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The 7 Reasons Why Charleston, WV Is a Great Place to Spend Your Vacation

The 7 Reasons Why Charleston, WV Is a Great Place to Spend Your Vacation

Is your vacation getting closer? If you still haven’t decided where to go, check out the capital city of West Virginia. Charleston is also the state’s most populous city and capable of serving up an unforgettable holiday.

To begin with, its superb location makes Charleston an attractive place for tourists from all over the world. But that’s not the only reason why people visit the gorgeous city – it represents an exciting mix of culture, tradition, and urban lifestyle.

There are so many places to visit in Charleston that you won’t regret spending your vacation there. For those who don’t know where to start, here’s a list of Charleston’s must-see locations.

1. Enjoy Art Pieces at the Clay Center

Charleston Clay Center — Image via Charleston Gazette Mail

Make Charleston’s center for the arts and sciences your first stop. The Clay Center combines all branches of arts and sciences and provides a unique experience for tourists.

Did you know that you could also watch a Broadway in Charleston show here? If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in season, make sure you book the tickets ahead of time.

There’s also something for those who dig ballet. The Charleston Ballet’s repertoire is pretty broad, covering almost everything from traditional to modern.

2. Feel the Hustle and Bustle at the Capitol Market

Charleston Capitol Market — Image via Capitol Market

Would you believe that the Capitol Market used to be a train station? Today, the colorful, lively venue is a great place to get souvenirs for your friends and family back home. It’s also where you can buy fresh food straight from the farms. And for those who love flowers, the Capitol Market will probably look like heaven on Earth.

You need to walk down Capitol Street to reach the market, so it’s like hitting two birds with one stone. It’s the most popular shopping street in Charleston and the best place to look for nice restaurants and coffee shops.

3. Check Out the West Virginia Veterans Memorial

Charleston West Virginia Veterans Memorial — Image by Robert English via Flickr

A visit to the massive monument comes with accompanying history lessons. The memorial consists of four limestone monoliths – one for each major 20^th century military conflict involving the United States and West Virginia as one of the component states. You’ll find the monument at the State Capitol Complex.

The granite memorial celebrates the bravery of West Virginians who fought in the four wars. Completed in 1999, the four statues are unmistakable – a Vietnam War Marine, a Korean War aviator, a World War II sailor, and a World War I doughboy. The over 10,000 names memorialized on the walls are the West Virginian casualties of war.

4. Shop at the Charleston Town Center

There are plenty of fun things to do in Charleston, and shopping is a favorite of most tourists. Drop by the Charleston Town Center if you want to take something home with you. It’s where you’ll find everything – from clothes to souvenirs.

This indoor mall is old as they come, having opened its doors in 1983 and becoming the largest of its kind to the east of the Mississippi. The mall’s 130 shops and restaurants occupy two floors.

Don’t worry if you’re going with the kids – there are a play area and several teen programs to keep them busy.

5. Satisfy Your Learning Curiosity at the Avampato Discovery Museum

Charleston Avampato Discovery Museum — Image via Family Destinations Guide

Do you need more reasons to visit Charleston, WV? It’s time to return to the Clay Center. As mentioned, there’s plenty to do here. But let’s now zero in on the Avampato Discovery Museum. It houses many beautiful paintings… but that’s not the highlight here.

No matter the age, who can say no to a planetarium and learning about outer space? There are also interactive, kid-friendly exhibits to complete a one-of-a-kind adventure for the youngsters. And don’t forget to take a look at the climbing sculpture.

6. Relax at Daniel Boone Park

This park is a memorial to an early resident of Charleston. Daniel Boone was an American Pioneer and a state assemblyman of Virginia.

His eponymous park is today a wonderful place to take a break from sightseeing. There are picnic tables around and here you’ll find the Ruffner Cabin, one of the oldest houses in the city.

Do pay a visit to the Craik-Patton House if you’re in the mood for another historical landmark. Dating back to the 19^th century, it’s a lovely example of Greek Revival architecture. The interior is even more fascinating, as the unique furniture pieces and decor include Windsor chairs and French wallpaper.

7. Savor the View at the Haddad Riverfront Park

Charleston Haddad Riverfront Park — Image via Charleston WV

What’s the best thing about visiting a riverside city?

Among all the great locations to see in Charleston, the view from the Haddad Riverfront Park will probably become your favorite.

Every town has its gathering place, and it’s Haddad for Charleston. The park contains a large amphitheater with almost 3,000 seats for concerts, shows, and other celebrations. It’s also children-friendly. And if you’re up for a boat ride you can even watch Haddad shows on the river.

Those who visit from May to September will have a chance to attend the concert series organized yearly at the park.

A City to Fall in Love with

If you spend too much time in Charleston, be careful! You’re running a serious risk of falling in love with the city.

Whether you’re looking for cultural events to inspire you or prefer relaxing at the park and by the river, Charleston’s got it. It has everything that you could ever ask for. And it’s a great city not just for a vacation but also to live in.

This list is only a warm-up for an unforgettable tour through West Virginia’s capital. It’s going to be a challenge to select only a few places to visit in Charleston. So if you’re only spending a week in this city, you may just find yourself extending the stay or returning here soon.

Weekend Getaways

Oceanside’s Farm-to-Table Dining: A Foodie’s Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of devouring a just-plucked salad while staring at the Pacific, then buckle up, buttercup—Oceanside farm-to-table dining is calling your name.

Tucked between sun-soaked beaches and rolling inland hills, this Southern California gem has quietly grown into a haven for food lovers who like their meals local, their chefs bold, and their plates—well, Instagram-ready.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just someone who really really likes brunch, Oceanside farm-to-table dining offers more than sea views. We’re talking heirloom tomatoes kissed by morning fog, craft cocktails that double as magic tricks, and chefs who are basically artists with aprons. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting fed, farm-fresh style.

What Is Oceanside Farm-to-Table Dining, Really?

Let’s clear the table for a sec. Farm-to-table isn’t just some trendy buzzword chefs slap on menus to sound eco-chic. At its core, it means sourcing ingredients locally—often directly from farms—and serving them up with minimal processing and maximum flavor. In Oceanside, this goes beyond just taste. It’s a philosophy. A lifestyle. Dare we say… a movement?

And the best part? You’re supporting local growers, reducing your carbon footprint, and probably tasting the juiciest strawberry of your life. Win-win-win.

Best Oceanside Farm-to-Table Restaurants You Need to Try

1. The Plot

Facade of The Plot restaurant in Oceanside, CA. — Visitoceanside.org. (2025). Available at: https://visitoceanside.org/ [Accessed 27 Jun. 2025].

This zero-waste, plant-based spot is straight-up revolutionary. Their ingredients come from their own nearby farm, and the dishes? Think beet poke, jackfruit tacos, and other delicious curveballs that even die-hard carnivores can’t resist. Oh, and they compost everything. If guilt-free indulgence had a home address, this would be it.

2. Dija Mara

A group of people eating at Dija Mara restaurant in Oceanside CA. — Visitoceanside.org. (2025). Available at: https://visitoceanside.org/ [Accessed 27 Jun. 2025].

Farm-to-table meets Southeast Asian street food in a vibe-heavy spot that’s as edgy as it is flavorful. The grilled octopus is legendary, and if you skip the charred broccolini, you’re doing it wrong. The chef draws heavily from local produce, giving traditional Balinese flavors a SoCal twist. It’s bold, it’s funky, and it absolutely slaps.

3. Piper at The Seabird Resort

Menu at Piper restaurant in Oceanside, CA. — Theseabirdresort.com. (2025). Available at: https://theseabirdresort.com/ [Accessed 27 Jun. 2025].

Piper doesn’t mess around. Set inside a dreamy oceanside resort, this airy spot serves up locally-sourced everything—from the eggs in your shakshuka to the basil in your spritz. It’s coastal chic meets farmers market brunch, with a pastry chef who deserves a standing ovation. Try the house-made granola, and prepare to get hooked.

4. Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub

Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub. Oceanside farm-to-table dining. — Squarespace-cdn.com. (2022). Available at: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/ [Accessed 27 Jun. 2025].

Don’t let the name throw you. This place is an Oceanside staple, known for its punk-rock approach to sushi and unwavering dedication to sustainability. Chef Davin Waite works with local fishermen and farms to craft rolls that are inventive, wild, and weirdly poetic. Like a sea urchin haiku with a wasabi kick.

Markets & Makers: Take the Experience Home

Oceanside’s Downtown Farmers Market. Oceanside farm-to-table dining.

Don’t just eat it—live it. Oceanside’s Downtown Farmers Market is held every Thursday and is your golden ticket to the freshest produce, local honey, and homemade everything. Chat up the farmers. Sample the stone fruit. Grab some sourdough that might change your life. It’s laid-back, lively, and just the right amount of chaotic.

While you’re at it, check out Cyclops Farms, a certified organic urban farm that supplies many of Oceanside’s restaurants. They host events, dinners, and even let you pick your own produce. Warning: you might leave with a crate of kale and a deep desire to start gardening.

Final Bites: Why Oceanside’s Food Scene Hits Different

Let’s be honest—farm-to-table is often tossed around in cities that feel more like curated museum exhibits than real, lived-in communities. But Oceanside? It’s gritty, it’s growing, and it’s got soul. The chefs here aren’t following trends; they’re setting them. The food isn’t pretentious; it’s passionate. And every bite tells a story that started just down the road.

So, next time you find yourself in this coastal corner of California, come hungry—and maybe wear pants with an elastic waistband. You’re gonna need it.

Planning Your Visit?
Make sure to check restaurant hours, reserve ahead if you can, and leave room in your suitcase for jam jars and handmade pasta. This isn’t just a dining experience—it’s a full-on flavor adventure.

Dig in.

New Orleans

New Orleans’ Haunted History: A Ghost Tour

New Orleans, the Crescent City, is renowned for its vibrant music, delectable cuisine, and unique cultural blend. But beneath the surface of jazz-filled streets and colorful balconies lies a darker, more mysterious side: a history steeped in tragedy, Voodoo, and countless restless spirits. If you’re looking for an adventure that will send shivers down your spine and ignite your imagination, a ghost tour in New Orleans is an absolute must-do!

Imagine walking through the dimly lit cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, the gas lamps casting long, dancing shadows, as a seasoned storyteller regales you with tales of centuries-old hauntings. This isn’t just about jump scares; it’s an immersive journey into the city’s past, where every building seems to hold a chilling secret.

What Makes New Orleans So Haunted?

New Orleans Street — Visittheusa.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.visittheusa.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

The city’s tumultuous history has created fertile ground for paranormal activity. From devastating fires and rampant epidemics like yellow fever to the brutal realities of slavery and violent crimes, New Orleans has witnessed its share of profound suffering. This rich, often tragic, past has left an indelible mark, and many believe the spirits of those who lived and died here still linger.

Iconic Haunted Locations You Might Encounter:

A good ghost tour will take you to some of New Orleans’ most infamous spectral hotspots. Here are a few you’re likely to hear about:

The LaLaurie Mansion — Al.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.al.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

The LaLaurie Mansion (1140 Royal Street): Perhaps the most notorious haunted house in America, this grand mansion was once home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite infamous for her horrific cruelty towards her enslaved people in the early 19th century. The tales of torture and suffering within its walls are truly unsettling, and many claim the tormented spirits of her victims still haunt the property.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 — Cemeterytourneworleans.com. (2025). Available at: https://cemeterytourneworleans.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: As the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, established in 1789, it’s a labyrinth of above-ground tombs and crumbling mausoleums. It’s the final resting place of many notable figures, including the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Visitors often report seeing ghostly figures, hearing whispers, and feeling an eerie presence among the ornate tombs.

The Ursuline Convent — Tripadvisor.com. (2025). Available at: https://dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

The Ursuline Convent: This imposing building, dating back to the 1750s, holds tales of mysterious deaths and sightings of ghostly nuns. It’s also famously associated with the “Casket Girls” legend – young French women who arrived with small chests, rumored to be vampires by some, though history tells a less sensational story of their belongings.

Hotel Monteleone — Phgcdn.com. (2025). Available at: https://phgcdn.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

Hotel Monteleone: This luxurious hotel has a long history and a reputation for being exceptionally haunted. Guests and staff have reported encounters with spectral children, including a young boy named Maurice who is said to roam the 14th floor, still searching for his parents.

Muriel's Jackson Square — Thevendry.com. (2025). Available at: https://thevendry.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

Muriel’s Jackson Square: This restaurant is reportedly haunted by its former owner, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who committed suicide upstairs after losing the property in a poker game. Diners have reported moving objects, disembodied voices, and a general feeling of being watched.

Beyond the Ghosts: A Historical Perspective

New Orleans ghost tours are more than just spooky stories; they offer a unique way to delve into the city’s complex history. You’ll learn about the origins of Voodoo in New Orleans, the impact of significant historical events, and the lives of the colorful, and often tragic, characters who shaped this remarkable city. The guides are often captivating storytellers, blending historical facts with local legends to create an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, a New Orleans ghost tour promises an evening of intrigue, history, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s a chance to see the city in a different light, to feel the echoes of its past, and perhaps, to even encounter a friendly (or not-so-friendly) spirit.

South Carolina

Myrtle Beach’s Family-Friendly Fun: A Parent’s Guide

People Enjoying The Beach at Myrtle Beach, SC

Alright, parents—let’s be real for a second. Planning a family vacation can feel like trying to juggle flaming beach balls while balancing on a boogie board.

You want fun, but not too wild. You want the kids entertained, but also a little downtime for yourself (because, let’s face it, you deserve it). Enter: Myrtle Beach. This sunny South Carolina gem is more than just surf and sand—though the 60 miles of coastline sure don’t hurt.

Myrtle Beach is packed with family-friendly adventures, delicious eats, and just enough chaos to keep the kids happy without driving you totally bonkers. Let’s dive into all the stuff that makes Myrtle Beach a no-brainer for your next family getaway.

Hit the Beach—Obviously

Kids at the beach. — Visitmyrtlebeach.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/[Accessed 13 Jun. 2025].

First things first, the beach itself is a total win. Soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of room to spread out. Whether your little ones are building the world’s most crooked sandcastle or you’ve got teens perfecting their skimboarding skills, there’s something for everyone.

Pro tip: Head out early to snag a good spot and avoid that midday meltdown (you know the one). Pack snacks, sunscreen, and a beach umbrella you won’t wrestle with for 20 minutes.

Broadway at the Beach: Where It All Happens

Aerial View of Broadway at the Beach — Paradiseresortmb.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.paradiseresortmb.com [Accessed 13 Jun. 2025].

If your crew’s got energy to burn, Broadway at the Beach is the place to go. This buzzing entertainment district is basically a playground—for all ages. You’ll find everything from Ripley’s Aquarium (yes, the jellyfish tunnel is awesome) to amusement rides, shops, and quirky little snack stands.

Let the kids feed the fish, grab an ice cream, then wind down with a breezy boat ride around the lake. It’s kind of impossible not to have fun here.

SkyWheel Rides and Ocean Views

View of the Skywheel Myrtle Beach. — Skywheelmb.com. (2025). Available at: https://skywheelmb.com/ [Accessed 13 Jun. 2025].

Feeling brave? Take the fam up on the SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach’s iconic Ferris wheel that towers 200 feet above the ocean. The views are next-level, and it’s surprisingly chill—even if you’re a little scared of heights (speaking from experience here).

And hey, it makes for a killer family selfie backdrop, so make sure someone brings their phone—or three.

Mini Golf: Battle for the Family Title

A family at a mini golf course. — Squarespace-cdn.com. (2025). Available at: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/ [Accessed 13 Jun. 2025].

You can’t come to Myrtle Beach and not play mini golf. Seriously, it’s like a rite of passage here. The town is packed with wild, themed courses—think pirates, dinosaurs, and even jungle safaris.

Our favorite? Mt. Atlanticus. It’s got towering tiki heads, tricky holes, and views that make you feel like you’ve leveled up in vacation mode. Plus, a little friendly family competition never hurt anyone (just try not to gloat when you win).

The Great Food Hunt (For Picky and Adventurous Eaters)

Myrtle Beach Food Truck. — Squarespace-cdn.com. (2025). Available at: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/ [Accessed 13 Jun. 2025].

Finding food that works for everyone can be, well, a bit of a circus. But Myrtle Beach makes it easier. Got a kid who only eats chicken tenders? You’re covered. Want to sneak in some fresh seafood for the grown-ups? There are tons of beachside spots that hit both.

Try Sea Captain’s House for ocean views and shrimp-and-grits that’ll knock your flip-flops off. Or go casual with River City Cafe, where burgers come stacked and messy—just the way kids love ’em. And if you’re out exploring and need a quick bite, keep an eye out for local food trucks—you’ll find everything from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese, perfect for a laid-back beach day.

Chill Time: Parks, Piers, and Sunsets

Myrtle Beach Pier — Reddit. (2025). Available at: https://www.reddit.com/ [Accessed 13 Jun. 2025].

When the high-energy activities start catching up to everyone, it’s time to slow things down. Take a sunset stroll along Myrtle Beach State Park, let the kids run wild on the playgrounds, or drop a line off the 2nd Avenue Pier.

It’s the kind of low-key magic that reminds you why family trips are worth every snack spill and sunscreen tantrum.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Myrtle Beach hits that sweet spot between laid-back and full-on fun. It’s got just enough of everything—a beach for the bucket lists, attractions that make memories, and food you’ll dream about long after you’re home.

So pack the car, wrangle the crew, and set your GPS to good times. Myrtle Beach is waiting, and trust me, it’s one trip you’ll want to repeat.

Ready to plan your Myrtle Beach adventure? Book early, build that itinerary, and get ready for a family vacation that hits all the right notes—without hitting your stress limit.