It's Happening: Our Beautiful City of Bridgeport
By Julie Perine on July 20, 2024
Bridgeport is situated in North Central West Virginia, along the I-79 corridor and less than an hour from Morgantown. With a population of about 9,250, Bridgeport prides itself on its hometown feel. Whether you visit us for holiday festivities, outdoor recreation, autumn foliage, or exceptional cuisine, there is reason to be wowed. The 10.65-square-mile North Central West Virginia city is known for its passion to celebrate in a big way. Events like the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport December Light Up Night and June Summer Kickoff & Food Truck Festival bring locals to Main Street to mingle, enjoy activities, listen to live music and, of course, sample area fare.
But the city is consistently growing with industry, retail, culinary and residential offerings.
Within city limits are North Central West Virginia Airport – where service to Orlando, Destin and Myrtle Beach are available – and United Hospital Center, providing top-notch medical care. Anchored by Boscov’s, Meadowbrook Mall draws shopping traffic from throughout much of the state. Popping up regularly in recently developed White Oaks and Charles Pointe are a variety of businesses including national favorites such as Buffalo Wild Wings, and IHOP. The new Charles Pointe Crossing features Menards with more retailers – as well as a new on General Hospital - coming soon.
Locally owned boutiques and artisan shops offer everything from art to home décor and head-to-toe attire. These include, but aren’t limited to,Market on Main Artisan Shops, Daisy on Main, HempWorks, Sunmoon Apparel, and Artworks, all which line Main Street.
Another must is a visit to Bridgeport Farmers Market, open Sunday May through October. Produce, flowers, artisan wares, brunch options and live music combine to make it a popular gathering spot.
Cuisine reflecting the area’s Italian heritage are plentiful at privately owned eateries where generations have passionately served. Among popular entrees at Oliverio’s Ristorante are Mushroom Sacchetti and a Sicilian Trio of lasagna, stuffed shells and baked penne. Twin Oaks Restaurant is another staple, offering one of the area’s most popular pizzas and the famous Mom Ielapi’s Lasagna. Then, there is Mia Margherita’s Coal Fired 
Pizzeria which in addition to its artisan pizzas features everything from Bruschetta to Shrimp Linguine. Each restaurant offers spirits and a full wine list with selections to compliment any entrée.
Pizzeria which in addition to its artisan pizzas features everything from Bruschetta to Shrimp Linguine. Each restaurant offers spirits and a full wine list with selections to compliment any entrée.
But pastas and pizza are not the only foods for which Bridgeport is known. There are culinary selections to suite every palate including those offered at Meagher’s Irish Pub, Hello Vietnam and China One. Visitors often praise Cody’s for its unique selections inspired by world travel and farm-to-table process. Another hot spot is Winnie’s Café where sandwiches, salads and its famous Egg-in-a-Hole are among signature treats. Almost Heaven Desserts and Coffee Shop features homemade desserts and an on-site barista to whip up espressos, lattes and other specialties. Stonewall Coffee, Great Harvest Bakery and Stone Tower Brews draw patrons for coffee, pastries and sandwiches, the latter also featuring a variety of craft beer. Mountain State Brewing Co. is a microbrewery & tap room that offers a full menu.
During summer months, Hinkle and Deegan Lakes are plentiful with anglers and kayakers, as well as those picnicking or strolling the trail. The city trail system stretches across town, winding through wooded areas where archery targets and even doggie fountains are located.
Bridgeport City Pool and Spray Ground is a respite from the summer heat. The grounds also feature basketball and tennis courts; the latter transformed into a synthetic ice skate rink during winter months. Nearby Alligator Park is one of several playgrounds in Bridgeport, most accessible from the city trail system.
One of the city’s newest amenities, The Bridge Sports 
Complex is heavily populated year-round for its outdoor fields – including multiple soccer fields and a baseball fourplex utilized for various levels of play. Inside the state-of-the art City Net Center are basketball, volleyball and pickle ball courts, an indoor turf, walking track, swimming pools and colorful climbing wall. The campus will soon be home to the Medbrook Children’s Charity All-Inclusive Playground. Financed by the community, the recreation venue will be a place where all kids, regardless of disabilities, can play together.
Complex is heavily populated year-round for its outdoor fields – including multiple soccer fields and a baseball fourplex utilized for various levels of play. Inside the state-of-the art City Net Center are basketball, volleyball and pickle ball courts, an indoor turf, walking track, swimming pools and colorful climbing wall. The campus will soon be home to the Medbrook Children’s Charity All-Inclusive Playground. Financed by the community, the recreation venue will be a place where all kids, regardless of disabilities, can play together.
Bridgeport is home to Bridgeport Conference Center, making the city a great choice for business meetings and expos. Another city hub is the Benedum Civic Center - a historical nod to the homeplace of Michael Late Benedum, a major benefactor of the city - where civic groups meet and classes are held. Other historical treasures include the Bow String Bridge and Bridgeport Covered Bridge.
Bridgeport’s slogan is “Opportunity Lives Here,” and that holds true in all seasons. Bridgeport has 11 hotels, many located in the White Oaks and Charles Pointe areas, with 1,150 total rooms available.
What else do you love about our city? Please leave a comment to this story.
See more photos of Bridgeport, WV in the gallery below.
