Charleston is the capital of West Virginia. Currently, Charleston is the largest city in the state. It is the county seat of Kanawha County. The Kanawha River meanders through the valley and mountains surrounding the capital city. The river is the trademark of commercial and recreational activity, and barges can be seen transporting coal daily.

The City of Charleston, a gateway city with convenient access to three major interstate systems, has outstanding opportunities for its citizens. Several large companies are headquartered in the Charleston area including West Virginia-American Water Company, United National Banks, Inc., Gino’s Pizza and Spaghetti and Tudor’s Biscuit World.

No matter what time of year, Charleston is the place for residents to delight in the pleasures that each season brings. The beautiful, rolling mountains are close enough for you to explore, yet are distant enough to provide the perfect backdrop for West Virginia’s capital city. A wide, sparkling river winds gently by, edging all the downtown activities. A stroll along the river’s attractive walkway gives you an idea of how relaxing and comfortable Charleston is.

Along with its peaceful setting, there are all the amenities of a sophisticated urban center. You can shop in the hustle and bustle of Charleston Town Center, which is one of the largest urban malls in the nation. Or, if you wish, you can dart into one of the many unique shops and boutiques in Charleston’s Renaissance Village. You may wish to discover the magnificent architectural splendor of the state capitol building and governor’s mansion through a guided tour. While you are there, stop by the West Virginia Cultural Center and walk through time. Then in the evening, you can sample one of Charleston’s many restaurants.

Charleston is home to numerous annual events and fairs that take place throughout the city, from the banks of the Kanawha River to the capitol grounds.

The West Virginia Dance Festival, held between April 25 and 30, features dance students from across the state that attend classes and workshops in ballet, jazz and modern dance. At the finale, the students perform in the West Virginia State Theatre; these are free to the public. Between April 27 and 30 is the West Virginia International Film Festival, where many domestic and international films are shown that range from “full-length feature films, shorts, documentaries, animation and student films.”

In May the Kanawha Kordsmen Barbershop Chorus performs at the Clay Center for the Arts. The 40-man cappela chorus performs music in a show titled “Songs America Sings.” On Memorial Day weekend, the Vandalia Gathering is held on the grounds of the state capitol. Thousands of visitors each year enjoy traditional music, art, dance, stories, crafts and food that stems from the “uniqueness of West Virginia’s mountain culture.”