Hip, historic, and almost heaven. That’s how visitors and locals describe Charleston, West Virginia. Located where the Elk and Kanawha Rivers meet and surrounded by mountains, there’s plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. But, Charleston has more than meets the eye. If you’re looking for a relaxing, fun-filled family weekend or vacation, explore historic downtown Charleston.
Thanks to Charleston and West Virginia Tourism for hosting us. All opinions are our own.
How to Spend 24 Hours in Historic Downtown Charleston, West Virginia
Start with a stroll down Capitol Street where you’ll find boutique shops, quirky cafes, local art galleries, and green spaces. Centrally located, it’s a short walk to the East End Historic District, the West Virginia State Museum, and the Mountain State Distillery. Book lovers will want to stop by Taylor Books, a small, independent bookstore, café, and local arts and crafts shop. Kids can have a tea party with books and stuffed animals while parents browse and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi.
Afterward, step next door to Pies & Pints, known for their one-of-a-kind pizza and craft beer. This eatery creates its pizza from fresh ingredients and serves a mix of starters, house pies, specialty pies, salads, and sandwiches. I recommend the Grape and Gorgonzola Pizza; a cheesy concoction topped with red grapes and fresh rosemary.
Both vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the thin, flaky, gluten-free crust tastes as good as it looks.
Before you leave, be sure to have a photo made with Irene, the white elephant. Her story dates back to the 1890s when she graced the outside wall of The White Elephant Saloon. Over time, another building was attached to the wall. The mural was painted over and forgotten. She was “re-rediscovered” by one of the owners of Pies & Pints and made their official mascot.
Save room for ice cream at Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream. Opened in 1997, Ellen has created delicious ice creams, sherbets, gelatos, and sorbets for over 20 years. Fourteen flavors of ice cream, including Coffee, Mocha Almond, and Espresso Oreo, are made fresh on-site and always available. Special flavors are added weekly and change with the seasons. Hint: If you are a fan of chocolate, try the Mocha Almond. You won’t be sorry!
Ellen’s also offers a variety of soups, salads, and wraps, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. The interior of Ellen’s is cozy, with comfortable seating, and a play area for kids. In warm weather, outside seating is available.
Spend the afternoon at the Clay Center. This three-story center houses the Juliet Art Museum, a state-of-the-art planetarium and theater, and the two-story, 12,000-foot Avampato Discovery Museum. The Juliet Art Museum houses a permanent art collection, along with traveling exhibits, and a hands-on children’s exploration area. Kids (and adults) can try their hand creating magnetic art designs or solving computer artwork puzzles. The Caperton Planetarium and theater utilizes “active” 3-D glasses to provide a dynamic experience for visitors.
Prepare to spend hours in the Avampato Discovery Museum. One entire floor of this museum is designed as “My Town.” This kid-scale town includes everything from a vet clinic to a fire department. This was the highlight of the trip for the kids, who spent the afternoon engaged in creative play. They didn’t want to leave when the closing time arrived!
Finish the day with a visit to Live on the Levee at Haddad Riverfront Park. Held every Friday evening from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day Weekend, this festival is all about family, music, and fun. Street vendors begin setting up at 5:00 PM. Arrive early to sample fare from local restaurants or visit with local business owners and charity organizations.
The opening acts begin at 6:30 PM with headliners following at 7:30 PM. Admission is free and seating is first-come, first-served. I suggest arriving early to ensure good seating.
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Spend the night at the Sheraton Four Points, conveniently located beside Haddad Riverfront Park. Only steps away from the Friday night Live on the Levee festival, the Sheraton contains 176 spacious rooms. Amenities include a pool, a fitness center, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and a business center. A 24-hour complimentary shuttle service is available for stops up to five miles from the hotel. On-site dining is available, but it is a short walk to several local restaurants.
End your stay with a visit to Black Sheep Burrito and Brews. Known for unique burritos, craft beer, and its Sunday Brunch, this is the place to see and be seen. Brunch is available each Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM until 2:30 PM. I suggest arriving early as the restaurant fills up fast and you’ll have a short wait for a table.
On the day we visited, we tried the huevos rancheros con Pollo and the Whiskey Cream French Toast Both were tasty, but my favorite was the French Toast. This tempting toast is soaked in a whiskey cream sauce, then served with bacon marmalade and cinnamon-vanilla infused blueberry syrup. Vegan and gluten-free options are available
Charleston’s Yeager Airport is only a short drive from all of these attractions. Yeager Airport has a small-town feel. On the day we arrived, there was no rush through check-in or security, and the staff was friendly. An added bonus is the Kid’s Play Place, a small room painted to resemble assorted sporting fields. It’s the perfect space to get the wiggles out before a flight.
Want to visit Charleston, West Virginia?
Where to Find the Attractions:
Live on the Levee is located at 700 Kanawha Boulevard West, Charleston, West Virginia
The Clay Center is located at 1 Clay Square, Charleston, West Virginia
Where to Find the Restaurants
Pies & Pints is located at 222 Capitol Street, Charleston, West Virginia.
Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream is located at 225 Capitol Street, Charleston, West Virginia.
Black Sheep Burritos and Brews is located at 702 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia.
Where to Find the Hotel
The Four Points by Sheraton is located at Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, West Virginia
Learn more about Charleston by visiting the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau website. Have you visited Charleston, West Virginia? What was your favorite activity?
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5 Free Family Activities in Morgantown, West Virginia
Coopers Rock State Forest
The Clay Center, Charleston, West Virginia
This town is so nice and charming! I love the shops you mentioned – that’s just the sort of atmosphere I love. Walking, eating at fun places, looking in cute boutique style shops and nice scenery.
I wish this is just near to me. I would love to explore and visit this place too. Well, hopefully in the future.
Oh, I didn’t know there’s also a Charleston in West Virginia. I only know about the Charleston in South Carolina. 🙂 I would love to explore this place one day.
I have driven through Charleston, WV many, many time, but for the life of my I don’t know why we haven’t explored it more. It’s a beautiful city!
Great food and some great times. That is what Charleston, West Virginia seems to offer. Especially for kids, the place seems really great fun. The Avampato Discovery Museum seems really like a places that the kids will not leave soon.
This place is meant to be enjoyed by kids. It is so interactive and friendly not just to kids but also adults. I love west Virginia!
So many fun places for the kids at Charleston! I think we’re going to enjoy that pizza place especially since they have a lot of options for people! I’ll be sure to take note of the places you guys visited!
This looks like an amazing place for kids and adults alike. I’m sure our twins will have fun there.
What a great guide. I wasn’t familiar with Charleston, WV, now I want to go there. Nicely done!
Ooohh I love coming here! This place is rich in history and really a great place to visit and have fun!
It’s always wonderful to learn about new places to visit. Charleston has so much to offer so many things to see and do.
Well, if the food is good, I’ll go. Looks like you made some great family adventure memories on this trip. Thanks for the tips and resources.
This sounds like such an incredible place to go and explore. I love getting to see historical locations and finding out more about what has happened there!
adding this to my place of where i want to go bc this looks so fun 🙂 cant wait to take the kids sometime!
It is always so much fun to learn about an amazing place in our great country. That pizza looks amzing and taking the kids to the Clay Center seems like a great day.
That food looks delicious and I’d love to visit the independent book store. Looks like so much fun!
I’ve never really spent much time in West Virginia other than driving through to get to other states. I’ll need to stop and spend some time there.
I’m adding West Virginia to a vacation spot. I think my family would have a blast here. Plus the food looks scrumptious.