West Virginia's Capital Is Vibrant City Where History Meets Modern Flair

Mention Charleston, and many travelers will instantly imagine the gorgeous city in South Carolina that is filled with European influence and Southern charm. However, the other widely known Charleston, West Virginia's capital city, has a beauty and charm all its own. Set amongst the rolling Appalachian Mountains on the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, and the convergence of three interstates, Charleston is an easy-to-reach getaway that has plenty of modern and historic attractions and a growing music and food scene, along with scenic trails leading to secret caves.

As the Civil War started in 1861, 27 counties voted to secede from Virginia after Virginia voted to join the Confederacy, creating the state now known as West Virginia. As Virginians took sides, Charleston and its residents suffered through skirmishes while both sides fought for the city's strategic location in the Kanawha Valley. The Confederates occupied Charleston for less than two months in 1862; however, it was retaken by the North. The city came to prominence after the Civil War and officially became West Virginia's second capital in 1885.  For decades, Charleston also sat at the epicenter of West Virginia's coal industry, between the Kanawha and New River Coal Fields.

Though Charleston has under 50,000 people, it is the largest city in the state and has direct access to major metropolitan areas across the Midwest and East Coast. If you're flying in, West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) is served by American, Breeze, Delta, and United, and is just five miles outside of Charleston. By car, Charleston is about three hours southeast of Columbus, Ohio, the nearest major city. You can also hop on Amtrak's thrice-weekly scenic Cardinal line, running between New York and Chicago, to Charleston. 

Scenic Charleston, West Virginia, and its golden-domed state capitol building line the Kanawha River, offering gorgeous views of the rolling hills and historic architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Within what locals describe as a "hip and historic" city, you'll find plenty to see and do in the most affordable vacation destination in the U.S. Nine districts in Charleston have been added to the National Register of Historic Places, including well-preserved downtown Charleston, where you'll not only find the city's iconic clock along tree-lined Capitol Street, but also a wide assortment of establishments. Stroll down the historic Brawley Walkway at the heart of downtown and you'll find yourself footsteps from some of Charleston's best-known restaurants and breweries. Fife Street Brewery's inclusive environment and friendly vibe will keep the conversations flowing longer than their signature beers. Pies & Pints is the go-to for pizza downtown, with visitors saying it's worth the wait on a busy night.

Downtown Charleston also ties the community together with festivals and major events hosted by the city. Whether you're attending the Celtic Calling festival in late February to early March, FestivALL in October, or catching live music on Friday nights during the summer months, you'll likely find friendly folk who will show you the best of their city. One more can't-miss area is Charleston's West Side, the historic (and hip) Elk City district. You'll find plenty of unique and funky shops and local eats. To go local, grab a pepperoni roll, West Virginia's state food, from the Grill, a favorite for over seven decades.

Vibrant Charleston's outdoor adventures are as epic as the history that is entrenched in every step. For a short, scenic, and historic walk in Charleston, don't miss trekking up the short Sunrise Carriage Trail. The trek begins south of downtown near the Kanawha River and leads up a beautiful, tree-lined path to the former home of Governor MacKorkle, who served as the ninth governor of West Virginia. The path leads to the Grosscup Road Historic District, one of Charleston's historic neighborhoods perched above the city.  

Not surprisingly, the capital of "The Mountain State" is a hiking and biking paradise, with trails and routes for all abilities, as well as plenty of wildlife viewing, including deer. Approximately seven miles northeast of downtown, you'll find Coonskin Park, which has over 1,000 acres to explore, along with the beautiful Alice Knight Memorial Trail leading to the Grotto, a local secret cave. Locals recommend visiting the Grotto during spring or after heavy rain to see a gorgeous cascade of water — pun intended – otherwise, it may be dry. If you visit when the ground is wet, be sure to wear proper footwear.

Hikers or bikers who are looking for more routes shouldn't miss venturing into the nearby Kanawha State Forest, which has 46 campsites (including electricity and laundry) and over 60 miles of trails, ranging from the short, wheelchair friendly Spotted Salamander Trail to the looping Middle Ridge Trail, coming in at over 12.9 miles. If you're planning to hike in the state forest, note that many trails are open to both bicycles and hikers. If the mountains and nature are calling, keep heading south toward Virginia. The state's natural wonder, the New River Gorge and its surrounding mountain paradise, is just over an hour away.