Blog Archives
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | Comments Off on JQD Salt Works
One of the Kanawha Valley’s most precious hidden gems is JQ Dickinson Salt-Works. Whether you love history, beautiful scenery, or food, JQD is a place you want to visit.
JQD originally started in 1813 and began producing salt in 1817. Did you know salt was the first industry in the Kanawha Valley? Malden, WV was considered the salt capital of the east. The salt industry flourished for years. Most of the production was shipped to Cincinnati for meat packing. When refrigeration was invented, the once-famous salt industry began to decline.
Today, two seventh-generation descendants of William Dickinson, siblings Nancy Bruns and Lewis Payne, have tapped the old salt wells and reinvented the process. Instead on burning the brine, JQD has begun an evaporation process in special sun houses. All the products are hand harvested to create the perfect flavor for any dish.
JQD is more than just salt producers, they offer history tours of the facility and have the perfect backdrop for any outdoor event.
Stop by Monday through Saturday between 10am – 4pm to shop or for a tour. If you prefer to stay home and shop, they offer an online store.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | Comments Off on 5 Places to Walk Outdoors
Whether you’re a local looking to get your steps in or a visitor eager to explore Charleston’s natural beauty, these five walking destinations offer something for everyone. From serene riverside paths to forested trails with stunning overlooks, Charleston’s outdoor spaces invite you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and discover why adventure begins here.
Sunrise Carriage Trail: A Hidden Gem Above the City
Tucked away just a 10-minute walk from downtown Charleston, the Sunrise Carriage Trail is an outdoor treasure that has been beloved by locals for decades. This 0.65-mile shaded gravel trail winds gently uphill through a beautiful forest above Charleston, offering picturesque views of the Capital City along the way.
What makes this trail special is its accessibility and tranquility. Despite being so close to the heart of downtown, you’ll feel transported to another world as you meander through the woods. The trail rises gradually with an elevation gain of about 200 feet, making it perfect for walkers of all fitness levels. Most visitors complete the 1.4-mile round trip in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how often you stop to take in the scenery.
Spring Hill Cemetery: History Meets Natural Beauty
Just minutes from downtown Charleston, Spring Hill Cemetery offers nearly 170 acres of peaceful walking space with panoramic views over the Kanawha Valley. This historic cemetery features miles of internal paved roads that wind through rolling hills, making it an ideal location for a reflective walk.
Like many historic American cemeteries, Spring Hill serves as both a resting place and a serene park. The expansive grounds provide enough space to find your own quiet corner, and the elevated location offers some of the best vistas in the Charleston area. Whether you’re interested in local history or simply seeking a peaceful place to walk, Spring Hill Cemetery delivers both beauty and contemplation.
Coonskin Park: Trail Variety and Natural Wonders
Located just 10 minutes from downtown Charleston, Coonskin Park is a beloved destination that encompasses over 1,000 acres of woodland adventure. The park features an extensive trail system perfect for walkers and hikers, including the popular Alice Knight Memorial Trail and a lovely paved path along the Elk River.
One of the park’s most unique features is the Coonskin Grotto, a small waterfall along Coonskin Branch that creates a magical atmosphere. The Alice Knight Memorial Trail leads visitors through beautiful scenery to this magnificent grotto, offering views you won’t find anywhere else in the area. With diverse terrain ranging from paved riverside paths to wooded hiking trails, Coonskin Park provides options for every type of outdoor enthusiast.
Beyond the trails, the park also offers picnic shelters, tennis courts, a par three golf course, playground areas, an Olympic size pool, pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, skating park, 3,000 seat soccer stadium, disc golf, amphitheater, and a wedding/event garden—making it perfect for a full day of outdoor recreation.
Cato Park: An Extensive Trail Network
For those seeking a variety of walking options, Cato Park offers a scenic 5-mile trail system with many different trails to explore. This park has become increasingly popular with both walkers and mountain bikers who appreciate the well-maintained paths and natural surroundings.
The park recently benefited from community investment, including the installation of bike repair stations to better serve outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning walk or planning to spend more time exploring, Cato Park’s trail options provide something for different fitness levels and preferences.
Kanawha Boulevard: Riverside Walking at Its Finest
The paved multi-use path along Kanawha Boulevard is Charleston’s premier waterfront walking destination.
Stretching more than five miles, this scenic route hugs the Kanawha River and offers consistently beautiful views throughout your walk.
This trail is perfect for those who prefer a flat, paved surface and enjoy the energy of the city combined with natural river scenery. You’ll pass iconic Charleston landmarks while staying connected to nature along the riverbank. The path accommodates walkers, joggers, and cyclists, creating a vibrant outdoor community right in the heart of Charleston.
Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the water, taking a midday stroll, or unwinding with an evening walk, the Kanawha Boulevard path provides a peaceful escape without leaving the city.
Get Out and Explore Charleston
Charleston’s outdoor walking destinations prove you don’t have to travel far to find natural beauty and peaceful trails. Whether you’re seeking a short stroll with city views, a historic cemetery walk, or miles of wooded trails to explore, these five locations offer the perfect way to experience Charleston’s outdoor charm. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a water bottle, and discover why adventure begins here in Charleston, WV!
Ready to plan your Charleston outdoor adventure? Explore more things to do in Charleston and discover all the ways to experience the beauty of the Kanawha Valley.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | Comments Off on Little Creek – Outdoor fun
Just a short drive to South Charleston, you will find some great family fun. Little Creek Park is full of trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters and a Soap Box Derby Track.
Let’s start with the hiking trails. They have three main trails: Little Creek Park Loop Trail, Rock Ridge, and Little Creek Trail. These trails are mostly unknown in the area, so maintaining social distancing is an easy task. The Loop Trail is a favorite of locals. Keep your eye out for the Devil’s Tea Table. It is a beautiful rock formation on this trail. A great place to snap a couple of photos. Pro tip: take extra shoes for the kids. They love playing in the creek that runs along the trails. You will find some little beaches, perfect for getting your feet wet and skipping rocks.
Little Creek is the official home of the Kanawha Valley Soap Box Derby Association. For over 80 years, the races have been taking place. Winners of the regional go on to Nationals in Ohio. They are still planning a couple races at the end of 2020. Keep up to date with their schedule here.
With multiple playgrounds, shelters and a disc golf course, the entire family will have a great day.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | Comments Off on Route 60 Ramble
Many people are yearning to travel again. Yet, they are cautious and not ready to go. Lucky for you, we have the perfect staycation ideas. Experience things you love while exploring new places between Charleston and Huntington. Follow the Route 60 Ramble on Instagram for all the wonderful ideas.
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Things To Do | Comments Off on Spring Hill Cemetery
Are you a “tombstone tourist”? Taphophiles are cemetery enthusiasts, people who enjoy visiting cemeteries to read epitaphs, photograph monuments and research historic deaths. Tombstone tourists will find opportunities to do all these things plus experience some of the best views in town and an abundance of wildlife at Spring Hill Cemetery Park & Arboretum.
The largest municipal cemetery complex in West Virginia, Spring Hill Cemetery Historic District encompasses 172 acres in the rolling hills overlooking Charleston’s East End. Commonly known as Spring Hill, the district includes five cemeteries: Spring Hill Cemetery (established 1869), Mountain View Cemetery, B’nai Israel Cemetery, Lowenstein Cemetery and Mount Olivet Cemetery.
The cemetery holds the graves of West Virginia Governors William A. MacCorkle (1857-1930) and George W. Atkinson (1845-1925). Other notable graves include Civil War and Revolutionary War officers, and early industry and civic leaders and settlers in the Kanawha Valley.
Originally intended by its Victorian planners as a park-like place for quiet walks and meditation, Spring Hill continues to be a favorite destination for walkers, bird watchers and lovers of art and local history.
The cemetery is known for its beautiful monuments. Highlights include a colossal sandstone acorn at the Littlepage memorial in section 47. In the Scruggs addition, stone markers are fashioned in the form of tree stumps. And in the Mountain View section, poems, in epitaph form, are inscribed upon the flat limestone markers at the graves of Walter E. Clark and wife. Several granite, limestone and marble obelisks rising to a height of 30 feet or more mark the graves of prominent West Virginians, and elegant stone angels can be spotted throughout the park.
Five miles of paved road wind through the cemetery, ideal for walking, running and bicycling. Four self-guided history walks highlight important historical figures interred here. For bird watchers, the Handlan Chapter of Brooks Bird Club has compiled a list of species, resident and transient, identified at the park.
The cemetery is home to the largest arboretum in West Virginia. The Mary Price Ratrie Arboretum boasts several champion trees (the largest-known specific tree species in the state), among the 112 individual tree species of its 1,400 trees.
For more information, visit the City of Charleston’s Spring Hill page.
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Food, Things To Do | Comments Off on Taylor Books
Set in the heart of Downtown Charleston, Taylor Books is so much more than just an independent bookstore. Visitors can browse for art, literature and gifts and listen to live music or author presentations while sipping a latte or glass of wine.
The Capitol Street bookstore opened in 1995 and quickly became a must-visit destination in the Capital City. The store carries a broad selection of reading material, including local and regional fiction and nonfiction, used books and hard-to-find magazines. A unique collection of cards and gifts ranging from toys and games to writing materials rounds out the inventory of this eclectic shop.
The hub of Taylor Books is its café. The menu features a broad selection of gourmet coffee and teas, smoothies, pastries, soups and sandwiches and other light fare. In recent years it has expanded to include wine and local craft beer – ideal for evenings when the café hosts its regular open mic nights or other live performances.
The Annex Gallery features rotating exhibits by local artists and artisans, and the store also offers art classes in its Annex Studio.
As if that weren’t enough, this cultural mecca seemed like the ideal location for an independent cinema. Operated as a separate business, the Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema can be accessed through the Annex Gallery or from the alley behind Taylor Books. The micro-theater hosts the West Virginia International Film Festival and showcases independent films and shorts.
Don’t forget to follow the guidelines while enjoying Taylor Books. Maintain social distance and wear your mask!
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | Comments Off on Shopping
Since everyone has saved so much money by staying home, it is time to get out and boost the economy. Many of Charleston’s favorite retail shops are open for business, through their storefronts and online. As an extra incentive, join the exclusive Team Charleston Savings Pass. This pass provides you with discounts and coupons for many of your favorites, and some Undiscovered places.
Speaking of Undiscovered places, let us entice you with some ideas. But before you head out, please remember to follow the guidelines in place by each establishment. This can include wearing a mask (plenty of Charleston establishments are selling fashionable masks for all occasions), limiting in-person shoppers and social distancing from others.
Serving the Charleston community since 1985, the Art Emporium is a favorite among local artists. They have a 2000 square foot art gallery and are known for custom framing. Art Emporium carries all things art from pottery, glassware and stained glass to jewelry, photography, and more. It is the best place to get art supplies for artists of all experience levels.
With 48 years of Rock ‘n’ Roll under their belt, Budget Tapes and Records is one of the most unique stores in Charleston. You will find everything from records to incense to posters and more. They even have a selection of tie-dyed face masks for sale.
Speaking of records, have you visited Elk City Records? The staff at Elk City Records will help you find personal favorites and explore new-to-you genres of music. The shop offers a vintage amplifier and turntables, so you can listen to your soon-to-be purchase. In addition to popular genres, they have thousands of jazz, classical, folk, blues, show, and gospel albums. You are sure to find something fun to listen to.
The WV Marketplace, located inside the historic Capitol Market, is a great place to find WV made products. This store has some of the best WV food products to help spice up your home chef skills. You can also find locally made dog treats, for your favorite fur babies. One of our favorites is the selection of Blenko Glass, which makes for great gifts.
What shopping trip is complete without a new pair of shoes? Yarid’s is the place to go. Here you will find designer shoes for everyone in the family. What would make you feel more special than a personal shopping experience? Yarid’s is offering that, too! Enjoy the store to yourself while finding the perfect finishing touch for you summer wardrobe.
What other Undiscovered shopping is your favorite? Chime in on our Facebook page and let us know where we need to be shopping.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | Comments Off on Girlfriend Staycation
Gather your mom crew for a fun girl weekend trip to Charleston. Several hotels are offering special staycation rates and are ready to pamper you after a long quarantine with the kids.
Start your evening of pampering with a mani/pedi or a hair appointment at one of Charleston’s spas. Please make an appointment and follow all the guidelines such as wearing your mask.
Next, you will need some retail therapy. Shops along Capitol Street and the Bridge Road Shops will provide you with the perfect outfit for dinner and drinks.
Before checking into the hotel, grab a bottle of wine, and champagne for morning mimosas, from The Wine Shop at Capitol Market. No ladies’ night is complete without getting ready together while pregaming.
Several of Charleston’s favorite restaurants are offering outdoor dining. Make your reservations early. Sit down, relax, and let someone else wait on you.
After dinner, take a relaxing stroll along Kanawha Boulevard’s riverfront.
Treat yourself to breakfast in bed. Either with room service or delivery of a local restaurant.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | Comments Off on Charleston’s Family Staycation
Tired of looking at the same four walls? Why not take a staycation at one of Charleston’s hotels? Most are offering special rates for locals. In addition to a change of scenery we can help make your trip fun.
Charleston has many outdoor activities, that provide plenty of space to social distance, that the entire family will enjoy.
Start your afternoon with a family picnic at the WV State Capitol. With so many of Charleston’s restaurants open for takeout, just pick up your lunch. After you get your belly full, explore the all the statues around the Capitol grounds and let the kids chase some squirrels.
Next, take a stroll down Capitol Street for a treat that children of all ages love, ice cream, at Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream. While downtown, do a little retail therapy. Just remember to wear your mask inside the shops and maintain proper social distancing.
Now it is time to check into the hotel. Enjoy a little family down time inside the room before heading out to dinner.
Several local favorites are open for outdoor dining. Sit down, relax, and let someone else serve you a meal, that you do not have to cook or clean up after! Please call ahead and make reservations to ensure your table is ready.
End the evening with a relaxing stroll down Kanawha Boulevard before heading back to the hotel.
Wake up the next morning to breakfast in bed. Order room service, if available, or send your spouse to pick up breakfast at First Watch.
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Food, Things To Do | Comments Off on Bar Hopping? Just “Dive” Right In!
Want to see a city’s true colors? Check out its dive bars.
Start your Charleston-area “Dive Bar Tour” in Nitro with a Bloody Mary at Castaways – served in a solo cup, of course. You’ll feel like you were picked up and dropped in the middle of Key West.
Next, you’re just a short Uber or Lyft ride from Drummy’s Bar and Grill in St. Albans, a local institution serving up the coldest beer in town. Flat-screen TVs on every wall make this a great place to catch a game. Don’t leave St. Albans until you’ve visited Club El Dorado Bar and Grill as well. Sit on the lounge side, surrounded by velvet paintings of bull fighters, or grab a spot outside to enjoy a cold drink on the patio.
Your next stop needs to be Denver’s Depot on Charleston’s West Side. This train-themed local bar features Charleston’s best pool tables – but fair warning, it’s cash only, so be prepared.
After you work up an appetite shooting pool, head downtown to Big Joe’s on Capitol Street for epic burgers and the region’s best homemade soups. Order the chicken tortellini and kale soup, you’ll thank us later.
Just a few doors down from Joe’s is Sam’s Uptown Café, where you can grab a drink downstairs or head up to the second floor to hang out on old sofas, play Connect Four and listen to an assortment of old vinyl records on the in-house turntable.
As we fade into the homestretch of our tour, it’s off to Charleston’s East End and two of the city’s most iconic dives. First up, The Red Carpet Lounge. In the shadow of the Capitol dome, you’ll rub elbows with legislators, government employees, reporters and neighborhood folks who love “The Carpet” for its great beer selection and popular outdoor patio.
Cap the day, which has now become the night, with live music at the world famous Empty Glass. Don’t let the low ceilings and the wooden floor fool you, more award-winning artists have played this venue than anywhere in the city.
Cheers!
