The hippie culture, whose heyday peaked in the late ’60s, is often characterized by Woodstock, free love, long hair and peace protests. But the movement has not died; it has just changed to reflect modern trends. Though it may be difficult to pin down the most hippie town, Morgantown is definitely high on the list.
Morgantown is located in the upper north of the state, just east of the northern panhandle in Monongalia County.
The town's hippie culture is most likely strengthened by the presence of West Virginia University, largely because college age students tend to be more liberal in their beliefs, which fall in line with the beliefs upheld by the hippie movement.
Cool Ridge is a popular spot to purchase all kinds of hippie inspired merchandise, including incense, posters, clothing and jewelry. It also has a head shop in the basement.
Not only does the Blue Moose offer breakfast, lunch, coffee and live music, they provide an atmosphere conducive to the hippie movement. They also display the work of local artists and have an open mic night.
A popular store that caters to the nostalgia of the period, and other periods as well, is a great place called Retro-tique.
The store sells many vintage clothes, music and items of the period. Basically, anything from the past is represented there. If you can think of it, they just might have it.
Most of these places that are friendly and accommodating to the hippie culture can be found downtown along High Street, but the culture itself is a real presence across the whole town. Even though the modern hippie looks different than their sixties counterparts, the beliefs of the original movement have remained the same.
One thing is clear – Morgantown embraces the hippie culture it cultivates. The Morgantown Underground published an article that examines modern hippies living in the city. You can read it here.
What other towns do you know that have a strong hippie culture? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.
