If you plan on attending a meeting or conference at the West Virginia Training and Conference Center from out of town, you are in for a treat.

You’ll enjoy a beautiful, short, scenic drive from the capital city of Charleston, West Virginia while surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, quaint small towns, and down-to-earth people that make up the self-proclaimed “Hip, Historic, Almost Heaven,” Charleston and surrounding areas.

Make sure to book your stay through the weekend to soak up the neighboring sights, sounds, and zest that southern West Virginia has to offer.

Within a stone’s throw from the West Virginia Training and Conference Center, there are so many exciting and refreshing nearby attractions you will be happy you visited.

Julian, West Virginia

Hatfield McCoy Trails

Blow off some steam on rough terrain and take in beautiful mountain and sky views on the Hatfield McCoy Trail System.

These trails cater to all and are in the heart of coal country. The trail system is accessible by foot, mountain bike, or on horseback. Most enthusiasts ride the trails in All-Terrain Vehicles, Utility Terrain Vehicles, or Dirt Bikes, which are available for rental in the nearby town of Logan.

The Little Coal River Trail System, just one of many trails available, has 55 miles of easy-level trails and can be found just 5 minutes from the WVTCC.

You can also visit the Hatfield McCoy Trails Welcome Center, just a 3-minute drive south to get the latest information about the Hatfield McCoy Trail System and get your hands on a Trail Permit.

Waterways

Whether you are bringing the kids along for the workweek or just desperately need some Vitamin D and R&R, Waterways is the spot for you.

Nestled in the mountains and located just 5 minutes away from the WVTCC, pack your go-bag with trunks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel and you are all set.

Enjoy a junior Olympic-size pool, five wild and fun slides, and the fan favorite, the lazy river. There’s even a short walking trail and gift shop.

They are open until 6 p.m., so why not hit the pool after a long day at work?

Visit Water Ways today, the Best Waterpark and Amphitheater in Southern WV.

Southridge Centre

Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center and Forks of Coal Natural Area

Ready to learn more about the area’s natural wildlife habitat? The Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center and Forks of Coal Natural Area is now open! This wildlife center provides a museum-like facility that boasts a variety of wildlife exhibits displaying the Big Coal and Little Coal Rivers’ native plants and animals.

The Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center, located at 301 Forks of Coal Way in Alum Creek, is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The center has five main areas:

• An entrance area will introduce visitors to the WVDNR and Forks of Coal State Natural Area.
• A 1,500-gallon aquarium and reptile and amphibian tanks will let visitors see native warm water fish, reptiles and amphibians.
• A wildlife management area featuring mounted animals will highlight extirpated wildlife that have been successfully restored in West Virginia.
• A habitat management area will show visitors how the WVDNR manages various habitats for wildlife.
• A wildlife observation area will feature a honeybee hive and birdwatching stations.

Trails are available on-site to the public, ranging from mild to moderate in difficulty, and have outstanding river views.

Learn more about the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center.

Southridge Golf Range and Larobi’s Pizza

If you need to continue business in a casual setting after hours, why not at the local golf range over pizza?

Open until 10 p.m., this activity surely will be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy a tree-lined view of the range while discussing business or pleasure. You decide!

Each pizza takes approximately 15 minutes to make. The dough is handmade, and toppings are fresh and bought locally.

The signature dish is the Big O, which has nine toppings: four types of meat and five vegetables. Sandwiches, beer and wine are also offered at Larobi’s.

Only 15 minutes from the WVTCC, make sure to build this into your team-building activities or after-hours entertainment.

Visit their website to see their full menu and list of amenities at Southridge Golf Range and Larobi’s Pizza

Shop, Eat, and Drink at the Southridge Shopping Center and Shoppes at Trace Fork

This open-air shopping experience in the Southridge area provides many shops and a variety of restaurants to choose from and is conveniently located near hotel accommodations.

Stacked with unlimited options and conveniently located along Route-119 –Corridor G in South Charleston, this is the one area that people come to from miles away to enjoy attractions such as the golf range, movie theater, ice skating rink, trampoline park and more.

Charleston, West Virginia

West Virginia State Capitol Complex and East End Sights

Did you know the West Virginia State Capitol is the largest dome of all state capitals in the USA? Visit the West Virginia State Capitol complex to view a stunning, classical piece of architecture.

Completed and revealed in 1932 by New York native architect Cass Gilbert, the gold dome reflects off the Kanawha River, sits in the valley, and is surrounded by mountains.

The structure was inspired by the Pantheon in Paris, France, hints at the many Corinthian columns, has 23-karat gold leaf on the dome, Italian and Vermont marble interior walls, and a two-ton crystal chandelier in the rotunda.

The grounds will leave you swooning and wanting more.

Pro Tip: Before you fall in love with the Parisian atmosphere, grab an organic smoothie on Charleston’s East End. Check out the locally owned vegan food and smoothie shop, Zeganz, and order a Pina “Za” Lada or Zesty Strawberry smoothie.

On your walk back to the capital, marvel at four large murals, all located within one block of the state capitol complex.

Downtown Historic Self-Guided Walking Tour

After you visit the East End, why not finish strong and go for a walk downtown? Learn about Charleston’s history and public art on this unique one-hour walking tour.

You can access the tour via the VoiceMap app for $4.99. The tour was created by local high schooler Emma Carpenter, the niece of renowned actress Jennifer Gardner.

The tour features all the best local restaurants along the way and provides interesting stories about Charleston’s iconic landmarks.

Make Goals at West Virginia Training and Conference Center

The West Virginia Training and Conference Center is open to the public and is now booking events for the 2022 -2023 season.

To reserve a date for a wedding reception, business function, or special event, please reach us at (304) 369-7823, email wvcenter@wv.gov, or go to our website at westvirginiacenter.com.

The West Virginia Training and Conference Center is open regular business hours from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and available by appointment to support event scheduling.

To learn more about the WVTCC, visit westvirginiacenter.com.