Mountaineer Country Community Resource Guide During Coronavirus

[Last Updated July 23, 2021.
Please note that the information below is being updated regularly but that some offers may no longer be active.]

Mountaineer Country Is Wide Open!

Commitment to Safety

Click here to view the latest news and updates around COVID-19 and statewide vaccination numbers as reported by West Virginia. 

During the coronavirus crisis, the health and well-being of our local community and our visitors is vital. Travelers to Mountaineer Country – and all destinations – should continue to observe the health recommendations of national and local public health officials, as they plan to travel, when they travel, and when they are visiting any destination. Travelers are also encouraged to check the status of any upcoming reservation, special event and operations of individual businesses before embarking on their trip.

From WV.gov
“On Sunday, June 20, 2021, Gov. Justice announced that he has signed an executive order, officially lifting West Virginia’s Statewide Indoor Face Covering Requirement for all residents, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings must still be worn where required by federal law. Additionally, any private business or school system can still require individuals to wear a face covering.”

Visit Mountaineer Country Convention & Visitors Bureau is in close contact with regional public health officials and elected officials, as well as with national travel associations, and is actively communicating to the best of our ability on this website as the situation changes.

For Restaurant Owners and Employees: find information regarding the Restaurant Act as it relates specifically to West Virginia at restaurantsact.com/west-virginia. Includes employee resources and links to information from the State Restaurant Association.

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As we weather this unique health crisis, Mountaineer Country’s hospitality community is taking a hit. Small businesses, retail establishments, events, attractions and venues, have lost most if not all of their customers. Lodging properties are receiving cancellations daily. Restaurants have moved to curbside service, delivery, or closed entirely.

Check out our Small Business Saturday blog for a list of Mountaineer Deals Partners you can support through online shopping.

As we all work to contain the spread of coronavirus, we have ways you can continue to support our local businesses.

• Order pickup or delivery from a Mountaineer Country restaurant. Save money with participating Mountaineer Deals partners at www.MountaineerDeals.com.
• Buy a gift card to a Mountaineer Country business you can use in the future.
• Show your support for shopping local with the hashtags #LiveLoveSpendLocal and #VisitMountaineerCountry. See how the Morgantown Area Partnership is helping out local businesses.
• Leave a review for a Mountaineer Country business on Facebook and Google.
• Donate to an organization that is helping small business owners and their employees impacted by the coronavirus.
• Find ways to volunteer and donate your time virtually through Volunteer West Virginia.
• Find donation opportunities for the Morgantown History Museum on their Facebook page.
• The Morgantown Mall will be offering a Retail To-Go curbside pick-up program starting July 10, 2020. Check their Facebook for more information and updates.
• Support local growers! The Morgantown Farmers Market will be taking pre-orders for vendors available at their markets. Visit online for information on how to pre-order.
• Donate to the Country Roads Statewide Food Drive by United Way.
• Donate to one of 11 food pantries organized by Food for Preston. Learn more by visiting online.
• Find ways to support local veterans by visiting Operation Welcome Home on Facebook.

The John Chamber College of Business & Economics at WVU’s Hospitality Management Program offers assistance to hospitality businesses in the form of faculty-guided student research or class projects.
Currently, the Hospitality Program is willing to assist local hospitality small businesses during and after the COVID- 19 by providing experiential learning group projects, internships, independent study projects, and Hospitality Innovation Technology Lab projects. If you think that your business could benefit from such assistance, please submit your name and a brief description of your business support request to [email protected]. Visit Mountaineer Country will gladly connect you with our partners at the Hospitality Management Program.

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Are you working from home and following CDC guidelines for social distancing, but also wondering how to stay balanced while we ride out the COVID-19 pandemic with minimal human contact? We get it! Here are some ideas to help you beat the boredom and de-stress, while also maintaining proper social distance.

• Valley Falls has scenic picnic locations along the falls, along with walking and biking trails.
• Tygart Lake State Park offers multiple hiking trails, shore fishing and open waters for boating and jet skis.
• The Rail Trail stretches along the Monongahela River as far north as the Pennsylvania State line.
• Cheat Lake Park and Trail offers walking trails and several picnic areas. Learn more with the Cheat Lake: Complete Visitors Guide.
• The West Virginia Botanic Garden can be a wonderful place to find peace among flowering gardens and meadows.
  • Take this handy Nature Bingo card for your own self-guided adventure.

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These kid-friendly activities are perfect for the home and guaranteed to keep the kids entertained. Find current offers below and check back regularly for updates.

• Tour Mountaineer Country with 360-video. Many of our local business partners feature 360-degree tours in their business listings that allow for exploration from your home.
  • Art Museum of West Virginia University
  • Alpine Lake 
  • Monongalia County Ball Park
  • Cathedral State Park
  • Dorsey’s Knob
  • Arthurdale New Deal Festival (Find virtual tours and education information on the Arthurdale Youtube channel).
  • Find more 360 videos on the Visit Mountaineer Country YouTube channel.
• The Morgantown Public Library is now offering digital resources for all ages, interests, and formats including, ebooks, audiobooks, streamable movies, music, and magazines. Find a complete list of resources and more information on their Facebook page.
• The Taylor County Public Library is now offering digital resources and up to 10 titles per month to each cardholder through HOOPLA.
• SPARK Imagination and Science Center is now offering At-Home Science Kits, available for online order and curbside pick-up. Kids will enjoy hands-on science and art activities while exploring the world around them.
  • Donations can be made to SPARK Imagination and Science Center by visiting online.
• The WOW! Factory is now offering Pottery To-Go kits for online order and take advantage of contactless curbside pick-up and drop-off for pottery firing.
• The West Virginia Black Bears have created fun activity sheets and coloring pages. Check back weekly for new materials.
• Morgantown native and WVU Alum, Emily Calandrelli has been posting kid-friendly science videos on her youtube channel, The Space Gal.
• West Virginia University has created fun resources for all ages with these downloadable Mountaineer Mind Madness games and activity sheets.
• Check the West Virginia 4-H Facebook page for news regarding virtual workshops on sewing, computer science and gardening basics.
• Mylan Park is excited to offer youth athletic camps at their many fields and sports facilities. Visit online for more information and to register your child.
• Movies Among the Mountains will be hosted by Mon Health at the Track and Field Complex at Mylan Park this summer. Check out our events calendar for the latest listings!

Visit Mountaineer Country Coloring Pages
Click on each coloring page below for a downloadable PDF that is ready to print and color!

Coopers Rock State Forest	Balloons Over Morgantown
Monongalia County Ballpark	Mylan Park Aquatic Center

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Find all updates regarding school guidelines online at the West Virginia Department of Education.

Find all updates regarding West Virginia University plans and school guidelines with their Return to Campus mini-site.

Monongalia County Board of Education

• The Monongalia County Board of Education has created a website for Parent Tips and Resources with regard to the upcoming school year.

Preston County Board of Education

• The 2021 school year will have a staggered start for all grades. Visit the Preston County Board fo Education Facebook page for more information.

Taylor County Board of Education

• Find information on the upcoming school year by visiting online.

Marion County Board of Education

• School systems are moving from School Re-entry to School Recovery. Find more updates and information online.

Harrison County Board of Education

• Find information on the upcoming school year by visiting online.

Barbour County Board of Education

• Find information on the upcoming school year by visiting online.

Doddridge County Board of Education

• Find information on the upcoming school year by visiting online.

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Thanks to modern technology and rolling hills, there is still so much to do in Mountaineer Country! Find current activities below and check back regularly for updates.

• Modern Homestead offers online order of flowers for curbside pickup, making this the perfect time to spruce up your home garden.
• Give back to nature by upgrading your backyard into a Certified Wildlife Habitat, with Wild Birds Unlimited. Wild Birds Unlimited is a Champion Sponsor of the National Wildlife Federation and has everything you need to turn your yard into the perfect home for songbirds.
• 123 Pleasant Street will be streaming live performances of artists previously scheduled to play, via their Facebook Page.
• Take a virtual tour of the West Virginia University campus.
• West Virginia University Campus Recreation has created an archive of guided video workouts that are perfect for home.
• Follow the Grow This: WV Garden Challenge Facebook page for gardening tips, expert advice, and live-streamed classes.

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Now that many businesses are featuring curbside pickup, contactless delivery and meals-to-go, we want to highlight Mountaineer Country restaurants that offer outdoor seating and dining. Find more information and photos in our Top Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Mountaineer Country blog.

Before you dine, reach out to each restaurant below for more information about their service hours, guest expectations and safety guidelines.

Monongalia County (Morgantown, Star City, Granville, Westover and Sabraton). 

• Black Bear Burritos – Head to the Evansdale location and enjoy hot food and cold drinks on the patio.
• Buffalo Wild Wings – Covered porches, offering climate control and TVs viewable from any table, so you don’t miss a thing.
• Chaang Thai – Overlooking High Street, the rooftop patio has been nicknamed the Thai Garden thanks to lush greenery and enchanting string lights.
• Crab Shack Caribba – The covered patio features garage-style doors that open up to let the sunshine and cool breezes flow into the entire restaurant.
• Morgantown Flour and Feed – Located just steps away from the Mon River Rail Trail, diners can watch runners and boats go by from their table on the outdoor deck.
• The Green Turtle – Seated on a hilltop, the outdoor patio offers views of the surrounding skyline from every table.
• Mountain State Brewing Company – Go above and beyond with Mountain State Brewing Company’s two-story outdoor deck.
• Table 9 – Located in the Wharf District of Morgantown, W.Va., guests can enjoy patio seating right on top of the Monongahela River.
• Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe – Enjoy your favorite gyro at a table for two under string lights in the Suncrest Towne Centre.
• Terra Cafe – Grab a seat in the covered patio and have your pick from an all-natural, made-from-scratch menu.
• Tropics – A unique Hawaiian-themed dining experience with outdoor seating under the many pavilions and private decks.

Preston County (Bruceton Mills, Kingwood, Reedsville, Rowlesburg and Terra Alta)

• Lakers Lounge at Alpine Lake Resort – Look out over the golf course as you enjoy classic pub-fare from the Lakers Lounge at Alpine Lake Resort in Terra Alta, WV.
• Preston County Inn – The porch offers outdoor dining surrounded by the greenery of the backyard.
• Rosemary’s Thyme Mexican Restaurant – Enjoy a margarita under table-top umbrellas and do all you can to resist ordering a second round before your next tee time.

Taylor County (Grafton and Flemington)

• Tygart Lake Marina – Take a break from your lake-side hike with grab-and-go meal options from Tygart Lake Marina in Grafton, W.Va.

Veterans Table Distribution Site

Operation Welcome Home has been designated as a distribution site for Veterans Table food boxes, compliments of the Mountaineer Food Bank. No income guidelines, but documentation of military service must be provided. Limit one box per month. Contact Program Manager Tyler Lane via phone or email for more information.

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Many shops are ” wide open” and ready for you to patronize in Mountaineer Country! Per Governor Justice’s mandatory mask order, masks must be worn inside these stores.

Find a list of local businesses that have made the Mountaineer Country Commitment to Safety, a voluntary certification program for ensuring public health.

Not comfortable with shopping among others just yet? Check out some of our partners who are offering adjusted hours for at-risk individuals, curbside pickup, and delivery.

• Exotic Jungle Pet Superstore is currently offering curbside pickup for pet products and supplies. Order and pay over the phone before arrival.
• Jacqueline’s Fine Jewelry can be reached through chat on their website and by phone. Online shopping is still available. Check their Facebook Page regularly for 1-hour flash sales!
• River Fair Trade will continue to offer curbside pickup, contactless local delivery, and shipping to the address of your choice. Gift cards can also be purchased over the phone to be mailed or emailed to you directly.
• Mountain People’s Co-Op Market & Cafe is now offering a personal shopping service with curbside pickup. Email your shopping list directly to Mountain People’s Co-Op and wait for a staff member will reach out to you as soon as they can. In-store shopping is still available by appointment only.
• Venerable Bean Bakery is now offering a personal shopping service with curbside pickup, as well as limited delivery to the local Morgantown Area. Email your shopping list directly to Venerable Bean Bakery and wait for a staff member will reach out to you as soon as they can.
• Pinocchio’s Books and Toys is open for instore shopping but will continue to offer curbside pickup and local delivery. Call ahead to place your order.
• Hoot and Howl is offering curbside pickup and delivery with a $5 flat shipping fee for all orders made online.
• Coni & Franc will be offering virtual styling, closet cleanouts, office drop-offs, curbside assistance, and in-store VIP styling sessions. Call ahead for assistance.
• Harmony Esthetics Day Spa is open by appointment. Also offering online e-gift certificates available to purchase now and use later.
• Morgantown Running will have Online shopping and delivery available.
• UniversiTEEs is offering 10% Off to all hospital employees with proof of ID at checkout.

National Chains Offering Senior Shopping
National Chains and Superstores, like Walmart, Target, Big Lots, and Dollar General are offering specified hours for senior shoppers.

• Dollar General in Morgantown and Grafton will be dedicating the first hour of each shopping day to senior citizens.
• Select Walmart locations will be offering dedicated Senior Shopping Hours beginning March 24.
• Select Target locations will be dedicating an hour a week to senior shoppers.
• Big Lots will be dedicating the first hour of each shopping day to senior citizens and those most vulnerable to the virus.
• Kroger locations will be dedicated 7am-8am, Mondays through Thursdays, to senior shoppers.
• CVS is offering free delivery for prescriptions and everyday essentials. Find more information online.

Sam’s Club will be hosting Hero Hours each Sunday, from 8am-10am, open exclusively to health care workers and first responders. Membership is not required.

WVU Contactless Tickets

Improved health and safety measures, contactless points of entry, added convenience and ease of flow through the gates are just some of the benefits Mountaineer football fans will experience this fall as the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will make the switch to mobile ticketing for the 2020 football season.

With this new process, Mountaineer fans can download and store their tickets to their Apple or Android device and manage their account when logging on to WVUGAME.com. Find more information online.

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Many local businesses are offering advice and extended services for those having to work from home. Find current offers below and check back regularly for updates.

• Mountaineer Technology Consultants have created a technology advice guide for those now working from home. In addition, all services will be offered via remote mechanisms.
• The Morgantown Public Library is offering access to digital resources for all ages, interests, and formats including, ebooks, audiobooks, streamable movies, music, and magazines.
• The Taylor County Public Library is now offering digital resources and up to 10 titles per month to each cardholder through HOOPLA.
• Black Bear Village will be offering private and virtual tours of apartments available for rent.
• Netranom will be continuing its services remotely and on a restricted basis. They are happy to provide clients with VPN capabilities
• The Mylan Park Aquatic Center has reopened their pools. Find the complete schedule on their business listing. For more information regarding Mylan Park as a whole, please visit the Ins and Outs Guide.

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Information about the COVID-19 Vaccine can be found online via the WV Department of Health and Human Resources.

WVU Extension Service has created this guide to sewing your own cloth face mask at home. If you are a local business or volunteer looking to donate cloth masks to support essential workers around the state, please consider reporting your mask production to the WVU Extension Mask Making Project, here.

Find tips and advice from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on how to prevent yourself from getting sick with the help of their online resources.

The West Virginia State Government has created this resource for tracking the state’s current situation. For other questions or concerns, you may have, the state encourages you to reach out to your local health department.

West Virginia-specific information

Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-877-4304 
Website: www.coronavirus.wv.gov

Monongalia County Health Department

Website: https://www.monchd.org/
Phone: 304-598-5100
Fax: 304-598-5199
Hours of Operation: Monday-8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursday-8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday-8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Closed Sunday-Closed

Monongalia County Health Department WIC

Phone: 304-598-5181
Fax: 304-598-5585
Hours of Operation: The office is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. We also offer evening appointments to accommodate working families.

City of Morgantown

Website: https://www.morgantownwv.gov/557/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Response

Preston County Health Department

Website: http://www.prestoncountyhealthdepartment.com/contact.html
Phone: 304-329-0096
Fax: 304-329-3103
Hours of Operation: Monday-8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday-8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesday-8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Thursday-8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday-8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday-Closed Sunday-Closed

Grafton-Taylor County Health Department

Website: https://www.gtchdwv.org/
Phone: 304-265-1288
Hours of Operation: The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:o0 a.m.- 4:o0 p.m.

Marion County Health Department

Website: http://www.marioncountywv.com/departments/health_department/index.php
Phone: 304-366-3360

Harrison County Health Department

Website: http://hchealthdepartment.org/
Phone: 304-623-9308

Barbour County Health Department

Website: https://barbourhealthwv.com/
Phone: 304-457-1670

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services

Website: https://dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Phone: 304-558-0684

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