During your weekend on campus for Homecoming, we hope you will take advantage of the several local offerings in southern West Virginia! From those breath taking mountain views, to the hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls, to the local eateries, we hope you enjoy your visit back to the area.
Outdoor Recreation
Brush Creek Falls – 7.0 Miles from campus
- 🌊 Easy Walk to a Scenic Waterfall – A short, scenic stroll through the fall foliage leads to a 30+ foot-wide waterfall.
📸 Great Views & Photo Spots – Enjoy lookout points from above or head down a gentle path to get closer to the falls.
🌿 Peaceful Nature Preserve – Explore forest trails, spot wildflowers and birds, and even find more waterfalls nearby!
Pipestem Resort State Park – 8.1 Miles from campus
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🌄 Adventure & Scenic Views – Soar across the Bluestone Gorge on a zipline, paddle the river, or enjoy a hike to the Lookout Tower.
🎯 Activities for Everyone – Try your hand at archery, axe throwing, disc golf, or explore the nature center and historic homestead.
🏌️♂️ Golf with a View – Tee off at two scenic golf courses, including a championship 18-hole course surrounded by mountain beauty.
Camp Creek State Park – 13.9 Miles from campus
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Activities – offering nearly 6,000 acres of forest with over 35 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Stunning Waterfalls – visitors can enjoy scenic waterfalls like Campbell Falls and fish in seasonally stocked trout streams.
Relax and Connect – the park features camping sites, picnic areas, and recreational facilities, perfect for outdoor adventure and family relaxation.
Pinnacle Rock State Park – 20.4 Miles from campus
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Climb to Iconic Views – Hike up to the top of the towering 3,100-foot sandstone rock for stunning panoramic views over the treetops.
Scenic Trails & Rock Formations – Explore six miles of wooded trails, pass unique rock features like Turkey Rock, and circle peaceful Jimmy Lewis Lake.
Local Eateries
- Dolly's Diner (Princeton) – Retro 1950s-style diner beloved for hearty home cooking, milkshakes, blue‑plate specials, fluffy omelets, Philly cheesesteaks, and a lively local vibe.
- The RailYard (Bluefield) – Laid-back spot offering burgers, sandwiches, craft beers and milkshakes, often paired with live music on weekends.
- Bramwell Soda Fountain & Corner Shop (Bramwell) – A nostalgic 1950s-style soda fountain serving house‑made ice cream, whimsical floats and specialty burgers with creative toppings.
- Moe's Restaurant & Cafe (Athens) – Italian‑American cafe offering generous portions, great service and broad appeal across locals and visitors.
- Jimmy's Restaurant (Princeton) – a nostalgic 1950s-style diner that reopened in 2022, offering classic American comfort food with modern twists, such as the "Elvis" grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich and French toast bread pudding, all made from scratch in a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Boc-Hord Brewery and Bakehouse (Princeton) – a community-focused brewpub blending expert craft brewing and artisan baking to offer quality beers, fresh baked goods, and a welcoming dining experience.
- The Dream Bean (Princeton) – a vibrant community space located in the Grassroots District, offering locally sourced coffee, house-made baked goods, and a variety of beverages
Local Activities & Shops
- Brush Creek Holl'r Mountain Coaster (4.9 Miles from campus) – West Virginia's 1st and only Mountain Coaster soaring at 30mph through the mountain!
- Hatfield-McCoy Trails – While the main trail system is a bit outside Mercer County, you can access ATV rentals nearby and explore some local sections — perfect for off-road adventures.
- The Bronze Look – Situated in the Mercer Street Historic District, this boutique offers unique jewelry and gifts, reflecting the area's artistic flair.
- Hatter's Bookshop – A cozy haven for book lovers, Hatter's Bookshop offers a wide selection of new and used books across various genres.Visitors can enjoy a quiet afternoon browsing through literary treasures in a comfortable setting. Located in the Mercer Street Historic District.
For an extensive list of activities, shops, and more in Mercer County, WV – please visit: Visit Mercer County, WV
