How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?
Charleston has always been a place where residents are proud of where they are from — we’re proud to be a “big city” in the middle of a wild and naturally beautiful state

Which season is Charleston at its best?
I’m a spring person — the public plantings in our city bloom beautifully and the private gardens are fabulous. The riverbank is full of daffodils and blooming crabapples — it’s all perfect!

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?
Tough call — the people, of course, but its physical beauty as a city that celebrates the natural river, the urban downtown with its mix of old and new architecture, the winding neighborhoods, the magnificent State capitol.

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?
Friendly yet businesslike, urban and rural, exciting and peaceful…it’s a real mix of all of the good things you want in a city. And you can live in the woods, 10 minutes from the office.

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?
For sentimental reasons, Fazio’s; for new, innovative dining, Bluegrass Kitchen, for fun dining, Vandalia Grill, for special occasions, Soho’s, for comfort food, anywhere at Southridge! Oh, and for a quick, great workday lunch — Cilantro’s.

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourists must visit?
The Cultural Center, The Clay Center, Power Park, the Capitol, Kanawha State Forest,

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?
Ellen’s ice cream

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?
A WV Power game, a visit to the new State Museum, a stroll on the lower sidewalk of Kanawha Boulevard at noon, a quick shopping trip to Gabriel Brothers (my teen daughter’s fav)

About Sara Johe Busse:
I write for the Sunday Gazette-Mail following many years staying home raising my two children and being a “professional volunteer,” as my husband called me. I am proud to be a Charlestonian and I hope my children will be able to live here and raise my grandchildren in Charleston!

How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?
Laid back , very friendly people

Which season is Charleston at its best?
Fall

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?
Clay Center and Capitol Complex

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?
Beautiful and very welcoming

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?
Tidewater, Hibachi’s , Taste of Asia, Outback Steakhouse, SOHO’s

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourists must visit?
Capitol Complex, Power Park, and experience the outdoor life on the Hatfield McCoy Trails

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?
Hampton Inn Southridge

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?
Walking the boulevard on a beautiful summer day

Traci Kinney have been in the hotel industry for sixteen years. She is a people person and hold family close to her heart. She especially loves the fact that every day brings something new and exciting in the hotel industry. She likes getting to meet wonderful new people, and sincerely enjoy the atmosphere she and her team have formed here at the Hampton Inn Southridge.

I grew up in Charleston and then went away to school. I came back after Dental School and have been back for three years now. I practice dentistry with my father and I decided to come back because Charleston is a great city and a great place to call home.

How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?

Charleston is a great small city with lots of flare. We have so much natural beauty with the mountains and river. The people are such great down to earth people.

Which season is Charleston at its best?

I love the changing of the seasons. Fall is beautiful with the changing of the leaves and all the amazing colors. Winter offers some great skiing up at Snowshoe or Winterplace. Spring brings out all the flowers and covers all the hill sides with green. Summer gives us the chance to enjoy the river and biking and all the outdoor activities.

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?

We are the Capitol city with lots of events and art. The Clay Center has wonderful ballets and the Charleston Symphony is great. The Civic Center brings in a lot of musicians, there are lots of festivals on the lawn of the Univiersity of Charleston like the Symphony Sunday or blues, brews and BBQ’s.

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?

It has the home town feeling of a small city but all the attractions of a larger city with great people and scenic beauty.

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?

I love Italian food so Soho’s would be my number one. But Tidewater, Laurey’s, Bridge Road Bistro, and Bluegrass Kitchen are all great too.

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourists must visit?

Our Capitol is beautiful with so much history to it too. Along with the cultural center and the Avampato Museaum at the Clay Center is great too. There is great shopping at the Town Center Mall.

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?

Must check out the Clay Center and then eat some food on the East End at Bluegrass Kitchen then work your way to the Capitol for a tour and enjoy the boulvard and Kanawha River.

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?

Of course you can go to a movie at one of our several movie theaters. Enjoy sitting outside on the river at the Barge restaurant. Go Kart Racing at the Grand Prix Race Track or walk at the state parks.

About Christen Simpson:

Dr. Christen Simpson received her B.A. in biology and D.D.S. degree from West Virginia University. She continually strives to be on the forefront of dentistry and keeping abreast of all the new technologies. These advances in dentistry improve treatment for her patients. She is known for her compassion, gentle touch, and caring approach to each patient she treats. Dr. Christen is also active in the community as a part of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Charleston Area Alliances’ Generation Charleston, Junior League, Charleston Area Medical Center’s Community Movers and serves on the board for the American Heart Association. Dr Christen Simpson was selected to the Young Guns Class of 2009. Young Guns is a group of upcoming select professionals who are involved in the community and strive to make West Virgina great. She is happy to be the third generation of Simpson dentists carrying on the tradition of Generations of Smiles.

How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?
I like the feel of the town and the pace of living here.

Which season is Charleston at its best?
Probably summer because of all the festivals.

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?
The character of the people, the human scale, affordability and style of life, quality and accessibility of cultural life and the convenience are all attractive to me.

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?
A big town with some larger city benefits but little of the larger city hassle.

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?
Bluegrass Kitchen, Sushi Atlantic, Sitar of India, Rio Grande, Soho’s, Bridge Road Bistro, Lola’s, The Grill, Cilantros, The Sahara, Fazio’s, Tidewater…sorry, I can’t stop at five

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourist must visit?
State Capitol, Mountain Stage, Clay Center, State Museum, Taylor Books, downtown art galleries, West Virginia Symphony performance

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?
Ellen’s Ice Cream, Peanut Shop

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?
Compared to most other places, almost everything is cheap in Charleston

I once was a singer and songwriter, but for the past 25 years I have been host and artistic director of Mountain Stage, WV Public Radio’s national live music radio program on NPR. For the past five years I’ve also been executive director of FestivALL Charleston. I’m happily married with two wonderful children and some great friends. I am grateful to work with people who I respect and like.

How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?
Laid back, friendly, safe (for the most part)

Which season is Charleston at its best?
Late Summer/Early Fall. All of the outdoor events combined with the changing weather and scenery is about as perfect as one can get

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?
The perfect mix of rural life and city living.

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?
Laid back and friendly with a hidden artsy community that is underestimated and fabulous.

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?
Lola’s, Sitar of India, Los Agaves, Fazio’s and Aubry’s Yorkshire Pub

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourists must visit?
The Clay Center, The Capitol, App. Power Park, Capitol St, The Comedy Zone, Art Galleries along Hale and Quarrier St.

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?
A Tudor’s Biscuit.

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?
Power Game, A walk around the Capitol, A night at the Comedy Zone

About Karmin Ford:

Kaarmin Ford is an Advertising Executive for The State Journal- WV’s only statewide business journal. She is a wanna-be chef who loves to cook in her spare time, especially for a large group of friends and family. Kaarmin also serves on the membership committee for Generation Charleston.

How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?
I find Charleston to be a friendly city. The city offers a good variety activities including everything from sporting events to cultural events. While it may be a smaller city, there is always something different to do here.

Which season is Charleston at its best?
I think one of the best things about Charleston is the fact that it has such varied seasons. I especially enjoy the fall, when I can look out my office window and see the leaves changing colors on the mountains.

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?
Its people.

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?
Charleston is a beautiful capitol city and its residents are very welcoming. While it may be small, Charleston offers some of the appeal of a bigger city, with things like Broadway shows, loft-style living and art appreciation (FestivAll and downtown art walks).

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?
Blossom Deli, Fazio’s, Tidewater, Vandalia Grille

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourists must visit?
Visit the State Capitol Grounds, Clay Center, Appalachian Power Park for a baseball game

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?
I think the Clay Center is great, especially for kids. Charleston is also a great city just to walk through – enjoy the capitol, the river and downtown.

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?
Feeding the ducks at Coonskin, Appalachian Power game, Charleston Light Opera guild performance, Going to the Capitol Market.

Amanda Ream is an attorney for the law firm of Lewis Glasser Casey and Rollins, in downtown Charleston. She is also the President of the Junior League of Charleston, which is a great organization that focuses on the development of women as leaders and giving back to the community through volunteerism. When Amanda returned to Charleston five years ago, the Junior League helped her to jump back into the community and meet new people.

How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?
It all depends on the day and what I feel like getting into. It can be laid-back on a sunny day walking around the Capitol or high energy out at the bars on Capitol Street.

Which season is Charleston at its best?
Definitely fall. The hills around town are full of beautiful colors as the trees change and the temperature is perfect for getting outside and relaxing with friends and family.

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?
It has to be the Capitol grounds. I love taking my puppy down there to walk around and explore and watch the squirrels play.

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?
City with a small-town feel. There are large buildings, interstates, and the cultural opportunities of a big city along side of people who smile at you and say hello, parks for hiking and playing, and a river for relaxing by or in.

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?
Vandalia Grille, Blossom Deli, Capitol Market, Ellen’s Ice Cream, Graziano’s

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourists must visit?
The Capitol Grounds and the shops on and around Capitol Street, that will give them a real feel for what Charleston is and has to offer.

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?
Ice cream at Ellen’s, pizza from Graziano’s, lettuce wraps from Vandalia Grille

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?
The Cultural Center, walk around the Capitol grounds and buildings, all of the festivals in the area in the Summertime, Coonskin Park (go feed the ducks!)

About Sarah Stricker:

I was born and raised in Charleston and can’t imagine living anywhere else. After graduating from Charleston Catholic, I went to Virginia Tech where I received my undergraduate degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics. I then returned to West Virginia where I received my Masters in Control System Engineering from WVUTech. A few months after finishing my Master’s Degree, I began working at Diamond Electric in Eleanor. It is a great Japanese-based company that manufactures ignition coils for Toyota, Chrysler, and Ford and I actually enjoy coming to work! I have been able to travel all over the United States and to Mexico and Japan with work but always look forward to coming home to Charleston. Over the past 5 years, I have stayed active with my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, serving as Chapter Advisor to the chapter at Marshall University. I am now very involved with the Junior League of Charleston.

The Junior League is a wonderful organization of women working together to train volunteers and address women and children’s issues. I have enjoyed serving as Cookbook Chair and Ways and Means Vice President and am now serving as President-Elect. I am VERY excited for our fun fall family festival, Pumpkins in the Park, which will be held on October 10th in Charleston. Keep checking our website for more information on this great event and to learn more about the great things that the Junior League of Charleston has done and continues to do to improve the Charleston area. I hope to see you at Pumpkins in the Park on October 10th!

I have lived in Charleston for 32 years. I settled here because my husband is from Charleston.

How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?

I like Charleston. I come from a big city, and even though this is a very small city, it is the capital city, so that means that anything that comes to WV is likely to come to Charleston. People complain about not much to do, but I think that if you have the time and the money there is too much to do!

Which season is Charleston at its best?

I like the spring – but then I like the spring anywhere! Blossoms along the boulevard and trees bursting on the hills are always great to see.

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?

It is such a good size – you can be anywhere is about 10 minutes, it seems. People are helpful and welcoming.

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?

Small town feel with big town amenities.

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?

Sitar, Blue Grass kitchen, Tricky Fish, Main Kwong, Tidewater, Ellen’s

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourists must visit?

The Capitol, Capitol Street and Market, Mountain Stage concerts

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?

Critter Dinners/ramp dinners if you come at the right time of year! Ellen’s ice cream any time!

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?

Kanawha State Forest, Capitol Market, Cultural Center, Capitol Roaster’s and Taylor Books concerts, FOOTMAD events

About Moya Doneghy:

I come from London, England. I live in the East End of Charleston.

I work for Volunteer West Virginia, the State’s Commission for National and Community Service. Among other things, I am responsible for the coordination of the annual Faces of Leadership conference – a statewide event held at the Charleston Civic Center in July. This year’s event is July 14-16 and the theme is Strengthening Community. Each year more than 400 people attend this conference. This year will feature keynote speakers Becky Anderson, the founder of HandMade in America; Suzanne Morse, president of the Pew Partnership for Civic Change; and Jenny Nolen, an inspirational speaker billed as the funniest lady in Alabama. There are 66 workshop choices and the Governor’s Service Awards banquet.

This event is for people ready to roll up their sleeves and get things done. People who see possibilities in problems and who are eager for new ideas and willing to try new approaches. Each year, this conference community comes together to draw strength from the speakers and workshops, but especially from each other. This strength refreshes and recharges them; and the excitement of new ideas and perspectives gained during the event goes back with them to their communities. The conference brochure is available at: http://www.volunteerwv.org/nd/index_facesofleadership_overview_09.cfm

Some scholarships are available for people who live or work in distressed counties. Please call Moya Doneghy at 304-558-0111 with any questions.

We moved to the Charleston area in 1996, shortly after opening a branch of our business here.

How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?

Charleston has a relaxed, comfortable feel.

Which season is Charleston at its best?

Summer is a close second to fall for best season. Summer has all the outdoor activities, people boating on the river, parks and golf courses are active. While fall doesn’t allow for all the river activity, the foliage is beautiful when it turns colors and the climate is perfect that time of year.

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?

I don’t know if there is just one. The Clay Center, Power Park, the river, University of Charleston is growing all the time, and there is always something going on at the Civic Center.

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?

Charleston has some big city amenities but with a small town feel. It is a friendly place where people are easy to talk to.

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?

Mayberry’s ( home style meals and hand dipped ice cream ), Fifth Quarter ( the best salad bar around ), Tidewater, Chilli’s, and Rio Grande.

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourists must visit?

A visit to the Clay Center and the Capitol Complex would be 2 must visits.

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?

As a visitor I would try to catch a game at Power Park, take a trip to Tri State Racetrack and Gaming Center, and make a short drive to do some White Water Rafting.

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?

There is plenty of inexpensive things to do with all of the parks around town, Kanawha State Forrest, Haddad Riverfront Park, and several public golf courses.

Tommy McCarty is the vice president of Architectural Interior Products, a family business that was started in 1980 by his father in Parkersburg, WV. AIP distributes commercial interior building products including doors, walls, ceilings, gymnasium equipment, and other specialty goods throughout West Virginia and it’s surrounding states. Tommy is married to his high school sweetheart, has 4 active children and spends nearly every free moment – often times as a coach – at one of their events.

This is home. I’ve traveled a ton, and to most of the major cities in the east and south, plus quite a few in the mid-west. Every time I returned from a trip, I’d breathe a deep sigh of relief as soon as I saw mountains. When we were first married, my wife and I flirted around with the idea of going somewhere else, but for all of the criticisms (made, typically, by people who don’t know what they’re talking about!) of this city, it’s still where I’m happiest. I can’t say what the future holds or where God might put us, but Charleston will always be home.

How do you find the general vibe of Charleston?
The vibe here is laid back…but not too laid back. I would imagine that “too laid back” was the status quo here for awhile, but I think that is taking a backseat to a “can-do” mentality mixed in with a healthy dose of relaxation. And that’s a good mix.

Which season is Charleston at its best?
I’m tempted to say autumn is the best, and for obvious reasons. I mean, does it get any better than Capitol Street on a crisp, fall afternoon? But it’s too brief. So I’ll go with spring: flowers along the river, a nice breeze blowing down Capitol Street, Kanawha State Forest waking up from its long sleep, people strolling along the sidewalks, grinning ear to ear that they’re free from cabin (or office!) fever. It’s hard to beat that.

But you know what? There really isn’t a bad season in Charleston. Sure, the winters are cold and the summers are hot, but isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?

What do you think is Charleston’s biggest attraction?
Charleston’s best attraction is its people. The growth of a creative class here in Charleston is going to revolutionize this city…I truly believe that. And you can’t have that kind of development without great people. They are the catalyst. I love Appalachian Power Park. The Clay Center is great. The new Kanawha County Public Library is going to be wonderful. But none of those attractions are possible without a creative class of people for whom the status quo simply won’t do. And the best part? Instead of moving away, these people are staying (or, in many cases, returning) here in Charleston to see a revolution in our community. That’s exciting.

How would you describe Charleston to someone who hasn’t been here before?
A note to someone who is visiting Charleston for the first time: let’s say you’re walking down Summers Street around noon. Someone is walking toward you. You have two options: you can either smile, wave and say hello…or you can pass on by to be left alone to your own thoughts. No matter what you choose, that person will reciprocate. You can’t say that about a lot of places.

What are your top 5 dining places in Charleston?
I can only list five? Alright. In the interest of brevity, I’ll list five in no particular order:
1. Leonoro’s
2. Bluegrass Kitchen
3. South Hills Cafe
4. Lola’s
5. Vandalia Grille

What are Charleston’s attractions that every tourists must visit?
If visiting, you have to catch a weeknight baseball game at the APP during the summer; grab an ice cream cone from Ellen’s; sit outside Taylor’s and people-watch; catch a Mountain Stage taping; stroll through Capitol Market and, when you are finished, get some fresh produce from Purple Onion; take a day trip along Route 60 (making sure you drive all the way from downtown Charleston to Lewisburg).

What are the absolute must-try’s for every visitor in Charleston?
I can can think of a lot of “must-try” things, but the first that comes to mind is corn on the cob, freshly grilled over a hot flame (still inside the husk) while listening to some bluegrass music at the annual Vandalia Festival.

What are the cheap thrills that you can enjoy in Charleston?
A good cheap thrill is a mountain bike ride at Kanawha State Forest. You can take a gentle pedal along the creek…or break your neck doing a nice downhill run. Both are free.

Andrew J. Beckner is a Follower of Jesus, the husband of a beautiful wife (Rachelle) and daddy to two beautiful little girls (Belle Maria, who is nearly 4, and Lilly Ann June, who is 2.) He is 33 years old and plan to spend the rest of is professional life in Christian ministry. Andrew has been at Union Mission since January after a career in newspapers. He has covered WVU sports for the Charleston Daily Mail for awhile before moving into newspaper management. He left the newspaper biz to take a crack at marketing (dealing specifically with new media) before putting all of those various skill sets to work in a Christian setting. Andrew now handle fundraising and marketing for Union Mission.

In their spare time, Andrew and his wife Rachelle like to take their daughters to the family cabin in Pocahontas County where cell phones, the Internet and other trappings of 21st century culture life cease to exist as soon as you take that left-hand turn off Route 60 onto WV-92 just outside of White Sulphur Springs.