USAC Volunteer Release
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments on USAC Volunteer Release
Blog Archives
2023 Holly Jolly Brawley Tree List
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments on 2023 Holly Jolly Brawley Tree List
2023 Holly Jolly Brawley Tree List
- Salango Law
- Caldwell Insurance Agency
- Element Federal Credit Union
- Warner Law
- Tony The Tailor
- MRC Global
- The MarrioI
- Astorg Auto presented as (Audi Charleston)
- AARP
- Valley West Veterinary Hospital
- City National Bank
- Fife Street
- Cabin Creek Health Center
- Ray Winton and Kelley
- WV- Eye Consultants
- Goodwill / Tree for Childrens Theater of Charleston
- American Water
- Capitol Market
- Wesbanco
- Pies & Pints
- United Bank
- Howard & Howard Dental
- Joanna Tabit Memorial Tree
- 9290 LLC
- A Suite Life on Bridge
- Adelphia Sports Bar & Grille
- Agent Matthew Rowsey at State Farm
- American Lung Association
- AssuredPartners
- Award Winning Trophies
- Beauty On Lee
- Berrydunn
- Brickhouse Cardio
- Building Appalachia LLC
- Burdette Prosthetics
- Burns Exposures Photography
- Catzeye Studio
- Centerwell Home Health
- Charleston Bee Works
- Charleston Bread
- Charleston Dog Lodge
- Charlie Boutique
- Chemours
- Children’s Dentistry
- Children’s Home Society
- Childrens Therapy Clinic
- Chris Niewierowski at State Farm
- CrossFit
- Crown Carpet Cleaning WV
- Dem 2 Brothers
- Department of Pediatrics CAMC Vandalia Health
- Dickinson Group
- Dress For Success River Cites
- Eclectic Goods Market
- Elk City Auto Spa
- Recovery Point
- Envision Medical Care
- Erica Lord Law
- Esta’s Chair
- Exceptional Possibilities WV
- Ferguson Bath and Kitchen Gallery
- Ferguson Enterprises
- First Settlement Physical Therapy
- Free-Dome Smoke Shop
- Give Comfort, Inc.
- Whitetail Properties
- Goodwin & Goodwin, LLP
- Gray, Griffith & Mays
- Greens Feed
- Habitat ReStore
- Hardy Pence PLLC
- Hill and Holler Appalachian Outfitters
- Hospice
- Huntington National Bank
- Integrity Insurance Group
- JQ Dickinson Salt-Works
- Junior League of Charleston
- Kanawha County Public Library
- Kanawha County Schools
- Karr Law Office
- Kingery and Company
- Legal Aid of West Virginia
- Liberty Roe
- Luxury Auto Advisor
- Maverick Gymnastics
- May~December Boutique
- MBC Salon
- Members Choice West Virginia
- Michael’s Unique Styles
- Moldavite Marketing LLC
- Morgan Stanley
- Mountain State School of Massage
- Mountaineer Dental Implants & Periodontics
- Mountaineer Food Bank
- MSO Photography
- TGKVF
- Oh My Greens
- New Beginning Learning Academy of Dunbar & Charleston
- Old Colony Realtors Charleston
- Old Colony Realtors Hurricane
- Orange Theory Fitness, Charleston.
- Permanently Perfect
- Ooh La Lucy
- PRIDE
- Public Defender Services
- Puzzled Pistols Boutique
- QLabs, Inc.
- Travel with Carrie
- West Virginia Grind
- Rachel Saar- That Travel Girl/Author
- Ellen’s Icecream
- Roofers Local 185
- West Virginia Health Right, Inc.
- Saar Psychological Group PLLC
- Sacred Heart Grade School
- Season’s Treatment Brian Mosley LPC
- Shannon’s Suite Salon
- Shuman McCuskey Slicer PLLC
- Simple Moments Event Designs
- Solid Ground Consulting Engineers
- South Charleston Pediatrics
- Spriggs Distributing Co.
- St. John’s
- Starbucks
- Starcher Law
- Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
- Summit Community Bank
- Syrra Salon
- Tabor Lindsay & Associates
- TC Energy
- Tea Spoons on Bridge
- Pollen8
- The Charleston Amateur Hockey Association
- The Consignment Shop
- The Grubb Law Group
- The Health Plan
- The Salvation Army
- The Thrasher Group
- Quantum Sports Complex
- Thrush and Clark Allergists
- Tickers and Timbers
- Quantum Party Rentals
- Trivillian’s Pharmacy
- Trojan Landing Marine
- Union Mission Ministries
- United Way of Central WV
- West Virginia AFL-CIO
- West Virginia State University
- Goldstar Mothers
- Wild and Wonderful Water Adventures
- WV International Film Festival
- Roxalana Hills Apartments
- Home Builders Association of Greater Charleston
- City Center BID
- National Travel
- Senator Manchin/Senator Shelley Moore Capito
- Charleston Dirty Birds
- KRT
- Charleston Sternwheel Regatta Commission
FestivFALL 2023
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments on FestivFALL 2023
FestivFALL returns October 13 – 22 with ten days of events and activities highlighting music, theatre, art, dance, and much more. Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, over 30 FestivFALL events will take place in 19 locations across the city of Charleston, ranging from outdoor spaces and theaters to intimate galleries and event spaces.
Some of this year’s highlights include:
City Center Dead – Join John Inghram, JP Nowak, Eric Weingrad, Brandon Bowlds and Brad Goodall for a FREE night of Grateful Dead hits at City Center at Slack Plaza. Food trucks and activities on-site.
Carriage Trail Leaf Walk – Enjoy the arts outside on this .65 mile trail. Music by Jeremiah & Brittany, interactive art, poetry readings, and more! FREE event. Parking is limited.
Location/Parking: Sunrise Carriage Trail, 746 Myrtle Rd. We recommend parking at Farmer, Cline, Campbell PLLC at the top of the trail or across the bridge in downtown Charleston.
Harvest Art Fair – Shop from a wide variety of West Virginia artisans as they display and sell their hand-crafted goods October 14-15. It’s the perfect time to get some early holiday shopping done and meet the creators behind the goods you love.
LOCATION: The Capitol Market at 800 Smith Street! This space allows us to take in the fall season alongside Capitol Market vendors in a classic favorite of Charleston, WV.
An Afternoon with West Virginia Dance Company – Through the art of movement, the WV Dance Company shares intimate portraits of the human experience, energetic displays of the power of nature and vibrant images of the nuances of world cultures.
Tickets: $5 for students, $10 for adults
The Witches of Woldhaven Warlock Operetta – The two operas (Witches of Wolfhaven and Warlock Concert) take place in a mystical world of witches and warlocks. While Gertrude belongs to the benevolent Wolfhaven coven, Gustav is a member of the clan led by the evil witch Kannika. The two young people meet and fall in love. Will Gertrude save Gustav from his evil ways, or will their differences tear them apart?
“Gustav and Gertrude” (Two original operas by locals Mark Hornbaker and Caroline Chamness) performed by the Academy Singers and members of the WV State Philharmonic under Scott Woodard with special guest singers Betsy Baer and Ashley Dannewitz.
This is a FREE performance at the Davis Fine Arts Center Theater at West Virginia State University.
You can find the complete FestivFALL schedule here.
America’s Got Talent Finalist
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments on America’s Got Talent Finalist
Philip Bowen is a massively talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a sound that uplifts the soul and is inspired by his Appalachian roots. He’s performed at iconic venues like The Bluebird Cafe and 3rd & Lindsley, and even graced the stage of NPR’s Mountain Stage. In May he was the featured guest on Us & Them by West Virginia Public Broadcasting where they discussed how the 38-year-old learned classical violin as well as how to improvise on the fiddle, combining musical styles and genres.
When he first picked up a fiddle at four years old, no one could have guessed that he would eventually become a breakout star on social media – without ever releasing an album. Just ask his 320,000 Instagram followers about falling in love with Bowen’s duets and sing-a-longs. Not to mention he is a literal TikTok sensation. That’s right, Philip Bowen’s masterful fiddle skills have earned him over 8 million likes and 1 million followers on the platform alone. But wait, it gets better! He even won TikTok’s Gamers Greatest Talent competition, leaving thousands of competitors in the dust and pocketing a cool $25k.
Old Kanawha is a musical journey that takes you from the peaks of happiness to the depths of despair, all while celebrating the beauty and resilience of Appalachia and West Virginia. It’s not just about catchy melodies and clever lyrics, it’s about the universal human experience of navigating the ups and downs of life. Bowen draws inspiration from his own life, from the carefree days of college to the unexpected responsibilities of fatherhood and a draining corporate job. He tackles some tough topics head-on, from addiction to recovery to loss. But even in the darkest moments, there’s a glimmer of hope and optimism. He wants his music to be a beacon of light for anyone going through a difficult time, reminding them that things can and will get better. And don’t expect a one-dimensional portrayal of his home state. Bowen understands that Appalachia and West Virginia are often misunderstood and misrepresented. That’s why he weaves in themes and imagery that celebrate the beauty and strength of the region, while also shining a light on the struggles and hardships faced by its people.
Bowen was dead set on capturing the essence of West Virginia, so he made it a mission to recruit the most talented musicians from the area. And boy, did he hit the jackpot! With a WV-based producer and a team of incredible players, they hunkered down at the McCord House Studios in Bridgeport, WV.
The songs on the record were written between 2019 and 2023, with some dating back to the Fall of 2019 when Bowen finally decided to give music one more serious attempt before giving up on the dream. Two of the songs, “Vampire in Appalachia” and “A Murder,” took the longest to write and were finished just before the last day of recording. The songs were written in various locations including West Virginia, Detroit, Nashville, and the Oregon Coast.
Old Kanawha is an album you do not want to sleep on. And who knows, you might even find yourself swiping through his catchy fiddle covers and original songs on TikTok, tapping your toes and grinning from ear to ear.
CWV Q&A
What is your favorite thing about Charleston? – I love how Charleston has a welcoming and warm feel. It’s a great place to relax, have some fun, and enjoy what’s so special about West Virginia. The views along the Kanawha are unmatched.
Favorite CWV restaurant? – This is such an impossibly hard question!
Favorite CWV shop? – KinShip Goods!
Favorite CWV venue to see, or perform, live music? – The Clay Center is hard to beat, and of course, getting to play at The Empty Glass after Mountain Stage was a special experience
Favorite CWV memory? – Special times playing and competing at the Vandalia Gathering are some of my favorite CWV memories. Of course, recently being invited to perform on Mountain Stage at the Culture Center was a highlight of my music career.
What do you wish others would know about Charleston? – I wish others knew more about the rich and vibrant arts and music scene in CWV! There’s a ton of talent, and Appalachian artists are some of the most real and genuine souls out there!
Water is the Special Ingredient
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments on Water is the Special Ingredient
The Bullock Distillery, located in the heart of Charleston’s Elk City Historic District, is a craft spirits distillery offering bourbon, gin, moonshine, and vodka. Organized by Dusta Tanner, John Bullock and Tighe Bullock in 2017, the Bullock Distillery operates in an historic building in the Elk City district of Charleston’s West Side. Both the Tanner and Bullock families have histories with distilling: The Tanner Family made moonshine in Roane County, West Virginia, while the Bullock family has produced spirits in Robeson County, North Carolina, since before the American Revolution.
The spirits Bullock produces also contain a special ingredient. In addition to locally sourced grains, Bullock’s spirits are distilled and proofed with fresh, limestone water from Greenbrier County, WV. The underground water is filtered naturally by Karst limestone giving it the natural sweet flavor distillers claim is the special ingredient.
Available products include vodka distilled from grapes and White Dog Moonshine 100 Proof corn “likker.”
Gin offerings include barrel-rested gin and Jupiter Gin, the latter inspired by late local artist Charly “Jupiter” Hamilton, whose art is featured on each bottle and across the street from the distillery in the outdoor mural Hamilton painted himself.
Bullock’s and Tanner’s Select are the distillery’s bourbon offerings. Tanner’s is a six-year single barrel bourbon, while Bullock’s Bourbon is a “marriage” of four-, five-, and six-year barrel-aged bourbons.
Once you’ve tasted the spirits and chosen your favorite, shop for swag! Bullock-branded drinkware and apparel make great souvenirs and gifts. The distillery also offers a selection of ingredients to help kick your mixologist skills up a notch, like flavored simple syrups and imported olives and cherries. Shop for local sauces, salsas, and other tasty treats to go along with your spirits.
Tours, tastings, and merch are available during regular business hours at Bullock Distillery, 121 Washington Street West, Charleston, WV, (681) 205-2770. Check out the website for hours and scheduled events.
CWV Holiday Gift Guide
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments on CWV Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday season is all about joy, happiness, and gift giving. Let us guide you to some incredible ideas for all those on your list this year.
Stocking Stuffers Items under $25
JQ Dickinson Salt Works
1 oz jars of salt are the perfect stocking stuffers for the cook in the family. There are 3 flavors: original heirloom (plain), applewood smoked and ramp. Starting at $6.00.
Lots of items to fit any budget: jams, jellies and preserves; spice blends; soaps and bath goods; and hand made wood utensils. Starting at $5.50
Kinship Goods
A cute onesie for all those Mounatain Made Babies! Product details: 100% combed ringspun cotton, Hand-printed in Appalachia, WV, Available in infant sizes newborn-18 months.
Snack hound enamel pin, perfect for the snacker in all of us!
Stickers, Stickers and more Stickers!!! All stickers are made from thick, durable vinyl & are suitable for use indoor or outdoor. A few examples: watch for deer sticker, forever ramblin sticker, in the woods sticker, mushroom kingdom sticker and bear friend sticker.
Two Tinkers
Fine art and unique jewelry design. Vintage items and novelties. Metaphysical items as well. Prices range from $2.50 and up. We have a good selection of jewelry and fine art prints under $25!
Buck & Bette
WV ’22 leather keychain // $12.95 // Features the smart and classically designed icon from the 1922 West Virginia license plate.
Bohicket Apothecary Soap // $7.50 // Handmade in Abingdon, VA. The perfect stocking stuffer for anyone!
Tassel Scissors // $20.95 // These scissors will be your new go-to “good scissors” and are so pretty they are gift-able! Blades are constructed of stainless steel.
Thornwood Candle // $15.95 – $22.95 // Hand crafted locally for Buck & Bette by Golden Hour Candles, this warm scent has notes of Cuban cigar and patchouli. Available in 8 oz and 14 oz.
Charleston Ballet
DVD of the Charleston Ballet documentary ANDRE VAN DAMME AND THE STORY OF THE CHARLESTON BALLET. $15 plus shipping.
The Purple Moon
Vintage jewelry
Echo – Lit
An assortment of exclusive in-store only items perfect for the book-lover on everyone’s Christmas list.
Just one of several West Virginia-themed note cards available at Echo-Lit.
The Consignment Company
Rings, gloves, scarves and small wallets.
Robert’s Running and Walking Shop
Socks. They carry a ton of options for technical socks. They’re the most common stocking stuffer for customers. They’re synthetic, technical, durable, and super cozy.
Sunglasses. They carry three different brands of sunglasses that make inexpensive polarized sunglasses. Goodr, Knockaround, and Tifosi.
Oddbird Gifts
Cat & Dog pillows. Find your new cuddle buddy
Budget Friendly Finds Items from $25 – $100
Kinship Goods
Hit the trail, with the appalachian trail hat! While only 4 miles out of about 2200 runs through our home state, it does pass through Harper’s Ferry. It is considered the “spiritual halfway point” of the trail and is also one of the loveliest little places you’ll ever visit.
An adorable, cozy sweatshirt for your little mountaineer!
Hills are happy places, especially in the home in the hills sweatshirt.
It’s how we say “I love you” in West Virginia, so wear the watch for deer shirt with pride.
Whether you’re a WV native, transplant, or just a mountain lover, we promise you’ll stay cozy in the almost heaven sweatshirt. Perfect for comfy coffee shop mornings, brisk autumn hikes, or lazy days.
Stay cozy camp mug for the coffee lover in your life.
Small Towner Hat or West By Gold Embroidered Hat
Tops Off Barbershop & Salon
Gift certificates for any service to make sure everyone looks amazing in the holiday photos.
Buck & Bette
Hobnail Salt & Pepper Shakers // $25.30 – $32.95 // These shakers are the perfect addition to any table! Made in Appalachia in southeastern Ohio by Mosser Glass. Available in jadeite, marble (gray), eggplant, and crown tuscan (pink).
WV 22 Trucker Hat // $29 // Available in multiple colors, this is a customer favorite for everyday wear.
Echo Lit
An inspirational art print celebrating the scientific accomplishments of WV native Katherine Johnson.
A framed print of the state capitol building in Charleston is rendered in a colorful and unique pen and ink style.
Twelve state parks from every region of West Virginia are represented in this 2023 calendar in a crisp, vibrant illustrative style.
A playful take on the West Virginia state seal features two of West Virginia’s most popular cryptids – Mothman and Braxxie (the Flatwoods Monster).
One of West Virginia’s most recognizable vistas – The New River Gorge Bridge at sunset – is a fabulous addition to any West Virginian’s house, no matter where they make their home.
This hundred year old map of Charleston, WV in stunning black and white fits into any home or office design with stylish, vintage vibes.
We all know the words, they are engraved on our hearts. “Take Me Home” is a lovely reminder of our Mountain Mama and all her splendor.
Clean lines, playful typography, and a soothing color palate make this framed art print an awesome addition to any home or office decor.
Charleston Ballet
Tickets to Charleston Ballet March 2023 performances BOLD MOVES featuring the BEO String Quartet. Adult $35 Student/Senior $30
American Academy Ballet – PILATES 4-CLASS CARD …. $47
The Purple Moon
Glass, pottery, vintage holiday décor.
The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences
$100 Family Membership is perfect for every household. Benefits Include: Unlimited Museum gallery admission for two named members and all children under 18 in household. ASTC reciprocal benefits at hundreds of museums around the world. Quarterly members magazine. Exclusive first access to the newest Clay Center exhibits. Discounts on films
Robert’s Running and Walking Shop
Outdoor apparel. They recently started stocking more lifestyle brands so we now have Cotopaxi, Mountain Hardwear, Roam and Run (local!), Prana, and Kuhl. They currently have their fleece pullovers and jackets in Charleston.
Oddbird Gifts
Kit-Cat Klock. Made in California for 90 years!
Splurge Items over $100
The Purple Moon
Mid-century modern designer classics for every home.
Buck & Bette
10″ Glass Cake Stand & Dome // $114.60-$134.80 // Display beautiful baked goods or even fill with home decor to add a casual elegance to a kitchen or dining table. Made in Appalachia in southeastern Ohio by Mosser Glass. Available in jadeite, marble (gray), milk (white), and crown tuscan (pink).
JQ Dickinson Salt Works
Does your recipient like craft cocktails? They have beautiful, hand-blown glasses made in the North Carolina mountains. Pour a flavorful bourbon and sip by the fire this winter. Terrane Glass, Spruce Pine, NC. $45 each
The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences
Broadway in Charleston Subscription; $195 – $425; Reserved seating for all shows in season. Nederlander National Markets, in partnership with The Clay Center, is elated to present the 2022/2023 Broadway in Charleston season! The season will feature five exciting shows, including the Charleston premiere of nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical, THE BOOK OF MORMON! This season offers: CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE, December 13, 2022; The Book of Mormon, January 31, 2023 7 February 1, 2023; CATS, March 8, 2023; RIVERDANCE – 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW, March 22, 2023; ANNIE, April 13, 2023.
Tickets to Carnaval 2023: Atlantis, January 28th, Tickets available at $150 for single, VIP/Host Tickets $500 for two
This 12th annual legendary fundraiser supports the Clay Center’s ongoing operations and education programs. When you attend Carnaval, you get to enjoy the best party in town, but more importantly, you make an immediate impact on the creative economy and access to arts and education.
The Consignment Company
Higher end items including clothing, purses and shoes from designers such as Eileen Fisher, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Coach, Burberry and many more…
Robert’s Running and Walking Shop
Shoes. They take every customer through our fitting process to help them find the best fit and feel for their needs. No matter if they’re a runner or walker, “they will fit em all.”
GPS Watches. Garmin and Coros are two brands of running watches they offer. They track time, distance, pace, heart rate, and plenty of other things.
Oddbird Gifts
Art Poles 48 inches. Add year round Pop of color to your garden or planters. No weeding required!
**Gift ideas submitted by our small business community**
Explore Outdoor Rec
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments on Explore Outdoor Rec
Hiking & Biking
One of the best things about Charleston is the easy access to amazing hiking and biking opportunities. Just moments from downtown, Kanawha State Forest offers nine trails covering more than 25 miles. “The Spotted Salamander” is a paved, level walkway with braille interpretive nature stations designed for both visually impaired and physically challenged guests. Encourage the kiddos to look for (but not touch!) frogs’ eggs in the vernal pools next to the trail. Maps are available at the park office, and naturalists regularly lead guided hikes and wildlife programs for visitors.
Image courtesy @_dewayne___
Make a short drive to South Charleston for outdoor family fun. Little Creek Park is full of trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a Soap Box Derby Track. Three main trails, the Loop Trail, Rock Ridge, and Little Creek, aren’t overly crowded, so social distancing is an easy task. On the Loop Trail keep your eye out for the Devil’s Tea Table, a beautiful rock formation along the trail. The Tea Table is a great place to snap a few photos.
Pro tip: Take extra shoes for the kids! They will love playing in the creek that runs along the trails, and the little beaches are perfect for dipping your toes while skipping rocks.
Coonskin Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the region and just 10 miles from Downtown Charleston. Explore woodland and riverside trails by foot or bike. Find the grotto, a perfect spot for pictures.
Picnic shelters of all sizes, horseshoe pits, and a modern playground make Coonskin the perfect spot for a reunion or birthday party. A pond with paddle boats and stocked with fish provide hours of fun for children of all ages. There’s also a wedding garden, amphitheater, Olympic-size pool, and a handicapped accessible 18-hole par three golf course.
Image courtesy @festivall_cwv_instagram
If you prefer to stay in town, head across the South Side Bridge to the Sunrise Carriage Trail. The Carriage Trail begins at the foot of the hill behind the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Depot, which itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Drivers can park at the bottom of the hill or at the top. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed. Along the way you’ll find several historical gems, including the graves of two female Civil War spies and a memorial to Christa McAuliffe, American teacher and astronaut. The view from the top is breathtaking!
Kayaking
Image courtesy Coal River Group
If kayaking is on your agenda, be sure to join the Tour de Coal community float. This annual event takes place in June to highlight and support the work of the Coal River Group, an environmental organization with the goal of restoring the Coal. The float starts at the Coal River Group’s Science & Education Center at Meadowood Park in Tornado. Float leisurely – it’s not a race – for 12 miles along the Coal River to the city of St. Albans, where finishers can celebrate at Yak Fest in Olde Main Plaza.
You don’t have to wait for the community float to enjoy the river. The Tour de Coal is just one section of the 88-mile Coal River “Walhonde” Water Trail. Anglers and kayakers can access the river at multiple launch sites year-round. To get started, visit the Science & Education Center to learn more about the trail, the river’s history, and its bright future. Rental businesses operate out of the headquarters and can get you on the water as quickly as you’d like.
The Elk River Rail Trail is roughly 37 miles with several river access points for kayaking, boating, and fishing. A kayak launch at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center is one of the more unique access points along the trail. Communities along the Elk River Rail Trail, like the town of Clendenin, are rising to meet visitors’ demands for kayak rentals, restaurants, and lodging.
Downtown Charleston
By Leslie Smithson | Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments on Downtown Charleston
We’re always up for dining and shopping, we love historical architecture and funky public art, and who doesn’t need to get in a good walk? Those are just a few things that make Downtown Charleston a great place to spend an afternoon.
Sightseeing? Start with Haddad Riverfront Park, the city’s amphitheater. Every Friday evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can catch Live on the Levee, the city’s family friendly, free concert series. Bring a chair or blanket and come ready to have fun in this festive atmosphere.
Just a few blocks from the riverfront you’ll find the city’s newest project: City Center at Slack Plaza. This revitalized area features greenspace, a performance stage, and larger than life public art. The plaza connects to City Center Station and KRT public transportation.
From City Center, cross the street and cut through Brawley Walkway to Capitol Street. Here you find Charleston mainstays like Adelphia Sports Bar and Grill, Big Joe’s Bar & Grill, Sam’s Uptown Café, and Pies & Pints. You’ll also find some of the sweetest treats at Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream, The Peanut Shoppe, and Rock City Cake Company, which also serves as a performance venue!
No trip to Capitol Street would be complete without a stop in Taylor Books. This independent bookseller is THE place to find titles of local and regional interest. Shoppers also enjoy the assortment of magazines, stationery, and gifts. Grab the city’s best “London Fog” tea while you peruse titles and check out the art gallery within the store.
A walk along Quarrier Street east takes you past woodworking shops, antique stores, and the newly renovated Art Emporium. Serving the Charleston community since 1985, Art Emporium offers custom framing services and original works of art from West Virginia artisans.
As you turn the corner at Hale Street you find a hidden gem of a downtown block. Specialty shops, like Stray Dog Antiques and Tony the Tailor, keep this block hopping.
Is it time for dinner yet? Stroll a few blocks along Virginia Street to Summers Street for two delicious destinations. Black Sheep Burritos and Brews, a favorite hangout for locals, features a tasty menu and beer brewed onsite. Noah’s Restaurant & Lounge (reservations recommended) offers eclectic fine dining in a modern and comfortable atmosphere.
Coming to town for a concert? The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center is the “center of it all” for big name acts and huge indoor sporting events. Shinedown, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood included a show at the Coliseum on their latest tours. The Coliseum also is a great arena for indoor sporting events like basketball, professional wrestling and professional bull riding. Sign up for the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center’s newsletter to get announcements on the next big artists coming to town.
Fun Fact: The first brick street in the world was laid in Charleston on Summers Street – and you can still see and walk on it.
Kanawha City
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!
Elk City
By Lauren hunt | Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments on Elk City
Charleston’s Elk City district offers an eclectic assortment of shopping, restaurants, and even some signature events. Some local favorites include Kinship Goods and Basecamp Printing. Everyone loves Kinship for their quirky shirts. When we say everyone, we mean it, you can see some of their designs being worn by Charleston’s own Jennifer Garner and Mindy Kaling. In addition, Kinship is very involved in the community. You can always find Dan and Hillary supporting a local cause that is close to their hearts, especially if it deals with animals.
Basecamp is located right next door. This print shop is more than just posters. Sisters Emily and Betsy Sokolosky opened the shop in 2016 and became the go to place for things done my letterpress. This is the best place to stop to get cards to mail home to loved ones who missed the trip. Or purchase a one of a kind Mountain Stage poster.
Elk City is also home to the award winning Books and Brews Pepperoni Rolls. If this is your first time to WV, or you are a frequent visitor, you have to have a taste. Nothing beats a WV Pepperoni Roll! If you are looking for a more Charlestonian establishment, look no further than The Grill. The Grill has been around sine the 1950s. Rumor has it they are still using the same grease in the fryers.
In addition to food and shopping, you can find one of Charleston’s signature events, OktoberWest. Every fall, OktoberWest brings the streets of Elk City alive with music and beer plus fun activities like stein holding challenge. During the summer you can also find Ice Cream and the Arts during FestivALL.
One of the newest additions to Elk City is the Skate Park. The first skate park in the city opened in 2021, with the help of the skating community. The park includes two bank ramps, 15 quarter pipers, four half pipes, grind ledges, slant pads, and more.