5 Things I Absolutely Love About Charleston, West Virginia

[@RPorter-px5ux]

The Capitol dome isn't painted gold, it is actually gilded in gold leaf.

[@caulkins69]

Nothing's too good for the government.

[@RPorter-px5ux]

@@caulkins69 I understand the sentiment, however, the gilding is paid by private donations as a matter of pride in the state, it had to be re-done quite a few years ago.

[@cadengrace5466]

@@caulkins69 Actually is more cost effective to gold leaf the dome than it is to paint. The gold leaf will last 50 years. Painting it would need to be done at least every 8 years and in the end cost so much more because the cost is in the labor. Gold leaf is a bargain by comparison.

[@caulkins69]

@@cadengrace5466 If it is more cost effective, then why isn't every building covered with gold? I don't believe your 50 year claim, either. The Oregon Pioneer statue atop the Oregon State Capitol has to be re-gilded about every 20 years because of the damage done by weather and birds.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

@@caulkins69 moron, learn about your state before spouting ignorance. The gilding of the gold dome has been paid for by private donations. No tax dollars used.

[@dianafarley5731]

Move from Germany to WV 30 years ago ... I would not move to any other state... WV rocks

[@GOTTshua]

How did you decide to move to West Virginia form Germany? I love hearing how people "end-up" here, whether because of job or life's circumstances... and then love it.

[@Rye_Toast]

@@GOTTshua I'm not the person you replied to, but I moved to WV 23 years ago, I'm from Philadelphia. I moved there because I fell in love with a local and then I stayed there because I started my career. I only recently moved to Detroit also for my job. I lived in WV almost half of my life, and technically longer than I lived in my actual hometown if you count the college years when I went "away." I'm nostalgic for my adopted home state, even if I never truly felt like I was welcome.

[@vonfields6889]

Please tell me more about, West Virginia, I will be moving there soon 🙏

[@HippieMagic]

I’m a simple man. I see something about my home state and click.

[@horseplop9]

Im simple also

[@Burningheartcelosia]

Same! WV nerd

[@cw4136]

WV nerd here!

[@starrl1ght316]

Same

[@azurdaazurda7920]

Same I love opioids

[@jhuang230]

As an Asian person who is thankful to have the opportunity to live and learn in the US, I am impressed with you for acknowledging the positive side about our adopted country. Too many Europeans prefer to diss the US, let alone parts of the US even Americans like to diss, like West Virginia.

[@I_want_White_Cheddar_Popcorn]

why europeans no like US? Is it cuz we broke off from britain?

[@awesomeconservative]

Americans don't diss West Virginia. And if they do, they shouldn't, because West Virginia is a damn good place to live.

[@katherinestojanovski6734]

My family and I just returned from a road trip where we initially were going to be in West Virginia for two days on the western side of the state . We liked it so much we changed our route home so we could explore the eastern side of the state, too. Natural beauty everywhere, full of history and friendly people. This state is underrated! We are planning a dedicated trip back!!!

[@samanthacox862]

I work at the state museum so I lit up like a Christmas tree when you brought up the museum😭 it's an amazing museum, unlike no other, and I'm so happy you got to stop by!😍

[@shanchan8247]

It truly is awesome, its sad that so many kids and young adults know nothing about it! One of the coolest places in Charleston!

[@phantomaviator1318]

I'm honestly surprised that its more along the lines of "evolutionary science" rather than the Bible timeline. I mean, its quite hard to find an atheist here. Man its fun to go there though.

[@rbeck3200tb40]

@@phantomaviator1318 Shame on you

[@phantomaviator1318]

@@rbeck3200tb40 Why? West Virginia is a Christian state, so why are you shaming me? Also you liked your own comment.

[@rbeck3200tb40]

@@phantomaviator1318 Its shameful to attack Christianity Also I ALWAYS like good truthful comments

[@hanahdanielle]

I was born, raised, and educated in WV, then moved to New England for two years before moving back to raise my daughter. Most Americans only know of the regional stereotypes and are clueless to the good aspects of our beautiful state. Thank you for shedding a positive light on ya!

[@jairousparker2311]

I agree about the W. Va. stereotype. It was nothing like the stereotype's, the people, geography and architecture were amazing! I loved it and think W. Va and many of it's cities like Charleston are grossly underrated. That's your blessing, knowing that you're one of this nations best kept secrets and some of us know it! Kudos from Philly, "The City of Brotherly Love."

[@larrym.johnson9219]

Glad you came back home

[@sheilatruax6172]

Having lived there for 6 years, graduated from one of the high schools and temporarily went to WVU. However, my dad, who was originally from Wheeling, dropped a family of Texans in the middle of WVa. It was a culture shock and I only go back for milestones. Weddings, high school graduations, funerals, etc. Love the scenery and the critters. The people, not so much. Area I lived in fits the WV stereotypes and I wouldn't encourage any one to go there. If you do go, stick to places like Charleston.and Wheeling. The REAL WV is a world away from the actual world.

[@Georgi_Slavov]

The Virginias are nice,calm,have this nice looking mountains.They re like my country-Bulgaria.👍

[@chrisdonovan8604]

I just visited Charleston and found it to be a beautiful place.

[@zachcrouse5984]

Native Pronunciation: Can-A-Whaw Standard Pronunciation: Kuh-Naw-Wa Local Pronunciation: Kuh-Naw

[@Corntron5000]

Zach I live in Charleston(about 30 years). Never once heard anyone ever say kuh-naw. The first two you hear often.

[@MadisonBrianne19]

SkateForLife304 My bro, born and raised here and I most definitely say kuh-naw

[@zachcrouse5984]

SkateForLife304 I live in Kanawha Valley in Nitro and everybody here says Kuh-Naw

[@Corntron5000]

Zach I’ve never heard it once. Full life in Dunbar, saint albans, and Charleston. There’s always an uh after the w sound. I’m not trying to argue just saying I’ve never heard it said that way. The fact that my name has 304 in it should be enough to prove I’m not trolling I’m born and raised here.

[@zachcrouse5984]

SkateForLife304 I’m not trying to be rude or anything it’s just I’ve never heard somebody say it like that who was from here

[@christaburford]

Thank you for keeping your highlight of my hometown positive. There is A LOT of beautiful things about Charleston, including the people, despite what you might read in these comments. I have found that ignorance is common place amongst a lot of KZbin viewer comments these days. West Virginian's are in fact wonderful hard working people who don't know a stranger and would give you the shirt off of their backs if you needed it. Some of the best people you could ever meet, truly. Thank you for visiting Charleston and come back soon! We'd sure love to have you.

[@Newton14alan]

I was born in Charleston. My grandparents lived in a mining town called Berwind, in the southern most part of the state. My grandfather was a full-blooded Englishman. My grandmother was of Scot-Irish descent. I still miss it. Thanks for your take on Charleston.

[@jillkoop5682]

I am so glad that, at least for now, you have chosen to make America your home. After watching the news all day, it's nice to watch a video about positives of the US. Thank you. I really enjoy your channel!⭐⭐⭐

[@jillkoop5682]

@Lori Burns Lori, you' re right!! I need to turn the lamestream media off...I think I will take your advice. Thanks!😎

[@Itsgonnabeok1325]

Jill Koop America is amazing. Beautiful land, vast culture, usually very friendly and generous people. The issue is, very small, very vocal groups of people (party regardless) have decided to, rather than embrace and respect differences of appearance, lifestyle, philosophy, political and financial ideology, choose to focus on what they deem “wrong” and blame others rather than try to find common ground to fix things. Unfortunately, the rest of us more rational people are stuck having to deal with the destruction they are incurring.

[@rickc2102]

Even when you're completely correct in your negative assessment of a person, place, or thing, to use an adolescent nickname for it/them shines a very negative light on you, Ms. LamEsTrEaM.

[@Meg-om8ef]

It was a strange experience hearing someone speak about my home city like this instead of only talking negatively about it. It made me see the city in a different, more positive perspective so thank you for that!

[@lynda6585]

🦄👍

[@karenhartley1475]

Born and raised in Charleston, WV! I don’t live there anymore but am a very proud mountaineer. Thanks for the great review! WV gets a bad rap so much of the time.

[@Corntron5000]

Karen Hartley it’s bad now. Heroine everywhere. Sucks :/

[@phantomaviator1318]

@@Corntron5000 One reason we say it happened is because of Obama, but to be fair, it's more because theres so many places to run off and do it away from people, that its easy for kids to get hooked when they're young, and also rap music.

[@matthew8153]

Phantom Aviator There’s also the fact that Huntington is the half-way mark on the drug highway between Miami and Detroit. That’s why you keep seeing on the news someone was murdered there from one of those places.

[@phantomaviator1318]

@@matthew8153 Not surprised. I'd honestly say that Huntington is much worse than either of those in terms of drug issues.

[@alejandrocruz2547]

As a New Yorker, I was completely blown away by the charm and the beauty of West Virginia. Went hiking around the New River Gorge Area and loved it! Plus that State Museum is amazing! WV is definitely almost heaven!

[@nevermind9997]

I have to say West Virginia is honestly a pretty great state. I've been many other places and I have to say that this place is pretty clean compared to others and the people are super nice.

[@westvirginiarider5278]

As a native born West Virginian and direct descendent of the first settler of this state, I am glad that you enjoyed our state that we call home.

[@BrookeStewart]

At least he knows West Virginia is a separate state from Virginia & doesn’t associate it with Richmond like out-of-state people 😅

[@andyandryshak3961]

Thank You for your comment!!! Peace... Andy

[@wendi2819]

Oh the wonderful ignorance of not being born in the US. I've fought the general public I serve for 30 years... it's W E S T Virginia!!!

[@CaptainBeetheart]

Is that really a thing? People who don’t know West Virginia is its own state??

[@nicholaspietrzak9992]

My wife's entire extended family had no idea there were two Virginias until she went to college there... I was like did you think there were 49 states?

[@PoorMan972]

@@CaptainBeetheart That's OK. I'm in New Mexico and a lot of people don't know it's part of the USA.

[@ramblingsofanaveragegirl8867]

I’m from just outside of Charleston! I want to say thank you for focusing on some of the nice things about our state capitol without harping on the negatives or making fun of our state as so many do!

[@bragg765]

As many West Virginia natives have already said, thank you for a nice upbeat video about our state. I am glad you had a chance to look around the Capital building, it is a source of pride for many of us. The paintings of the men you saw and spoke of in your video are of all our past governors.

[@krismichael9892]

As a native West Virginian (Huntington), I enjoyed this video. There is a lot of focus on the opioid crisis, crime, and poverty of the area; but the area is so much deeper than that

[@swan8354]

Take me home country roads. Thanks for a great video about my home state.

[@shawnn1412]

Won't shake that tune from my head for awhile...but that's OK. Almost Heaven West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains Shenandoah River.....

[@RandomManIncorperated]

@@shawnn1412 life is old there Older then the trees Younger then The Mountains Rolling the Breeze COUNTRY ROADS! TAKE ME HOME! TO THE PLACE! I BELONG! WEST VIRGINIA! MOUNTAIN MAMA! TAKE ME HOOOOOOOME! COUNTRY ROOOOOOOADS!

[@mem1701movies]

"That John Denver's full of shit..." - Lloyd Christmas

[@elevateworshipflc4638]

As a WV native who’s spent a lot of time in Charleston thanks for being generous about my state. Please come back again but try the Greenbrier, Lewisburg, Blackwarer Falls, The New River Gorge, or Seneca Rocks...that will give you a real feel for West (by-God) Virginia.

[@badguy1481]

Great approach. We ALL have had enough of "negatives"...about EVERYTHING!

[@markcolley1914]

Well said

[@jonathancollier6383]

I know. Right? WTF is going on.

[@nathan4wvu]

As a resident of Charleston it's always good to hear positive and uplifting content about our great state. We have a bad reputation, but we truly are a hidden gem! Thank you!

[@bradyjones7467]

You have to come back and try Tudors biscuit world, every westvirginian could agree to that

[@kishalester5110]

Brady Jones yess!!!!

[@konnor2654]

More like pies and pints or secret sandwich society. But tudors is really good to!!

[@laythg9574]

Faxxxx Mary B is the best

[@billcable286]

Brady Jones DUKE!!

[@isabellajolee9770]

I can agree!!

[@michellegillispie2337]

If your ever back in WV and want to learn about the coal mining, you need to visit Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley. You can take a tour underground.

[@mw-ny7gq]

Agree. I'm from Beckley and think he should visit :).

[@benjaminwagner8141]

And Taramack

[@izezee3815]

I personally didn't know that. I'm planning on moving to WV next year and I'm definitely gonna do that

[@lynda6585]

Yes..very very educational

[@katharinejohns351]

West Virginia isn’t on most people’s radars, so, coming from a local, this was a treat to find. Thanks a lot! And your pronunciation of “Kanawha” was close enough. Lol 👌

[@iwanttoknow.669]

I'm just glad to see a positive video about my home town for a change.

[@benjaminwagner8141]

Good thing as it keeps it open

[@Georgi_Slavov]

WV reminds me of Bulgaria-my country,same type of nature.

[@MadisonBrianne19]

This is my hometown! I only live 3 hours away but Charleston has my heart! I love these WV hills! These beautiful country roads take me home each and every day! 💙💛

[@garinstanford2110]

I live in Charleston, and I gotta be honest, you hit a lot of our strong points! If you ever come back, for sure check out Hawk's Nest, some of the rivers, some historical bridges, and look into coal mine rides, it gives you a good insight on what actually took place here!

[@KamenRiderGumo]

I live in St. Albans (around 20-ish minutes outside of Charleston) and I love it whenever someone posts something positive about the state. I also love going to the capital building and museum every chance I get. Most of the rooms in the capital you actually can go into. Most of them are small offices and meeting rooms made available for small meetings with government functionaries and the like, but they have some interesting antique furnishings. Most of our governors in the past have also kept their office doors open and the common man can walk in and, assuming the governor has a few minutes to spare, can air grievances or just say "hello". (The current guy doesn't do this, as much as he claims to be a man of the people, but I've met most of the others that have held office in my lifetime.) Fun fact about the museum - there's a chronological list of every West Virginian who has ever won a Congressional Medal of Honor and one of my ancestors is the very first name on it (the action for which he was granted the medal occurred in 1862 though the medal was not awarded until 1894). My family is tied to the very roots and origins of this state and I can't ever see myself leaving. And if you ever make a return to West Virginia, you simply have to try Tudor's Biscuit World. Any of their breakfast sandwiches are great, but my personal favorite is the Rocket. It's like an entire meal in a single sandwich and it will keep you full until dinner time.

[@maggieleigh4855]

I’m from Charleston WV and I do really love it, I’m so proud you chose to pick Charleston. I’m such a proud hillbilly

[@abby-te5cu]

Maggie’s Channel me too 😂

[@JBirdsEyeView]

I am a native West Virginian (Clendenin) and a retired Directory Assistance Operator. I frequently ate lunch from Swiftwater Cage while enjoying the outdoors sitting in Davis Square. Thank you for the very accurate and well-versed tribute to our Capitol city. My main reason for commenting is to say as a retired directory operator you NAILED the pronunciation of KANAWHA! That is one that is even hard for our natives that reside in the northern part of the state. KUDOS

[@boogiedaddy3434]

I'm so happy to see all my fellow natives here in the comments. Glad you enjoyed your visit, Laurence, WV is truly magnificent and does not get the credit it deserves.

[@SeanVedell]

I’m Canadian and I love West Virginia. The people are friendly. The driving is epic and so much fun (except for that speed trap outside Summersville) and the scenery is beyond compare. Your next stop should be a trip to see The New River Gorge Bridge. Stunning is too weak a word to describe the bridge and the area it spans. Get yourself there, mate!!

[@logankrecic496]

My great grandfather was a coal miner in West Virginia before the family moved to Ohio

[@konnor2654]

West Virginia, Fayetteville is the best small town. It has many attractions. If you find yourself in WV again I recommend fayetteville.

[@anthonyalexander5110]

Love the skate park

[@michaelhurley3171]

You probably seen more of America than most Americans. You go Laurence and congratulations on 50000 subscribers.

[@anitasmith6726]

Thank you for the good report about Charleston, WV. I am a proud WV and glad you enjoyed your time in Charleston.

[@marywegrzyn506]

My Dad grew up in Logan, W.VA. n I still have family there. It is the most beautiful place on Earth!!

[@amitythenarutard]

Holy cow, I'm from Logan, W.Va too lol

[@KerriGilpin]

My mom grew up in Logan! My grandparents ran a general store there long ago! My family name is Winters/Gilpin 😊 if ya know any!

[@catherinewilson9894]

I've lived in Los Angeles, Maryland, Nashville, and now I live 10 miles from Charleston, WV. I honestly thought I would hate it here and didn't plan on staying for too long but it didn't take me long to change my mind. We have had opportunities to move and have turned them down. My children are getting an excellent education in a beautiful family friendly community. When relatives and friends visit they finally understand why we love living here.

[@danieloneal7137]

Thank you for this! I live and work in the Charleston area and it does have a lot of small city charm. Many locals only like to focus on things that have changed for the worse, but it’s still a terrific place. I hope you can make it back someday and maybe stay longer. Plan to take in the shops around Capitol Street or get outside of town and see some of the sights like Hawk’s Nest park. WV is also home to some of the USA’s most delightful small towns like Lewisburg and Harpers Ferry.

[@tristan5948]

I love West Virginia. I spend a lot of time in Charleston for research (I’m a historian at WVU) and my grandparents live in So. Charleston and Nitro and I went to Marshall U. in Huntington. Love seeing West Virginia shown in a positive light. 💕

[@jimothygoldfish]

I live in Charleston WV, first video of yours I've came across and I really enjoyed it , thank you for the positive message.

[@ericparks6386]

Jimmy Golden go home jimmy

[@atvalleau]

As a born and raised West Virginian who grew up right outside of Charleston (Cross Lanes!), thank you for such a positive presentation of my hometown. All too often West Virginia gets a bad rap, and much of it is untrue and unfair. The Charleston area was a wonderful place in which to live and grow up. I wouldn't exchange those early years in that place for anything. Really, a day isn't enough to truly see all the area has to offer. Go back again sometime and spend a bit more time there. BTW, your pronunciation of Kanawha is pretty much spot on, although the local pronunciation is often closer to "kuh-NAW-uh".

[@GenreLessLegend]

I'm so happy you did this video, Thank You! I was Born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia! I'm a proud coal miners daughter, and it was so nice to finally see someone look at our Beautiful state in a Positive light for a change!! God Bless You, and Hope you come back another time! Ericka Atkins #mountaineerpride 💙💛💙💛💙

[@jeR-m]

Westsider here. I have a love/hate relationship with WV. But, I'm allowed to, it's my home. I would never deny where I come from. I was inside the Daniel Boone hotel today. Crazy shit. Big ups to this dude for showing respect.

[@sharichafin1031]

Born, raised, and still reside in Charleston! We do have a beautiful city! Thanks for pointing out the positives! And I'm glad you had an enjoyable stop here!

[@maryzellers7890]

How lovely. Thank you from someone who lives in Charleston, WV.

[@selinaburke7645]

Ok...I'm born and raised in Charleston. Aka "chemical valley." Trust and believe the Kanawha River is not clean. Great video... Very respectful. No stereotypes Thank you!

[@wescoleman6833]

Was laughing so hard when he said it was blue. From cedar grove live right on the river. Lmao

[@cadengrace5466]

Yeah, not very accurate. Charleston and the Kanawha Valley have not been chemical valley in about 25 years. The water is cleaner now that it has been since West Virginia became a state. Only two contaminants exist in the river now that are of any concern. Sulfates, which is an odd thing since that is usually tied to agriculture and West Virginia has virtually none and fecal matter, which is tied to large scale ranching. The obvious go to is that it is human waste, but the level of human discharge into the West Virginia waterways is minuscule at best.

[@cadengrace5466]

@@wescoleman6833 *Looking out the window* Kanawha River is the color of the sky. Looks pretty blue to me and it does every day of the week unless there have been storms to turn it muddy brown. You either do not look at the river or you just lie.

[@selinaburke7645]

@@cadengrace5466 Not really hars to figure. When it rains the outdated PSD's release huge amounts of often less treated or undertreated matter just to keep up. Im not guessing. I know this from speaking with treatment plant workers. Not to mention the people on septic tanks who instead of fixing their aging system straight pipe gray water to the nearest stream. As far as chemical valley. DuPont is still here. Bayer is still here. ChemCeption, Occidental and Dow are all still here within 20 miles of each other. We are still Chemical Valley. Nitro still stinks to high heaven some days and shelter in place still are a real thing bc leaks happen. Also do you think the aging and leaking underground storage of chemical such as the MCHM that caused the water crisis in 2014 is a unique incident? How many lesser leaks are covered by the News? Or worse undiscovered. And sulfates are naturally occurring in hard water around here. As water passes through and around rock it picks up minerals including sulfate like magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate and other salts. Now my guess is since there are salt mines in Malden then its possible that large deposits of other salts could be around as well

[@chriswhite4999]

@@cadengrace5466 I still occasionally smell that licorice smell. Still!

[@FlyingCC]

Thanks for the fine words about my adoptive home state! The locals will certainly appreciate the kind review. You did miss a few things I would reccomend to all visitors (time permitting of course); first is Tudor's Biscuit World, the must have breakfast for any Mountaineer on the go; and then you have to get out of Charleston for this but take the road in front of the capitol building (US Route 60) east and travel about 1/2 to 1 hour and visit 3 places, the Glenn Ferris Inn at the Kanawha Falls (great lunch stop) then onto Cathedral Falls (a hidden and tucked away place off the left side of the road) and finally up to Hawk's Nest State Park for stunning views of the valley's below. Also (time permitting) head down RT 60 till it meets Rt 119 and head south the New River Gorge Bridge is absolutely awesome. Maybe a stop somewhere in Fayetteville for dinner and take the side roads back to Rt 60 and back into Charleston.

[@SorgiStories]

Pixelated Hooning The gorge is an all-time favorite!!

[@dantoddruns]

I worked at the capitol complex for 14 years. It is a great place to visit. Thanks for visiting. Our hills our great place to spend time. Pies and pints for pizza and Ellen’s for ice cream are not to be missed.

[@Spursin]

Daniel Todd Ellen’s is amazing. Definitely one of my favorites.

[@nicholaspietrzak9992]

Man I miss pies and pints.

[@WalledLIVEyt]

I live like 1 hour away from Charleston and when I saw this in my recommended feed, I clicked and was really happy to see a good quality video talking about my home state

[@CocoTaveras8975]

Walledfilms Productions I'm not from WV but I'm considering moving here and can I just say... I respect your state and its kind, hardworking people and your state does have so much to offer including delicious food, lovely sceneries, affordable living, and so much healthy recreational activity for the family :) I want you to know we care about our West Virginian brothers and sisters, you guys rock! 👍 😁 The state rocks! Love from Connecticut which you can consider an ally to the great state of West Virginia and it's awesome people :)

[@Jon-uz3pl]

Thanks for talking about the museum. So many locals don't even know it exists. It really is worth a 2 hour walk through.

[@javanknox8360]

Well done. I'm a West Virginian and have worked in Charleston and the surrounding area. It's not a bad little city. I personally recommend going down Capitol Street and surrounding area. They have some awesome spots to eat and the Charleston Brewery. Stop by the Clay Center for some wonderful music. And please, for anyone visiting WV, go to the mountains and see the many waterfalls and natural sites through the region.

[@ttaylor6942]

Thank you for your positive spin on our beautiful state. Usually WV is portrayed in a negative way. So, thank you. Much Love!

[@andyandryshak3961]

Our capitol building was designed by Cas Gilbert. His design of the State Supreme Court chamber, within the capital building, is absolutely beautiful. When he finished the construction of our capitol,he was asked to design the US SUPREME COURT. The U.S. Supreme Court design is patterned after our Court. Also I recommend taking the guided tour through the capitol building. It is well worth it! Peace... Andy

[@brianmerinar1033]

As a West Virginia coal miner. We love our history my friend. Our history will always be passed down

[@jacksonvorholt9064]

A man and his thoughts yep

[@bethc.3835]

Thanks for stopping by! Kanawha can be pronounced like kuh-NAW-uh, and the river is for looking not touching. If you dig bluegrass, we have a festival every May called the Vandalia Gathering, which is pretty fun. The Henry Gassaway Davis was cleaned this past April, so he lost his aged character.

[@lokimartin9686]

kanawha is pronounced kuhnaw, and the river is polluted as all get out, swim in at your own risk, giant ass catfish reside in there some the size of vw bugs

[@selinaburke7645]

Very true...the Gazette used to have a pic the CFD dive team took of a huge catfish.

[@lokimartin9686]

@@selinaburke7645 all that coal runoff and agent orange in the river

[@mattwcheese2045]

I live in another mid-size city, so i had a feeling the river wasnt clean.

[@SuperDrLisa]

@@lokimartin9686 why Agent Orange? Was it manufactured there?

[@frederickmyers84]

Do some research before you make these negative comments. The Kanawha River is the cleanest it has been in many years. Bald eagles have returned to the area as a result. There is a lot of beauty to be seen and fun to be had there if you can avoid the pessimistic people

[@maryconker4822]

BORN AND RAiSE IN CHARLESTON. I HAVE BEEN GONE FOR OVER 50 YEARS but still carry my love FOR THE CITY AND THE STATE. EVERY TIME I HEAR JOHN DENVER'S COUNTRY ROADS IT MAKES ME HOMESICK.

[@haleighcooper7008]

Hawks nest, Kanawha falls, and Babcock state park are must sees. Some of the true few beauties left here.

[@GOTTshua]

Thank you for taking the time to explore a bit of West Virginia. It is lovely to walk around town and see people's front yard gardens and I have seen the river look blue, too, on sunny blue-sky days. So glad you got to visit. It is a joy to travel and explore small towns, rural roads, as well as those bustling cities with big names. Looking forward to seeing your other videos. Hope that you get to tour the rest of Wild & Wonderful, West by God Virginia and check out some music festivals some time or canoe or raft another of our many streams and rivers. To me, when one travels, one can appreciate so many things specific to the place you are in. Finding those beautiful gems, appreciating architectural details, and chance-encounters meeting folks here and there. The world is really a small place and I love that you have helped to make it smaller with your travels & sharing them here.

[@katelynmccormick5862]

I'm a resident of Charleston. I have lived here my whole life. Yes, we have our problems but the culture in WV is something that you won't encounter anywhere else in America. WV was built on MANY different cultural backgrounds and over the many years they have all blended together to form Appalachian culture (it's a real thing). As you mentioned, we do have our issues, as does any city. BUT we are a friendly bunch and when disaster strikes or a need needs met we all come together to do what needs/must be done. I love that about my state/city. I am impressed that you basically did pronounce Kanawha correctly but Appalachia is Appa-lach-CHA not Appa-la-SHA. The river is filthy and polluted but it can be a nice view and provides nice recreation in your back yard. If you come back to the city I recommend Capitol Street. It still has brick pavers as the road and has many unique stores/restaurants. It's the best street in downtown Charleston.

[@Kaegwyn]

I am from this area and an interesting thing about the capitol building in Charleston, WV is that it belongs to the people of WV. As a resident of WV, one may rent parts of the building and the grounds for an event like a wedding. So long as it isn’t being used for a private event and it is open, it is fine to go in, walk around take photos, etc.

[@lockandreload]

The world needs more positivity, keep it up lad

[@CocoTaveras8975]

Mose Schrute Agreed :)

[@lauraabrams2918]

My beloved WV is an amazing state in so many ways. It lifts my spirit to see that you found yourself in Charleston and have shown some things you found beautiful about the city.

[@desertrose9483]

Thanks for another great video! The museum looks really nice, and I love visiting places like that, and learning about the history of different locations! 👍

[@joycebeckner7378]

This was completely unexpected but very proud to see an outsider enjoy our city & leave a positive report

[@leighflorkevich9916]

Thanks for the nice words about my hometown!💕

[@wvhillbillyviews5307]

As a WV man, I can say I'm glad you made this video. They now have the capital marked off from public view. But it is a beautiful building. ( I know schools still field trip there) . At one point less than 30 years ago the dome was solid 24kt gold leaf. They added the broze for more outlines and cost effectiveness in the 2010s. The archive museum is the best I visit it yearly and there's always something new. A cool fact, my home town Odd,WV once had a our boxes on display 1890s still in service til till 1991ish oldest mail boxes in use at the time. The little post office is still in operation today despite threats of shutting down.

[@stevencornett2038]

I was in Charleston WV overnight to catch an Amtrak Cardinal line to Florida, mainly because I never caught a train and wanted to. I got to take a walk in that town and stop by the co-cathedral and a Mexican restaurant. I had pretty much the same positive opinion of the town you had.

[@GenXJames]

I’m just 25 min outside of Charleston , I’ve lived here all my life , it’s a beautiful state . Glad you got to see it and loved it

[@matthewlebo1841]

I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit to one of my home state and one of my favorite cities in the world. Last time I was there, I walked around the capitol building, and I remember them cleaning up after a wedding they held just outside the House of Delegates Chambers. I love just how beautiful and open our capitol is, you’re free to do as you like, and there’s no cost to go anywhere in there. If it helps, almost all of the capitol building is open to the public except the offices, the gold leaf on the Rotunda is real, and those paintings were all of West Virginia governors.

[@abbigailharless6433]

I’m so glad you did this!!! I live in Charleston and it’s easy to not find the beauty in a city you’ve lived in for your whole life. West Virginia gets a bad rep but you saw the beauty in it no one really sees

[@Trust3]

I am fortunate to live only 14 miles to the W.Va state line, live in Pennsylvania. Traveled many states, West Virginia is my absolute favorite, Truly a Awesome Beautiful state, and its people are friendly

[@sandyvanperson6637]

"FROM THE W.V STATE LINE IN PENNSYLVANIA" TERMINOLOGY PEOPLE! UNEDUCATED! THAT SENTENCE WAS A DEAD GIVE AWAY!

[@lynncombs7069]

An awsome state.

[@MissBabalu102]

@@sandyvanperson6637 You are screaming!

[@Sharturse]

I've never been to WV and have only been to the USA once, but I can tell that it endures a lot of snobbery from the east and west coast.

[@angelaselby5374]

Woohoo! West Virginia! I'm in Jefferson County, WV...which is not near Charleston. But still! West Virginia!!!!!

[@melissaluvsplease1664]

Right next to you in Berkeley County. I LOVE living on The Eastern Panhandle of WV!!!!

[@Morgan_priestley]

I’m a born and raised West Virginian and I absolutely love that you loved our little city. Not visiting Tudor’s was a poor decision though, it’s the BEST 🙌🏼 If you think our bacon is weird just try biscuits and gravy and count all the differences in that compared to your home 😂 If you ever come back be sure to visit the Capitol Market in the summer when it’s filled with farm vendors and fresh flowers and produce 💖🌿🍅

[@MontanaOne16]

Thanks for coming to the city and portraying it well! I had to leave about 4 years ago because of the decline of industry and economy of the state but i will always love West Virginia! This was a good surprise that popped up on my recommended videos!

[@briankesterson4365]

The Ohio river can be quite a beautiful river when the rain has not swollen it and made it muddy. Charleston has many museums, art galleries, restaurants and a massive downtown mall along with numerous parks and riverfront walkways. By the way, you did a fairly good job at pronouncing Kanawha! Just remember every state has it's stereotypes and rough areas but West Virginia is truly a beautiful state and the people are kind, generous and hard working. They care about education as well as the arts and they know how to have fun! Thank you for putting out this positive video about our state! Take care and hope your adventures are always good ones!

[@spookshow6999]

There is so much more to see in West Virginia. I hope you come back!

[@charlii5917]

His wifes family is from the south western part of WV. I forget exactly where, but he did a video of when they came for a family reunion.

[@katiedunson5400]

Tarah is from Welch/War area, waaaaaay down south lol.

[@donnamontague8256]

We lived in WV (Charleston and South Charleston for nearly 10 years back in the mid 70's - mid 80's. Our children were born there. Wonderful memories! Great festivals!

[@lokimartin9686]

my dude thats my city, i live up cambells creek just outside of chucktown .

[@selinaburke7645]

Creeker.. We are all creekers..lol

[@lokimartin9686]

@@selinaburke7645 damn skippy in one way or another lol

[@daddymike1082]

Papa Ghede wasn’t their a tornado there not to long ago

[@lokimartin9686]

@@daddymike1082 not up my holler but in the county yeah a few weeks back

[@sims2freak4dragons]

@@selinaburke7645 I've lived on three different creeks! Gilbert Creek, Bencreek, Crawley Creek. Fiance lived on Pigeon Creek. LOLOL #WV

[@brucealanwilson4121]

Charleston is big enough to have most of the amenities, but small enough to still have a feel of community.

[@DaBearBaloo]

A visit to WV needs to include the small towns, villages, off the map. The people are amazing.

[@CocoTaveras8975]

DaBear Baloo Agreed, and the kind people are one of the reasons I want to move to the state along with the lovely sceneries, fresh air, affordable living (so I can fulfill my obsession with having my own house which I'm thrilled just thinking about it), and healthy and fun recreational recreational activities for the family :)

[@DaBearBaloo]

@@CocoTaveras8975 it is my retirement dream State.

[@CocoTaveras8975]

DaBear Baloo Mine too, mine too my friend. Have a lovely day :) And GO WV!!!

[@kalebs.9559]

I’m not from Charleston, I’m from Huntington. The second biggest city in WV, but I’m glad you focused on the positives. Growing up here actually wasn’t that bad. But you should explore the rest of the state, when you have time. Because in the US, states are completely different, but regions in states are completely different too

[@jacobam2007]

I was born and raised in WV, but I’m currently deployed overseas. I seen this in my feed and immediately had to watch some home sickness medicine, thanks for this!!!

[@kimberlykitzmiller5042]

If you ever get the opportunity, visit the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. That's where I've lived my whole life. I think it's beautiful with it's small mountains and rivers, apple and peach orchards, farms and more. Almost Heaven....

[@Quarton]

Hey! Great video, Lawrence! In researching my family history, the trail has taken me through West Virginia, so this is interesting. I grew up saying "warsh" (wash), "warshrag" (washrag), Warshington (Washington), etc. I didn't even realize it, not until I studied linguistics, and had it pointed out! Yes, my family all used to say it that way, but that's changing. (I remember my grandma would say "pie-ANN-uh" for piano!) I love how you bring out the best in your videos. (I love great museums like the one in this video.) Best wishes from central Illinois!

[@BriannaAlexis709]

It's nice to see someone appreciate the nice parts of my city for once!

[@heelinoff2472]

i work in Charleston (at the capital complex ironically enough) and it was really neat hearing all of your observations, sir! you've landed a new subscriber, keep up the good work!

[@mrmusiclover4178]

Nice video. I worked for a company based in Charleston for 40 years, and I made lots of great friends there, as well as visiting from time to time.

[@shawnn1412]

The Wyoming State Capital building just re-opened after a three-year renovation. It has a fully gold-leafed dome (the whole thing was done with about 6 oz of gold). It sits across the street from the state museum, which is also free.

[@bunnoreo347]

Shawn N too bad your state doesn’t exist

[@shawnn1412]

@@bunnoreo347 The cattle and I beg to differ.

[@janeingram1469]

The KANAWHA RIVER & the County of KANAWHA that’s our Capitol, Charleston is in was named by the Catawba Indians & means “Friendly Brother”. Also the KANAWHA River would freeze solid in the 1920’s to the 1950’s my Grandpa would hitch up his horse drawn sleigh & travel from St. Albans, WV (a few miles from Charleston) to Charleston to trade his vegetables for meat. He had 8 children & he was an honest & God loving man. I have lived in St. Albans for 65 years. This is an awesome video & thank you for appreciating our beautiful state. ☺️

[@dannybrown6678]

I'm a coal miner and a Photographer in southern WV. Thank You for the Video.

[@joerichards2616]

I live in Tornado which is situated on the Coal River which dumps into the Kanawha River at a city called St. Albans. I was born and raised here, spent several years just south of Philadelphia and moved back home. Everybody that lives here is well aware of the negative aspects of the area, but we are quick to forget about what is admirable. Thank you for the reminders and your willingness to find them. Fantastic job!

[@Faze-2]

Take me home To the place I belong

[@JJoy-bk8yr]

West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home

[@mplwy]

.....country roads.....😊

[@chrisdonovan8604]

Thanks for the great video.I just visited Charleston and found it to be a beautiful place.

[@gloriastroedecke2717]

Exceptional vlog. I haven't been to West Virginia, but having watched here I would indeed like to visit Charleston, West Virginia. The cafe sounds good. And I love a good, all encompassing museum.

[@michaelmiller5771]

West Virginia is the most natural, beautiful state, in the whole country... It's mostly all woods here, and small mountains, I have lived here all my life.. I've been to California and back and traveled alot, and there is no state in America that will compare

[@Higherup1018]

excellent job on saying Kanawha (ke-naw-a)! sometimes you can find a little bit of gold leaf on the ground when bits have fallen off of the capital dome. When I worked for West Virginia University surgery and trauma Services I was also the director of the West Virginia cultural Center theater. Downstairs is the free museum and upstairs you can find archived history on microfiche. Later on I would also work briefly for a senator at the Capitol building. There are some back stairs that you can go up to an area outside that is just below the dome. BTW, if we telephone Ohio, we are Southerners but if we call Virginia we are northerners but most of us are friendly people and even friendlier drivers. You ought to try Harding's Restaurant or a Tudors for a hardy breakfast. ❤️ love from Cross Lanes, (Wild and Wonderful) West Virginia 👵