West Virginia Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Charleston, West Virginia

Population: 50,846

Located in Kanawha County

Come see why Charleston is the doorway to West Virginia!

Open our doors! We invite you to experience something wild and wonderful. With rugged beauty, charm and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll find that visiting Charleston is the perfect way to enjoy a day, weekend getaway or extended adventure. Charleston, nestled in the lush Appalachian Mountains, is not only the capital city, but also the perfect setting to enjoy history, culture, entertainment and fun. Plus, don’t forget all the great shopping, restaurants, and hotels.

Just a short drive away is where outdoor adventure lies, just waiting to be conquered—rafting, hiking, biking, skiing and so much more—make your trip complete. From the timid to the eager, there’s excitement for everyone!

We’re known for our friendliness and hospitality, so let us be your travel host. Whether you are visiting, planning a meeting or group tour, we can be your official resource.

It’s much more than just a great place to visit…it’s Charleston, West Virginia—the doorway to wild and wonderful.

Charleston, WV, is a bustling city, a cultural Mecca and a historical reminder of West Virginia’s wild and wonderful past.

The vivid past surrounding the capital and the state makes the capitol complex a great place to begin a discovery of West Virginia. The state museum and cultural center are full of exciting exhibits and events that give visitors a glimpse into the rich tradition and culture celebrated in the people of West Virginia. Searchable historical and genealogical archives are located here.

The immaculately manicured grounds surrounding the capitol include a statuary boasting magnificent examples of important individuals in the state’s and the nation’s history. Also, the West Virginia Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, also located on the grounds, honors soldiers who were killed or missing in action. More than 10,000 names are etched into the stones of the interior walls. The governor’s mansion, completed in 1925, also graces the majestic grounds of the capitol complex. This 30-room, elegant structure, made of Harvard brick and white Corinthian columns, overlooks the Kanawha River.

During the summer, the capitol grounds also are host to two of Charleston’s premier events, the Vandalia Festival during Memorial Day weekend and Multifest, held in early August.

Downtown Charleston, with its revitalization efforts, provides a glimpse into the early days of 20th century life. Magnificent examples of architecture still stand in grand style. Capitol Street, once the center of business in town, once again flourishes with its quaint atmosphere. Unique shops, many restaurants and businesses line the street just as they did in days past. Davis Square, the old Scott Drug Store building and the Kanawha County Public Library are just a few of the outstanding building designs in town.

In addition to its fascinating capital history, Charleston and its surrounding communities have shared a role in shaping West Virginia history. Charleston is edged by the Kanawha and Elk Rivers, which are both active with boat traffic, including the P.A. Denny sternwheeler that is available for public or private cruises along the Kanawha River. Early in Charleston’s history, however, the rivers provided a viable means of transportation for salt-packing, an important early industry in the area.

Malden, formerly Kanawha Salines, is located just outside Charleston on Rt. 60, which is part of the Midland Trail Scenic Highway. Malden has an interesting history all its own. One of its most important citizens was Booker T. Washington, who grew up here. The town recaptures the past exquisitely with charm. Tour the Salt Village that contains the Booker T. Washington cabin replica and the African Zion Baptist Church, where Washington taught. Cabin Creek Quilts, inside historic Hale House, features beautiful hand-made, award-winning quilts. Self-guided heritage tours of the town capture the essence of an important part of the area’s past.

The Capital Flea Market is open year round, so is the Capitol Market, with indoor specialty retail shops and outdoor farmer’s market that changes with each season. In South Charleston, just two miles from downtown, visit the Comedy Zone comedy club on Friday nights at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. While in South Charleston also visit the Adena Indian Burial Mound, the second largest in the state.

Charleston is also home to the Charleston Light Opera Guild, Kanawha Players, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Children’s Theatre of Charleston, the Charleston Alley Cats—an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, and, of course, Mountain Stage. Over Labor Day weekend, visitors can enjoy all the fun and excitement of the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta.

Although Charleston holds its charm and beauty from its past with grace and style, the city is also rich with amenities of a sophisticated urban center and continues to look forward. The much anticipated Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia opened in July 2003. This regional cultural center will greatly enrich the educational and performing arts opportunities for the state.

There’s so much to see and do in and around Charleston, you’ll simply find it hard to leave. The relaxed atmosphere and quiet sophistication blend in perfect harmony. It’s all here to explore, so come to Charleston and open the door to West Virginia adventure!

Source: charlestonwv.com
Photo Source: wikipedia.org