Bluefield Travel and Things to Do Guide

Welcome to our Bluefield meeting planning guide–a Bluefield city guide for meeting planners. Located in the southernmost part of West Virginia, Bluefield lies in the heart of Appalachia. This coal-mining community has grown into a scenic mountain destination with a hospitality that is unmatched anywhere in the South. Historic sites, picturesque outdoors and first-class antiques shopping are a continuous draw for visitors to West Virginia's southern gateway. Meeting and convention guests can take advantage of local friendly charm and an accessible location, thanks to the variety of hotels and special Bluefield event venues.


Although Bluefield is mainly a drive-to destination, the nearest airport, Beckley Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW), is 36 miles away in Beckley. BKW has connecting flights to Washington Dulles International (IAD).
Hotel venues in Bluefield offer versatile meeting and event space for small groups. One of the largest in the area is the 118-room Quality Hotel and Conference Center, which has just over 11,000 square feet of space. Its largest venue, a 3,948-square-foot ballroom, can accommodate over 400 guests, either theater-style or for a reception. Smaller spaces for groups of 20 to 50 people are also available. The Economy Inn, Holiday Inn Express Princeton/I-77 and Microtel Inn and Suites Princeton are other hotels in the Bluefield area with meeting space.


Bluefield is home to a number of cultural sites and recreational attractions that double as special event spaces. Offering dinner theater, musicals and more, the Summit Players Theatre is available for receptions and company events. The 44,000-square-foot Chuck Mathena Center has several rental options, from use of its intimate Rotunda Gallery to the rental of its entire 1,000-seat theater. Escape to the mountains at the Pipestem Resort Park, whose 18-hole championship golf course and hiking trails have earned it the nickname as the "year-round crown jewel of West Virginia state parks." Pipestem has several meeting facilities ranging in capacity from 30 to 600 people. Groups can also enjoy wild and wonderful West Virginia at Pinnacle Rock State Park, which has a picnic shelter with a stone fireplace available for rent for up to 75 guests.


If they do spend the day in the boardroom, meeting guests can kick back with dinner and drinks at one of more than 50 dining locations in and around Bluefield. Sample local Bluefield flavor at Brandon's BBQ at Nostalgia Inn, which offers a rustic and cozy setting for large groups and private parties. Or, opt for brain food from Key Ingredients to keep meeting guests alert and energized. Offering locally sourced meals free of chemicals and pesticides, Key Ingredients offers nutritious catering, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and more. A wide variety of international restaurants such as Kimono Japanese Seafood, Villa Italian Bar & Grill and El Mariachi in North Tazewell, VA, keep the dining options lively and exciting.