Five Great Reasons to Live & Play in Charleston, West Virginia
West Virginia’s capital city of Charleston offers the exciting amenities of a metropolitan hub and provides a welcoming and inclusive community.
Sponsored by: City of Charleston, West Virginia
In This Article
Shop ’Til You Drop
The city’s many local boutiques and creative shopping options keep Charleston looking stylish. From haircuts to the perfect pair of shoes, The Bridge Road Shops in South Hills have you covered head to toe. The thriving downtown includes the city’s year-round Capitol Market with its colorful mix of food products and specialty shops.
A must-see for music lovers is Budget Tapes and Records in Kanawha City. Charleston’s oldest record store also features clothing and jewelry. The West Side is home to Charleston Department Store, locally owned and operated since 1921.
A Taste of Charleston
From eclectic palate-pleasers to classic comfort food, Charleston can satisfy any craving. Grab a spot on the outdoor deck at the family-friendly Tricky Fish, head to Kanawha City for fragrant ingredients at Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine or enjoy a bourbon-style bistro at Hale House downtown.
For an elevated brew experience check out downtown’s Fife Street Brewing and Black Sheep Burritos & Brews. Of course, it’s hard to beat the classics like a hot dog and shake from Hot Diggity Dogs in North Charleston, barbecue from Dem2 Brothers on the West Side or the specialty pizzas at Lola’s Pizza in South Hills. For chef-driven comfort food, the new 1010 Bridge in South Hills features locally sourced ingredients and menus informed by Appalachian traditions.
Y’all Means All
Charleston strives to be a welcoming and inclusive city for ALL. The city is one of 15 municipalities in the state to have adopted a nondiscrimination ordinance. In addition, the Goodwin Administration established the city’s first LGBTQ Working Group and the first Charleston Youth Council to provide recommendations on city policies.
Helping Charleston lead the way on inclusion and diversity are community organizations, local businesses and events, including the state’s largest Pride Parade & Festival and Multifest, which brings together people of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Take a Bow
Charleston’s creative spirit has laid the groundwork for an impressive array of performance venues and shows.
The famed Mountain Stage, produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and distributed by NPR, is a two-hour radio show recorded in front of a live audience. Since 1983, Mountain Stage has featured emerging artists and seasoned legends. Today, the radio show can be heard across the country and around the world.
The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center hosts sports tournaments, premier entertainment and corporate events. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, home to the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, features theatrical performances and headline concerts. Haddad Riverfront Park is home to Live on the Levee, a free Friday concert series and City Center at Slack Plaza hosts City Center Live.
Fun in the Sun
Charleston’s outstanding recreational facilities provide a full array of opportunities including playgrounds, picnic areas, swimming, tennis, golf, disc golf, fitness equipment, sports fields and a new skatepark.
Cato Park on the city’s West Side has an extensive trail system. The Sunrise Carriage Trail offers a historic hike near downtown. Magic Island is a family favorite with its interactive splash pad. Just minutes away, the Shawnee Sports Complex features six lighted collegiate turf fields for soccer, lacrosse, rugby, football and more; four lighted collegiate baseball/three softball fields; 30 acres of grass; and four lighted basketball courts.
Want to learn more about the city of Charleston, West Virginia? Read more about why you should Choose Charleston.
