TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Museums |
|  | Avampato Discovery Museum: Housed in two historic mansions, this museum consists of art galleries focusing on 19th- and 20th-century American art, a hands-on science museum, a planetarium and outdoor gardens and trails. Address: 300 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, West Virginia Phone: 304-561-3575 Admission fee |  |
|  | State Museum: Located in the Cultural Center, this interesting museum traces the history of West Virginia through a series of exhibits containing everything from an extensive collection of antique hats donated by a local school teacher to the telescope George Washington used to survey lands within the state. Address: Lower level of the Cultural Center , Greenbrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia Admission fee |  |
Political arenas |
|  | Capitol: Designed by influential architect Cass Gilbert, this grand building, the highest state capitol dome in the United States, is open to the public for tours and features decadent interior details like marble walls and a massive crystal chandelier. Address: 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston, West Virginia Phone: 304-558-4839 Admission fee |  |
|  | Governor's Mansion: Built in 1924, the home of the Governor of West Virginia is a traditional Georgian colonial mansion with a stately, but somewhat homey, feel. Tours are conducted on Thursday and Friday mornings. Address: 1716 Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston, West Virginia Phone: 304-558-3809 Admission fee |  |
Outdoor fun |
|  | Kanawha State Forest: A convenient location, just seven miles south of Charleston, plus a large swimming pool, playground, hiking and biking trails and a 9,300-acre forest, make this recreational area one of the most popular in West Virginia. Address: Charleston, West Virginia Free |  |
Scenic drive |
|  | Midland Trail (Scenic Highway 60): One of the oldest and most scenic routes in the United States, the Midland Trail, or old U.S. Route 60, offers a delightful 119-mile journey across south central West Virginia. Outdoor enthusiasts head for the Greenbrier River Trail, which offers over 80 miles of well-marked hiking and biking paths. History buffs can stop off at any number of historic sites including the Old Stone House, a reminder of what life was like for the industrial pioneers. Address: Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association, 405 Capitol Street, Suite 409, Charleston, West Virginia Phone: 304-343-6001 Free |  |
Restaurants |
|  | Southern Kitchen: This casual eatery serves country cooking in an eclectic atmosphere. Specials include ham with red-eye gravy and warm apple dumplings. Address: 5240 Maccorkle Ave SE, Charleston, West Virginia Phone: 304-925-3154 Open 24-hours a day except Christmas. |  |
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