Athletics and outdoor activities are synonymous with the Charleston experience.
With new investments that include a competitive study focused on strengthening the recruitment of sporting events, and commencement of work on a $3 million, three-mile bike lane along the Kanawha River, here are four outdoor agenda-starters for groups.
➤ Appalachian Power Park: From April to September, groups can “power up” with outings at this attractive 4,500-seat ballpark. Home to the West Virginia Power, Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the venue comes with VIP Suites, a party deck and other options. The Charleston CVB can arrange for a group member to throw out the first pitch.
➤ Live on the Levee: Taking place every Friday from May through September at the 2,500-seat Haddad Riverfront Park amphitheater overlooking the Kanawha River, this free concert and street fair series is a ready-made extra activity for groups.
➤ FestivALL: In a city renowned for events, this annual transformation of Charleston into “a work of art” takes the crown. With signature happenings that include parades, fireworks, concerts and dine-arounds, the festival defines the spirit of the city. FestivALL 2015 is scheduled for June 19-28.
➤ New River Gorge: For a “wild, wonderful West Virginia” day trip, this “gorgeous” locale situated an hour from Charleston is for hiking, biking and white-water rafting. The star attraction is the National Historic Register-listed New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel span in the Western Hemisphere and site each October of the Bridge Day festival, where base jumpers leap 800-plus feet into the gorge below.