WWhether you're visiting Bridgeport for holiday festivities, outdoor recreation, fall foliage or exceptional cuisine, there's plenty to be impressed with.
The 10.65-square-mile north-central West Virginia city is known for its passion for celebrating in style. December’s Light Up Night and June’s Summer Kickoff & Food Truck Festival bring locals to Main Street to mingle, enjoy activities, listen to live music and, of course, sample local cuisine.
Cuisine reflecting the region’s Italian heritage is abundant in privately owned restaurants where generations have served with passion. Popular dishes at Ristorante Oliverio include mushroom Sacchetti and a Sicilian trio of lasagna, stuffed shells and baked penne. Twin Oaks Restaurant is another must-try, offering one of the area’s most popular pizzas and Mom Ielapi’s famous lasagna. Then there’s Mia Margherita’s coal-fired pizzeria, which, in addition to its artisanal pizzas, offers everything from bruschetta to shrimp linguine. Each restaurant offers spirits and an extensive wine list with selections to complement any dish.
But pasta and pizza aren’t the only foods Bridgeport is known for. There are culinary selections for every palate, including those offered at Meagher’s Irish Pub, Hello Vietnam and China One. Della’s Deli’s made-to-order sandwiches and homemade pepperoni rolls and oldies eatery T&L Hot Dogs are other solid choices. Visitors often praise Cody’s for its unique selections inspired by world travel and the farm-to-table process. Another hot spot is Winnie’s Café, where sandwiches, salads and its famous Egg-in-a-Hole are among the signature treats. Almost Heaven Desserts and Coffee Shop offers homemade desserts and an on-site barista to prepare espressos, lattes and other specialties. Stonewall Coffee, Great Harvest Bakery and Stone Tower Brews attract customers for their coffee, pastries and sandwiches, the latter of which also offers a variety of craft beers. Mountain State Brewing Co. is a microbrewery and tap room that offers a full menu.
Bridgeport is full of exceptional food options, and the same goes for shopping. Local boutiques and artisan shops offer everything from art to home decor to head-to-toe clothing. Another must-visit is the Bridgeport Farmers Market, open Sundays from May through October. Produce, flowers, artisanal goods, brunch options, and live music combine to make this a popular gathering spot.
During the summer months, Hinkle and Deegan Lakes are full of fishermen and kayakers, as well as those picnicking or walking the trail. The city's trail system stretches throughout the city, winding through wooded areas with archery targets and even dog fountains.
Bridgeport City Pool and Spray Ground is a respite from the summer heat. The grounds also include basketball and tennis courts; the latter has been converted into a synthetic ice rink during the winter months. Nearby Alligator Park is one of Bridgeport's many playgrounds.
One of the city’s newest amenities, the Bridge Sports Complex, is heavily populated year-round for its outdoor fields, including several soccer fields and a baseball quadruplex used for various levels of play. Inside the state-of-the-art City Net Center are basketball, volleyball and pickle ball courts, an indoor turf, a walking track, swimming pools and a colorful climbing wall. The campus will soon be home to the all-inclusive Medbrook Children’s Charity Playground. Funded by the community, the recreational venue will be a place where all children can play together, regardless of their disabilities.
Anchored by Boscov's, Meadowbrook Mall attracts business traffic from across the state. A variety of businesses regularly pop up at the newly developed White Oaks and Charles Pointe, including nationally known favorites such as Menards, Buffalo Wild Wings and IHOP. Six of the city's 11 hotels are in the area. With regular flight service to and from Orlando, Destin and Myrtle Beach, the North Central West Virginia Airport offers top-notch transportation.
Bridgeport's slogan is "Opportunity Lives Here," and that's true in all seasons. •
English 
French