Discover big vistas, scenic drives, and unexpected history on this 170-mile road trip.
WRITTEN BY Nikki Bowman Mills, Pam Kasey & Devin Lacy
PHOTOGRAPHED BY Nikki Bowman Mills & Carla Witt Ford
Starting with the rich Northern Panhandle history of the mound-builders and West Virginia statehood, this tour moves to the university and high tech–corridor culture of north central West Virginia. It’s a soulful road trip packed with stories, flavors, and discoveries.
Travel Times
Chester to Wheeling 1 hour
Wheeling to Moundsville 20 minutes
Moundsville to Morgantown 1 hour 45 minutes
Morgantown to Fairmont 35 minutes
Fairmont to Clarksburg / Bridgeport 25 minutes
IN AND NEAR CHESTER
DO
Start your trip in Chester at one of the world’s largest teapot. At Newell, tour the famous Fiesta Tableware Company, formerly Homer Laughlin China Company, and add to your collection at the outlet shop. Stop at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in New Cumberland—the first racetrack in the U.S. to add slot machines.
DINE
Grab a pastry at Frank’s Pastry Shop in Chester.
WHEELING
DO
Catch a show at the The Stone House or the 1928 Capitol Theatre or wander to find some of the 70 works on the Wheeling Public Art Trail. Hit up Wheeling Island Racetrack for casino action and live greyhound racing. Visit the gardens, museums, and shops and the Good Zoo at Oglebay Park Resort. Stroll the paths at Heritage Port to watch riverboats go by, and tour Independence Hall for West Virginia’s exciting origin story. For a shopping spree with personality, explore Centre Market, packed with charming boutiques, vintage treasures, and unique home goods. The Wheeling Artisan Center showcases locally made goods and foods. Visit East Wheeling Clayworks for hand-thrown tableware and home goods.
DINE
The fish sandwiches at Coleman’s Fish Market are legendary, and Later Alligator serves gourmet crepes with a side of funky vibes. The Vagabond Kitchen offers farm-to-table goodness. For comfort food, try Ye Olde Alpha, or head to Figaretti’s for favorite Italian dishes. Grab delectable deli sandwiches on fresh bread at Good Mansion Wines.
MORGANTOWN
DO
Walk the riverside Caperton and creekside Deckers Creek rail-trails. Paddle the river with a kayak from Morgantown Adventure Outfitters or let your legs do the work at Jazzy’s Hydrobikes. Check out the latest exhibits at the Art Museum of WVU. Catch a live show at 123 Pleasant Street or the 1924 Metropolitan Theatre. You’ll find a broad selection of handcrafted gifts and souvenirs downtown at Appalachian Gallery, Hoot and Howl, and River Fair Trade. Shop Coni & Franc and Park & Madison Boutique for women’s fashions. Look for West Virginia University gear at Mountaineer Zone or vintage finds at Eloquence Antiques & Artisans.
DINE & DRINK
Grab some wings and a locally famous drink at Mario’s Fishbowl. Black Bear Evansdale is a casual favorite for a fresh meal, or enjoy Italian classics at Oliverio’s. Find satisfying sandwiches at Village Butcher or chef-inspired menus at 48 Donley, Stefano’s, or Table 9. Get a drink with a view at River View Rooftop.
Other Memorable Experiences
- Walk or bike across the picturesque 1849 Wheeling Suspension Bridge.
- Tour the 1866 West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville, re-opens July 5.
- Catch a free Friday night show at Morgantown’s riverside Ruby Amphitheater.
- Play a round on formerly mined land at the Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport.
FAIRMONT
DO
Relax beside the Monongahela River at Palatine Park, where you can also catch a festival or a music performance. Experience 18th century frontier life at Pricketts Fort State Park or take your best shots at Coal Country Mini Golf. Hike and picnic beside the wide cascade at Valley Falls State Park. Visit The Painted Porch for handmade gifts and decor or Arts & Antiques Marketplace to shop more than 50 vendors.
DINE
Colasessano’s is a longtime local favorite for sandwiches, pizza, and casual Italian fare, and Hermosilla’s Deli Market has sandwiches and salads for lunch or a picnic. You’ll find homestyle Old World dishes at Muriale’s Italian Kitchen.
CLARKSBURG / BRIDGEPORT
DO
Spend a hot afternoon at the Clarksburg Splash Zone. Catch a show at the restored 1913 Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center or an outdoor concert or movie at the Clarksburg Amphitheater. Find modern and vintage jewelry, handmade glass, and more at Artworks in Bridgeport. If you love boots, don’t miss Benny’s Boot Hill, and for gear, get to McFly Outdoors.
DINE
So much good food here! Julio’s Cafe in Clarksburg serves up high-end Italian cuisine, and you can’t go wrong at The Wonder Bar Steakhouse. In Bridgeport, chef-owned Cody’s serves creative local and seasonal foods, and Oliverio’s Ristorante is a longtime local Italian favorite. At Mia Margherita, try a delicious local novelty: coal-fired pizza.
Familiar Favorites
Hampton Inn
Pleasant Valley
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
Bridgeport
Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place
Morgantown
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SUMMER 2025 ISSUE
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