Road Trips on I-64: Metro Valley
Home to approximately 30% of West Virginia’s population, the Metro Valley Region is filled with a culturally rich atmosphere and some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment options in the state.
Day One – Charleston
Begin your trip in the beautiful and energetic city of Charleston. West Virginia’s capital city, Charleston was founded in 1788 and is known for its rich culture and abundance of recreational activities. Located in Kanawha County, the largest and most populated county of all 55 counties in the state, Charleston offers plenty of festivities and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing and rafting. Driving into the heart of the city, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of the State Capitol Building with its 23-karat gold dome shining like the star that it is.
Head to Hurricane City Park in Putnam County to explore Meeks Mountain Trails. This Trail system has more than 20 miles of trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The trails are all well-marked and maintained despite being deep in the wilderness. This is a must-stop if you are in the Teays Valley and Hurricane area.
Looking for a place with lots of art, music, family fun, and Appalachian culture? The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences is an excellent place to explore music, theater, art and science all wrapped up in one building. Dedicated to promoting performing arts, visual arts and the sciences, the Clay Center offers two interactive science exhibits, a world-class art museum and multiple theatrical and instrumental performances.
Across the Kanawha River, capture your perfect #AlmostHeaven swing selfie at the Almost Heaven swing at the University of Charleston! The swing will give you a stunning view of the State Capitol Building as well as the charming houses along the boulevard.
If you want to check out some fresh food and local businesses, Capitol Market is the place to go. Located in what used to be a freight train station in the 1800s, this indoor and outdoor market is open all year round and offers fresh food fare, seasonal goods and gourmet treats and even has a full-scale restaurant featuring Italian cuisine, Sohos.
On the hunt for some good reads with a side of coffee? Located on picturesque Capitol Street, Taylor Books is a must-visit place for book lovers and coffee lovers alike. With a cozy atmosphere that offers decadent coffee and pastries, a broad selection of reads, and a small art gallery, Taylor Books is just the place to visit before heading across the street for some ice cream. Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream offers premium, homemade ice cream, gelato, sorbet and sherbet in a variety of classic as well as unique flavors. It also serves yummy soups, sandwiches, salads and wraps.
If you are ready to grab dinner, head to 1010 Bridge for a mouth-watering meal. With a menu inspired by local flavors, Chef Paul Smith has curated a truly divine dining experience here in the capital city.
End your day at the Charleston Marriott Town Center, a 352-room hotel that is just a 5-minute walk from the Charleston Civic Center and a 5-mile drive from West Virginia International Yeager Airport.
Day Two – Huntington
After seeing all the sites Charleston has to offer, head on down to Huntington. Huntington is the second-largest city in the state, and it is a bustling place known for its lush dining and cultural scenes. Nestled right along the Ohio River where the state meets both Kentucky and Ohio, this city is part of the largest inland port in the entire United States.
Looking to stretch your legs? Ritter Park, named one of the “10 Great Public Spaces” by the American Planning Association, is filled with scenic walking trails, tennis courts, a dog park and a nationally recognized rose garden that contains over 1,000 different types of plants. Soak up a bit of nature before heading back into town.
Located just off the western end of Ritter Park is the Museum of Radio & Technology, a great place for antique radio lovers to learn all about the birth and growth of electronic communication. If museums are more your style, the Huntington Museum of Art is the largest museum between Pittsburgh (PA), Cincinnati (OH) and Richmond (VA). With a 52-acre campus, this museum offers featured collections, numerous exhibitions, educational programs and nature trails.
Huntington is also home to one of the most popular colleges in the state. Marshall University is a school nationally renowned for its wide variety of programs. During football season, cheer on the Thundering Herd, the university’s NCAA Division I football team, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Marshall University’s men’s soccer team has won three NCAA team national championships – with the most recent victory being the 2020* NCAA Men’s College Cup. Take a stroll through the scenic and historic campus, lined with beautiful trees and bustling with life.
Finish up your day with a craft burger and brew from The Peddler. A truly unique space, this spot is home to a huge collection of vintage arcade games, and they serve up true from scratch dining. Head just next door to The Market, where you can grab a scoop or two of homemade ice cream from local favorite – Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream.
After a long day of exploring Huntington, spend the night at Fairfield Inn & Suites, a hotel with 79 rooms that is located just off of I-64 and is only 3 miles from Ritter Park and 4 miles from the Huntington Museum of Art.
Day 3 – Point Pleasant
End your trip in Point Pleasant, a city in Mason County that offers a variety of dining, culture and fun activities. Here, you can visit Tu-Endie-Wei (meaning “point between two waters”) State Park, where there is an 84-foot-tall monument honoring those lost in the Battle of Point Pleasant on October 10, 1774.
Get a taste of life on the river at the Point Pleasant River & Learning Center, and learn all about the commercial enterprise on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. Learn about topics such as floods, boat construction, sternwheel steamers, river disasters and more in this museum that has had a connection to the river since 1854.
After immersing yourself in the river life of this area, stop by the West Virginia State Farm Museum (a museum dedicated to Mason County native and businessman, Christopher H. Bauer) and get a first-hand look at a 19th Century blacksmith shop, the first Lutheran Church west of the Allegheny Mountains and many more historical landmarks that shaped early farm life in West Virginia. Be sure to call ahead of time to make tour reservations.
Enjoy a local favorite by grabbing lunch at The Coffee Grinder. Don’t let the name mislead you – this spot serves up much more than coffee! Featuring a classic menu of sandwiches and soups, be sure to ask out the daily special before placing your order, with delicious options like Tomato Basil Soup and Chili sometimes available.
Last but most certainly not least, end your evening by visiting the famous Mothman Statue and Mothman Museum. This statue depicts one of two popular monsters native to West Virginia and stands roughly 12 feet tall. Mothman, first “spotted” in the Point Pleasant area in 1966, is a mysterious legend that has gained national recognition after being made into a Hollywood film in 2002. The museum features the history of this timeless legend, some spooky stories and includes a gift shop so you can take a little piece of this haunting phenomenon back to your own hometown.
End your stay at Lowe Hotel, a unique piece of history built in 1901 with over 300 rooms, all complete with antique furnishings and classic décor – yet offering all of the modern amenities you will be looking for.
With so much to do and see, how will you explore the Metro Valley?
This post was last updated on October 4, 2023