Book a room at a romantic hotel in Morgantown. Set along the banks of the Monongahela River, Waterfront Place Hotel has guest rooms with sweeping views of the water. The on-site Regatta Bar and Grille has vistas of the river from its outdoor patio, or you can warm yourself by the cozy indoor fireplace. Special romantic packages include such perks as flowers and chocolate cake waiting in your room upon your arrival. In downtown Morgantown, the Chestnut Hotel is an opulent boutique hotel where some guest rooms also have views of the river. Book a room outfitted with a whirlpool tub as well. Make your way to the Twist Bar for a glass of the Chestnut Hotel’s custom wine or to the lobby for a cup of tea. Packages geared toward couples include a welcome bottle of champagne, bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates.
Explore Morgantown’s cultural arts scene, beginning with a trip to the Monongalia Arts Center. Enjoy an evening of sophistication as you examine the works of local artists at the center’s Benedum or Davis galleries, or take in a show at the Mabel DeVries Tanner Theatre, a small venue that stages four productions a year. The center also hosts concerts occasionally, ranging from choral groups to jazz ensembles. Dress up to the nines and let Broadway come to you at Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre, a state-of-the-art 1,440-seat performing arts venue on the West Virginia University campus. The theater is home to the slew of major national touring Broadway musical productions that visit Morgantown throughout the year. The venue also hosts operas and ballets from time to time.
Right in the heart of Morgantown, pockets of green urban space create a romantic setting. Enjoy a laid-back day at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, nestled along the shores of the Monongahela. Embark on a leisurely walk along the nature trails that travel beneath the park’s collection of cherry blossom trees. During the summer, the park’s amphitheater stages concerts and hosts movie screenings under the stars. White Park is a massive 170-acre park outfitted with 5-miles of wooded trails. Bundle up, strap on some skates and grab your sweetie’s hand as the two of you take a spin around the rink at the Ice Arena, also in White Park. The indoor arena has public sessions on the weekends.
West Virginia Botanic Garden is 15 minutes east of Morgantown’s city center. Trails cut through the 82-acre garden, meandering their way along streams and through flower-filled meadows, densely wooded regions and butterfly gardens. Special events include evening star gazing get-togethers, nature photography workshops and garden parties. The gardens, free to the public, are open daily from dusk to dawn. Scale Sky Rock in the already elevated Dorsey’s Knob Park and you’ll find yourself towering 600 feet above the city, taking in majestic sights of the surrounding valley and mountains. The 70-acre park, 10 minutes south of downtown, also has nature trails and a disc golf course.
