Make the Most of College Football Weekends in West Virginia
Saturday nights in Almost Heaven are just better under the lights. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who roots for teams like the Mountaineers and the Thundering Herd or just want more excitement to add to your itinerary, West Virginia will give you something to cheer on.
Tackle your bucket list and make the most of college football weekends at these West Virginia destinations. 🏈
Morgantown
Whether you’re a college football fanatic or not, you’ve definitely seen highlights of the West Virginia Mountaineers at some point. The Mountaineers represent West Virginia University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision of college football, and the fans can be heard from anywhere in Mountaineer Country (and the whole Mountain State).
Before heading out to Milan Puskar Stadium, grab some over-the-top Mexican Cuisine at Black Bear Burritos or delicious burgers and hand-helds from Iron Horse Tavern. Are you in the mood for a victory drink? Stop by Forks of Cheat Winery, a family-owned winery offering tours and tastings.
After spending the night in the historic Hotel Morgan, head east to Coopers Rock State Forest and adventure through the mountains of northern West Virginia, with several scenic overlooks, hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, camping and much more. No matter what you have on your list of things to do, you’ll sing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver at some point. 🎶
Huntington
Another staple West Virginia team, sporting green and white, is the Thundering Herd. Repping Marshall University as a member of the Sun Belt Conference East Division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Thundering Herd creates an electric atmosphere every time they enter the field.
After the iconic Thunderwalk and countless chants of “We are Marshall,” consider extending your stay in the Metro Valley throughout the weekend. Downtown Huntington features numerous restaurants, arcade bars, shops and a riverside park. For recreational activities, Beech Fork State Park features hiking and biking trails, fishing, hunting, geocaching and camping. Spend the night in one of their cozy cabins or rest your head at Chessie Room Bed and Breakfast, a charming breakfast bed at Heritage Station.
Go Herd!
Charleston
Get your game face on in the Capitol city of Charleston and cheer on the maroon and gold! The Charleston Golden Eagles represent the University of Charleston at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Mountain East Conference.
After departing Laidley Field, try some local takes on Mexican cuisine at Black Sheep Burritos & Brews or Greek flavors at Adelphia Sports Bar & Grille. Stroll down Summers Street and enjoy nightlife on Brewers Row at local breweries including Short Story Brewing, Fife Street Brewing and Bad Shepherd.
To extend your weekend football trip to Charleston, rest your head at the Brass Pineapple Bed and Breakfast for a unique, yet homey stay.
Fairmont
While a Marion County town already famous for introducing the pepperoni roll, Fairmont is also a vibrant college town. Head to Fairmont State University and cheer on the Fighting Falcons! Fairmont State competes in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports and is a member of the Mountain East Conference.
While exploring this slice of Mountaineer Country, taste the town’s Italian heritage at restaurants like Muriale’s Italian Restaurant & Catering for pasta or Colasessano’s for thick-crusted pizzas. Switch up your dessert game. The Poky Dot for their delicious malts, ice cream sundaes and famous 9-pound banana splits!
To glimpse Fairmont’s roots, check out Prickett’s Fort State Park, a living history museum showcasing pioneer life on an 18th-century-style fort. Just outside Fairmont is Valley Falls State Park, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Tygart Valley River and check off Valley Falls on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.
Shepherdstown
Jump into the New Year with America’s State Parks First Day Hike! The quaint Eastern Panhandle city of Shepherdstown proudly cheers on the Shepherd Rams, competing in NCAA Division II sports – primarily in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Located along the banks of the Potomac River, Shepherdstown treats you to sophisticated restaurants, colonial ambiance and old-world elegance.
While you’re here for a game, explore the panhandle’s paranormal side with Shepherdstown Mysteries Walk or find your next read at Four Seasons Books. For excellent local dining, Bistro 112 brings a little bit of Paris to the mix. The Blue Moon Café is an eclectic restaurant with outdoor seating and delicious salads, pizza and sandwiches. Easily extend your Shepherdstown stay at the award-winning Bavarian Inn, a luxurious hotel with extraordinary amenities. Its claim to fame: an infinity pool that seemingly melts into the Potomac River.
Wheeling
Hailing from the Northern Panhandle, the Cardinals represent Wheeling University at the NCAA Division II level and are members of the Mountain East Conference. Before the game, fuel up at Avenue Eats for a delicious burger or Sarah’s on Main for mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches. Looking for the ultimate one-stop hub? Centre Market is home to eateries, antique shops, salons, bakeries and cafes.
Visit Oglebay Park Resort to tee off at one of two professionally designed golf courses. There is also a par three course for beginners and experienced golfers alike. Oglebay has plenty of overnight options for extending your college football weekend in Almost Heaven.
Who are you cheering on this season? Find your next college football weekend adventure with inspiration from our free West Virginia Vacation Guide!
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This post was last updated on October 17, 2025