Local Flavor
Charleston’s culinary scene offers everything from elevated Appalachian cuisine to global bites and casual comfort food. Locally loved restaurants like 1010 Bridge, Coco’s, and Soho’s highlight regional ingredients, while food trucks and farmers’ markets keep things fresh and fun. Home to James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Smith, and several of his restaurants, Charleston offers more than meets the eye when it comes to next-level dining.
Creative Hubs
The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences hosts concerts, theater, and exhibitions year-round, while Taylor Books blends bookstore charm with a community art gallery and live performances. Galleries, studios, and murals fill the city with vibrant expression.
Live Music & Events
Music lives in Charleston, from weekly sets at The Empty Glass and Barcade to summer concerts at Live on the Levee. Annual events like FestivALL turn the whole city into a stage for artists, musicians, and makers of all kinds. The WV Symphony Orchestra also calls Charleston’s Clay Center its home-base, making access to incredible performances easy.
Cultural Connections
Charleston values community storytelling and expression. Organizations like the WV Music Hall of Fame and Black Light Initiative celebrate diverse voices and Appalachian identity through public art, music, and shared spaces.