offers spring strawberry picking, summer dig-and-takes and fall strawberry planting tours. Mardi Gras Casino and Resort Explore the Outdoors Just west of Charleston, the 88-mile Coal River Walhonde Water Trail is a favorite destination for paddlers and anglers. The annual 11-mile Tour de Coal float trip attracts more than 1,000 kayakers each June. Yak Fest (as in kayak festival) is held in con-junction with the Tour de Coal. Surf’s “SUP” at Appalachian Board-ing Company , a stand-up paddle-board outfitter that offers lessons, rentals, fitness classes and guided tours on local waterways. Coonskin Park provides more than 1,000 acres for recreation, including an 18-hole golf course and several miles of hiking trails. The kids will love fishing in the big pond by the playground, taking a swim in the Olympic-size pool or playing a round of mini-golf. Only 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, the 9,300-acre Kanawha State Forest offers more than 25 miles of trails for hikers and bikers of all skill levels. Also minutes from town, Wa-terways Waterpark boasts five water slides, a lazy river, a pool and a kiddie island with slides, a swing and a water umbrella for the wee ones. Authentic adventure awaits less than an hour’s drive from Charleston. River Expeditions in Oak Hill offers everything from high-energy vacations to relaxing weekend getaways. Enjoy heart-pumping experiences like white-water rafting, zip lining, ATV tours, rock climbing and mountain biking. Discover what adrenaline junkies from all over the world have enjoyed: the Hatfield & McCoy Trails with more than 700 miles of off-highway ATV trails. It’s a great way to explore the history of West Virginia’s coalfields and have a whole lot of fun in the process! blushes or sparkling wines as you learn about foods they pair well with. If there’s not a tasting scheduled, the shop’s knowledgeable staff will steer you in the right direction. Enjoy a fun and romantic night out at the Comedy Zone at Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West. Book an overnight package and enjoy an appetizer and dinner for two before or during the show, then take the elevator “home!” Just the Two of You Call the babysitter and get yourselves all decked out for date night at Mardi Gras Casino and Resort . Try your luck at the slot machines and table games, or place a bet on racing grey-hounds. Wrap up your evening with drinks and dancing to live music at Louie’s before retiring to your deluxe accommodations. Head to Capitol Market for pe-riodic wine tastings at The Wine Shop . You’ll sample dry, sweet and semi-sweet varieties of reds, whites, Shop ’Til You Drop Find locally grown produce, hand-crafted West Virginia gifts and several dining options at Capitol Market . Shop for holidays and special occa-sions at the city’s unique boutiques at the Shops at Bridge Road , along downtown’s Capitol Street , or at Tamarack’s WV Museum Shop on the Capitol grounds. Just blocks away, enjoy popular American brands at Charleston Town Center mall. ● READY TO PL AY? charlestonwv.com 36 charlestonwv.com
Charleston Area Inspiration Guide Charleston Area Inspiration Guide 2019: Page 36
