Fairmont

Fairmont’s food scene is a mix of decades-old family restaurants, old-time diners and hot dog joints. Locals love Muriale’s Italian Restaurant & Catering. This authentic family eatery boasts recipes handed down generation after generation. Colasessano’s is another mainstay, with its thick-crusted pizzas. No trip to Fairmont is complete without a pitstop at Country Club Bakery, “Home of the Original Pepperoni Roll.” Snack on a true West Virginia classic, hot from the oven. Top it all off with The Poky Dot’s famous 9-pound banana splits. Don’t worry they have malts, ice cream sundaes and pies, too!

For country music and old-time sounds, visit The Sagebrush Round-Up, where you can enjoy live music every week. Palatine Park also offers live music and fun activities in the summer. Beautifully situated along the east bank of the Monongahela River, the park provides the perfect place for peaceful walks and access to the river for fishing, boating, and other water sports.

Fairmont is a trove for treasure seekers with country-primitives taste. Start the hunt at Arts & Antiques Marketplace, where more than 80 vendors’ riches are spread over three stuffed floors. Find anything from vintage clothing and paintings to furniture and glassware. Craft Connection is a charming little store that has a great selection of home decor and gifts.

Putt your way through Appalachian history at Coal Country Miniature Golf, where the obstacles are made from vintage mining equipment. Dig into coal industry history at the mining museum on-site. Or, if you want another round of games, head to the Seth Burton Disc Golf Course. Have a picnic on the banks at Valley Falls State Park, or cycle around the mountain trails. Pedal even deeper into the countryside along the tracks of the town’s rail trails, winding through old train tunnels and along the riverbanks.

Prickett’s Fort State Park’s living history museum is recreated based on an original 18th-century fort. Costumed actors share stories and demonstrate colonial crafting, like blacksmithing and sheep shearing. Pack a picnic lunch and pretend you’re a pioneer family! The Marion County Historical Society & Museum features exhibits relating to the state’s past. Pop in and take a tour of the museum and an old jail. The Marion County Military Veterans Plaza honors veterans with a bronze statue of soldiers from WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Fairmont has several chain hotels, but do you care to camp under the stars? You can park your RV at Fairmont Hills RV Park, which is a short distance away from several great Appalachian restaurants. You can also stay at Heather’s Haven, a cabin rental on the Tygart River. The Tiny Farmhouse at Historical Zion Heritage Farm features one room, a full bathroom and a kitchenette.