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West Virginia's State Capitol Building and other state office buildings on beautifully manicured lawn and grounds with numerous fountains and several historic statues including; Stonewall Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Union Soldier, Union Mountaineer and Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Walks At Midnight statue, dedicated in 1974, faces the Kanawha River and is a sculptural translation of a poem by Vachel Lindsey. Other buildings in the Complex are the Cultural Center, the Governor's Mansion and the Holly Grove Mansion. 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East.
The largest state capitol dome in the country graces this stone and marble Italian Renaissance structure. The 20th century classical architecture, designed by the famous Cass Gilbert features a 23 karat gold-leafed dome, and its landscaped grounds display many historical statues. Guided tours conducted Monday-Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Capitol open to public Monday-Saturday 9 am to 7 pm and Sundays 12 to 7 pm. 304/558-4839 or 1-800-CALL-WVA.
This magnificent Center houses exhibits in the State Museum and research materials in the Archives. The State Theatre features concerts, films, lectures, and theatrical presentations and Mountain Stage performances. The Cultural Center is open Monday through Thursday 9 am to 8 pm; Friday and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm; Sunday 12 to 6 pm. The West Virginia Archives is open Monday to Thursday 9 am to 8 pm; Friday and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. Closed on state holidays. For tour reservations call 304/558-4839 or 1-800-CALL-WVA.
A two-story monument on State Capitol grounds. Four monoliths dedicated to World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam display names of the war dead within the sanctuary of the classically styled Memorial. Ramped walkways over the oval reflecting pool affords easy access to the sanctuary display of some 10,000 names. For information contact Pat Pleska, Veterans Memorial Archives Manager, 304/558-0230.
 Designed by Charleston architect Walter F. Martens and constructed in 1924, the 30-room executive mansion is a traditional Georgian colonial structure with a hospitable, homelike, yet dignified air harmonizing perfectly with the other buildings in the Capitol Complex. The ground floor contains state rooms featuring exquisite antiques and fine detailing while the second floor serves as the governor's private residence. Tours are conducted on Thursday and Friday between 9:30 am-11:30 am. Call to make reservations. 304/558-4839.
The bases are loaded, the bat then sharply cracks and you watch as the ball disappears over the fence. Cheers erupt throughout the stands as the West Virginia Power make another big score for Charleston! There's no better way to enjoy a summer evening than to relax with your family taking in a few innings. With more than 70 home games a season, the Class "A" minor league affiliates of the Milwaukee Brewers--a Major League Baseball franchise--offers up plenty of action with clutch hits, strikeout pitching, and plenty of fun with fireworks, giveaways and special promotions that are sure to be a home run with the enitre family. And bring the kids to see the Power Pack! Catch a game from April through September at beautiful Appalachian Power Park, Charleston's new $23 million dollar stadium in the heart of downtown. For ticket and schedule information, please call 304-344-BATS. For team schedule, click here.
Year-round entertainment, convention, exhibition and sporting events. Top rock, country, gospel and Broadway acts, circus, hot rod pull, wrestling, home show and sports show. The Civic Center Coliseum is a 13,500-seat showplace for concerts, and a 12,500 seat arena for basketball. For tickets and information on scheduled performances, call 304/345-7469. For information on meetings, conventions or trade shows, 304/345-1500. One of the nation's largest downtown enclosed shopping malls, featuring 130 specialty stores, three major department stores, Picnic Place and specialty restaurants. The Center Court Atrium with its three-story waterfall and extensive greenery is a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Adjacent to Charleston Civic Center at Clendenin, Court, Lee and Quarrier Streets. Hours Monday -Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. 304/345-9525.
Considered one of the most ambitious cultural and educational undertakings in West Virginia, the Clay Center was established to serve the arts, science, and technology by bringing together performances in dance, music and theater, and educational programming and exhibits. This state-of-the-art facility includes Clark Performance Place, which includes the Maier Foundation Performance Hall, a 1,880-seat world-class theater, as well as the versatile Walker Theater. The Clay Center is also home to the Avampato Discovery Museum and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. 304/561-3500.
Located inside the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences-WV, the Avampato Discovery Museum features two floors of interactive science exhibits, a world class art museum, and the ElectricSky (TM) Theater showing large format films, laser shows and planetarium shows. Museum galleries are open Wednesday thru Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Call for ElectricSky (TM) Theater show titles and times. 304/561-3575.
West Virginia Public Radio's live two-hour arts performance show is hosted on Sundays at 6:00 pm at the Cultural Center Theater in the State Capitol Complex, with approximately 26 shows taped per year. The show features nationally and internationally recognized musicians. Mountain Stage is one of the most popular programs offered to Public Radio International's member stations and is heard on 130 PRI stations nationwide. Tickets available by calling TICKETMASTER at 304/342-5757, or at the door, beginning at 1:30 pm the day of the performance.
Pick your own way to win with live greyhound racing and simulcast/off-track betting or try gaming with coin drop slots or video slots. Mardi Gras addition adds 57,000 sq. feet of gaming action. West Virginia's premiere entertainment attraction. Spacious climate controlled clubhouse and grandstand seating. Group package available. Enjoy a full-course meal in the First Turn Restaurant or the Mardi Gras Restaurant and Lounge. Exit 47 and 47A off I-64, Cross Lanes. 304/776-1000 or 1-800-224-9683.
 Spending time in Charleston is the perfect way to relax and enjoy yourself. Surrounding Charleston, however, are even more wonderful attractions. Check out some of the most popular ones close by the Charleston area.
Explore an authentic coal mine! Ride a "man trip" car that will guide you through 1,500 feet of underground passages that have been restored. Find out about mining low seam coal from its earliest manual stages to modern mechanized operation. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. While there, also check out the gift shop, coal company house and the superintendent's house. About an hour's drive from Charleston on I-77S at exit 44, then follow signs. Season is from April 1-November 1. Be sure to bring a jacket! The temperature is a constant 58 degrees inside the mine. (304) 256-1747.
Discover the ancient art of glass blowing and find yourself surrounded by beauty and fine workmanship at Blenko Glass. Many famous buildings and museum have been customers of Blenko Glass. Decorative glassware is on display in the visitors center and is available for purchase in the factory outlet display area. Blenko also has a museum with a designer's corner and and an exhibit of artistry. Observation deck tours are available to watch craftsmen at work. Located approximately 40 minutes from Charleston on Route I-64 W in Milton, WV. (304) 743-9081.
Join the fun at West Virginia's only amusement park. Camden Park has been family fun for 98 years. Enjoy the carousel, Dodgem cars, Log Flume or the Big Dipper, various games or a favorite snack. Camden Park is located about an hour from Charleston on I-64W at exit 6 in Huntington, then follow signs. Limited season runs from May to October. (304) 522-8320.
Another highly prized glass collectible is Fenton Glass. Fenton is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the country. Visit the Fenton Glass museum that features glass made from 1907 to 1980, including the famous Carnival glass. A gift shop features first-quality, hard-to-find and retired pieces. Regularly scheduled tours allow visitors to watch as craftsmen create pieces. Fenton Art Glass is about an hour and a half's drive away in Williamstown, just off I-77N near Parkersburg. (304) 375-7772 or (800) 319-7793.
Whether it's riding an atv, motorcycle, mountain bike, horses or just hiking, you can find a way to experience these exciting trails in the Appalachian Mountains. Hatfield-McCoy Trails is one of only 16 trail systems nationwide that is designated as a National Millennium Trail. Outfitters and equipment rentals, guided tours, and packages are available. For complete details call (304) 752-3255 or (800) 592-2217.
More than 119 miles of scenery await you on the Midland Trail Scenic Highway. U.S. Rt. 60 is one of the oldest routes in the country. Visit the historical, enjoy the recreational, appreciate the cultural and take pleasure in all the natural beauty surrounding you. The Midland Trail is one of the best ways to explore the many wild and wonderful qualities of West Virginia. From antiques, festivals, crafts, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking to scenic views, this roadway can provide it all. Call the Charleston CVB to receive a brochure.
A fun way to spend a day with friends at the tri-state's largest paintball field. Scary Creek has five houses, forts, streams, foxholes that can be incorporated in a game. Also enjoy the snack bar and indoor/outdoor picnic area. Restrooms and showers also available. Open daily June-Labor Day. Open weekends from September-May. Located about 35 minutes from Charleston off I-64W. Call for complete directions or schedule(304) 755-5973 or (800) 870-5973.
Showcases a statewide collection of art and hand-made crafts. Tamarack carries more than 20,000 different products. Plus observe weavers, artists, sculptors, glass-blowers and other scheduled demonstrators as they work. Exceptional cuisine is prepared by The Greenbrier. WV specialty foods are also available. A 178-seat theatre is the perfect venue for poetry readings, movies, recitals, drama and more. Less than an hour's drive from Charleston on I-77 S. 1-88-TAMARACK or 304/256-6843.
Entertainment Recreational Activities
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Museum