Charleston | Street in the downtown area that leads to the West Virginia Capitol
Charleston
This lively capital city enjoys a bucolic hilly setting
Charleston, the capital city of West Virginia is located in a very desirable area. The Kanawha River merges with the Elk River on one side, while undulating hills provide a natural play area on the other. It is simple to bike or walk throughout this city because of its compact size and clearly defined districts and communities. In addition, sophisticated Charleston serves as a springboard for more extreme outdoor pursuits in the area, like rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and skiing. This city is hip, cozy, and historic, with lots of places to visit for food, shopping, and parks.
Teaching History at the State Capitol
A historical journey can be taken at the West Virginia Capitol Complex. This area is home to several noteworthy sites that are worth seeing, such as the Capitol building, which has a gold-leaf dome taller than the US Capitol, and the Governor’s Mansion, a magnificent example of Georgian architecture. The West Virginia State Museum, which is located nearby, uses displays and exhibits to chronicle the history of the state. Charleston’s contribution to the National Civil War Trails program is located along the Kanawha River.
Mountain Experiences in Nature’s Best
Charleston facilitates outdoor exploration. The easy one-kilometer Sunset Carriage Trail is a good place to start for walkers. For more hiking and biking, visit Coonskin Park or Kanawha State Forest (the latter even has a swimming pool). Magic Island is a park with beach volleyball courts and other entertainment situated in the center of the river and connected to the land. Take a more daring excursion — mountain biking, skiing, canoeing, and canopy tours are all accessible within an hour’s drive. Alternatively, play golf on one of the eight nearby courses.
Bright Entertainment Scene
Charleston hosts annual festivals and art-related activities that bring the city’s residents together. Spread out a picnic blanket in Haddad Riverfront Park, where there are free concerts, or visit the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences to catch performances by the symphony, opera, ballet, or theater to join in on the festive atmosphere. The Avampato Discovery Center, with its domed Electric Sky Theater, is another focal point of this cultural center. Sail the Kanawha River on the genuine sternwheel paddleboat Spirit of West Virginia. For shopping, visit the Capitol Market, housed in a former rail station and offering a selection of artisanal and locally made goods, or the three-story Charleston Town Center Mall, which has 130 stores and restaurants.