Shouts & Hollers

When we showed up in Charleston, we didn’t know where to find anything. We didn’t have furniture, didn’t have any groceries, didn’t know anybody, and had no idea what to do.

But I saw a sign: “Visitor’s Center” with an arrow pointing the way. Three arrowed signs later, we found our way to the Charleston Civic Center. The Charleston Visitor’s Center is located on the first floor, and it is open from 8:30am to 5pm on weekdays. The lady at the desk was very helpful, and we found out lots of what we needed to know there. The parking at the Visitor’s Center is limited to 15 minutes–but in that time, you can get information for enough stuff to keep you busy for years.

Some of the Pamphlets and Magazines you can get at the Visitor's Center

They also have information on their web site, and you can order a copy of the Charleston Area Visitor’s Guide (which I carried around for practically my entire first year here). But there’s a lot more information at their physical location. The stuff there includes maps, walking guides, pamphlets, and magazines; they have info about food, hiking, golfing, museums, concerts, history, trains, and more.

Most people I’ve met in Charleston haven’t heard of the visitor’s center; perhaps it’s marketed more towards tourists/visitors. But why should tourists get to know more about our city than we do?

WHERE: 200 Civic Center Drive, Charleston, WV (Here’s a map)

WHEN: 8:30am-5pm Monday through Friday

WHY: Learn your way around, find things to do, become a Charleston know-it-all