Need a little time alone to take a break from the stresses of college life? Check out these places to whisk yourself away for a few hours during the school year! Some of them are more common than others, but each place has something unique about it. Check out this list of great places to take yourself on a much-needed afternoon (or morning) getaway!
1. The Grind
I am a sucker for cute coffee shops, so soon after I chose WVU for college, I Googled ‘cute coffee shops in Morgantown’ and The Grind was the first one to pop up! It definitely did not disappoint. Nestled by The Cupcakerie and the Book Exchange, the Grind features an assortment of healthy breakfast sandwiches, pastries, overnight oats, and, of course, a plethora of coffees. My roommate and I discovered the iced maple lattes at The Grind and never looked back. My other personal favorite treat at The Grind was the chocolate strawberry scone. 10/10 would recommend.
2. Cooper's Rock
This scenic overlook is definitely a fan favorite for WVU students. Looking out to the beautiful West Virginia, students can truly realize and appreciate that WVU is their ‘home among the hills.’ At Cooper’s Rock, students have the opportunity to get in some exercise and burn off some calories by hiking to the top. For those who aren’t into hiking, students can also drive to the top. Just a 20 minute drive from campus, Cooper’s Rock is definitely a place every WVU needs to go to at least once during their time in Morgantown. It’s peaceful, pretty, and serene- a perfect place to escape.
3. Evansdale Panera
WVU is super lucky to have a Panera Bread on both the Downtown and Evansdale campuses. My preferred Panera is the one on Evansdale. Technically ‘off-campus’ because it is across Patteson Drive, the Evansdale Panera is awesome when it comes to finding an accessible (if you don’t have a car at school), off-campus place to eat and escape. I started frequenting this Panera when my friend started working there, but then found myself going to work on homework at one of the back tables even when she wasn’t working. Panera has a nice, quiet atmosphere and great bread- what more could you ask for?
4. Blue Moose Café
Just a few blocks away from The Grind on the Downtown campus, Blue Moose became one of my favorite places to go over the course of the year. With numerous tables and chairs, Blue Moose is definitely a good sized coffee shop. This café is a great place to explore you ‘hipster side’ with some great coffee, food, and, on some days, they have open mic nights! The first time I walked into Blue Moose, thanks to my freshman orientation class teachers who offered to hold class there at the beginning of the year, I was instantly met with enticing aromas and millennials writing in journals about their aspirations. This café is also in a prime location as well. Near Pleasant and High Street, this establishment is a great walk from the downtown campus. You will not be disappointed.
5. Cheat Lake
WVU students are so lucky to live only 20 minutes from so many beautiful places! Cheat Lake is one of them. A great place to spend an afternoon, Cheat Lake has a trail to take a walk, a dock for fishing, a nice restaurant (The Lakehouse), and many other amenities! For me, I love taking walks on the trail. On a nice day, a walk along the lake is perfect for relieving stress from exams, presentations, or anything else getting you down.
College is tough, so it is important to find places where you can find peace. Advice to incoming freshman at WVU: find a place you feel comfortable in. Whether it be at a hipster coffee shop or in nature- your place will become special and unique to you. Remember to always take time to breathe and give yourself some alone time. It ‘s important to find time in the day to recharge and find your ‘happy place.’
