Charles, WV, a lovely city in West Virginia, depends on its most cherished asset—its community. Locals engage in various seasonal activities throughout the year, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are quieter times in the city, such as in the winter when the shopping district comes alive on snowy days.

The top 15 things to do in Charles, West Virginia, have been compiled since there are so many enjoyable things to do there that it might be difficult to know where to start.

9 Places To Visit At Charles Town, WV

1. Pay A Visit To The Historic Waffle House

In 1955, the first Waffle House opened its doors. Since then, the restaurant chain has become a cherished American South symbol. Waffle House locations are open 24 hours a day and offer lunch and dinner in addition to breakfast, served all day. In addition, waffle House takes pride in providing high-quality sit-down meals. 

The company’s mission is to provide good food quickly. Waffles with various flavors, omelets, steak, and eggs are popular breakfast foods. Bert’s Chili, named after the employee who invented it in the early 1980s, is a popular lunch and dinner choice. Alice’s Iced Tea: Black tea from Royal Cup China is used to make the sweet tea beverage Alice’s Iced Tea. Since 1972, Royal Cup has also supplied the franchise with coffee prepared from the best Arabica beans.

Location: 103 Keyes Ferry Rd, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414, USA

Site: https://www.wafflehouse.com/

 

2. Explore The Cool Spring Nature Preserve

The historic Bullskin Run stream is surrounded on one side by the 32 acres of marshes, meadows, and forest that make up the Cool Spring Nature Preserve, where George Washington made his first land purchase at 22 in 1752.

The 1869 cottage that belonged to Susan B. Thornton, who paid $1 for her one-acre property, is among the buildings in the preserve. Additionally, on the property is the Potomac Valley Audubon Society Nature Center, which offers close to two miles of flat walking trails and indoor and outdoor classroom space for hosting events and programs. 

The preserve, a part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, is home to 18 endangered West Virginia plants and the equally endangered Shenandoah Wet Prairie Marsh.

Location: 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414, USA

Site: http://www.potomacaudubon.org/Cool-Spring-Preserve

 

3. Pay A Visit To The Old Opera House Theatre Company

A descendant of George Washington named Annie Packette spearheaded the fundraising efforts that led to the construction of West Virginia’s Old Opera House in 1910. When the cinema debuted in 1948, the traditional theatre was abandoned and incorporated in 1973. 

The Old Opera House Theatre Company’s goal was to renovate the venue so local performances could use it. In 1976, a staging of My Fair Lady reopened the doors.

The theatre now presents six main stage productions annually, a festival of one-act plays yearly, and summer youth shows. In addition, both kids and adults can take dance and theatre classes. The theater’s lower level houses an art gallery that features regional artwork, and a nearby thrift shop offers gently used goods to fund ongoing events and renovations.

Location: 204 North George Street, Charles Town, WV 25414, USA

Site: https://www.oldoperahouse.org/

 

4. Go Golfing At Locust Hill Golf Course

The 18-hole Locust Hill Golf Course in historic Charles Town provides tourists and residents with a great golfing experience. Locust Hill has received a 4-Star Rating in multiple issues of Golf Digest Magazine and is ranked as the fifth-best public access golf course in West Virginia by Golfweek Magazine. 

The Locust Hill Golf Course offers four tee sets on each hole, and each tee offers challenges over more than thirty acres of streams, ponds, and lakes. As a result, it is a golf course for players of all skill levels. The stunning Blue Ridge Mountains that serve as the course’s background are another attraction.

Location: 278 St Andrews Dr, Charles Town, WV 25414, United States

Site:https://www.locusthillgolfcourse.com/

 

5. Pay A Visit To The Historic Beall-Air

Colonel Lewis William Washington’s former residence is called Beall-Air. The Colonel was also a great-great nephew of George Washington. He was a hostage in abolitionist John Brown’s 1859 raid on Harper’s Ferry and would later identify Brown to the US soldiers.

 The two-story brick and stucco home has a tiny front portico supported by four white columns and is built in the traditional revival style. The back of the house is likely to have been constructed before 1800. But the front and façade of the house were constructed in 1820. The house was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, but Colonel Washington’s story is much more famous than the house’s actual design.

Location: 103 Old Country Club Road, Charles Town, WV 25414

Site: https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Appliance-Manufacturer/Saylor-Beall-Air-Compressors-167032831109/

 

6. Zion Episcopal Church Worship

Since 1818, Zion Episcopal Church has existed. The present structure was consecrated in 1851. Unfortunately, the inside of the church was devastated when Union forces barricaded there during the Civil War. After that, it underwent a renovation, and in 1883, a new steeple was constructed. 

Over 70 members of the Washington family are interred at the church, along with the great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson and Confederate Colonel Preston Chew. There are also the graves of two Revolutionary War officers and almost 90 Confederate soldiers. 

From surrounding sites, graves older than 1818 were relocated to Zion. Visitors are welcome to attend events; attend services at the church, and take a stroll through the old cemetery.

Location: 301 East Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414, USA

Site: https://zionepiscopal.org/

 

7. Pay A Visit To The Jefferson County Museum And Library

The Jefferson County Museum and Library collaborate in Charles Town’s historic downtown. The museum was established in 1965 to preserve local history. The museum’s permanent exhibits cover various topics, such as the Shenandoah Valley’s Native Americans, slavery in the area, daily life in the 19th and 20th centuries, and archives and documents about the Washington family in the 18th and 19th centuries.

 A slavery exhibit, created in collaboration with the Jefferson County Black History Preservation Society, is displayed among displays on the Civil War and John Brown’s attack on Harper’s Ferry. The museum is home to around 2,000 items and 4,000 images and documents.

Location: 200 E Washington St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414, USA

Site: https://jeffcomuseumwv.org/collection/research/

 

8. Participate In The Hollywood Casino At Charlestown Races

You’ll find the Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races just east of Charles Town in West Virginia. The West Virginia Breeders’ Classic is the racetrack’s most famous event, but it’s also one of the busiest in the nation, with races scheduled virtually every day of the year. 

The Charles Town Classic and the Sprint Festival are two further well-liked competitions. The casino’s gaming options include more than 3,000 slot machines, table games, and sports betting. In 2009, gaming was incorporated into the 75-year-old track. In addition, the Inn at Charles Town, a nearby hotel, has upscale dining, a sports bar, and a food court.

Location: 750 Hollywood Dr., Charles Town, WV 25414 (USA)

Site: https://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/

 

Conclusion

The abundance of active recreational opportunities and entertaining excursions in Mount Pleasant is the main attraction for tourists. However, this tourist-friendly area offers a variety of other activities as well. 

It’s difficult not to want to stay here before moving on to the next adventure because there are many things to do and see here.