Our Charleston, West Virginia Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Shop + Explore

I grew up in Charleston, WV and love to visit, not just because it’s my hometown – but because it is an unexpected foodie town and has the most charming, historic (and photogenic!) areas.

The other Charleston is actually a charming, historic foodie town, too – here are our favorite things to do + restaurants to try

This guide is presented in partnership with Quarry Creek, a private residential community offering estate-size homesites in Charleston, West Virginia.

WV Field Notes

YOUR CHARLESTON, WV TO DO LIST

here’s what we recommend in Charleston, West Virginia:

1010 Bridge in Charleston WV — 1010 Bridge

DINE LOCAL.

West Virginia’s first James Beard winning chef, Chef Paul Smith, has two restaurants you need to add to your list.

1010 Bridge in South Hills for a nice dinner out (order the Erath Pinot, zucchini chips, and the lamp lollipops for apps!) Chef Paul Smith was a James Beard finalist!
Fernbank Public House is a cute spot for lunch or happy hour when you’re shopping the Bridge Road boutiques!
Fazio’s for the best Italian – this place has been in business for decades, and the darkly lit atmosphere with the gigantic Italian oil paintings on the wall feel like home
Lola’s Pizza in South Hills for fancy pizza (the sausage & caramelized onion with jalepeno might be my favorite pizza of all time)
Tudor’s Biscuit World IFYKYK. if you don’t know… you’re in for a treat. My order is the Ron.
Gino’s for a pepperoni roll, a true WV treat!

SHOP IN SOUTH HILLS.

Geranium’s is a beautiful women’s boutique with the best dresses + jewelry
Eggplant is next to Geraniums with the best gifts
Yarid’s Shoes for the BEST shoes
Grab lunch, cocktails, or dinner at Lola’s, Fernbank, 1010 Bridge, or Pauleys which are all within walking distance of the shops

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN.

Taylor Books is the cutest, most intimate book store with a little art gallery on the side
Ivor’s Trunk is a ladies boutique with the best selection of dresses + jewelry + apparel
Live on the Levee on Friday nights features live music, beer, and food on the riverfront

CHECK OUT CAPITOL MARKET.

Stroll through the Capital Market for fresh veggies, wine, West Virginia crafts, and have a glass of wine and an app at Soho’s. This is one of the coolest markets I’ve visited – I love it as much as Oxbow Market in Napa!