Welcome to Charleston, West Virginia, the state capital and home to 53,000 people (2000 census). We invite you to come and enjoy the warm friendly atmosphere and rugged natural beauty this town has to offer. Nestled among the splendid Appalachian mountain range, Known as the "Home of Hospitality", Charleston offers the perfect setting to experience the rich history, culture and environment of West Virginia. Regardless of the season there is a wide variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. Each year there are several festivals and fares hosted in the city, most notably the West Virginia Dance Festival and West Virginia International Film Festival which screens a wide range of domestic and international films.
If you are looking to explore the great outdoors, Charleston has a multitude of public parks and camping grounds for your enjoyment. These include Cato Park, Coonskin Park and the Kanawha State Forest, a 9,300 acre park which has everything from camping, picnicking, mountain bike trails, cross country skiing and a large swimming pool and playground. For those in search of something more urban, we suggest a visit to the West Virginia Cultural Center or the Charleston Town Center , one of the nation's largest malls or stop by one of the many fine dining restaurants and bars waiting to be explored. Regardless of the length of your visit you are sure to enjoy the warm atmosphere, multitude of attractions and activities and the natural beauty of Charleston West Virginia .