A Region Full of Surprises One surprise you’ll find is the Kanawha Valley is flanked by two popular, yet very different, attrac-tions: a gourmet salt manufacturer, J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works , and a full-on casino with sports betting, ta-ble games, slots, live greyhound rac-ing, restaurants and entertainment, Mardi Gras Casino and Resort . In between these spots are three rec-reational rivers – one of which boasts the best flatwater kayaking in the East (Coal River) – and historic towns with locally-owned restaurants and shops that harken to a simpler life. These towns also serve as quaint backdrops to several signature events, including Summerfest (South Charleston), Wine Cellar Race & Fall Festival (Dunbar), Tour de Coal and Festival of Lights (St. Albans) and Boom Town Days (Nitro, a city that is a living memorial to WWI). Charleston’s magnificent gold-domed State Capitol (23 ½ karat leaf) sits in a park-like setting along the river, and its state museum offering free tours is perennially ranked high by Trip Advisor. The region has a youthful vibe as the home of the University of Charleston and West Virginia State University , both providing fresh energy and ideas. TRAVEL TOOL KIT GETTING HERE It’s so easy to get to – and around – Charleston and the Kanawha Valley! FIRST STOP The Charleston Visitors Desk inside historic Capitol Market is a great place to start your tour of the area. You can grab a cup of coffee or bite to eat, plus ask questions and pick up brochures to plan your stay. STAY UP-TO-DATE A visit to charlestonwv.com offers all of the information you need on area attractions, businesses and events. You can also sign up for the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s monthly e-newsletter, “From the Hip,” offering the latest and greatest travel ideas. TELL US ABOUT IT Having a good time while you’re here? Be sure to like, tweet and share your experiences on our social media channels. facebook.com/charlestonwvcvb Located within two-thirds of the U.S. population at the conflu-ence of three interstates (64, 77, 79) and served by Yeager Airport, named for the pilot who first broke the sound barrier (Chuck Yeager), this laid-back region offers a much-needed respite from the hectic pace of big-city life. Amtrak’s Cardinal also provides easy access for travelers from Chicago to Washington, DC. GETTING AROUND Kanawha Rapid Transit (with its smart phone app) provides looped transportation through-out the area, and the valley is served by Uber, Lyft and C&H Taxi. All major rental car services are available at the airport and other locations around the region. Food, Art, Recreation & Music from the Hip Charleston is home to a bustling culinary scene featuring everything from high-end dining to award-win-ning barbecue. Locals relish Res-taurant Week each January when the city’s independent restaurants prepare special three-course menus at budget-friendly prices. Recently named by readers of WV Living magazine as the state’s best Arts Town, Charleston and its sister cities host a plethora of art galleries, public art and the area’s largest art festival, FestivALL , offering more than 300 performances over 10 days. On the third Thursday of the month, locals mingle with visitors at Charleston’s downtown ArtWalk , where more than just galleries are on display. Law firms, jewelry shops, restaurants and other business-es exhibit local art and offer hors d’oeuvres and sips of wine as you stroll at your own pace. GET SOCIAL 4 charlestonwv.com twitter.com/charlestonwv instagram.com/charlestonwv youtube.com/user/hiphistoricalmost
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