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By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | No Comments on Pro Road Weekend – Off the Course
Have you found yourself in Charleston, WV for the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championship? If so, take advantage of the breaks in the races to explore and make the most of your time here.
Charleston has much to offer, everything from quirky shops to a variety of culinary experiences. Continue reading this article to find out places that you do NOT want to miss!
@hale_house_212
Friday’s Criterium race is going to be an exhilarating event that will have thousands lining the streets of downtown. After the excitement of the race, you will likely be ready to grab some dinner and maybe a few drinks. There is no better place to go than Hale House located on the same street as the crit race.
If you aren’t ready for the party to stop there venture back over to Capitol Street and visit Sam’s Uptown Cafe for an assortment of live music, cocktails, beer, and late-night snacks.
@barkadasrestaurant
After a night out on the town, you may have overslept on Saturday morning. Don’t worry, you still have time to grab a great breakfast/brunch at Barkadas. This American and Filipino influenced restaurant is located slightly off the beaten path but still close to the action.
After breakfast, jump in the car and get ready to check out some of the town’s most unique stores. Spend the afternoon shopping around the city. If you are looking to grab some funky West Virginia souvenirs Kinship Goods will have everything you want and more. The shop has a range of apparel, accessories, and cozy home items featuring quirky designs that highlight life in Appalachia and West 
Virginia. If you’re on the hunt for something that you can’t find anywhere else then head on over to Summers Street to Buck & Bette where you can find “fancy and staple goods and apparel for Appalachian life.” Another local favorite is the Capitol Market, this turn-of-the-century train station is now the home of many indoor and outdoor vendors where you can find anything from sushi, specialty wines, plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, and many other locally produced goods.
After a long afternoon of shopping, it may be time for a pick me up. Head over to Taylor Books where you will find an independent bookseller with a coffee shop and art gallery.
Now that you are caffeinated it’s time for lunch! If you are looking for a heavier lunch to carry you throughout the day sit down for gourmet brick oven pizza and sangria at Lola’s, a charming South Hills pizzeria located. If you are looking for something on the lighter side drive over to Charleston’s Elk City to Dancing Dog Ice Cream Cafe. This fun lunch spot has a menu full of classic sandwiches, smashed burgers, hot dogs and onion rings. After you’re done, if you are in the mood for something sweet top off your lunch with their super premium handmade ice cream.
If you want to get moving after filling up, get outside and visit one of Charleston’s amazing, forested areas. Just moments from downtown, Kanawha State Forest offers a wide selection of trails that range in difficulty. If you are looking for a bike or stroll along the riverside visit Coonskin Park. Lastly, in case you want to keep your hike short walk on to Charleston’s 0.65-mile Carriage Trail that sits directly across the river from downtown.
@1010Bridge
After a fully filled day of exploring the city, it is time to cap off the night with one of Charleston’s favorite restaurants. Head up the hill to Bridge Road where you find Bridge Road Bistro and 1010 Bridge. 1010 Bridge is the home of Chef Paul Smith, a two-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee. He cooks up New American cuisine with the essence of Appalachian traditions. Bridge Road Bistro is an award-winning restaurant that specializes in serving locally grown vegetables and grain-fed protein. You can’t go wrong with either option!
If you are feeling on the wild side and not quite ready to head back to the hotel grab your friends and go to the epicenter of Charleston’s music scene, The Empty Glass. The Glass offers music seven days a 
week and always has a range of different performers.
To wrap up the weekend before you travel back home make a pit stop at Vandalia Co. This family-owned restaurant offers breakfast and lunch options including scones, and other pastries, soups, and sandwiches.
***Special Tip for Bikers
If you find yourself in need of any supplies while in town, check out these local bike shops!
Charleston Bicycle Center is the largest handle horn, sparkle chain, main drive, and axle extenders dealer this side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here you’ll also find a huge selection of apparel, repair items, helmets and more.
Elk City Cycles is a full-service bicycle shop combined with Elk City Skate Shop located at 612 & 613 Tennessee Avenue.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food | No Comments on Savor & Sip: Exploring Some of #CWV’s Food and Beer
Lefty’s Place at Short Story Brewing – 186 Summers St.
Pair your craft beer with one of Lefty’s Pizzas. Made in-house, the crust is thick and fluffy with a crispy and crunchy outer layer. The pies are finished off with a top layer of marinara. Other menu items include pepperoni balls, calzones, and salads. Add garlic sauce to any order to make the meal complete. We recommend ordering pepperoni balls, the Betty White and Room to Roam.
Adelphia Sports Bar & Grill – 218 Capitol St.
One of Charleston’s most popular sports bars is open late and always airing your favorite games. In addition to award-winning chicken wings, Adelphia offers a variety of bar food with a Greek twist.
Who doesn’t love fried cheese? Adelphia’s most famous appetizer is Deep Fried Feta! They take a large piece of fresh feta cheese, fry it, serve it on a warm pita with a tomato salad with a drizzle of Yia Yia’s dressing. If you prefer to stick to America food, try one of the burgers or entrees.
Fife Street Brewing – 180 Summers St.
A menu full of grilled cheese, yes please! There is a reason grilled cheese sandwiches are one of the best sandwiches of all time. And now you can enjoy an elevated version while sipping on Charleston-brewed beer. From the classic Quartet that includes cheddar, gruyere, fontina and American cheeses to the Crab Rangoon, Fife Street has it. Looking for something lighter? Fife Street Brewing offers salads and snacks – don’t miss the chips and dip with homemade caramelized onion dip.
A variety of beers are in constant rotation, including fan-favorites Charleston Beer, a golden ale, Chuck’s P-52 Porter for beer drinkers who like the darker side, and Charlie West Coast IPA. Check the website for what is on tap before you head out.
Black Sheep Burrito and Bad Shepard Beer Co. – 702 Quarrier St.
Regardless of the question, tacos are always the answer. Black Sheep offers a “flock of tacos” you can personalize to try multiple proteins. We recommend venturing away from the classics. If you like spicy, try the Baaa’d A$$ with habanero death sauce.
Classic offerings include cheese or chicken quesadillas, nachos, and an appetizer trio that includes salsa, queso and guacamole. Black Sheep also offers vegan options with tofu and vegan chorizo.
A spicy meal just isn’t complete without a blackberry thyme margarita or one of the fresh brewed beers. The Loud, the American IPA, is a local favorite.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food | No Comments on Healthy Eats and Treats
Looking for a quick, healthy bite to eat while in #CWV? We’ve got you covered! You can find salads and burger substitutes at many of our local spots…but if you are looking for something new and exciting, here’s a few of our favorites to try.
Coco’s – 223 Hale Street
Off the beaten path in the heart of downtown Charleston, , Coco’s is a unique breakfast and lunch spot worthy of being on your foodie list. The restaurant’s bold art, retro décor, and intimate seating create a unique vibe that draws people into the establishment.
The menu is filled with healthy food made from nourishing, delicious seasonal ingredients.
A few fan favorites are Kanawha Cobb, Coco’s Bahn Mi, and any of the Coco’s bowls.
Café Appalachia – 110 McFarland Street
One of Charleston’s newest restaurants offers farm-to-table foods grown on-site and locally sourced. Enjoy unique dishes such as bagel with trout spread, the Local Burger, quinoa Burger Sliders, or Upgraded Salad.
In addition to the delicious food, Café Appalachia gives back to the community by employing women who are in the ReIntegr8 program. This program’s mission is to restore women to their families, friendships, and society at large after battling addiction.
The Shape Shop Café – 706 Central Ave
No healthy eats discussion is complete without the Shape Shop Café, Charleston’s original health food restaurant. They have been serving “smart eats & treats” to the community since the 1970s. The food is made from scratch daily onsite at the Central Avenue location, and you can find their food truck around town, especially during events.
While they are open for breakfast, their best dishes are served at lunch. From wraps and paninis to salads and homemade soups, they have something for everyone’s taste buds. No meal is complete without a sweet treat! We highly recommend the Dippy Do’s, a sweet, rich ice cream dipped in a chocolate coating on a stick without the guilt. They come in a multitude of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food | No Comments on It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
It is 5 o’clock somewhere. And what better way to celebrate than stopping by a hometown haunt and grabbing a pint of WV craft beer or cocktail.
- Black Sheep Burrito & Bad Shepherd Brewing
- Fife Street Brewery
- Short Story Brewing
- Cozumel Express
- Adelphia Sports Bar & Grille
- Bricks and Barrels
- The Hale House
- The Volstead Room
- Vino’s
- The Pitch
- Barkadas
- Recovery Sports Grill
- Bar 101
- Sam’s Uptown Café
- Tricky Fish
- The Red Carpet Lounge
- The Empty Glass
- The TAP
- The Cold Spot
- Whiskey Glasses
- The ROQ
- Bear’s Den
- Lee Street Lounge
- DT Prime
- Pies & Pints
- Charleston Nano Brewery
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | No Comments on Chef Paul Nominated for 2nd James Beard Award
Chef Paul Smith during the 2023 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta
As a youth, Paul Smith wanted to explore the world. But after much travelling, he ended up right back where he belonged: Charleston, West Virginia.
A graduate of Charleston Catholic, Chef Paul Smith has experienced culinary highs – from Hyde Park and Napa Valley to Asheville and the Gulf Coast. He trained at the CIA – Culinary Institute of America – and saw firsthand what world-class hospitality looked and felt like. The more he saw and experienced, the more he knew he wanted to come home to Charleston and bring that experience and knowledge back to his hometown. He wanted to make a difference, and, he is.
Chef Paul is a familiar face around Charleston, and while his Beard Award nominations are for his work at 1010 Bridge Restaurant, he’s also part owner of local hotspots Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream and The Pitch at Shawnee Sports Complex. Smith is a Chef Partner at Barkadas in Charleston and The Humble Tomato in Lewisburg, and he conducts cooking exhibitions at Capitol Market May through October during the free “Let’s Get Cooking” series.
Smith’s work within the Charleston community and travel throughout the state promoting West Virginia’s culinary scene made him a “no-brainer” for a new role as Ambassador for Charleston.
CWV Q&A
1. Favorite thing(s) about Charleston: Charleston is a great place to raise a family. Charleston is a place where one person can make a difference.
2. Favorite restaurant in Charleston: Chow Thai
3. Favorite Shop(s): Vandalia Market & Kinship Goods
4. Favorite venue for live performance or live music in #CWV: Clay Center
5. Favorite Charleston memory: Coming home to Charleston.
6. What do you wish people knew about CWV? Vibes are high! Artwalk night, new Sternwheel Regatta vibe, come out and explore not only the culinary scene, but also all the great things Charleston has to offer.
Chef Paul Smith – James Beard nominee Charleston, WV from Jason Adams on Vimeo.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food | No Comments on Welcome to Brewers Row
Summers Street has been revitalized as the place to go for craft brews in Charleston. Brewers Row consists of three unique breweries that brew delicious beer: Bad Shepherd Beer Company, Fife Street Brewing and Short Story Brewing.
Bad Shepherd Beer Company
Bad Shepherd Beer Company is officially the longest-running brewery in Charleston’s history. Its motto “Stay Wild” is not just a slogan.
Head Brewer Paul “Ross” Williams “stays wild” by pinballing between flagship beers like The Loud IPA and a well-respected line of German-style beers and walking on the wild side with the Sour Holler series and barrel-aged program. Bad Shepherds, as the brewers call themselves, may brew the same beers twice, but they also like to explore parts unknown. Bad Shepherds don’t like long walks on the beach, but they do like long, strange trips wandering into seasonal trail magic as well as burying their brewed treasures in flavor-filled wine, gin, and bourbon barrels.
Bad Shepherd is located inside Black Sheep Burrito at 702 Quarrier St.
Fife Street Brewing
Fife Street Brewing is a celebration of craft and community. Fife’s owners love West Virginia and have made this place for CWV — a place for authentic and inclusive experiences over great beer, food, and conversations.
The beer is classic and fresh while bold and familiar. Fife Street Brewing offers beer to please everyone from hard-working joes and family gatherings to weekend adventurers. Come grab a brew and discover the taste of Charleston for yourself.
In addition to great beer, you can also snack on gourmet grilled cheese!
Fife Street is located at 180 Summers Street.
Short Story Brewing Charleston
Short Story Brewing is a family-owned craft brewery in Rivesville, WV that opened a taproom in Charleston in November 2022. These brewers believe all good things are the result of hard work and a little creativity. You can taste it in the beer. You can see it in the taproom. You can feel it in the community.
Short Story is located at 186 Summers Street.
Brewers Row Passport
Want to try beers from all three locations? Be sure to pick up a Brewers Row Passport at any of the breweries or the Visitor Information Station at Capitol Market. Have three beers of your choosing at all three locations and earn a Brewers Row glass. Be sure to share your experience by using #BrewersRowCWV on social media. We want to hear which beer is your favorite!
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Food, Things To Do, Uncategorized | No Comments on Kanawha City
Ask locals of a certain age about Kanawha City, and they, no doubt, will get a nostalgic twinkle in their eyes. For decades MacCorkle Avenue, aka the Kanawha City Strip, was a weekend destination for teenagers – the place to see and be seen. Today, Kanawha City retains a few old favorites from those years and is home to specialty retailers, local eateries, West Virginia’s largest hospital, and the city’s namesake college, the University of Charleston.
Fun Fact: The University of Charleston’s Men’s Soccer team won NCAA Division II National Championships in 2017 and 2019! Go Golden Eagles!
Trivillian’s Pharmacy and Soda Fountain is an independent pharmacy with a nostalgic diner! Enjoy a burger, sandwich, daily soups, ice cream floats and shakes while you soak in the atmosphere. No prescription needed! Other local restaurant favorites include Pepperoni Grill, The Pitch KC, and M&M Mart – a hidden gem of a deli.
Cruise on over to Budget Tapes and Records, the state’s “hippest record store and lifestyle emporium.” Budget has been cranking rock ‘n’ roll in its storefront for 50 years. Shop for vinyl, tie-dye and “lifestyle accessories” and you’ll leave with a traditionally hand-written bill of sale.
Biking is one of the fastest growing sports, and in Charleston we have the go-to spot for bikes and equipment at Charleston Bicycle Center. Tucked away on 53rd street, you find bikes for all riders. Walking in the shop, you are greeted by friendly, expert staff who will help you pick the perfect ride from children’s bikes to big kid mountain biking and street riding models. Charleston Bicycle Center also has a huge selection of apparel, repair items, helmets and more.
Pro tip for parents: They can even fix your jogging stroller tires!
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | No Comments on South Hills
A stately mansion on the hill overlooking Charleston has long been the most visible landmark of the South Hills neighborhood. The mansion, home of a former governor, was known to generations of children as the Sunrise Museum. Today, it is the cornerstone of the historic and hip neighborhood that is home to trendy boutiques and an amazing urban trail.
The best view of the city is accessed by a quick hike along the Sunrise Carriage Trail.The view from the top is breathtaking!
If you prefer a more relaxing form of self-care, the Bridge Road Shops are more your speed. This quaint area of the city is home to the most unique boutiques in the area. Yarid’s Shoes is a family owned and operated shoe store established in 1918. They offer the finest collection of footwear, handbags, scarves and jewelry for ladies and gentlemen. Yarid’s also carries smashbox cosmetics and butter LONDON nail polish. If you are looking for something to bring home, Eggplant is an exclusive gift boutique where you will find everything from luxurious bath and body products and fabulous jewelry and accessories to home décor, custom invitations and stationery.
No trip to South Hills is complete with stopping by Lola’s for pizza and sangria. Lola’s isn’t your typical pizzeria. This charming restaurant offers gourmet brick oven pies such as Fig Jam & Rosemary and Spicy Shrimp & Sausage. Top off the meal with homemade gelato from nearby Caffé Romeo.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food | No Comments on For Your Dining Pleasure: New Restaurants in #CWV
What did you do during the pandemic? Several entrepreneurs were brave enough to open restaurants in the Charleston area between Jan 1, 2020, and Dec 1, 2021. If you haven’t tried them yet, here’s a short list:
- The Pitch – Click for our blog
- A cozy sports bar with locally sourced ingredients, a huge beer list and a bar with an ice rail to keep your drinks cold.
- The Loopy Leaf
- This plant-based restaurant features a range of vegan offerings, from breakfast and burgers to tacos and ramen. On tap is beer from Charles Town, West Virginia, brewer Abolitionist Ale Works.
- Hale House
- This bourbon-style bistro focuses on local craft beers, a large selection of rare bourbons, craft cocktails and fine wine, plus steaks and burgers (Wagyu and Impossible).
- Zeganz
- Vegan smoothie shop and juice bar with an all-organic menu.
- The S’waffle Shack
- The Shack serves a variety of waffle dishes, coffees, sundaes, and specialty drinks.
- Bowls and Spoons
- Featuring breakfast cereal favorites, plus oatmeal, hot chocolate, milkshakes, coffee and pastries.
- The Board Room
- This board game café serves craft beer and coffee. Peruse a large selection of board games, comic books, graphic novels, RPG books and miniatures.
- The Tap
- The Tap offers a specialty food menu and some of the finest craft beer, wine, ciders, and seltzers from West Virginia and the surrounding areas.
- The Vandalia Co.
- A family-owned cafe featuring from-scratch donuts and seasonal pastries for breakfast and grain bowls and salads for lunch.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | No Comments on 10 Things to Do While in #CWV for TBT
Make the most of your time in Charleston for The Basketball Tournament (July 24-27) by exploring the city in your downtime. The Charleston CVB has compiled 10 ideas to get you started!
- Live on the Levee — The free outdoor concert series starts runs every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day at Haddad Riverfront Park. Check out the artists in this year’s line-up here.
@Copper_thedoodlewv
- Kanawha State Forest — Located seven miles from Charleston, Kanawha State Forest offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails as well as various wildflower, tree and bird populations.
- Check out Charleston’s newest brewery, Fife Street Brewing Company. All beers are locally named like Chuck’s P-51 Porter (named for WV legend Chuck Yeager) or Charley West Coast IPA. If you get hungry, they also have some great grilled cheese.
- Enjoy a baseball game at Appalachian Power Park. Cheer on the Charleston Dirty Birds as they take on Kentucky Wild Health Genomes. Order your tickets today!
- Rock City Cake Company — Located at 205 Capitol Street, this rock music-themed, full-service bakery strives to create innovative and delicious desserts.
- Sunrise Carriage Trail — The Sunrise Carriage Trail is a meandering 0.65-mile trail overlooking Charleston. It’s a perfect picture spot!
- Coonskin Park — Featuring more than 10 trails and a Grotto, Coonskin Park was created over 50 years ago by a dedicated group of Kanawha County residents. The park is 10 minutes away from downtown Charleston.
- Black Sheep Burrito and Brews — Located at 702 Quarrier Street, Black Sheep is a unique place to eat and unwind that is known for its exotic burritos and craft beer brewed in-house.
- Buck and Bette — Before heading to Black Sheep for dinner and drinks, stop at Buck and Bette to shop for fancy and staple goods that you didn’t know you needed in your life.
- Kin Ship Goods & Base Camp Printing Company — Shopping at Kin Ship Goods and Base Camp Printing Company is a must when in CWV. Kin Ship Goods sells hand-printed cozy wear and quite the collection of home goods. Base Camp Printing Company designs and prints its own letterpress prints.
