The city of Fairmont, West Virginia is the county seat of Marion County. It has a population of 18313 as of the 2020 census. The city is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are several interesting things to do in Fairmont.
Hillbilly Gypsies
The Hillbilly Gypsies are a West Virginia native string band specializing in old-time Appalachian music with a hard driving bluegrass sound. The band plays original material as well as a wide range of bluegrass standards and catchy fiddle tunes.
The Gypsies are more than a band; they’re a tight family with a strong sense of tradition. They’re also bold explorers of authentic acoustic music. They have become a staple at the Fairmont music scene and regularly play throughout the region.
Seneca Caverns
If you love adventure and geological formations, you’ll love Seneca Caverns in Fairmount, West Virginia. This Landmark of underground geological formations offers tours, gemstone mining, and adventure caving. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure. You’ll leave the cave feeling like you’ve reached another world!
This underground attraction showcases unique geological formations created 350,000 years ago by water flowing over limestone. A one-hour tour takes you through the caverns, where you can see the fascinating underground landscape. Guests can also enjoy delicious cuisine at the Asbury’s Family Restaurant, which has a wall of windows and an 18-foot-high stacked-stone fireplace.
The cave’s earliest recorded use dates back to the early 1400s, when Seneca Indians lived there. They used the cave for storage, special ceremonies, and shelter. A German settler named Laven Teter discovered the cave in 1742, while looking for water. He remained the owner of the property until 1928.
Visitors can tour the caves at Seneca Caverns and learn about the Seneca Indians who once used the caves for ceremonies. The caves are open every day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are several tour options available, including guided tours. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs and enjoy picnic areas.
A visit to Seneca Caverns is a memorable experience for any geology fan. This historic caving site offers tours, adventure caving, and gemstone mining.
Prickett’s Fort State Park
Located just north of Fairmont, West Virginia, Prickett’s Fort State Park is a day-use park and historical site. Built in 1774 on the confluence of Pricketts Creek and the Monongahela River, the fort was a refuge for settlers fleeing Native American attacks. Today, it serves as an excellent venue for family-friendly outdoor recreation, as well as cultural entertainment.
The park contains a 400-seat outdoor amphitheater, picnic areas, nature trails, and a boat launch. There is also a recreation center, a research library, and a gift shop. The park also hosts historical reenactments and special events.
Visitors can tour the re-creation of the original log fort. Tours are conducted every Monday and Thursday from mid-April to mid-October, with the fort closed on Mondays after Labor Day. The fort’s educational programs are geared toward all ages.
In the 18th century, the area of present-day West Virginia was considered the frontier of Virginia. As white European settlers sought land, Native American tribes fought back, forcing the British to take control of the area. This led to the French and Indian War and a land conflict called Pontiac’s Rebellion. In 1774, the British had to negotiate a land treaty, which transferred land from the region to Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Located on a small rise overlooking the confluence of the Monongahela River and Prickett’s Creek, Prickett’s Fort State Park has a long history. The original fort was built in 1774 as a refuge against Native American war parties. A replica was built in 1976 by the Prickett’s Fort Memorial Foundation, and it now operates as a living history site with interpreters reenacting daily life and colonial crafts. The living history site includes a gun shop and blacksmiths, offering one of the few public demonstrations of 18th century firearm manufacturing in the state.
Rocco Muriale’s Italian Kitchen
This restaurant serves traditional Italian meals in a family-friendly atmosphere. Its menu features Italian favorites and traditional pasta dishes, such as penne. The restaurant features comfortable dining rooms for family dining. Its friendly staff is available to answer any questions. The food is always fresh and prepared with care.
Rocco Muriale’s Italian Restaurant in Fairmont, West Virginia is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving Marion County area patrons for over 40 years. It is a local favorite, and the owners credit their families for its success.
Muriale’s Italian Kitchen is now owned by Scott and Jennifer Duarte. Both are former chefs at the Bridgeport Conference Center and Mia Margherita in Bridgeport. Scott Duarte is originally from southern Italy and is now the new owner of the restaurant.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
If you are looking for a fun activity, visit Cass Scenic Railroad State Park located in Fairmont, West Virginia. The park is home to a logging railroad turned into a popular tourist attraction, which offers scenic train rides throughout the state. The park also includes the former Cass company town, which was established in 1901 to serve the local logging industry. The town still retains its historical significance, with many restored homes and shops. There are special events throughout the year, which you can take part in.
Visitors can take a train ride and explore the trails to the falls. The ride is family-friendly and can be a great way to spend a day with the family. You can even take a picnic lunch on the train depending on the length of your trip.
Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend your day or a relaxing weekend away, the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers something for everyone. The park features eleven miles of heritage rail and a quaint company town. There’s also a restaurant that serves authentic West Virginia cuisine.
Another place worth a visit is the Cheat River Gorge Park. Located on the Tygart River, this park is home to four waterfalls. In the 1800s, the park was a hideout for a fugitive cooper. From here, he continued to craft barrels. The area is also home to the remains of the 1800s iron industry, including the Henry Clay Furnace.
Berkeley Springs State Park
Berkeley Springs State Park is home to a historic mineral spa that dates back to colonial times. This park is famous for the warm spring water, which is a constant 74.3 degrees. The spring is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world. The park offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
The park contains a forest of hemlock, pine, and yellow poplar. The forest was originally composed of oak, chestnut, and white pine. The original forest was cut around the turn of the century, but the area now has a mix of pine, hemlock, and yellow poplar.
The pipestem plant native to this region is the inspiration for the park’s name. Native Americans and early pioneers used the hollowed-out twigs as pipes. These early settlers were descendants of Scotch, Irish, and English farmers, who farmed the flat plateau east of the Bluestone River gorge. Although this land was rich in beauty, it lacked jobs. To solve this problem, West Virginia received federal aid to buy the land and develop it into a park. This financial assistance came from the Area Redevelopment Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the state parks in West Virginia. The foundation is supported through donations, gifts, bequests, and grants. Contributions to the Foundation are made by individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and government agencies.