Beyond the Obvious in Charleston: Trails, rivers and local favorites
Are you curious about how you'll spend your time when you live in Charleston? If you like the idea of paddling on the Kanawha River, getting artsy and curious while wandering through the Clay Center, and are daring enough to try hiking one of the area's many trails, Charleston is calling you home! This list of fun local activities will take you on a journey from riverfront sunsets to downtown venues and give you a true taste of Charleston's arts, dining, and river heritage.
Hannah, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Hannah is a born and raised West Virginian who briefly tested life across state lines before realizing the pull of the hills is undefeated. She has lived in both northern and south central West Virginia, moved more times than she can count during college, and knows Charleston well enough to give directions using landmarks instead of street names. She writes fiction, spins yarn into sweaters, drinks Charleston coffee like its a personality trait, and somehow keeps four pets fed. Editing West Virginia guides comes naturally when you know the people shine... even when the sun does not.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Charleston?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
on a Saturday with perfect weather
Capitol Market peaches and half runner beans from area farms, then Kanawha riverside hammocks and volleyball matches at Magic Island
rainy dreary day
Hide away and sip your coffee in Taylor Books, then hit the Clay Center planetarium afterward
intellectually stimulating
WV State Museum timelines that make coal seem avant garde
artsy
FestivALL, Thursday evening art walks, local craft vendors, basement movie theaters at bookshops, and Clay Center galleries flexing Charleston flair
something inside and free
West Virginia State Museum for viewing endless dioramas at no cost but with big charm
outdoorsy
Kanawha State Forest switchbacks, hikes on the historic Carriage Trail, beautiful rhododendrons that make great photo ops
fitness oriented
Run the Boulevard, sprint Carriage Trail steps
if you're a shopaholic
Bridge Road Shops for therapy, then Capitol Market for chocolate, cheese, and wine
with your dog
Leashed adventures at Magic Island, Joplin Park in So. Char.
family oriented
Avampato Discovery Museum, kids launching ping pong planets into orbit
in need of a selfie
Gold dome reflected in the Kanawha, influencer level sparkle
you have to see this
State Capitol interior marbles, chandelier drama, political whispers optional
My Favorite Local Spot in Charleston
One of my favorite food spots is a new Italian joint in South Hills called Paulie's Fine Italian. The pasta with vodka sauce there is to die for, and the mocktails are super refreshing.
— Hannah Wyatt
West Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Charleston Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Charleston guide for the bigger picture.