Charleston, WV ( Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip)

18 min readJun 27, 2023

West Virginia, United States

Charleston, a town of superlatives, is the capital of West Virginia, U.S., the seat of Kanawha County, and the biggest city in the state. It is positioned in the Allegheny Mountains, at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers, which are bridged to South Charleston, in the south-central segment of the state.

Charleston, WV History :

Charleston was once centred in 1787 through Col. George Clendenin, who bought the land from Virginia Gov. Thomas Jefferson. The city used to be at first named Charles Town, however, used it was renamed Charleston in 1819. Charleston shortly grew to be a main cease on the migration route to the Ohio River valley and attracted such frontier figures as Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton, and Ann Bailey. In 1824, the first steamboat arrived in Charleston, and the city grew to be an essential middle of salt production. During the American Civil War, Charleston used to be occupied by using Confederate forces for two months. After the war, Charleston used to be nominated as the capital of West Virginia and used to be formally particular as the capital in 1877. Charleston is placed in a place wealthy in bituminous coal, petroleum, herbal gas, and salt. These assets have supported a massive chemical manufacturing enterprise in the Kanawha River valley. Nylon, Lucite, and different base chemical substances used to produce purchaser plastics have been developed in the area. The State Capitol, designed by architect Cass Gilbert and achieved in 1932, points to a gold-leafed dome that is large than that of the United States Capitol. The Capitol Complex additionally includes the governor’s mansion, the cultural centre, the country museum, and a memorial to Booker T. Washington. Other amazing points of interest in Charleston consist of the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, the University of Charleston, and Yeager Airport. The populace of Charleston used to be 51,400 in 2010, and the populace of the Charleston metropolitan vicinity used to be 304,284. In 2020, the populace of Charleston was once 48,864, and the populace of the Charleston metropolitan region was once 258,859.

Allegheny Mountains (mountains, United States)

The Allegheny Mountains are a mountain vary in the jap United States, extending for greater than five hundred miles (800 km) from north-central Pennsylvania to southwestern Virginia. The very best factors in the vary are Mount Davis in Pennsylvania (3,213 toes or 979 m) and Spruce Knob in West Virginia (4,863 ft or 1,482 m). The mountains consist of almost parallel northeast–southwest ridges that are drained by way of the North Branch of the Potomac River and the New River. The Allegheny Mountains are the phase of the Appalachian Plateau and are cited for their scenic beauty.

They are additionally domestic to several country-wide forests, consisting of the Monongahela, George Washington, and Jefferson countrywide forests. The Allegheny Mountains had been a soon barrier to Western communication, however, they are now crossed with the aid of many railroads and highways.

Kanawha River, (West Virginia, United States)

The Kanawha River is a 97-mile-long (156 km) tributary of the Ohio River in West Virginia. It is shaped at Gauley Bridge via the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers and flows northwest to Point Pleasant, the place it joins the Ohio River.

The river is navigable through dams and locks to Kanawha Falls, 30 miles upstream from Charleston. The Kanawha River valley is domestic to substantial deposits of salt brines, from which chlorine, bromine, calcium, magnesium, and potash have been extracted. There are additionally herbal gasoline and oil wells in the valley. In addition to Charleston, different principal cities alongside the river encompass South Charleston, Belle, Nitro, and Dunbar.

Mountain Adventures in the Great Outdoors

Charleston is a great place to get out into nature. There are many different activities to enjoy, from gentle walks to more adventurous pursuits.

For a stroll, try the Sunset Carriage Trail. This one-kilometre trail is perfect for walkers and joggers.

If you're looking for more challenging hikes, Kanawha State Forest and Coonskin Park are great options. Kanawha State Forest even has a pool, so you can cool off after your hike.

In the middle of the river, you'll find Magic Island. This park offers beach volleyball and other fun activities.

If you're looking for a round of golf, there are eight courses within a short drive of downtown Charleston.

For something more adventurous, you can go mountain biking, skiing, canoeing, or take a canopy tour. All of these activities are within an hour's drive of Charleston.

Vibrant Entertainment Scene

Charleston is a town that comes collectively for fairs and art-related occasions all 12 months long. To be a part of the celebratory scene, unfold your picnic blanket at Haddad Riverfront Park, which affords free concerts, or head to the symphony, opera, ballet or theatre, all of which robotically function at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences. This cultural hub additionally consists of Avampato Discovery Center with its domed Electric Sky Theater. Cruise alongside the Kanawha River on Spirit of West Virginia, a real sternwheel paddleboat. For shopping, head to Charleston Town Center Mall, whose three testimonies are characteristic of one hundred thirty retail outlets and eateries, or the Capitol Market, which is placed in a historic education station and sells neighbourhood and artisanal goods.

The Best of Charleston, WV: 10 Must-Visit Places :

1.) West Virginia State Museum :

The West Virginia State Museum is a history, culture, art, palaeontology, archaeology, and geology museum positioned at the West Virginia Capitol Complex in Charleston, West Virginia. It was once established in 1890 and is viewed as a main museum in the country through The Statesman’s Yearbook. The museum’s series consists of over 300,000 objects, spanning the entirety of West Virginia’s records and culture.

Highlights of the series include:

A mastodon skeleton
A Civil War artillery collection
A coal mining exhibit A Native American exhibit An artwork gallery presenting works through West Virginia artists

The museum affords a range of academic applications and occasions for all ages, including:

School tours
Summer camps
Lectures
Concerts
Special exhibits

The West Virginia State Museum is open year-round and admission is free. It is positioned at 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday thru Saturday, and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday.

some additional information about the West Virginia State Museum:

The museum is housed in a four-story construction that was once constructed in 1901.
The museum’s series is divided into 5 curatorial departments: History, Culture, Art, Paleontology, and Archaeology.
The museum affords a range of instructional resources, along with a website, a blog, and a quarterly newsletter.
The museum is a popular visitor destination, attracting over 100,000 site visitors every year.

2.) State Capitol :

The West Virginia State Capitol is the seat of authority for the nation of West Virginia. It is positioned in Charleston, West Virginia, and was once designed by using architect Cass Gilbert in the Neoclassical style.

The building was completed in 1932 and is the third state capitol building in West Virginia's history.

The capitol is a seven-story structure with a dome that is 89 meters (292 feet) tall. The exterior of the building is made of white marble, and the interior features a variety of marble, granite, and wood finishes. The capitol homes of the West Virginia Legislature and the workplace of the Governor of West Virginia. It is additionally open to the public for tours. The capital is placed on a hill overlooking the Kanawha River. The grounds of the capitol complicated encompass a reflecting pool, a rose garden, and a Civil War memorial. The capitol is a famous traveller vacation spot and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

some interesting facts about the West Virginia State Capitol:

The building is the third state capitol for West Virginia. The first capital was located in Wheeling, and the second was located in Charleston.
The capitol was designed by Cass Gilbert, who also designed the Woolworth Building in New York City and the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.
The capitol is made of white marble from a quarry in West Virginia.
The dome of the capitol is covered in gold leaf.
The capitol houses the West Virginia Legislature, which is made up of the House of Delegates and the Senate.
The capitol also houses the office of the Governor of West Virginia.
The Capitol is open to visitors for tours.

If you are ever in Charleston, West Virginia, be sure to visit the West Virginia State Capitol. It is a stunning construction with a prosperous history.

3.) Capitol Market

Charleston Capitol Market is a year-round indoor/outdoor market positioned in the coronary heart of Charleston, West Virginia. The market is domestic to over 50 carriers promoting sparkling produce, meats, cheeses, organized foods, and a range of different goods.

Capitol Market is an exceptional region to discover locally-produced meals and help West Virginia businesses. The indoor market is positioned in a historical instruct station that was once constructed in 1901. The station used to be restored in the Nineteen Eighties and reopened as Capitol Market in 1988. The indoor market is open year-round from 7 am to 7 pm.

The outside market is positioned in the plaza in front of the teaching station. The doors market is open seasonally from April to October, generally from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. In addition to sparkling food, Capitol Market additionally facets a range of different vendors, including:

Arts and crafts: Several carriers are promoting handmade jewellery, pottery, paintings, and different works of art.
Gifts and souvenirs: There are additionally several providers promoting West Virginia-themed presents and souvenirs.
Restaurants: There are a few eating places placed inner Capitol Market, as nicely as a wide variety of meal vehicles that standard the outside market.
Coffee shops: There are two espresso stores positioned inner Capitol Market, as nicely as a wide variety of different carriers promoting espresso and different beverages.

Capitol Market is a super vicinity to spend a morning or afternoon purchasing clean food, aiding neighbourhood businesses, and playing with the environment of downtown Charleston.

some hints for travelling to Capitol Market:

Arrive early: The market is busiest on weekends, so it is an exact thought to arrive early to keep away from the crowds.
Bring cash: Some providers do no longer be given credit scorecards.
Be organized to walk: The market is unfolding over two floors, so be organized to do some walking.
Take your time: There’s no want to rush thru the market. Take your time and experience the atmosphere.
Come hungry: There are several exceptional meal choices at the market, so come hungry and be organized to pattern some nearby cuisine.

4.) Culture Center :

The Charleston Culture Center is a complicated of structures in Charleston, West Virginia, that homes to a range of cultural institutions. The important building, which was once performed in 1976, is domestic to the West Virginia State Museum, the West Virginia Children's Museum, and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

There is additionally a range of performing arts venues in the Culture Center complex, consisting of the Mountain Stage Theater, the Avampato Discovery Museum Theater, and the Culture Center Theater.

The Charleston Culture Center is a splendid location to analyze the records and traditions of West Virginia. It is additionally a high-quality area to take the household for a day of excitement and education. The Culture Center is open year-round and admission is free.

some extra data about the Charleston Culture Center:

The Culture Center is placed on the banks of the Kanawha River in downtown Charleston. The complicated is made up of 4 buildings: the fundamental building, the Clay Center, the Avampato Discovery Museum, and the Mountain Stage Theater. The Culture Center is domestic to over 200,000 artefacts and exhibits. The Culture Center hosts over 1,000 activities every year, such as concerts, plays, dance performances, and instructional programs. The Culture Center is a famous traveller destination, attracting over 500,000 site visitors every year.

If you are ever in Charleston, WV, be certain to go to the Charleston Culture Center. You might not be disappointed!

5.) Haddad Riverfront Park :

Haddad Riverfront Park is a 10-acre park positioned on the banks of the Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia. The park used to be opened in 2005 and is named after David Haddad, a neighbourhood businessman who donated land for the park. Haddad Riverfront Park facets a range of amenities, together with a playground, a splash pad, an on-foot trail, a fishing pier, and an amphitheatre. The amphitheatre is the website of the park’s famous "Live on the Levee" live performance series, which facets free concert events each Friday nighttime from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

The park is additionally domestic to a range of different occasions during the year, which includes the Charley West Blues Festival, the 4th of July Celebration, and the Smoke on the Water Chili CookOff. Haddad Riverfront Park is a famous vacation spot for residents and site visitors alike. The park is a first-rate location to loosen up and experience the outdoors, and it is additionally an extraordinary area to trap a free live performance or attend a distinctive event.

some extra data about Haddad Riverfront Park:

The park is open from 6 am to 11 pm daily.
The amphitheatre seats up to 2,500 people.
The park is wheelchair accessible.
There is a small price for parking.

If you are searching for an exciting and family-friendly vicinity to go to in Charleston, Haddad Riverfront Park is a remarkable option. The park has something for everyone, and it is an exceptional way to experience the exterior and journey the nice of what Charleston has to offer.

some hints for travelling to Haddad Riverfront Park:

Check the park’s internet site for an agenda of events.
Bring a picnic lunch or dinner to revel in at the park.
Wear at-ease footwear for taking walks or biking on the riverwalk.
Bring sunscreen and a hat if you are travelling at some stage in the summer season months.

6.) Kanawha State Forest :

Kanawha State Forest is a famous destination for a range of outdoor activities. Hikers can experience trails of all levels, from easy to challenging.

Bikers can discover the forest’s extensive community of trails, including the famous Kanawha Trace Rail Trail. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the forest, and there are additionally several playgrounds and campsites. In addition to its leisure opportunities, Kanawha State Forest is also domestic to a variety of wildlife. Visitors may additionally see deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels, and many different species of birds. The wooded area also helps a diverse populace of wildflowers, including wildflowers that are uncommon in other components of West Virginia. Kanawha State Forest is a great region to enjoy the outside and learn about West Virginia’s herbal history. The forest is open year-round, and there is no admission fee.

Things to do at Kanawha State Forest:

Hiking, Biking ,Camping ,Fishing Hunting, Picnicking ,Wildlife viewing, Birdwatching ,Nature photography.

Nearby attractions:

Kanawha State Park, Hawks Nest State Park, New River Gorge National Park, Coopers Rock State Forest,Glen Jean Mill, Clay Center, Charleston

Getting there:

Kanawha State Forest is placed at 14457 State Forest Road, Charleston, WV 25314. The forest is on hand by automobile via State Route 60. There is a small parking charge at the entrance to the forest.

Hours:

The forest is open year-round, from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.

7.) Charleston Museum :

The Charleston Museum is a museum positioned in Charleston, South Carolina. The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773, is the oldest in the United States.

The museum’s series consists of over 400,000 artefacts, protecting a large variety of topics, such as herbal history, history, and ornamental arts.

The museum’s everlasting well-known shows include :

Kidstory: This show-off is designed for adolescents and facets interactive shows about the records and way of life of the Lowcountry.
The Armory: This showcase showcases a series of weapons from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries.
Historic Textiles Gallery: This shows off aspects of a series of textiles from around the world, courting from the seventeenth century to the current day.
City Under Siege: This show-off tells the story of Charleston’s records of warfare, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War.
The Early Days: This show-off explores the records of the Lowcountry from its earliest inhabitants to the arrival of European settlers.
Lowcountry Hall: This show-off showcases the herbal and cultural records of the Lowcountry.
Becoming Americans: This show-off tells the story of the African American ride in Charleston.
Natural History: This showcase explores the herbal records of the Lowcountry, from its vegetation and animals to its geology.

The Charleston Museum additionally homes two historical houses:

The Heyward-Washington House is a Georgian-style residence.

This residence used to be the domestic of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The Joseph Manigault House: This Federal-style residence was once constructed in 1803 and is viewed as one of the greatest examples of its form in the United States. The Charleston Museum is an outstanding area to research the records and lifestyle of the Lowcountry. It is additionally an incredible vicinity to take children, as there are many interactive famous that are designed to interact with them. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday thru Saturday, and from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $12 for adolescents a long time 6-17.

some suggestions for journeying to the Charleston Museum:

Allow at least two hours to see everything. Wear cosy shoes, as there is a lot of strolling involved. Bring a water bottle, as there are no fountains inner the museum. If you have children, be certain to take a look at the Kidstory exhibit. Take a guided tour of the Heyward-Washington House or the Joseph Manigault House. Visit the museum’s internet site for extra data on exhibits, hours, and admission prices.

8.) Avampato Discovery Museum :

The Avampato Discovery Museum is a kid’s museum positioned in Charleston, West Virginia. It is a section of the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences and is housed in a three-story building with over 12,000 rectangular toes of exhibits. The museum’s reveals are designed to inspire teens to discover and research via hands-on activities.

Some of the most famous well-known shows include:

WaterWorks: This show-off permits teens to discover the science of water via a variety of interactive activities, such as constructing a waterwheel, exploring a riverbed, and growing a vortex.
The Maier Foundation Music Studio: This show-off teaches teenagers about the science of sound thru a range of interactive activities, such as taking part in musical instruments, growing sound waves, and getting to know about the human ear.
Healthy Me!!: This showcase teaches youngsters about the significance of fitness and health via a range of interactive activities, such as hiking a rock wall, enjoying a sport of Twister, and gaining knowledge bout the meals pyramid.
My Town: This showcase approves youth to discover a miniature city, whole with a grocery store, heart station, and hospital.
Ashton’s Climbing Sculpture: This sculpture is a 30-foot-tall mountain climbing shape that permits young people to climb to new heights.

In addition to the everlasting exhibits, the Avampato Discovery Museum additionally hosts a range of brief famous during the year. These famous have featured matters such as dinosaurs, the human body, and the records of West Virginia. The Avampato Discovery Museum is a tremendous location for youngsters of all long times to examine and have fun. It is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday thru Sunday, and admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $7 for young people a while 2-12.

The museum gives a range of academic applications and activities for teens and families. The museum is wheelchair accessible. If you are searching for an enjoyable and instructional region to take your children to, I surprisingly propose travelling to this museum.

9.) Charleston Music Hall:

Charleston Music Hall is a performing arts theatre in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a 19th-century Gothic Revival construction that used to be at the beginning constructed as a church. The theatre has an ability of 965 human beings and is a famous venue for concerts, dance, theatre, and comedy shows. The Charleston Music Hall used to be constructed in 1854 using the First Presbyterian Church. The church used to be designed with the aid of Edward Brickell White, an outstanding architect in Charleston. The construction was once constructed in the Gothic Revival style, which was once famous at the time. The theatre aspects a massive auditorium with a vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows.

The Charleston Music Hall was once used as a church till 1969. In 1970, the construction was once bought through the town of Charleston and transformed into a performing arts theatre. The theatre has hosted a vast range of performers over the years, together with Bob Dylan, John Coltrane, and The Grateful Dead. The Charleston Music Hall is a famous venue for each local and tourists. It is an extremely good region to see a concert, a play, or a comedy show. The theatre is additionally a famous spot for weddings and different events.

If you are journeying in Charleston, be certain to take a look at the Charleston Music Hall. It is an awesome region to see an exhibit and ride the city's prosperous cultural history.

some extra statistics about Charleston Music Hall:

The theatre was once delivered to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The theatre was once renovated in 1998 and once more in 2017.
The theatre is owned and operated by way of the town of Charleston.
The theatre is placed at 37 John Street in Charleston.
The theatre’s container workplace is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to three pm.

10.) Charleston Civic Center :

The Charleston Civic Center is a municipal complicated placed in the downtown place of Charleston, West Virginia. It was once at the beginning accomplished in 1958 and consists of 4 foremost components: the Coliseum, the Theater, the Auditorium, and the Convention Center.

The Coliseum is the greatest venue in the complex, with a potential of 13,500. It has hosted a large range of occasions over the years, inclusive of concerts, wearing events, and conventions. The Theater is a smaller venue with an ability of 738. It is frequently used for performances by using nearby theatre businesses and travelling Broadway shows. The Auditorium is a mid-sized venue with an ability of 3,483. It is used for a range of events, such as concerts, conferences, and alternate shows. The Convention Center is the most modern addition to the complex. It opened in 2004 and has a complete 120,000 rectangular ft of showcase space. It is used for a range of events, together with exchange shows, conventions, and banquets. The Charleston Civic Center is a main financial driver for the metropolis of Charleston. It brings in thousands and thousands of bucks in revenue every yr and helps hundreds of jobs. It is additionally a most important cultural and enjoyment venue for the region, supplying a vicinity for human beings to come collectively and revel in a range of events.

some of the magnificent occasions that have been held at the Charleston Civic Center:

The Rolling Stones (1972)
Elvis Presley (1977)
Pope John Paul II (1987)
Billy Joel (1993)
U2 (1997)
The Jonas Brothers (2007)
Taylor Swift (2010)
The Voice (2012)
WWE Monday Night Raw (2016)

The Charleston Civic Center is a famous venue for a range of events, and it continues to be an important monetary driver for the metropolis of Charleston.

The pleasant time to go to Charleston is for the duration of the spring or fall when the climate is mild.

Conclusion :

Charleston is a lovely and ancient metropolis with a lot to provide visitors. From its beautiful herbal splendour to its prosperous cultural heritage, there is something for anybody in Charleston. Whether you are involved in history, culture, nature, or honestly an enjoyable getaway, Charleston is an outstanding region to visit. I hope this article has helped you research greater about Charleston, WV. If you are planning a day out to the city, I motivate you to test out the sights that I have mentioned. I am positive you will have an exceptional time! Thank you for reading!