Things To Do
Holly Jolly Brawley at Slack Plaza
Each year, local businesses decorate live Christmas Trees in Slack Plaza and Fife Street for the Holly Jolly Brawley. Be sure to walk around and check out the unique and festive trees during your time in downtown Charleston. It's one of our favorite holiday traditions!
Black Sheep Burrito and Brews
Located in downtown Charleston, Black Sheep offers delicious burritos and other Mexican inspired dishes for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends. It is also home of Bad Shepherd Brewing.
Pies & Pints - Charleston, WV
Pies and Pints offers "one-of-a-kind" pizzas, salads, and craft beer in the heart of downtown Charleston on Capitol Street.
Fife Street Brewing
We love this local brewery! Fife Street offers delicious craft beer, and the atmosphere is so fun, especially in December! Their elevated grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect if you're looking for a late night bite or a casual dinner.
Short Story Brewing
Short Story Brewing is located beside Fife Street Brewing and offers eclectic craft beers and Detroit style pizza.
First Watch
First watch is a great breakfast, brunch, or lunch option downtown.
Ellen's Homemade Ice Cream
Ellen's offers delicious homemade ice cream, as well as delicious light bites for lunch if you're looking for something quick and easy.
Taylor Books
If you are looking for a local coffee shop downtown, Taylor Books is just the place! Enjoy your morning dose of caffeine while browsing through the bookstore and local art display.
Capitol Market
The Capitol Market is one of our favorite places in Charleston. My family has gotten our live Christmas tree here for many years. If you're looking for a yummy, local cup of coffee, Mea Cuppa is one of our favorites! SoHo's Italian Restaurant offers a delicious brunch and dinner.
Light the Night at Dirty Birds Ballpark
This light display is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with more than 2.5 million dazzling lights and eight immersive themed holiday displays on the baseball field. If you have the time, it is worth the visit (or at least the drive by)! The Holly Jolly Brawley Trolly is a free trolley that runs between the light display, the Holly Jolly Brawley, and the Capitol Market.
Bricks & Barrels
Located beside the Dirty Birds ballpark, Bricks and Barrels is a steak and seafood restaurant that offers unique atmosphere with wooden wine and whiskey barrels used as dining tables. It's a local favorite!
Ristorante Abruzzi
If you're looking for Italian, Restaurante Abruzzi offers delicious homemade pasta with an Appalachian twist.
West Virginia State Capitol Building and Complex
Though the weather might be chilly, we really love to walk Nellie around the capitol building and along the river! Fun fact: Our capitol building was designed by Cass Gilbert, who also designed the United States Supreme Court Building!
The Clay Center
The Clay Center is the home of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and offers many activities from an art museum to a planetarium.
Kanawha State Forest
If you're looking for something to do outdoors (weather permitting), Kanawha State Forest is our local state park that offers many scenic hiking trails and views.