Charleston’s doorway opens to reveal myriad attractions just a short drive away.

Spending time in Charleston is the perfect way to relax and enjoy yourself. Surrounding Charleston, however, are even more wonderful attractions. Check out some of the most popular ones close by the Charleston area.

Avampato Discovery Museum
(304) 344-8035
300 Leon Sullivan Way
Charleston, WV 25314
www.avampatoart.com

Located inside the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences-WV, the Avampato Discovery Museum features two floors of interactive science exhibits.

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
(304) 256-1747

Explore an authentic coal mine! Ride a “man trip” car that will guide you through 1,500 feet of underground passages that have been restored. Find out about mining low seam coal from its earliest manual stages to modern mechanized operation. Be sure to bring a jacket! The temperature is a constant 58 degrees inside the mine.

Blenko Glass
(304) 743-9081

Discover the ancient art of glass blowing and find yourself surrounded by beauty and fine workmanship at Blenko Glass. Many famous buildings and museum have been customers of Blenko Glass. Observation deck tours are available to watch craftsmen at work.

Camden Park
(304) 522-8320

Join the fun at West Virginia’s only amusement park. Camden Park has been family fun for 98 years. Enjoy the carousel, Dodgem cars, Log Flume or the Big Dipper, various games or a favorite snack. Camden Park is located about an hour from Charleston on I-64W.

Capitol Complex
(304) 558-4839
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25311

West Virginia’s State Capitol Building and other state office buildings on beautifully manicured lawn and grounds with numerous fountains and several historic statues including; Stonewall Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Union Soldier, Union Mountaineer and Abraham Lincoln

Fenton Glass
(304) 375-7772

Another highly prized glass collectible is Fenton Glass. Fenton is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the country. Visit the Fenton Glass museum that features glass made from 1907 to 1980, including the famous Carnival glass.

Governor’s Mansion
(304) 558-3588
1716 Kanawha Blvd E
Charleston, WV 25305

Designed by Charleston architect Walter F. Martens and constructed in 1924, the 30-room executive mansion is a traditional Georgian colonial structure with a hospitable, homelike, yet dignified air harmonizing perfectly with the other buildings in the Capitol Complex. The ground floor contains state rooms featuring exquisite antiques and fine detailing while the second floor serves as the governor’s private residence.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails
(304) 752-3255

Whether it’s riding an ATV, motorcycle, mountain bike, horses or just hiking, you can find a way to experience these exciting trails in the Appalachian Mountains. Hatfield-McCoy Trails is one of only 16 trail systems nationwide that is designated as a National Millennium Trail. Outfitters and equipment rentals, guided tours, and packages are available.

State Capitol Building
The largest state capitol dome in the country graces this stone and marble Italian Renaissance structure. The 20th century classical architecture, designed by the famous Cass Gilbert features a 23 karat gold-leafed dome, and its landscaped grounds display many historical statues.

Tamarack
(304) 256-6843

Showcases a statewide collection of art and hand-made crafts. Tamarack carries more than 20,000 different products. Plus observe weavers, artists, sculptors, glass-blowers and other scheduled demonstrators as they work.

West Virginia Cultural Center
(304) 558-0220
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston WV 25305-0300

This magnificent Center houses exhibits in the State Museum and research materials in the Archives. The State Theatre features concerts, films, lectures, and theatrical presentations and Mountain Stage performances.

West Virginia Veterans Memorial Plaza
(304) 558-0230
1900 Kanawha Boulevard
Charleston, WV 25305-0009
www.wvculture.org

A two-story monument on State Capitol grounds. Four monoliths dedicated to World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam display names of the war dead within the sanctuary of the classically styled Memorial. Ramped walkways over the oval reflecting pool affords easy access to the sanctuary display of some 10,000 names.