Sentimental Journey Home (Charleston, Huntington, Beckley: how much, hotel, house)

[Pocopsonite]

Well, not really home. We haven't lived there in a while. But West Virginia has had a special place in my heart for the past 50 years.

We lived in Charleston--South Hills--1974-1983. Some of the happiest years of my life. I loved my job. We loved the people. And the feeling of being embraced by the mountains that surrounded us. We cross country skied between Blackwater Falls and Canaan. Had many fabulous raft trips down the New River. Have very fond memories of the Sternwheel Regatta. Went to many Charleston Charlies games.

Fast forward 40 years. Nearly everyone we knew there has moved or died. But we've decided to do a little nostalgia trip April 19-21. Staying two nights, probably at the Marriott which, back in our time, was one of THE best restaurants. (I still make Ernie's Coquille, and if there's any place with that quality of service and food now, would love a recommendation).

I've just checked Calendars of Events and it doesn't look like there are any big festivals that weekend. But if you know of something within an hour or so, like Beckley or Huntington, would love recommendations. We will probably visit Blenko; I became a fan after our first visit in '74, and I now have over 100 Blenko pieces that I cherish. We went to the Greenbrier a few years ago and I made sure to ask the staff where I could get the best pepperoni rolls. (They weren't as good as I remember--recommendations in the Charleston area greatly appreciated.)

So, I guess what I'm asking for is suggestions for restaurants, activities, maybe new attractions we wouldn't know about. I loved the Cultural Center, is that still a must-see? Is Sunrise still there?

Thanks so much for any advice and suggestions on making our two-day visit a combo of nostalgia and introductions to all the gee-golly-whiz wonderful changes since we were last there.

[Chriscross309]

Originally Posted by Pocopsonite

Well, not really home. We haven't lived there in a while. But West Virginia has had a special place in my heart for the past 50 years.

We lived in Charleston--South Hills--1974-1983. Some of the happiest years of my life. I loved my job. We loved the people. And the feeling of being embraced by the mountains that surrounded us. We cross country skied between Blackwater Falls and Canaan. Had many fabulous raft trips down the New River. Have very fond memories of the Sternwheel Regatta. Went to many Charleston Charlies games.

Fast forward 40 years. Nearly everyone we knew there has moved or died. But we've decided to do a little nostalgia trip April 19-21. Staying two nights, probably at the Marriott which, back in our time, was one of THE best restaurants. (I still make Ernie's Coquille, and if there's any place with that quality of service and food now, would love a recommendation).

I've just checked Calendars of Events and it doesn't look like there are any big festivals that weekend. But if you know of something within an hour or so, like Beckley or Huntington, would love recommendations. We will probably visit Blenko; I became a fan after our first visit in '74, and I now have over 100 Blenko pieces that I cherish. We went to the Greenbrier a few years ago and I made sure to ask the staff where I could get the best pepperoni rolls. (They weren't as good as I remember--recommendations in the Charleston area greatly appreciated.)

So, I guess what I'm asking for is suggestions for restaurants, activities, maybe new attractions we wouldn't know about. I loved the Cultural Center, is that still a must-see? Is Sunrise still there?

Thanks so much for any advice and suggestions on making our two-day visit a combo of nostalgia and introductions to all the gee-golly-whiz wonderful changes since we were last there.

Hi there,

Glad you are getting the opportunity to visit. I wasn't alive yet during your previous stint in Charleston, but I can imagine that it has probably changed a great deal since then.

The Marriott is a good choice for accommodations. However, the restaurant on the ground floor has changed a few times throughout the years. I couldn't comment on the quality of it now, seeing how I haven't dined there in over 10 years. The hotel itself has received renovations in recent years, and should suit you nicely.

I don't know of any festivals or events going on during that time.

Some things around Charleston that I'd recommend checking out.

The Capital Market https://capitolmarket.net/

My guess is that you are probably unfamiliar with this Charleston staple. It's located at the north end of Capitol Street (along Smith Street). It's a former rail yard/depot that has been converted to an indoor and outdoor farmers market. They have permeant shops inside, and seasonal ones outside. I highly recommend going there, and the onsite restaurant Soho's. https://www.sohoscrw.com/

The Clay Center https://www.theclaycenter.org/

This replaced the Sunrise Museum in the early 2000s. It's a 3-in-1 spot for performing arts, science museum, and art exhibits. They have a great planetarium that features Imax style shows on a domed screen. The discovery center is more for kids, but as an adult I have always enjoyed their exhibits.

The Culture Center and State Museum https://wvculture.org/

It's absolutely fantastic and free! It's also received updates over the years and the state museum is a unique and informative walk through WV history and culture!

The Carriage Trail https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/...carriage-trail

I don't know how active you want to get, but the carriage trail is an enjoyable walk near the Sunrise Mansion. Knowing that you lived in South Hills, maybe this walk will be a walk down memory lane. The trail is on a hill, so depending on your mobility this may not be a good fit. If you're ok with the steady incline and decline, the trail itself is easy to walk on. There's great views and charming features like the stone walls.

Some other recommendations.

Shopping

> Downtown is not exactly how you left it, but still there's some locally owned businesses and restaurants in the Hale/Capitol/Summers area.
I would definitely recommend checking out
Taylor Books https://www.taylorbooks.com/
Buck and Bette https://www.buckandbette.com/
Rock City Cake Company https://www.rockcitycakeco.com/
Stray Dog Antiques
> Check out the small businesses on Bridge Road in South Hills.
Cafe Romeo (if you like Gelato) https://cafferomeo.net/
> Nothing special, but Southridge is a whole part of the area that you are probably unfamiliar with. It's where Charleston has all of it's "big box stores". It's along US-119 South (Corridor G).

Restaurants / Cafes

> Mea Cuppa (If you like coffee)https://www.meacuppacoffee.com/
> Spring Hill Pastry Shop (South Charleston) (Must get "Hot Dogs") (Go early!!!) https://www.springhillpastry.com/
> Pie's & Pints (chain started in WV) https://piesandpints.net/
> Leonoro's Spaghetti House (My favorite!) https://www.leonorosspaghettihouse.com/
> Tricky Fish https://www.trickyfishcwv.com/
> Cozumel (Ashton Place)

Another recommendation if you have time is to go out to the New River Gorge. It's now a National Park, and the Fayetteville area has blossomed with shopping/dining/activities/events/ect...

Hope these help!

[Pocopsonite]

Thank you so much for all the useful information! We are really looking forward to being back in the mountains again. It does sound like we won't find a lot of the fond memories we have from so many years ago. I don't suppose Mrs. Eplings -- I think in Marmet -- is still serving some of the best comfort food in the world?

Can I get Gunnoe's sausage at the Capitol market? We're visiting friends in NC after our stay in Charleston, so that looks like the perfect place to pick up some hostess gifts. If not, I assume the Kroger's in South Hills will have it (is it still there?). We have never found a better spicy sausage -- wish we could get it here in southeast PA.

I'm getting ready to make our hotel reservations. Seems like the Courtyard Marriott gets slightly better reviews, so I think that's where we'll stay. (We were remembering that the fancy restaurant at the Marriott was on the top floor, so things really have changed!)

Taylor's Books sounded familiar, but I see it dates back only to the '90s. But I love a good bookstore, and the crafts shop is an extra incentive to stop in.

I've just made a dinner reservation at 1010 Bridge; we just saw the James Beard nominations and we're thrilled to see that a chef in Charleston made the list. Is Shoney's still around? I used to love the Big Boy. Not sure I could even finish one nowadays.

We will definitely spend a couple hours at the Cultural Center/State Museum. I remember when that was opened while we lived there. I also remember that when we first moved there, we visited the old State Museum. It was, ummm, interesting. Sad to say my most vivid memory from that day was seeing dressed fleas under a magnifying glass. No lie. We were SO happy when the new museum was opened; it did a much better job of giving visitors an idea of what West Virginia was all about.

It would be fun to see 21st century Fayetteville -- there was not much there when we took the rickety old school buses down to the New River. One of my regrets is that we never got to do the Gauley in the fall.

I'm not very mobile these days, so hikes and trails aren't in the picture. But I'm sure we will find tons to do, just driving around to see the old haunts and how much everything has changed. Thanks for helping us plan our trip.

[mensaguy]

The Courtyard is probably a good place to stay. I wouldn't even walk into the Marriott unless I was going to something in one of the event rooms.

Charleston now has a lot of locally owned restaurants. 1010 is one. Others that are well regarded would certainly include Bridge Road Bistro, Laury's, DT Prime, Hale House, Black Sheep, Adelphia, and Pies and Pints. Fazio's is still there, but it has gone down since Joe Fazio retired and later died. Leonoro's is still there on East Washington Street. Let me recommend one for lunch one day. Go to Dancing Dogs ice cream in West Washington Street. The smash burgers are good, and the fish he fixes on Fridays is great. It's next to Elk City Bistro, which used to be Chris' Hot Dogs in your day. Another lunch recommendation I like is the East End Pub. All the food is good, but the hot dogs are terrific. It's right next to the Kanawha City Bridge on East Washington Street.

If you like craft beer, there are 3 breweries represented in one block on Summers Street. They are all great, plus there is a smaller on in Elk City.

Take a look at Haddad Riverfront Park. It will please you to see what has been done with the old levee. There won't be anything going on there in April, but they had free concerts every Friday evening in the summer.

The museum that used to be at Sunrise is now at the Clay Center, which was built east of the downtown post office on Leon Sullivan Way (used to be Broad Street).

I'd tell you to avoid the Town Center Mall, but the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame is there. If that interests you, check when they are open. They are not open all the time the mall is.

Take some time to drive around and see how the city has changed in the last 40 years. You might want to avoid Kanawha City. They are still working on a big project to completely repave MacCorkle Avenue the Kanawha City Bridge to the Interstate bridge.

Be sure to see what they have built at Slack Plaza. It's between Summers and Laidley Streets ending at Brawley Walkway (formerly called Fife Street).

A local community radio station broadcasts on 88.1FM. Their studio is in the People's building on Summers Street and the broadcast tower is at 900 Lee Street.

More as I think of it.