Living in Morgantown
Fusing college-town charm, urban appeal. If Morgantown was ever a secret to the outside world, it isn’t now.

Written by Peter Agostinelli and Nikki Bowman
Photography by Nikki Bowman


Morgantown is making national headlines as one of the few places in the country with a thriving economy. This year alone, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Kiplinger’s, MSNBC, Southern Living—to name a few—showcased West Virginia’s fastest growing city. And what folks discovered is that Morgantown is much more than a quintessential college town. It’s a place where the quality of life is high, the arts and culture flourish, and the economy is strong. “What’s not to like about a small city that devotes an entire downtown event to eating chocolate?” says Brian Bell, a Morgantown resident who relocated two years ago with his family from New York. “Morgantown is an exception rather than a rule when it comes to living in a small city—it provides a sense of place.” And that sense of place is sweet indeed, from porch parties in the historical neighborhood of South Park to a farmers market overflowing with local produce, it is no wonder that the town repeatedly is listed as one the best places to live in the nation.

History and Growth

Morgantown’s roots date back to the late 18th century when Welsh-born settler Zackquill Morgan built a homestead around the area known today as University Avenue and Fayette Street. After the Revolutionary War, the city’s first real estate planners began dividing the new town into lots andstreets and eventually christened the community “Morgan’s Town.” Through the years, the city continued to expand with growth in the local glass industry as well as the discovery of the region’s coal, gas, and oil resources. More recently, West Virginia University has been a driving economic force with enrollment expansions and building projects. These initiatives have delivered new jobs and enrichment opportunities that complement the town’s vibrant health care industry, pharmaceutical businesses, and cutting-edge technology sector.

Today, Morgantown is a community of nearly 30,000 that doubles in size when students return to the university in the fall. And during football season, thousands of additional faithful fans fill up the town. This means good business for the hotel industry. Visitors have a number of lodging options throughout the area. Morgantown’s classic hotel, the Hotel Morgan, is the most convenient hotel to downtown. The 19th century property, which features a restaurant and rooftop bar plus an ornate wood-paneled lobby, packs vintage flair into a boutique hotel that’s a favorite for history buffs and downtown visitors. The Waterfront Place Hotel and The Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa at Cheat Lake are also popular options. Another boutique hotel is the Euro-Suites Hotel, located adjacent to the Mylan Pharmaceuticals Complex, football fans can easily walk to the stadium. There are also several national chains that provide a range of price points and amenities.

Let's Go Mountaineers

West Virginians bleed gold and blue. When the Mountaineer Marching Band takes the field and plays “Hail, West Virginia,” hearts beat faster. And when they perform John Denver’s “Country Roads,” West Virginia University’s theme song that has been performed at every home pre-game show since 1972, eyes water. Mountaineer pride is truly something to behold.

And for good reason. WVU is the state’s largest university with nearly 30,000 students in over 185 degree programs. A member of the Big East Conference, WVU is a public land-grant institution founded 1867. Today, it is a leading teaching and research institute that continues to be on the forefront of innovation.

If you visit in the fall, Milan Puskar Stadium is easy to find—just follow the sea of gold and blue. You also can’t miss the Coliseum, the 14,000-seat multi-purpose arena where winter sports take center stage. It is the gargantuan concrete edifice that you see peaking out of the trees when you approach Morgantown by I-79. The Creative Arts Center, where stars like Chris Sarandon and David Selby cut their teeth, houses several theaters and offers an incredible schedule of shows. If you haven’t taken a campus tour lately, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. From the Student Recreation Center at the Evansdale Campus, replete with a 50-foot climbing wall, to the state-of-the-art Downtown Library Complex to the new architecturally stunning Life Sciences Building, the campus has never looked better. And in 2011, The Art Museum of West Virginia University is slated to open adjacent to the former Erickson Alumni Center.

Although historic Woodburn Hall is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the university, the Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system is probably a close second. Many a student has been shuttled back and forth from the downtown campus to the Evansdale campus since it was built in the early 1970s. And this fall, WVU is introducing another innovative transportation idea—an hourly rental car program, called WE Car. Students, who live on campus, and academic departments seeking to cut back on travel expenses, may access a hybrid rental car on a short-term basis. The rental charge is $9 per hour, which includes insurance coverage and fuel. Drivers may rent a car for a maximum of 15 hours per day. Two Toyota Prius hybrids will be parked beside the Mountainlair and two more at the Evansdale Residential Complex.

“These hybrid-powered cars are great for people who do not or cannot bring a car to campus, and there’s an environmentally friendly bonus to them,” said Hugh Kierig, director of transportation and parking. “WE Car is part of our WE GO! campaign for alternative transportation and will help reduce the parking demand on WVU campuses.”

The university’s new president, Jim Clements, ushers in a new era this fall as the school’s 23rd president—a president whose academic experience sits in technology—a true advantage in helping him to lead the university’s 21st-century land grant mission. “Technology now guides, supports or connects everything we do at the university,” says Chris Martin, vice president of university relations. “And Jim Clements is our first president whose academic discipline is firmly rooted in that field. The meshing of his strong leadership and his tech savvy is a perfect fit to lead the university into this new century and to address its many new challenges and opportunities.”

President Clements and his wife, Beth, and four children are enjoying their new town. “I love West Virginia,” Clements says. “Everyone has been so nice and wonderful. Some of the kindest people in the world are here...and being at WVU is my dream job. It all feels right. Earlier this summer, I was away from Morgantown for several days, and as I was driving back into town I got this great feeling that I was home.”

Downtown Vitality

One of Morgantown’s charms is its sheer livability. Bell says, “The city hosts a wide range of activities from motorcycle events to art shows to children’s festivals to triathlons. My family has participated in many of the downtown events and with each we enjoy a new adventure. Artistically and culturally, the city is alive.”

Main Street Morgantown, an advocacy organization for downtown area businesses, holds several events throughout the year to attract people to downtown. “People who’ve lived in Morgantown forever are sometimes hesitant to come downtown. Our special events are a way to introduce—and reintroduce—people to downtown,” says Terri Cutright, executive director of Main Street Morgantown. “We aren’t trying to ring the cash register, we are just trying to raise the downtown’s visibility.”

One of the most popular events is Kids’ Day, where the entire community comes together to provide free family-friendly entertainment. Chocolate Lover’s Day, where each of the businesses provides a chocolate dessert to attendees, is also highly successful. This year Main Street introduced a hugely popular event called Brew Ha Ha, where the municipal parking lot was blocked off and people purchased tickets to sample more than 30 different brands of beers, and comedians provided entertainment.

“We’re always trying new projects and taking on new endeavors in the revitalization of downtown Morgantown and the Wharf District,” Cutright says. The Wharf District near downtown and along the Monongahela River is one of Morgantown’s more recent success stories. A blend of mixed-use properties, the Wharf District is home to the Riverfront Amphitheater and Oliverio’s, a popular choice for Italian-American cuisine. The elegant Waterfront Place Hotel is a cornerstone to the Wharf’s revitalization. Inside the amenity-rich hotel, guests and locals can enjoy the Waterfront Spa and Salon and the Regatta Bar and Grille. A new attraction that will lure visitors to the district is slated to open in 2010. That’s when the Morgantown Performing Arts Center will open just south of the Waterfront Place Hotel. The facility will serve as the home of West Virginia Public Theatre and offer Broadway performances and live shows.

Visitors from throughout West Virginia and the region are increasingly drawn to Morgantown’s appealing mix of cultural amenities, says Cindy Coffindaffer, community relations and marketing director for the Greater Morgantown Convention & Visitors Bureau. The presence of both the university and Morgantown’s strong business base supports many bigcity features, yet complement Morgantown’s small-town feel.

The Monongalia Arts Center—known as the MAC—serves as headquarters for an eclectic assortment of literary, performing, and visual arts. The MAC, housed in the city’s old Post Office building on High Street, offers a slate of arts classes and workshops and hosts art installments in its two galleries, including one for emerging artists. John Javins, the MAC’s curator and program director, believes the center is an often-overlooked hub for arts activities that locals and visitors alike should seek out while downtown. “People in Morgantown often don’t realize the creative talent we have in this area,” he says. “That’s why they should stop by and check out what we offer.”

Something else that surprises first time visitors to Morgantown is the level of diversity. One only has to look at the incredible range of ethnic restaurants. From Indian, Thai, and Kenyan to Japanese and Middle Eastern, the offerings are equal to what one expects from much larger cities. Dr. Marcos Cid, who is from Spain and lived in Manhattan, loves the big city amenities that Morgantown offers. “Some of the restaurants in Morgantown, like Sargasso, are comparable to what you would find in New York City.

Sargasso is a true melting pot of different ethnicities and foods—paralleling the community that they serve.” Sargasso, which recently was awarded The Taste of Morgantown’s (the town’s premier culinary event) highest culinary award, is located 215 Don Knotts Boulevard, a quick drive along the river from High Street. Another option is Dragonfly, a Pan-Asian restaurant that opened downtown this year with a sushi bar and a contemporary atmosphere. Café Bacchus at 76 High Street is another restaurant that has a loyal following.

The newly renamed Richwood Grill—known to many area diners by its old moniker of Solera Café and Wine Bar—reopened in August after husband and wife co-owners Marion Ohlinger and Alegria Holland renovated and retooled the restaurant’s menu. Ohlinger, Richwood Grill’s chef, says the new menu broadens his prior focus on Latin American style foods to a wider list of cooking styles with Asian, African, and European flavors. His dishes incorporate organic produce and meats from local and regional suppliers, like bison from nearby Garrett Farms in a rich meatloaf with house-made ketchup and miso mashed potatoes.

Morgantown’s eclectic food landscape presents plenty of other options for diners. The Kenyan Café, located at Chelsea Square off Van Voorhis, is an ethnic restaurant that is new to the local dining scene. It took home the 2009 Eater’s Choice Award at The Taste of Morgantown. Ali Baba Restaurant at the Morgantown airport and the Mediterranean Market and Deli on High Street offer authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare. Madeline’s is another favorite among locals, with an extensive offering of wines and a full menu of amazing pastas, seafood, and more.

Tucked into an alley just off High Street is Maxwell’s. For 30 years it has been serving favorites like baked spinach and cheese rounds, homemade soups, stuffed pepper specials, and unique grilled sandwiches like the Avocado Griller or Monte Cristo. Tuesday nights are “taste of home night” with homestyle meals. Diners also enjoy seafood specials on Fridays and Saturdays and delicious brunch offerings on Sunday. “We don’t have a microwave or a deep fryer here,” says Becky Ellenbogen, a 20-year employee who serves as a manager and server. “Everything is homemade from scratch. We bake our own turkeys, we make our own salad dressings, and we make our own soup and ham stocks in-house.”

On Pleasant Street, Black Bear Burritos serves hungry diners—you guessed it—burritos. But more importantly, they’re “burritos of all ethnic cuisines,” says co-founder Matt Showalter. An “I Remember Burrito” incorporates carribean jerk seasonings, grilled pineapple, jicama and other components. A “Thai One On” burrito bundles chicken, tofu or shrimp with a house-made sweet peanut sauce, steamed broccoli, grilled pineapple and fresh spinach. Black Bear also serves wraps and quesadillas plus a microbrew selection that can make beer lovers weak with desire. The restaurant uses as much locally grown produce and meats as possible; it also serves beers from two West Virginia microbreweries, including Mountain State Brewing in Thomas. Local musicians play the stage there, too, and the works of local artists hang on the restaurant’s walls. Even a tofu made in West Virginia— Spencer’s Spring Creek Natural Foods tofu—works its way into vegetarian dishes.

 

Dessert comes last for most people, but Tutto Gelato at the top of High Street may be the perfect way to start a downtown walk. The gelateria dishes out cups and cones of impossibly rich Italian-style gelato and sorbets, gelato-based milkshakes, fruit smoothies and coffee drinks.

Not only does the city boast a thriving restaurant scene but also it is home to a dynamic collection of retail shops. High Street, the street the anchors downtown, offers a mix of upscale boutiques and specialty shops. Near the top of High Street, shoppers will discover cornerstone retailers such as Coni & Franc, a 27-year-old women’s clothier and bridal shop offering hard-to-find sartorial counsel and fine clothing. Co-owners Connie and Frank Merandi offer bridal services, image consulting and a collection of designer dresses and sportswear. “We dress people for every stage in their lives,” says Connie Merandi. “We start with christening gowns and we have clothing for teenagers. We dress entire families. What we do is truly dress them appropriately so they’re confident wherever they go.” Downtown businesses owners love what they do, Merandi adds. Because it’s their livelihood, she says, they tend to care passionately about the customers they serve. “We’re very blessed in Morgantown to have people who care enough about their businesses and want to take care of their customers,” she says. Morgantown retailers actively refer customers to each other, too, Merandi says. For example, she often sends a client searching for men’s clothing to Daniel’s across the street. Founded in 1963, Daniel’s offers men dress and casual wear, a tuxedo department, and tailoring services.

Vances Blues at 111 Walnut Street is a boutique for the fashion savvy. You’ll find everything from designer jeans for men and women to candles and wine. For Vera Bradley items go to The Elegant Alley Cat, a local destination for distinctive gifts and collectibles. And if you love gourmet food items, Slight Indulgence stocks an international mix of wines, coffees and chocolates plus specialty beers, cigars and fine foods—and they make top-of-the-line gift baskets. The shop has two locations, one on High Street and another larger location at 3200 Collins Ferry Road in the Suncrest area of Morgantown. The Suncrest location also dishes up delicious paninis and salads during the lunch hour. Their “Friday Night Slights” is a great way to sample their menu and large collection of wine.

If you are looking for a unique locally made gift or souvenir, visit The Old Stone House. Tucked in between High Street and the Walnut Street Parking Garage, it is one of the oldest buildings in Morgantown. The Old Stone House, built in the late 1700s, sells products made by West Virginia and American artists and craftsmen and is staffed and operated by the Service League of Morgantown. And the best part about shopping here is that the proceeds from revenues go to various philanthropic enterprises around the Morgantown area.

Another retail institution that has carved its own niche is Pathfinder, an adventure shop founded in 1973 with deep selections of cycling, hiking and camping gear, outdoor apparel, kayaks, climbing equipment, skis, skateboards, and snowboards. If you need anything for an outdoor sport, it’s the place to go. Pathfinder’s General Manager Gabriel Fitzwater, who has worked at the store since 1992, credits the shop’s success to excellent service and a deep product mix for all four seasons. “Being downtown, we get a lot of foot traffic and vehicle traffic,” Fitzwater says. “People come for all the shopping and restaurants, but we are also a destination.”

A bit off the main drag—but close to downtown—is the Seneca Center, one of Morgantown’s urban redevelopment success stories. In 1891 a small group of glass-making artisans purchased the then-defunct Fostoria Glass Company in Seneca County, Ohio. They changed the name to Seneca Glass Company and moved to Moundsville, West Virginia. In 1896, they built the Seneca Center and relocated their operations to Morgantown. Known for the uniqueness and high quality of lead crystal, Seneca Glass was highly sought after. The Seneca Center entered its current phase of life in the mid 1980s when it reopened as a mixed-used space for retail shops and commercial offices, maintaining much of its original character. Exposed brick, beamed ceilings and original flooring, give it an atmosphere that is hard to replicate. The massive glass furnace chimney remains standing on the property, and the water tower in front of the building serves as a local landmark. Examples of ornate Seneca Glass products are on display throughout the building.

An eclectic mix of specialty stores make the Seneca Center a unique shopping experience. The Finery, a distinctive women’s clothing boutique, and The Soap Opera, an upscale retailer of luxury soaps and gift baskets, are located on the second level along with Mementos, a top-of-the-line stationery store, and The Little Studio, an artisans’ workshop and showroom that features handcrafted Amalea Jewelry and Carolyn’s Floral Creations. On the lower level, Antiques Walk, Europa Salon, Wamsley Cycles, and the Cobbler’s Bench join Flying Fish—a fabulous fresh fish market—and The Glasshouse Grille, one of Morgantown’s best fine-dining restaurants. The building is also home to WV LIVING Magazine, Rebecca Devono Photography, RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals and other service-oriented businesses. Jarrett Hall, a local real estate broker and manager of the Seneca Center, attributes Morgantown’s thriving economy to the creativity and ingenuity of its small businesses. “West Virginia has survived through the years with entrepreneurship, and everywhere you look around here is a business or some kind of entrepreneur starting something,” Hall says. “With this economy, if you want to work, you can work.”

Outdoor Recreation

And if you want to play, you can play. Outdoor enthusiasts find the area to be a recreation paradise. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, and flyfishing are popular water sports, and mountain bikers relish the local dirt trails and single-track paths. Cooper’s Rock State Forest is a favorite destination for adventure-minded dirt riders seeking dramatic rides. Hikers and campers find plenty of options there, too. For more restrained cyclists, walkers and runners, the region’s rail trail—developed on a nowdefunct train rail infrastructure—is well known for its statewide system of pathways and links. Many sites around Morgantown provide runners, cyclists and walkers easy access to the trails. A popular entry point is the Wharf District’s main portal to the Caperton Trail, which is part of the city’s extensive routes.

Night Scene

And if your idea of play is to enjoy the night scene, Morgantown can oblige. With almost 20 bars and clubs downtown alone, the city has entertainment for everyone. Enjoy the extensive wine selection of The Vintage Room or head across the parking lot to sip martinis at Lola’s Cocktail Lounge. For the best in brew, head on down High Street and let Gibbie’s or Big Times quench your thirst with their tap selections. If it’s live music you’re looking for, check out Chic-n-Bones Rhythm Café, which features everything from hard rock to 1980s cover bands, or 123 Pleasant Street, which has no shortage of eclectic music including traditional olde tyme acts and both regional and national independent rock bands. 123 Pleasant Street is the place in Morgantown to catch the emerging regional and national acts that might become tomorrow’s independent headliners.

Downtown Resource Guide

If you haven’t visited Morgantown in a while, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And if you are a local or someone who regularly visits, expand your horizons. Downtown isn’t just for students!

Dining
The Blue Moose
248 Walnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.8999

Black Bear Burrito’s
132 Pleasant Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.8696
www.blackbearburritos.com

Boston Beanery
321 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.016

Buffalo Wild Wings
268 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.2999

Cafe Bacchus
76 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.9234

Carvel Ice Cream
143 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.225.1180

Casa D’Amici
485 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304. 292.4400

Cold Stone Creamery
356 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304. 292. COLD
www.coldstonecreamery.com

Dairy Queen
444 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.0939

Dragonfly
341 Chestnut St
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.241.4305
www.dragonflywv.com

Gibbie’s Pub & Eatery
368 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.4427
21 and up after 8pm

Jay’s Daily Grind
168 Willey Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304. 296.5297

Jimmy Johns
405 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.284.9060
www.jimmyjohns.com

Madeleine’s
140 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304. 296.6230

Maxwell’s
1 Wall Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.0982
www.eatatmaxwells.com

Montmartré Restaurant
127 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.8401

Mountain People’s Kitchen
1400 University Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.291.6131
www.mountaincoop.com

Oliverio’s Ristorante on
the Wharf
52 Clay Street
Morgantown, WV 26501
304.296.2565

Regatta Bar & Grill
2 Waterfront Place
Morgantown, WV 26501
304.296.1700

Riverstone Ale House
227 Chestnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.291.2291

SOZO
473 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.685.4041

The Vintage Room
467 Chestnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.225.9595

Tutto Gelato
461 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.291.2444
www.tutto-gelato.com

Wings Olé
1125 University Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.4486

Yama Japanese Restaurant
178 Fayette Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.291.2456

Entertainment
Bent Willey’s
471 Chesnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.9590

The Blue Moose
248 Walnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.8999
www.thebluemoosecafe.com

Metropolitan Theatre
369 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.291.4884
www.mettheatre.org

Morgantown Theatre Company
369 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.291.6826
www.morgantheatercompany.org

Monongalia Arts Center
107 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.3325
www.monartscenter.com

M.T. Pockets
107 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.284.0049
www.mtpocketstheatre.com

Rat Pack Lounge
2 Waterfront Place
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.1700

The Warner Theatre
107 High Street
304.291.3939
Morgantown, WV 26505
www.thewarnertheatre.com

West Virginia Public Theatre
2 Waterfront Place, Suite 270
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.291.4117
www.wvpublictheatre.com

123 Pleasant Street
123 Pleasant Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.0800
www.123pleasantstreet.com

Lodging
Historic Clarion Hotel Morgan
127 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.8200
www.clarionhotelmorgan.com

Waterfront Place Hotel
2 Waterfront Place
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.1700
www.waterfrontplacehotel.com

Shopping
Adventure’s Edge
131 Pleasant Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304. 296.9007
www.theadventuresedge.com

Appalachian Gallery
44 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.0163
www.wvcraft.com

Arrow Gift Shoppe
220 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.6100
www.arrowgiftshoppe.com

Bead Monster Boutique
310 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.29.BEADS

Below The Knees
709 Beechurst Avenue
Seneca Center
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.0400

The Book Exchange
152 Willey Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.7354

Coni & Franc
422 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.9466

Coombs Flowers
401 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.1571

Crescent Frame Shoppe
116 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.5603

The Elegant Alley Cat
360 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.4433

The Hobbit’s Closet
328 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.7950

Interior Images
374 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.0605

John P. Kuehn, Fine Jewelers
320 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.9669
www.jpkdiamonds.com

Mirror’s Image
229 Spruce Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.7555 or 304.685.5277
www.mirrorsimage.com

Mountain People’s Market Co-op
1400 University Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.291.6131
www.mountaincoop.com

The Needlecraft Barn
162 Chancery Row
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.3789

Old Stone House
313 Chestnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.7825

Pathfinder of WV, Ltd
235 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.0076

Pinocchio’s Books & Toys
322 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.2332

The Sew Inn, LTD
120 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.6802

Tanner’s Alley Leather Shop
416 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.0707
www.tannersalleyleather.com

Vances Blues
111 Walnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.2583

Wall Street Board Exchange
131 Pleasant Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.9007
www.theadventuresedge.com

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