Art and Architecture in the Downtown Charleston: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

West Virginia , United States of America

Art and Architecture in the Downtown Charleston: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

(1 reviews)

45m - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

See quirky public art and diverse architecture on this self-guided walking tour of Downtown Charleston Historic District.

• Find Charleston’s smallest piece of public art and stroll down the first brick-paved street in the United States
• Hear from producer Emma Carpenter whose passion for historic buildings and architecture lead her to create this VoiceMap tour while she was still in high school
• Do it all in 45 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Art and Architecture in the Downtown Charleston: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

The tour begins at Haddad River Front Park. You'll hear about the park and river while you walk and be introduced to how VoiceMap works.

The tour passes by Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse. You'll learn about the courthouse while you walk.

The tour passes by the Kanawha County Courthouse. You'll learn about the court while you walk.

The tour passes by the Charleston Municipal Court. You'll learn about the court while you walk.

The tour passes by the Capitol Theater. You'll hear the theater while you walk.

The tour passes by Black Sheep restaurant. You'll hear a bit about the restaurant while you walk.

The tour takes you down Capitol Street. You'll learn about the historic street while you walk.

The tour passes by Grazianos Pizza. You'll hear a bit about the restaurant's history.

The tour passes by the Peanut Shoppe. You'll hear a bit about the shop while you walk.

The tour passes by the Kanawha County Public Library. You'll hear about the library while you walk.

The tour passes the Mortar Man. You'll hear about this tiny piece of street art while you walk and you'll be told how to spot it.

What's not included

Food/Drink

Smartphone and headphones

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About West Virginia

West Virginia is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling mountains, dense forests, and meandering rivers. It offers a mix of outdoor adventures, historic sites, and charming small towns, making it a unique and appealing destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Top Attractions

New River Gorge Bridge

This iconic steel arch bridge spans the New River Gorge and offers stunning views. It is a popular spot for sightseeing and adventure activities like bridgewalking and BASE jumping.

Architecture/Nature 2-4 hours Free to view, Bridgewalking: $89-$129

Seneca Rocks

A striking rock formation in the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca Rocks is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and photography.

Nature Half-day to full day Free

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

This historic town is where John Brown's raid took place, and it played a significant role in the Civil War. The park offers museums, historic buildings, and scenic views of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.

Historical Half-day to full day Free entry, some attractions may have fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pepperoni Rolls

A beloved West Virginia staple, pepperoni rolls are made with pepperoni stuffed inside a soft, doughy bread. They are a popular snack and lunch item.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy

Ramps

Wild leeks, or ramps, are a spring delicacy in West Virginia. They are often sautéed or pickled and served as a side dish.

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Whitewater rafting Mountain biking Scenic drives Wine tasting Spa visits Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

May to October

This is the best time to visit West Virginia for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are in full bloom during the spring and summer months. Fall offers beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures.

15°C to 27°C 59°F to 81°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) - GMT-5:00 (GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

West Virginia is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, petty crime and accidents can occur, so it's essential to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Avoid leaving valuables unattended in your car
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Yeager Airport • 5 km from downtown Charleston
North Central West Virginia Airport • 10 km from downtown Clarksburg

By train

Amtrak Station - Martinsburg

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station - Charleston, Greyhound Bus Station - Huntington

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are available in urban areas but are not extensive. Service is limited in rural areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Charleston Elkview

Day trips

Blackwater Falls State Park

240 km from Charleston • Full day

Home to the stunning Blackwater Falls, this state park offers hiking, waterfalls, and scenic views. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

200 km from Charleston • Full day

A year-round destination offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. The park also features a resort with dining and lodging options.

Festivals

West Virginia State Fair • August West Virginia Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Explore the state's numerous state parks and forests for unique hiking and outdoor experiences
Visit historic sites and museums to learn about West Virginia's rich history and culture
Try local cuisine, such as pepperoni rolls and ramps, for an authentic taste of the region
Plan your trip around local festivals and events for a unique and memorable experience
Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring nature