Our Guide to Spending 48 Hours in Morgantown, WV

Spend a weekend in Morgantown and find yourself right in the heart of Mountaineer Country. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown is a charming mountain town that’s overflowing with stellar dining options, natural beauty, outdoor adventures and an abundance of Almost Heaven pride. Morgantown was even spotlighted by Southern Living as one of the South’s best cities on the rise.

Discover what makes the Mountain State so memorable in a mere 48 hours and leave longing to return time and time again.

Heavenly Cafes

It’s not hard to find a scrumptious brunch or delicious latte here in Morgantown. Visit any of these quaint cafes to experience a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Start your morning off right with a caffeinated drink from Mountaineer Roasting Co. From pour-overs and Americanos to lattes, hot or cold, this roaster has become a top favorite among students and residents alike. Fresh and local ingredients are the stars of the spectacular dishes at Terra Cafe. From award-winning pastries to innovative brunch plates, this spot is sure to brighten your day.

Savor delightful smoothie bowls, sandwiches and salads at River Birch Cafe. Here breakfast is served all day so there’s no need to rush! Located just a quick walk away from campus, The Grind is a full-service coffee house that serves up espresso, coffee and teas along with grab-n-go items for ease. Considered a local landmark, The Blue Moose Cafe has been a part of the community for nearly 30 years. Pair your coffee with Biscotti for the ultimate treat.

Local Brews & Bar Bites

The beer here goes beyond that of a typical college town and instead showcases the heart of Appalachia. Be introduced to quality establishments that tend to their brews with genuine care when tasting in Morgantown.  Find yourself in West Virginia’s oldest brewery when visiting Morgantown Brewing Company. This spot serves killer burgers alongside exotic ales, offers ten brews on tap and often releases special small batches. Venture into the woods and discover Chestnut Brew Works tucked within the trees. The Halleck Pale Ale made this startup soar—its flavor features English floor-malted barley and citrusy American hops that continue to make it a star.

Mountain State Brewing Company is best known for its handcrafted house microbrew and gourmet, wood-fired flatbreads. One of the oldest distributing microbreweries and taprooms in West Virginia, this company poured its first glass in 2005 and now has multiple locations across the state. Even more bar bites and 30 rotating high-end craft beers can be found on tap at Apothecary Ale House. The Iron Horse Tavern shines in showcasing elevated pub fare and specializes in West Virginia craft beer, as well.

Outdoor Recreation

When in Morgantown, visiting the West Virginia Botanic Garden is a must. Home to 85 acres and four miles of trails, these gardens provide an oasis of hemlock and hardwood forests, cross streams and circle wetlands. Explore the area on two wheels with a leisurely pedal on the Mon River Trails, a series of rail trails that currently span into three counties. These trails are open for cycling, walking, jogging and even cross-country skiing in the winter. Nearby Coopers Rock State Forest makes a wonderful place for a picnic amidst West Virginia’s great outdoors. The park within the forest features canyon overlooks, historic sites, picnic shelters, over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails as well as sandstone cliffs for climbing and bouldering.

Where to Stay

For an authentic downtown experience, book a stay with Hotel Morgan. This historic hotel was first established in 1925 and received complete renovations in 2020. This gem pairs classic charm with contemporary amenities, making it a top-tier stay. This splendid location also offers an on-site restaurant and spaces available to accommodate events of all kinds and sizes.

Have another 48 hours to spare?

This post was last updated on April 3, 2024