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Snow Bunny Run

The Snow Bunny Run is for children ages 4-12 and is an extension of the Charleston Winter Series. Bundle the kids up and bring them out for a fun and free way to keep moving in winter. Children will be grouped into two separate age groups. Ages 4-7 will run 1/4 mile, and ages 8-12 will run 1/2 mile. On-site registration behind the UC Pharmacy School will begin at 1 p.m. With the race starting at 1:30 p.m. For more information or to pre-register, call 304-348-6860 or email julianne.yacovone@cityofcharleston.org.

Birding Around the Sun

Hike and explore Kanawha State Forest through the seasons with Saturday bird hikes. CCC Snipe Trail and Shrewsbury Hollow. Easy with moderate sections. 2 miles. Observe changes in bird behavior, from singing and nesting to migration. Learn about birding, bird ecology, and why birds are important parts of the natural environment. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before departure. Hike locations will be on a rotating schedule, and hike routes will be of varying levels of difficulty. Dress according to hike difficulty and weather. Bring water, a snack, and binoculars. (A few pairs of binoculars are available to borrow.) For questions, contact Naturalist Sara Miller at 304-558-3500. Details can also be found on the Kanawha State Forest Foundation's Facebook page.

Art Outside the Walls

Enjoy this local and regional art exhibition in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us at the Valley Park Conference Center from

Dog Jog 5k Run and Walk

Annual race with your K-9.

Superhero Saturday

Free event for kids ages infant to 12. Superhero meet-and-greet, rock climbing wall, and other fun activities.

Art Outside the Walls

Pop-up art gallery featuring Putnam County student work, local musicians, and awards.

Putnam Tastes and Talents Month

Putnam County is home to a wealth of artists, artisans, musicians and writers. Tastes and Talents features these creatives in fun and engaging ways. Enjoy specials at locally-owned restaurants throughout Putnam County in March. Attend our Putnam County Artisans pop-up shop, take an art class, listen to local musicians, or meet local authors at events throughout the county. A full listing of participating restaurants and events is available on our website.

7 things you did as a kid in WV that you’ve gotta share with yours

The joys of growing up in the Mountain State are simple and sweet. Share the fond memories of your mountain

St. Patrick’s Day Musical Event

St. Patrick's Day Musical Event features George Daughtery and the O'Daughtery Family Band performing authentic Irish music. Admission: Adults $5.00; Children: Free.

7 Hikes That are Even Better in Winter

You might not think of winter as a prime hiking season in the Mountain State, but some of these trails

Snow doesn’t stop the farm-grown freshness here!

It may be the dead of winter, but that doesn’t stop West Virginia farmers. Gather in Charleston and Morgantown for

FestivALL Charleston

Join FestivALL as they turn a city into a work of art. Enjoy a multitude of art and entertainment at a variety of venues during WV's premier arts celebration. FestivALL includes more than 130 events and 360 performances and exhibitions from music, theater, dance, visual art, humanities and more. Many events are free or low cost. Main events include Smoke on the Water Chili Cookoff, Mayor's Concert, Capitol Street Art Fair & Children's Art Fair, Wine & All That Jazz, Carriage Trail Walk and Dance Gala. Full schedule TBA.

Foam at the Dome 2017

Foam at the Dome returns to Charleston in 2017 with craft beers, local artisans and eateries, and live music. Admission TBA

Celtic Calling Kilt Run/Walk

Wear your best kilt for the 4th annual Kilt Run/Walk. The 5K course runs to and through Spring Hill Cemetery.

48th Annual WV Outdoor Sports Show

Come see the newest inventory of RVs, boats, and ATVs. Explore the new outdoor adventure zones for travel destinations, golfing, fly fishing, kayaking, biking, and much more. New! MedExpress Adventure Challenge Passport: Visit Adventure Challenge Stations including catch-and-release trout pond, disc golf, archery tag, first tee golf range and Cute Critter Duck Pond. Admission $7; free to children 12 and under.

48th Annual WV Outdoor Sports Show

Come see the newest inventory in RVs, boats, and ATVs. Explore the new outdoor adventure zones for travel destinations, golfing, fly fishing, kayaking, biking, and much more. New! MedExpress Adventure Challenge Passport: visit Adventure Challenge stations including catch-and-release trout pond, disc golf, archery tag, first tee golf range and the Cute Critter Duck Pond. Cost $7; free to children 12 and under.

48th Annual WV Outdoor Sports Show

The biggest and best show in the region! Come see the newest inventory in RVs, boats, and ATVs. Explore the new outdoor adventure zones for travel destinations, golfing, fly fishing, kayaking, biking, and much more. Cost $7; free to children 12 and under.

West Virginia Hunting & Fishing Show

This is the 30th year for this annual show featuring hunting and fishing vendors from as far away as Alaska, New Zealand, Spain and Africa, plus the United States and Canada. In conjunction with the show is the West Virginia Whitetail Hall of Fame, which provides an opportunity for hunters to bring in their West Virginia deer trophies for official scoring and display the largest racks harvested. See website for details and admission prices.

6 best simple ways to spend a snow day

The Mountain State has the best snow days. We get a few real humdingers of snow spells every winter. And

Meet every wanderluster’s globe-trotting hero, the Roaming Gnome, right here in WV!

Travelocity’s famous Roaming Gnome is heading across West Virginia! The Roaming Gnome had so much fun eating and drinking his

Score huge winter discounts on these cozy mountain cabins

Most folks rent mountain cabins in the summer— peak season for barbecues, rafting, hiking and warm-weather fun. But the best

How much of your state have you really explored? WV checklist

How well do you know West Virginia? Here’s your ultimate checklist! 1. Head to Philippi to see the state’s oldest

Adventurous eaters: head around the world in 80 dishes

West Virginia is a culinary melting pot of international dishes from around the world. Get a taste of several different

5 100% timeless gifts for your fashionable friends

Still stuck on what to get your most fashion-forward friend? Hit up a local boutique for unique and timeless gifts

You need these unique WV holiday ornaments for your tree

No tree is complete without some West Virginia flair. Wrap that blue garland, top it with a gold star and

3 holiday road trips to make gift shopping exciting

Mine the mountains for handcrafted gifts! Only Santa could fly through all of West Virginia, but these road trips hit

First Lady’s Festival of Songs

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History and First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin welcome middle school and high school choirs from across the Mountain State to perform holiday music as part of the First Lady’s Festival of Songs. The show is free and open to the public. The performance, sponsored by the Division of Culture and History and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, will be taped as part of a special partnership with the West Virginia Library Commission and then aired Christmas morning on Library Channel television stations throughout the state.

Gifts that show off WV pride

  If you’re shopping for someone who holds West Virginia near and dear to their heart, look no further. From

The unbelievable perks of spending your holiday at the casino

Score the year’s best and biggest casino prizes and giveaways, just in time for the holidays. Extra rewards, special entertainment

Joyful Night Celebration

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin will welcome West Virginians to the annual Joyful Night celebration Tuesday, December 6 at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston. As part of the evening's festivities, the First Family encourages attendees to bring a new unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots campaign. There also will be a special tribute to West Virginia's military men and women, veterans, Gold Star Families and first responders. The Joyful Night program will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the South Plaza of the Capitol with performances from West Virginia school bands and at 6 p.m. Governor and First Lady Tomblin will light the state Christmas tree, donated by Brenda and David Hanson of Winfield.

These unique historic homes only open for the holidays

West Virginia’s most historic homes are open for tours during the holidays— and for some of these vintage gems, it’s

GoodNight

GoodNight is Charleston’s family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. It returns for its 24th year this New Year’s Eve with

Amazing travel deals – Cyber Monday & Small Business Saturday

Score the best deals in West Virginia this Thanksgiving shopping weekend! Supporting local shops feels amazing, but it’s not all

11 top Mountain State traditions to start this holiday

Start new traditions in the Mountain State this holiday season. Share Mountain State memories with folks you love most— decorating together,

St. Albans Christmas Historic Homes Tour

Visit inside several historic homes, churches, and the C&O Railroad Depot. All of the properties will feature Christmas decorations and refreshments. The tour begins at the St. Albans Historical Society building at 404 Fourth Ave., adjacent to the C&O Depot. A shuttle will take visitors to the various properties and make a continuous loop, or you have the option to drive to each. Tickets are $10 for adults; students and children are free.

Point Pleasant Bike Trail

Noon Year’s Eve

Children and families are invited to help us celebrate the New Year by counting down the minutes until noon! Crafts, stories, and New Year's traditions from around the globe round out this special family event.

Holiday Houses: Family STEM Program

At this special holiday STEM program, families will work together to create a life-size gingerbread house out of cardboard boxes. Will you sketch your blueprint first or jump right in & start creating? The choice is yours!

DIY: Sock Snowman

Relax with us at the Elk Valley Express Library and make a wintry sock snowman. All materials and step-by-step instructions will be provided. There is a limit of 10 participants. Call the library at 304-965-8956 to secure your space for this fun craft workshop. Light refreshments will be served as well.

St. Albans Writes: M. Lynne Squires

M. Lynne Squires, an award-winning author, primarily writes creative non-fiction. Her memoir "Letters to My Son – Reflections of Urban Appalachia at Mid-Century" is a different perspective of Appalachian living during the mid-20th century years. It is a fascinating glimpse into perhaps the most mislabeled population in America – Urban Appalachians. Her recently released book "Mid-Century Meals and Memories" features recipes for dishes and libations that were popular mid-century. It also revisits trends in music, literature, architecture, and more. She will sell her books after the event. This event is sponsored by the St. Albans Branch Advisory Board.

Sissonville Branch Library Holiday Open House

The holidays are approaching so join us for Sissonville Branch Library's holiday open house! We will have music, games, snacks and even a visit from a very jolly old fellow.

Teen Festivus Party

Celebrate a Festivus for the rest of us in the Teen Zone! Learn more about the holiday and take part in traditional Festivus activities: "Airing of the Grievances," "Feats of Strength," discovering Festivus miracles, and more.

St. Albans Branch Library Holiday Open House

Since Santa is so busy this time of year, Mrs. Claus will be stopping by the library to provide memories you and your family will cherish. Hear stories from the North Pole, participate in interactive holiday magic and see Santa's giant rabbit Smudge. Stay and decorate a sugar cookie! Be sure to bring your camera! This event is sponsored by the Saint Albans Advisory Board.

Elk Valley Express Library Holiday Open House

Join us at the Elk Valley Express Library for our annual Holiday Open House. We will have crafts, entertainment, and goodies for all ages. Parents, make sure to bring your camera in case a special guest would drop in for a visit! Refreshments provided by the Clendenin and Elk Valley Branch Library Advisory Boards.

Family Night: Holiday Ornament Making

Come join us for a fun time making your very own ornaments! We'll learn some cool techniques for creating different types of ornaments to take home. Registration for this event will open Nov. 28.

Holiday Make-It Take-It Tuesdays

Winter holidays, fun, and crafting, oh my! Join us as we celebrate the winter season with a simple make-and-take craft project available each Tuesday during the month of December. This is an informal drop-in event, so you can assemble your craft at the library or take it home and work on it there. Stop by any time throughout the day to get your craft kit.

Holiday Make-It Take-It Tuesdays

Winter holidays, fun, and crafting, oh my! Join us as we celebrate the winter season with a simple make-and-take craft project available each Tuesday during the month of December. This is an informal drop-in event, so you can assemble your craft at the library or take it home and work on it there. Stop by any time throughout the day to get your craft kit.

Holiday Make-It Take-It Tuesdays

Winter holidays, fun, and crafting, oh my! Join us as we celebrate the winter season with a simple make-and-take craft project available each Tuesday during the month of December. This is an informal drop-in event, so you can assemble your craft at the library or take it home and work on it there. Stop by any time throughout the day to get your craft kit.

Holiday Make-It Take-It Tuesdays

Winter holidays, fun, and crafting, oh my! Join us as we celebrate the winter season with a simple make-and-take craft project available each Tuesday during the month of December. This is an informal drop-in event, so you can assemble your craft at the library or take it home and work on it there. Stop by any time throughout the day to get your craft kit.

Dunbar Branch Library Holiday Open House

Stop by during the Dunbar Branch Library's annual Holiday Open House for refreshments, music, children's crafts, and other fun activities! Find out what's new in the library and bask in the holiday spirit.

A Visit from Santa

Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a special stop at our library! Bring the whole family to meet them! Be sure to bring your camera and holiday wishes! We will also have holiday crafts.

Cross Lanes Branch Holiday Open House

Get in the holiday mood at the Cross Lanes Library's Annual Holiday Open House. Several activities are planned, including music by Andrew Jackson Middle School Choirs, and making holiday crafts. A very special guest will arrive at 7:30 p.m., so bring your camera. Cookies and punch provided by the Cross Lanes Library Advisory Board and the Woman's Club of Cross Lanes.

Step Inside the Library (and Leave with a Brownie)

What’s better than a warm brownie on a cold day? You can make your own single serve Brownie in a Mug in minutes. Recipe, ingredients and mugs will be provided. Just mix, microwave and enjoy! Registration is limited to twenty per location. Call your library or register online at http://kanawhalibrary.org/events-classes/?c_month=12.

Step Inside the Library (and Leave with a Brownie)

What’s better than a warm brownie on a cold day? You can make your own single serve Brownie in a Mug in minutes. Recipe, ingredients and mugs will be provided. Just mix, microwave and enjoy! Registration is limited to twenty per location. Call your library or register online at http://kanawhalibrary.org/events-classes/?c_month=12

Step Inside the Library (and Leave with a Brownie)

What’s better than a warm brownie on a cold day? You can make your own single serve Brownie in a Mug in minutes. Recipe, ingredients and mugs will be provided. Just mix, microwave and enjoy! Registration is limited to twenty per location. Call your library or register online at http://kanawhalibrary.org/events-classes/?c_month=12.

Step Inside the Library (and Leave with a Brownie)

What’s better than a warm brownie on a cold day? You can make your own single serve Brownie in a Mug in minutes. Recipe, ingredients and mugs will be provided. Just mix, microwave and enjoy! Registration is limited to twenty per location. Call your library or register online at http://kanawhalibrary.org/events-classes/?c_month=12.

Riverside Public Library Holiday Open House

Enjoy live holiday music, crafts, and pictures with Santa. Explore the library and get in the holiday spirit. Refreshments will also be available.

The Reel Connection Reading and Discussion Group

Discover these books that Hollywood has adapted to the big screen. The group meets the first Thursday of each month September through May. This month's title is "The Revenant" by Michael Punke. Copies of the book are limited and may be picked up at the Reference Desk.

Adults: Christmas Table Runner

Come join us as we make our very own Christmas table runner. This fun event will teach you all you need to know in order to make one of your very own. Registration for this event opens Nov. 21.

Camp Virgil Tate’s 4th Annual Breakfast With Santa 2016

You’re invited! Camp Virgil Tate invites you camp this December 10th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. You will have a chance to take pictures with Santa, shop for handcrafted gifts, enjoy a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast, ride a pony, or in the buggy of the Christmas mule and more! For $5 each: leave with a professional printed photo taken with Santa, enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast, and go on a pony ride. Also, we should mention, Santa loves animals and is taking pet pictures too!

Uncover Hidden Gems in West Virginia by Geocaching

Remember those epic summer camp scavenger hunts when you were a kid? Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt for the

Need motivation for your mountain run? How ‘bout a drink!

To the uninitiated, the Mountain Momma Hash House Harriers (M2H3), may seem like an unorganized horde of people running wild

The 9 WV gear shops the locals trust

  When it comes to outdoor gear, you get a lot of extra value by shopping local: hometown shops share

FestivALL Charleston

Enjoy 10 days of music, theater, dance, visual art, family fun and much more in the capital city! FestivALL is West Virginia's premier arts collaborator and welcomes the community to come together to experience both local and national talents. The city-wide and multi-arts event hosts over 130 events and 360 performances and exhibitions from music, theatre, dance, visual art, humanities and more each summer. Many events are free or low cost and are designed with a little bit of something for everyone. Stay tuned for 2017 announcements!

The Bodega Market and Cafe

Tidewater Grill

2017 Legacy of Mary Ingles Encampment and Living History Event

Each September since 1989, the Mary Ingles Trail Associates have presented a historical encampment based on research of the life of Mary Draper Ingles. This year marks the 262nd anniversary of Mary Ingles' odyssey. In 1755, the Virginia frontier was embroiled in the turmoil of the French and Indian War, and it was also in 1755 that Mary was captured by, and escaped from, Shawnee Indians. Accompanied by a German woman captive taken only a few weeks earlier than Mary, the two women followed the rivers and traveled nearly 500 miles on foot through the wilderness to reach home. That journey took her through western Virginia. School Day - Friday We focus on education and hands-on activities on the school days. Each group of children will see at least five different demonstrations (approximately 15 minutes each, but may vary). Please allow at least three hours in your day to tour the camp and watch the demonstrators. Our reservations are filled on a first come-first served basis. We only take 400 people per school day! (200 at 9:30 a.m.; 200 at 11:00 a.m.) Homeschool, Public School, and Private School are all welcome Public Days - Saturday & Sunday Dramatic presentations and explorations into the lives of some of the people who influenced Mary’s life will be ongoing throughout the day. Visitors to the camp may also be able to interact with interpreters who have researched: Tommy Ingles and his Indian father, a Shawnee warrior who is upset with the English, a Cherokee liaison between Will Ingles & Johnny Draper and their wives' Shawnee captors, a Virginia farm-wife, a salt maker, a trader, and others. On Public Days, the living history encampment is open: Saturday 9:00 - 3:00 Sunday 12:00 - 3:00 (Our church services is at 10:00 and all are welcome to join us, but the camps will be closed until 12:00). There is no charge to attend programs. MITA accepts donations to continue the annual production of this interpretative event.

Weekly Session at Sam’s Uptown Lounge

An open jam session for string band musicians and their friends who are open to all styles of music than can be shared through Appalachian roots music.

Weekly Sessions at Sam’s Uptown Lounge

An open jam session for string band musicians and their friends who are open to all styles of music than can be shared through Appalachian roots music.

Weekly Sessions at Sam’s Uptown Lounge

An open jam session for string band musicians and their friends who are open to all styles of music than can be shared through Appalachian roots music.

Midway Drive In

5 things you didn’t know about Tu-Endie-Wei State Park

  Tu-Endie-Wei State Park is one of the most well known places to explore outdoors in West Virginia. Thanks to

WV Brick Oven Bistro

Lil’ Bit of Heaven Cupcakes LLC

The kids won’t even know what to do with all this excitement!

  Arcades, rides and every game you can imagine! Send the kids into overdrive at these over-the-top fun zones! 1.

These gyms will drive you up the walls (literally)

  Indoor climbing gyms are the most revolutionary advancement in rock climbing. Why? Well, for one, climbing gyms are unbelievably

“A Veterans Salute to Rosie the Riveters”

The South Charleston Museum Foundation “D” St. Series presents: “A Veterans Salute to Rosie the Riveters” Sunday, November 13 at 4:00 pm LaBelle Theater 311 “D” St. So. Chas. Three authentic Rosie’s telling their stories Music: Pepper Fandango The Band Wagon Exhibiting artists: Robin White (grandmother was a Rosie) Anna Toler-Frazier Carrie Dawson Admission is $5 veterans and children free admission

Cycling on the Paint Creek Scenic Trail

There’s no wrong way to travel through West Virginia. Even the interstate has incredible views of the diverse scenery that’s

L R BBQ and Custom Catering

Butter It Up!

Sam’s Uptown Cafe Book Club: Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger

Book Club with discuss "Last Days of Summer" by Steve Kluger.

Sam’s Uptown Cafe Book Club: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

The book club will be discussing Ernest Cline's Ready Player One.

Sam’s Uptown Cafe Book Club: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

The book club will be discussing Blake Crouch's "Dark Matter."

Weekly Sessions at Sam’s Uptown Cafe Lounge

An open jam session for string band musicians and their friends who are open to all styles of music than can be shared through Appalachian roots music.

Same dish: gourmet or homestyle? You decide

Sometimes nothing beats a good, old-fashioned home-cooked meal. But our creative chefs sure know how to add gourmet flair to

Great Backyard Bird Count – Kanawha State Forest

Take part with over 100,000 birders from over 130 countries to observe and count bird species, contributing to a massive amout of data used to track "the health of bird populations on a global scale." gbbc.birdcount.org/2016-gbbc-summary/ - It's a nationwide community of birders! Meet at the Kanawha State Forest Nature Center at 2 p.m. We plan to have a feeder count followed by a bird hike. Data collected from the day will be submitted to eBird. Free to the public. Three pairs of binoculars are available for borrow. Join us!

Kanawha State Forest – FIRST DAY HIKE

Start the New Year right with a hike at your local State Forest! Meet in the Pool Parking area at 2 p.m. Bring your hiking shoes. All are welcome. Free to the public. Bundle up for whatever nature brings today! Enjoy the outdoors.

Mountain Que LLC

6 best places to pick up tailgate snacks to-go

Where are the best post-game hangouts in West Virginia? Here are just a few… Wheeling Pittsburgh-based Primanti Bros. now has

How to spend a weekend in Charleston (outdoors & about town)

West Virginia’s capital city has a rich old-school charm, but a modern scene and a small-town feel. Charleston has the

What’s Jonesy Drinking

Wine tasting with wine educator Chris Jones. Discover his top wines for the season while enjoying lite bites.

Weekly Session at Sam’s Uptown Cafe Lounge (Live Music)

An open jam session for string band musicians and their friends, who are open to all styles of music than can be shared through Appalachian roots music.

Sam’s Uptown Cafe

Hops & Heat Afterparty at Bricks & Barrels!

Hops & Heat may be over but the party doesn't have to be- join us for a few more at Bricks & Barrels!

5 spooky cemeteries you can explore

While you may not want to pile into a haunted house or take a guided tour this year, something else

Olive Tree Cafe and Catering

Gaither Christmas Homecoming

Gaither Christmas Homecoming 2016 The Award Winning Gaither Vocal band Featuring multi-grammy winner Bill Gaither with Wes Hampton, David Phelps, Adam Crabb and Todd Suttles With Special Guests Mark Lowry, Charlotte Ritchie, Gene McDonald, The Issacs, Buddy Green, The Martins, Jeff Taylor, Kevin Williams, Matthew Holt, Greg Ritchie and Kevin Moore.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Symphony's tradition continues to define the holiday season featuring the best of Maestro Cooper's wonderful arrangements.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

Paul O'Neill launched a project in 1996 that over the past 20 years has become a critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum, musical powerhouse: Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The progressive rock group's record-setting "rock theater" tours sell out venues year after year and have cemented TSO's status as a must-attend, multi-generational, holiday tradition. Now, TSO's creator/lyricist/composer O'Neill is proud to announce that in its Platinum anniversary year, the group is bringing back its treasured tale, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve," to 61 cities across North America beginning on November 17th and concluding, after 105 shows, with special New Year's Eve performances in Seattle and Cleveland (see below for a full itinerary). TSO's Winter Tour 2016 is presented nationally by the Hallmark Channel.

Downtown Charleston ArtWalk – Black Friday Edition

Downtown Charleston ArtWalk is a free monthly self-guided tour of Downtown Charleston galleries, studios and businesses showcasing the area's vibrant creative community.