Set along the Monongahela River, Morgantown — affectionately known as Motown — has all the hallmarks of a classic college town. Vibrant, sports-forward, and full of personality, it’s anchored by West Virginia University (WVU), where Mountaineer pride runs deep. On fall Saturdays, tailgates fill the parking lots, and as many as 60,000 fans pack the stadium.
Before you go, brush up on the lyrics to John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” You’ll likely be singing along after a home-game win. Beyond game day, Morgantown offers a thriving arts scene, scenic river trails, and a dramatic hillside setting that makes the city unlike any other college town.
Drive time from Dulles: About 3.5 hours
What to Do
It’s fair to say that Morgantown revolves around WVU, especially in the fall when the city leans hard into college football. On Saturdays, Milan Puskar Stadium transforms Morgantown into a sea of Old Gold and Blue.
Hours before kickoff, the parking lot fills with elaborate tailgate kitchens, decked-out RVs and buses, and coolers plastered with Mountaineer decals. Don’t miss the Mountaineer Mantrip, when the football team, coaches, and marching band walk through the tailgating lots, shaking hands and high-fiving fans before the players stop to touch a block of coal for good luck, paying homage to the state’s rich mining heritage.
While football is central to the city’s identity, the university’s influence extends beyond athletics. The Canady Creative Arts Center hosts concerts, theater, and dance performances, while the Art Museum of WVU regularly features exhibitions exploring Appalachian art and culture. Outside, the 2.5-acre Nath Sculpture Garden showcases contemporary works and native plantings.
Stroll High Street, the epicenter of WVU’s social scene, where coffee shops, bookstores, boutiques, and restaurants buzz with student energy. Just downhill, the Wharf District slows the pace with riverside patios, Mountain State Brewing Co. (one of West Virginia’s oldest microbreweries), and easy access to the 48-mile Mon River Rail-Trail.
Where to Stay
For the full college town experience, check into Hotel Morgan. Since opening in 1925, the landmark hotel has hosted notable guests such as Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. A 2021 renovation preserved its marble floors, grand staircase, historic ballroom, and art deco–inspired details. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s an easy walk to WVU, restaurants, and nightlife, making it a popular choice for visiting alumni, prospective students, and football fans on fall weekends.
If you’d rather trade downtown’s energy for river views, book a room at Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. Set along the Monongahela River, the hotel is steps from the 6-mile Caperton Trail, Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, and the Wharf District’s restaurants.
Where to Dine
Morgantown’s food scene boasts a mix of longtime institutions and newer gathering spots. Start the morning at Strange Light Coffee & Books, a welcoming coffee bar and bookshop with shelves featuring second-hand books and tables of latte-sipping students. Opened in 2025, the café hosts author talks, make-and-take art workshops, and open-mic poetry nights. Finished a good book? Bring it along and trade it in for store credit toward your next read.
Midday, head to Boston Beanery, a historic wood-paneled tavern inspired by the neighborhood pubs of 1800s Boston. A favorite with students and alumni, the menu features burgers, pizzas, and shareables like nachos and potato skins. The grilled Monte Cristo has earned a loyal following. On football weekends, expect the place to buzz with game-day energy.
No visit is complete without a stop at Mario’s Fishbowl, a Morgantown institution since 1949. Order the signature oversized “fishbowl” beer and a basket of Cowboy Ranch Wings at the original Richwood Avenue location, then read the walls covered with decades of handwritten notes from students and alumni.
Before heading home, pop into Mid Atlantic Market, known for generously stuffed, piping-hot pepperoni rolls. Originally created as a portable meal for West Virginia coal miners, pepperoni rolls are one of the state’s most iconic snacks.
Feature image, Steheap/stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
