a fun mix of boutique shopping, local art, and great coffee. Don’t miss Seneca Center, a former glass factory turned shopping and dining hub, or Suncrest Town Centre for trendy shops like Park and Madison.
My favorites at Seneca Center include Country Roads Quilt Shop (featured in our “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” book), Cutting Room Boutique (ladies fashions), Carolyn’s Florals, and The Tea Shoppe, which is fun and delicious. Order the Royal Tea because the scones, quiche, soup, and finger sandwiches are too good to pass up and easily one of the best things to do in Morgantown.
If you love markets, swing by the Morgantown Farmers Market (400 Spruce Street) on Saturday mornings for local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
Explore the Caperton Trail
Grab a bike (you can rent from Wamsley Cycles) and hit the Caperton Trail, a scenic paved path that hugs the Monongahela River. It’s an easy, beautiful way to soak in the city’s best views—and it connects right into the Mon River Trail system (PA state line to Prickett’s Fort State Park) if you want to go farther.
Visit John F. Kennedy Memorial Park
Factor in time to see the bronze statue depicting John F. Kennedy Jr. saluting his father’s casket at Edith Barrill Riverfront Park. The park is fantastic for bringing the kids to play on the Tugboat Depot-themed playground, ride bikes on the Rail Trail, walk, or picnic.
Where to Eat in Morgantown
From cozy brunch spots to upscale Italian and everything in between, Morgantown’s food scene is fantastic. Start your day with breakfast at Apple Annie’s (classic eats that outrank all its competitors), grab lunch at Terra Café (possibly the prettiest pastries and baked goods in WV), or enjoy dinner with a river view at Oliverio’s on the Wharf.
Since 1965, this Italian restaurant gem has provided decadent food and earned an impressive reputation. The meatballs with ricotta are sublime, while the lasagna is a crowd favorite.
For a full list of my favorite places to eat, check out my Morgantown Restaurant Guide!
WVU Pride & Campus Highlights
Home to West Virginia University, a national leader in robotics and biometrics, Morgantown pulses with school spirit year-round. Tour the gorgeous campus, catch a game, or at least lay eyes on Mountaineer Field (Milan Puskar Stadium), home to the West Virginia Mountaineers, if you can. Few things compare to 60,000 fans belting out “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Goosebumps every time.
Famous WVU alumni include Jerry West, Don Knotts, Stephen Coonts, and Katherine Johnson.
If you have extra time, pencil in the Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum — it’s home to an extensive collection representing the area’s coal and petroleum industries. The Art Museum of WVU and the WVU Museum of Natural History are other options.
For something quieter, stroll through the WVU Core Arboretum or check out the Art Museum of WVU. Both are free and wonderful.
Discover Morgantown’s Outdoor Beauty
Love the outdoors? You’ll feel right at home here.
- Coopers Rock State Forest (just a 20-minute drive) has incredible overlooks, hiking trails, and photo ops galore.
- The West Virginia Botanic Garden offers peaceful wooded paths and wetlands.
- WVU Core Arboretum showcases 91 acres and over 500 species; birding is prominent, too.
- And nearby Cheat Lake is perfect for boating, fishing, or just relaxing by the water—grab dinner at Lakehouse Restaurant to end your day with a view.
Cheers to Morgantown’s Craft Beer Scene
Morgantown knows its brews! Start at Morgantown Brewing Company, then hop over to Chestnut Brew Works or Iron Horse Tavern for more great pours and pub food. If you’re a serious beer lover, Apothecary Ale House & Café is your spot—27 rotating taps and 100+ bottles.
Prefer wine? Head to Forks of Cheat Winery, where you can sip award-winning wines with a stunning Appalachian Mountains view. Their Bad Cat Catawba blush wine is always a tasty choice.
Arts, Music & Local Legends
Catch a live performance at the historic Metropolitan Theatre—affectionately known by locals as “The Met.” Then, explore Morgantown’s creative side with a visit to the Art Museum of WVU.
Before you leave downtown, make sure to stop by the Don Knotts statue, honoring Morgantown’s own Emmy Award–winning comedy legend best known for his role as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show.
Why You’ll Love Morgantown
Whether you’re here for game day, the trails, or a mountain getaway, Morgantown delivers a little bit of everything that makes West Virginia so special—friendly people, incredible scenery, and a whole lot of local flavor.
Trust me, this isn’t just a college town—it’s a must-visit destination in the Mountain State.
I was hosted by Mountaineer Country for my hotel accommodations and some meals. As with all posts on this site, all opinions and reviews are 100% my own and unbiased.
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