WVU Move-in Weekend Family Activities

Begin your journey as a new Mountaineer by exploring your home away from home.

Welcome to Mountaineer Country! You have arrived on campus, unloaded your belongings in your dorm room, and you’re ready to discover the joys of your new surroundings. To make the transition a little smoother (and more fun!), we’ve put together a guide to help you dive into Morgantown with your family and new friends during move-in weekend!

New to Morgantown? Get in the Mountaineer spirit! Check out our WVU Virtual New Student Orientation page for local area guides, shopping information, and collegiate inspiration from Instagram!

Don’t forget to download the free Visit Mountaineer Country Trip Planner App to easily find local dining, shopping, and things to do. PLUS! Save money when you use our Mountaineer Deals.

Places to Eat

Morgantown offers a variety of cuisines throughout its city streets and country roads. Work through the restaurant scene as you become a local and taste all the options before deciding on your favorite spot! 

Source: @blackbearevansdale

Evansdale Campus:

Evansdale Campus:

  • Boston Beanery – Bar and grill patterned after old Boston pubs from the 1800s.
  • Black Bear Burritos  – Made-to-order burritos, ethnic cuisines, local music, and art fill this Appalachian spot.
  • Istanbul Restaurant – Authentic Turkish food prepared by their seasoned chef known for his Turkish and Mediterranean culinary skills.
  • Ogawa Japanese Restaurant – One of Morgantown’s sushi spots, complete with Japanese and Korean dishes.
  • Pizza Al’s – Top-quality pizzas, with multiple locations throughout Mountaineer Country!
  • Mario’s Fishbowl – A historic spot filled with tradition, frosty beers, great sandwiches, and mouthwatering wings!
  • Mountaineer Tap House – Full-service restaurant with classic American food and over 40 tasty drafts.
  • Volcano– Upscale Japanese restaurant offering an assortment of specialty rolls and weekday lunch specials.
  • Fruition – Nutrition focused restaurant featuring smoothie bowls, smoothies, and juices!
  • Antiquitea House– Local coffee shop serving specialty teas and coffee as well as fresh baked goods, soups, and sandwiches.

Downtown Campus:

Source: @per_ogi

  • Almost Heaven Bar & Grill – Build your own burger or enjoy all of your favorite pub-fare right in the heart of downtown.
  • Von Blaze – A menu of classic sandwiches with a modern touch, rich soups, and fresh salads served in a reinvented nostalgic local space.
  • Blue Moose Cafe – Stop in for a mid-day caffeine boost, paired with savory sandwiches and sweets.
  • Chestnut Brew Works – This local hotspot is known for its great selection of craft beers brewed in-house.
    • Save on growlers and 4-packs with their Mountaineer Deal!
  • Fresh Mint Indian Grill – Enjoy an authentic Indian meal made to order with quality ingredients.
  • Iron Horse Tavern – Delicious twists on American favorites, complete with various drinks – check out their brunch options!
  • Lavender Cafe – An authentic Taiwanese restaurant featuring classic Chinese dishes, sushi, and bubble tea
  • Chaang Thai – Traditional Thai fare such as noodles & curry in a relaxed setting with seating & a warm vibe.
  • Table 9 – Located just off the Monongahela River Rail Trail, Table 9 offers elevated dining with a rotating menu of entrees to choose from.
  • The Grind – Hot coffee made fresh every day, along with ice-cold favorites to beat the sun.
  • Yama Japanese Restaurant – Find authentic sushi, ramen, and noodle bowls at this family-owned restaurant.
  • Zeke’s Breakfast and Bakes – A daily array of freshly-baked goods, coffee, and a full breakfast menu available until 3 p.m.!
  • Dirty Bird – Popular counter-service eatery offering fried chicken and gourmet sandwiches with classic southern sides.
  • Oliverio’s – Traditional Italian dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly dining room with a warm vibe.

If you are looking for sweets, stopover for a classy cupcake: The Cupcakerie ! Or head over to Brownie House and use our Mountaineer Deal to get a free bag of brownie edges when you buy one big brownie.

Health Science Campus: 

Source: @MountaineerRoasting

  • Varsity Club – Alumni-owned and operated restaurant with an extensive beer selection and exceptional food
  • Kegler’s – A festive tavern serving classic bar food with sports playing on numerous TVs.
  • Los Mariachis – Craving chips and salsa? Stop in for Mexican cuisines and margarita flights at the Morgantown and Granville locations.
  • Mountaineer Roasting Co. – Stop in for a freshly-baked breakfast item and locally sourced coffee, only minutes from Milan Puskar Stadium.
    • Don’t forget to bring along their Mountaineer Deal to get your coffee for free!
  • Oryza Asian Grill – Build your own bowl of Asian flavors at two locations, Evansdale and Granville.
  • Terra Cafe – Made from scratch pastries and entrees, with farm-fresh ingredients.

Suncrest Towne Center:

Source: @TheMorgantownDish

  • Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe – Fresh Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that is locally owned and operated.
  • Peace, Love, and Little Donuts – Fresh mini donuts are continuously made throughout each day as well as freshly brewed coffee drinks!
  • Get Fit Juices and Shakes – Morgantown’s premier fresh-pressed juice, fruit smoothie, and fitness shake. And supplement store.
  • Nonno Carlo Deli and Italian Imports – Authentic Italian deli sandwiches and desserts! Stop in for lunch or shop their selection of imported goods.
    • If you love Margarita pizza, don’t forget to save their Mountaineer Deal before stopping in!
  • Sugar Bar Coffee & Sweets – Morgantown’s newest sweet-treat location!
  • Pies & Pints – Pizzeria offering an array of craft beers, plus unique pizzas, salads & sandwiches.
  • Bubble Fish – Fresh-made poke bowls, fruit tea, milk tea, and more variety of drinks.
  • Plaza Azteca – A broad menu of Mexican cuisine, including guacamole made tableside.
  • Bartini Prime – From the steak to the Sushi all of the ingredients are top quality and you can even enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio!
  • Crabshack Carribba – Locally owned and operated Caribbean fusion restaurant & bar with live entertainment.
  • Primanti Bros – American restaurant specializing in loaded sandwiches packed with house-made coleslaw and fresh cut fries.

Want to take in that fresh, mountain air? Choose from any of these restaurants on our Outdoor Dining Guide for delicious food, great times, and even greater views of Morgantown.

Things to Do

Jump into these fun-filled locations to enjoy quality time in Mountaineer Country! 

  • Adventure WV – Zip through the trees with the WV Outdoor Education Zip Canopy Tour!
  • Launchpad Trampoline Park – Indoor trampoline park for jumping fun! Visit for a workout class or to release your energy!
  • Monongalia County Ballpark – Root, root, root for the Black Bears! Stop in on one of their themed game nights for classic baseball fun.
  • Morgantown Escape Room – Will you be able to unlock all of the clues in time? Grab your friends or family and take advantage of their Mountaineer Deal!
  • Mountain Man Axe Throwing – Forget throwing darts—embrace life as a Mountaineer with ax throwing at this indoor range! Check out their Mountaineer Deal to save while you play. 
  • Mountaineer Excursions – Experience Morgantown like a local! Whether you’re a foodie, a local brew connoisseur, or into the paranormal, Mountaineer Excursions has the tour for you.
  • The WOW! Factory – Create your own pottery masterpiece – maybe even the perfect coffee mug for your dorm room!
    • Use our Mountaineer Deal to buy one get one 50% off pottery painting projects. 
  • WVU PRT – West Virginia University’s own personal rapid transit system – become familiar with one of the most effective ways to travel throughout the University’s campus!
  • WVU Planetarium – Search the skies over Mountaineer Country and stop by for a show at the WVU Planetarium, right in the middle of campus. Don’t forget to save their Mountaineer Deal!

Get a glimpse of local living when you stop by any of our area’s Farmer’s Markets. Each market offers locally grown produce and artisan goods, including handmade art from local crafters and small businesses. 

Sights to See

Catch a glimpse of some of the best sights around campus. These eye-catching spots would be a great place to admire, and maybe snap a photo — cue the selfie stick! 

  • Cooper’s Rock Overlook – Visit this hiking spot right outside of Morgantown and take in the beautiful sunset! The best part? On your way to the overlook, you can stop and snap a photo on the #AlmostHeaven swing! Share it with us by using #VisitMountaineerCountry on social media. 
  • WVU Core Arboretum – Want to immerse yourself in nature right on the Evansdale campus? Stop here for hiking, bird-watching, or a picnic! 
  • West Virginia Botanic Garden – Choose between easy and intermediate walking paths through lush forests and gardens. 
  • Mon River Rail Trail – Hop on the trail, just a short walk from the Downtown Campus, and follow the Monongahela River as it winds its way through Morgantown. 
  • Monongalia Arts Center – Offering two galleries, the Benedum Gallery, which hosts a new exhibit every month, and the Robert M. Davis Gallery for Emerging Artists, you can appreciate both West Virginia and international art presentations. 
  • WVU Coliseum – Located on the Evansdale Campus, become familiar with where you’ll be cheering on the WVU Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams! 

Worried about how to travel to these amazing Mountaineer Country locations? Check out these Transportation Tips to learn the best ways to get around town. 

Having fun while exploring the area during Move-in Weekend? Capture your exciting moments with a photo and share it with us using #VisitMountaineerCountry! Happy adventuring! 

Interested in attending more than one event this weekend? Stay overnight at one of the many hotels and lodgings in Morgantown. Click to reserve your stay.