HIDDEN Clay Center IT’S TIME YOU TAKE A BREAK from your day-to-day stresses to relax and recharge. From museums, casinos and water trails to kid-friendly or kid-free escapes, the Charleston area’s diverse recreational offerings let you rev up your adrenaline or enjoy the outdoors in a more relaxed way. The West Virginia State Museum at the State Capitol Complex features a chron-ological and interactive show path with exhibits on military history, coal mining, river transportation and even a flea circus. Magic Island on the Kanawha River offers a cooling respite on the hottest summer days. The 5-acre park’s amen-ities include a splash pad where the kids can run and stomp through show-ers and puddles. During the summer months, bring a lawn chair or blanket for family movie nights. Teach the kids that food comes from a farm. Country Road House and Berries › Sunrise Carriage Trail ... Just over the bridge from down-town Charleston at the train station lies the scenic Sunrise Carriage Trail . Originally built in 1905 by Governor MacCorkle to transport building materials for his governor’s mansion, aka Sun-rise Mansion, this quarter-mile trail lined with mature trees and wildflowers is suitable for all skill levels. At the top, one can see the mansion, which also boasts some of the best views of the city and is just a hop from the Shops at Bridge Road. Have Kids? Have Fun! Home to the West Virginia Power baseball team, Appalachian Power Park promises family fun all summer long. Look for special deals like Family Buck Night and Two-for-Tuesday, plus enjoy fireworks and summer concerts follow-ing designated games. The little ones will love The Pottery Place , an all-inclusive paint-your-own pottery studio. With more than 300 pieces from which to choose, there’s something for every talent level and budget. The Avampato Discovery Museum at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences boasts 12,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, including a towering climbing sculpture and kid-size replica of the city, where the little ones can choose a career and get “paid” at the ATM. Appalachian Power Park #CWV 35
Charleston Area Inspiration Guide Charleston Area Inspiration Guide 2019: Page 35
