Charleston West Virginia is a small,
quiet city with a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, so much
so that it’s easy to forget it’s the state capital.
Providing, of course, that one can somehow miss the titanic golden
dome of the capital building dominating the Kanawha riverfront.
It’s the nation’s largest state capital dome and it’s
gilded in 24-karat gold leaf.
The Kanawha riverfront has some fine walking and biking paths,
as do many of the city’s parks. It is also the site of Charleston’s
biggest festival, The Sternwheel Regatta. Every February a floating
parade of sternwheeler boats paddle down the Kanawha River led
by the flagship The Spirit of South Charleston. Along with the
races and water activities there are concerts, vendors and performances
by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
Outdoor adventure is minutes away in any direction. Kanawha State
Park offers opportunities for biking, hiking, climbing, swimming,
camping, fishing and year-round horseback riding. The city’s
other parks have family friendly fun aplenty, with lakes and playgrounds
for the kids and several charming 18-hole, 3-Par golf courses.
Visitors interested in Native American
history will want to take a look at the Adena Indian Burial Mound
just outside the city. It’s the state’s 2nd largest
Burial Mound.
