Blog Archives
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | 1 Comment 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 | 3 Comments on 5 Places to Walk Outdoors
- Cato Park – 5-mile trail system with 16 trails
- Kanawha Blvd – Relax along the river from the Capitol to Patrick Street
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Things To Do | 3 Comments 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 | 2 Comments 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 | 3 Comments 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 | 4 Comments 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 | No Comments 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 | No Comments on What is Juneteenth?
What is Juneteenth and why does it need to be celebrated? Juneteenth dates back to 1865, and most people do not know about it. Juneteenth stands for June 19, the day the final slaves were actually freed in Texas, two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The first celebration of Juneteenth happened on the one-year anniversary in 1866. These celebrations started in churches throughout Texas. By the 1920s and 1930s, this holiday spread throughout the southern states.
Due to COVID19 restrictions, celebrations will be limited this year. We can, however, honor this holiday by supporting African American owned businesses in the Charleston area. Thanks to Our Future West Virginia for help compiling this list of African American owned local businesses.
This Juneteenth, get out and shop local, responsibly wear your PPE and wash your hands!
Food & Drink
Salons, Barber Shops, & Beauty Suppliers
Retail
Arts & Entertainment
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Things To Do | No Comments on Walk away from the TV
If you’re like us, you’ve been spending a lot of time binging shows and movies. Now that summer is here, it’s time to put down the remote and get some fresh air and Vitamin D. Before you head out to work off the Quarantine 15, please take a moment to review the CDC’s recommendations for protecting yourselves and others from COVID-19 while visiting parks and recreational facilities.
Happy Trails!
Kanawha State Forest’s hiking and biking trails provide fresh air and plenty of space to clear your head. Bring the family: There’s loads of room for the kiddos to burn off energy.
The Carriage Trail is scenic and educational. Look for historical markers along the 0.65-mile gravel trail, including the graves of two female Civil War spies and a memorial to Christa McAuliffe, American teacher and astronaut.
Just a short drive to South Charleston, you will find great trails for the entire family at Little Creek Park. 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. Get more trail info here.
Game! Set! Match!
Tennis is a great sport because all you need to play is one other person, or even just a sturdy wall to hit against. Some of our public tennis courts have reopened, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Kanawha City Community Center and Edgewood. Courts at city facilities are open every day 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. As of right now, play is limited to singles only. Be sure to follow the city’s other social distancing guidelines surrounding tennis as listed here.
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Food, Things To Do | No Comments on Girlfriend Staycation
Grab your mom friends and take a getaway to a Charleston hotel! 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.
