Fairmont is Jess and Nick's home; it's a gem of West Virginia with a intimate downtown, self-proclaimed world-famous small businesses, technology park, and a lot of outdoor recreation.
We've assembled some information about the area for you—we're excited to share our home with you.
If you have any questions about the area while planning your visit, do not hesitate to reach out.
Visiting Fairmont
History
Fairmont, West Virginia (population 19,163) is located at the junction of the Monongahela, Tygart, and West Fork Rivers in Marion County.
Fairmont was founded on Boaz Fleming’s farm in 1819 as Middletown, Virginia. The city grew slowly throughout the 19th century. Chartered in 1899, the city of Fairmont soon developed into a thriving governmental and commercial center with major industries related to coal mining and glassmaking.
The B & O Railroad spurred further development, and the Fairmont area became the largest regional coal producer in northern West Virginia. Fairmont became an urban metropolis in the early 20th century, with electric streetcar lines bringing residents downtown to shop at its numerous department stores. The town continued to thrive until the 1960s, when a poor coal economy and urban renewal brought about its slow decline.
Today a renaissance is underway, including revitalization of the historic downtown. Fairmont’s Downtown Historic District includes 17 historic structures, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A recent downtown redevelopment project gave new life to an abandoned building through the creation of a parking garage, retail and commercial space, and a memorial to honor the veterans of Marion County.
Getting to Fairmont
The fastest way to the Friendly City
Airports Near Fairmont, WV:
-
Pittsburgh International Airport (412-472-3525) - located in Pittsburgh, PA, open 24 hours
-
Morgantown Municipal Airport (304-291-7461) - located in Morgantown, WV, open from 5 am - 12 pm daily
-
North Central West Virginia Airport (304-842-3400) - located in Bridgeport, WV, open 24 hours
Driving to Fairmont, WV:
Most locations in Fairmont, WV are easily found with Google or Waze including all suggested hotels
Wedding Venue Address:
830 Walnut Ave, Fairmont, WV 26554
Things to Do in Fairmont
Looking to make the most of your time in the Friendly City? We've compiled a few of our favorites.
Prickett's Fort
Prickett's Fort State Park is a day-use historical and recreational park, located just north of Fairmont, WV. The original fort was built at the confluence of Pricketts Creek and the Monongahela River in 1774, and provided a place of refuge from Native American attack for early settlers to the area. In addition to the reconstructed Fort, the state park features the Job Prickett House, built in 1859. The site is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
https://www.prickettsfort.org/visit.html
Palatine Park
Palatine Park is a scenic riverside park in Fairmont, WV that offers walking paths, a boat launch, picnic areas, green space, and a “splash pad” water play area for children.
One of the biggest draws to the park is the popular Summer Event Series, where we bring in some of the top local, regional, and nationally touring musicians to perform live at our amphitheater.
Rambling Root
The Root specializes in craft beer from around the state and food with Appalachian, German and Cajun flavors. The menu is locally sourced and always changing based on what is fresh and in season. The restaurant also features live music and during the warmer months, the patio becomes a favorite hangout.
Their new brewery features several types of beer including an IPA, a stout, a porter and a cream ale.
Valley Falls State Park
Once the site of a lumber and grist mill community, Valley Falls State Park is a place of scenic beauty and historical significance. A series of four picturesque falls created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River distinguish this 1,145-acre park. In addition to its scenic charm, Valley Falls State Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails and fishing. The day-use park gates open at 7 a.m. and close at dark.
Country Club Bakery
Home of the Pepperoni Roll. It was first created in Marion County in the 1920’s by Italian immigrant coal miner, Giuseppe “Joseph” Argiro when he decided it would be more convenient if the pepperoni were baked inside a soft, white, italian bread. During the baking process, the fats in the pepperoni infused the dough with spicy goodness. They became so popular with his fellow coal miners that he quit the mines and opened Country Club Bakery in 1927…and we’ve been here ever since.
Morris Park
This beautifully rustic wooded park is situated on approximately 112 acres of land, located in Pleasant Valley. This park is very serene and perfect for walking or nature watching.
https://www.fairmontwv.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Morris-Park-1
Coal Country Miniature Golf
Nick here - I cannot personally stress enough how much fun you're going to have. Don't forget the picnic area, batting cage, and coal mining museum.
Food options include the world famous Country Club Pepperoni Rolls.
Muriale's Italian Restaurant
Ask anyone from North Central WV, Muriale's is the best Italian food in the world. Owner Rocco Muriale’s grandparents, Rocco & Isabella Miglarese Muriale, came to West Virginia from Italy in the early 1900s. Rocco’s parents, Frank and Violet Muriale, started the restaurant in 1969 with his uncle and aunt, Sam and Rose, and with lots of help from grandparents, younger brother, and cousins. Since our founding, the Muriale’s name has stood for quality and value. Now in its second generation of family operation, the tradition continues.