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Charleston Needs: Mountain State Distillery

By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | 3 Comments on Charleston Needs: Mountain State Distillery

Mountain State Distillery is a small, boutique style micro-distillery located in the historic shopping district of Downtown Charleston, WV.  They are the first legal distillery within the city of Charleston.  They make, distill, blend and process different spirits from their own distillery.  Jeff opened this location for the sole intent of making moonshine – real backwoods corn likker, as authentic as you could get – so that’s what he set out to do.

The concept started in 1994 when a college friend and Jeff tried to come up with ways to make potent alcohol, but infuse some flavorings into it while it was in the distillation / condensing stage of the process.  College ended and life took him in other directions.

In 2007, he and his wife took a trip to Tennessee for a long weekend getaway, and he learned that the idea he had been working on since college was already happening in other areas.  This lit the fire that Jeff needed.

As a lifelong West Virginian, Jeff always wanted to be a business owner.  Most of the business comes from tourists which helps the local economy.  Customers have visited the tiny distillery from approximately 37 states, and at least 6 countries.  In April of 2020, due to the pandemic, they redistilled their entire inventory of Moonshine to produce hand sanitizer, which was donated to various groups, then simply gave it out to the general public during the shortage.  Jeff has realized his dream and welcomes you to come have a drink with him.

Charleston Needs: The Purple Moon

By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | 1 Comment on Charleston Needs: The Purple Moon

The Purple Moon began on a dining room table in the East End of Charleston nearly 20 years ago and has grown to be a nationally recognized seller of vintage, mid-century modern furnishings, accessories and art.

Founded in 2001, The Purple Moon began as online sellers of vintage items and opened a storefront design gallery in Downtown Charleston, WV, in 2005.

The Purple Moon has built a strong reputation for quality and top-rate design. They have been contributing writers to The Charleston Gazette’s West Virginia Design Team and, in addition to decorating some of the finest homes in the region, work with clients and designers throughout the country.

The Purple Moon has also become one of the region’s top estate liquidation consultants and conduct estate sales for families through PM Estate Sales.

With Covid19 The Purple Moon has worked to serve their customers in a safe and secure manner. They have expanded their online presence offering safe ways to acquire vintage items, art and even entire estates through http://thepurplemoon.com.

Always quick to say that “Great things are happening in Charleston,” owners Chuck and Connie Hamsher are passionate about our city and its people.

Charleston needs The Purple Moon!

Charleston Needs: Charlie’s Boutique

By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do, Uncategorized | 4 Comments on Charleston Needs: Charlie’s Boutique

Charlie’s is a boutique that offers a little bit of everything. They have been open for over 15 years. Carrying women and men’s apparel.

Along with locally made jewelry and many other accessories and gifts.

Charleston Needs: Orangetheory

By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | 3 Comments on Charleston Needs: Orangetheory

Orangetheory Fitness Charleston opened in December, 2018 bringing a technology advanced, life-changing one-hour workout experience designed to provide you More Energy, More Strength. More Life.

Orangetheory Fitness is a heart rate based group interval training facility that is dynamic and personalized for the individual. All shapes, sizes and situations.

They are a Science Backed, Technology Tracked, Coach Inspired workout designed to produce results from the inside out.

As everyone knows, the need is great and the reasons are important for all of us to be proactive in building and preserving good health.

Their mission is to give the people of Charleston and the surrounding area a longer, more vibrant and fulfilling life. That’s what #MoreLife and Orangetheory is all about.

Charleston Needs: Eggplant

By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | 3 Comments on Charleston Needs: Eggplant

Eggplant is an exclusive gift boutique located in South Hills and has been open for over 25 years! Customers love discovering items for gift-giving, personal use, and home décor. What sets Eggplant apart is its unique selection of merchandise, most of which is difficult to find anywhere else in the state or surrounding areas. Customers enjoy our vast selection and searching for anything-but-ordinary items that make a statement or exemplify their personality!

Explore Eggplant for luxurious bath and body products, fabulous jewelry, purses and accessories, entertaining and home décor, travel and comfort, custom invitations and stationery, one-of-a-kind West Virginia items, men’s grooming and gifting, and much much more!

Don’t forget their inhouse gift wrapping. One less thing for you to do this holiday season.

Charleston Needs: Kanawha City Yarn Company

By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | 4 Comments on Charleston Needs: Kanawha City Yarn Company

Kanawha City Yarn Company was established in 2004 by a local teacher. The shop is filled with beautiful yarns with equally beautiful textures made from different fibers and blends. In addition to name-brand yarn, they also carry WV hand-dyed yarn, Frayed Fibers, and WV-grown natural color yarns from Quaking Maples Farm.

With temperatures turning chilly, people are looking for an indoor hobby. The Kanawha City Yarn Company offers in person and virtual classes for knitting and crocheting students of all skill levels.

In addition to supporting small business, you can use your new skills and create heartfelt gifts for friends and family this holiday season. Or give the gift of a class and start your own knitting club!

Charleston Needs: Refurburator

By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | 3 Comments on Charleston Needs: Refurburator

Refurburator is very unique, trendy furniture refinishing business.  Our motto “making old new again” expresses the basic principle of they business. They take old or used furniture and give it a new life.  This is done by repurposing, refurbishing, or refinishing using the latest chalk paint techniques.  They offer the following services: custom furniture painting, home décor, antiques, interior design, hair salon, and clothing boutique as well as estate sales.  They started almost five years ago as a result of a love for animals.  Through the years they have worked with various rescue groups and the owner has four rescues.  Refurburator started because they took an old end table and transformed it into a dog bed for one of the rescues.  Friends saw them and wanted them, and before they knew it, Refurburator was born.  No other store like it in the Charleston area!

Charleston Needs: Charleston Bicycle Center

By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | 3 Comments on Charleston Needs: Charleston Bicycle Center

One of the benefits of this crazy year is that people are falling in love again with the outdoors. Biking is one of the fastest growing sports, and, for us in the #CWV, Charleston Bicycle Center in Kanawha City is the go-to spot for bikes and equipment.

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!

Their passion for riding doesn’t stop in the shop. Charleston Bicycle Center, which was established in 1988, is heavily involved in local youth mountain biking programs for students in Kanawha and Putnam counties.

Vote for #CWV Businesses Through Oct. 11, 2020

By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Food, Things To Do, Uncategorized | 2 Comments on Vote for #CWV Businesses Through Oct. 11, 2020

WV Living magazine is highlighting the best people, places, and things the state has to offer. The Charleston area is well represented with nominees in all categories: Travel, Food, Drink, Shopping, Culture and Towns. Please take a few moments to support local businesses by voting for your favorite #CWV establishments and events. You can vote once per day per category through Oct. 11, 2020. Winners will be announced in the winter issue of WV Living magazine.

We’ve linked directly to the #CWV nominees below. For the entire ballot, visit wvliving.com/best-of-west-virginia-2020

Travel

Food

Drink

Shopping

 

Culture

Towns

Best Town for Foodies

Charleston

Best Town for the Arts

Charleston

Best Downtown

Charleston

Best Mayor

Amy Shuler Goodwin, Charleston

Bridge Road Shops

By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | 1 Comment on Bridge Road Shops

A true hidden gem in Charleston is the Bridge Road Shops. Tucked away in a quaint spot in South Hills, you will find over 40 establishments, including retail, world-class dining, and local art. Let’s explore what makes some of these places so special.

Retail:

Charlie Boutique: Charlie Boutique has been dressing Charleston women for over 10 years. Curating clothing, jewelry, and accessories with a knowledgeable eye and delivering a sophisticated style. At Charlie you will experience boutique shopping as it is meant to be fun and personal. Charlie also sells masks!

Eggplant: This exclusive gift boutique is your one-stop shop. You will find everything from luxurious bath and body products, fabulous jewelry, and accessories to home décor, custom invitations and stationery.

Geraniums: Looking for Lilly Pulitzer, Diane von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller or other top designers, visit Geraniums. You will always find the perfect outfit for any occasion.

Ooh La Lucy: Is known for its high-quality products and superior customer service. They pride themselves on being your resource for all things chic, unique, and affordable. There is nothing they love more than helping a woman put together an outfit that makes her feel absolutely confident.

Petit Jewelry Designs: This small jewelry shop creates some very special and one-of-a-kind heirlooms.

Yarid’s: 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, and also carry smashbox cosmetics, butter LONDON nail polish and dr brandt.

 

 

Who can shop without stopping for a bite to eat?

1010 Bridge: The newest kid on the block, has an outstanding menu. Try their Cast Iron Seared “1010 Cut.”

Bridge Road Mart & Deli: If you aren’t looking for Bridge Road Mart, you will miss it. Inside you will find groceries, snacks, spirits, and light prepared food.

Caffe Romeo: Whether you need a morning pick me up or an evening treat, stop by Caffe Romeo for coffee or gelato.

Lola’s Pizza: Their handmade, Neapolitan-style pizzas are served piping hot out of the stone hearth oven. Try one of the specialties — popular pies include Fig Jam & Rosemary, Spinach & Feta, and Spicy Shrimp & Sausage — or you can create your own. And don’t forget their award-winning Sangria.

Sarah’s Bakery: Do you prefer sweet or savory? Sarah’s has both. Stop by and grab a Chicken Pot Pie for dinner or some sweet treats for dessert. Keep up with her menu on Facebook.

The Wheelhouse: A local favorite for lunch. A true Charlestonian always orders the Paddlewheeler.

While you are out exploring Bridge Road, don’t forget to #MaskUpCWV and maintain proper social distance.