become a Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in late fall. Capital Hotel Group, which owns the facility, expects to invest about $3 million in hotel updates in 2011 alone.
Part of the renovation plan includes changing the location of the front desk and entrance to fit better with the on site conference rooms, as well as reno- vations to the indoor swimming pool, and an update of the hotel’s exterior and a redo of the restaurant area. Capital Hotel Group also owns the adjacent Windgate by Wyndham hotel.
Area attractions include The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, the State Museum at the Culture Center (State Capitol Complex), and Kanawha State Forest.
The Chuck Mathena Center for the Performing and Fine Arts in Princeton offers 44,000 square feet of theatrical space, grandiose architecture and meeting areas. Also located within the facility are a 1,000-seat theater, a catering kitchen and separate kitch- enette, 29 restrooms, shower facilities, 10 dressing/costume/green rooms, a grand hall, a rotunda gallery, and park- ing for 250 vehicles.
Built with the assistance of the Charles T. “Chuck” Mathena II Foundation, Inc. following the death of Chuck Mathena in 1992, the center was established to fulfill his dream of building a performing arts center in this West Virginia com- munity.
Local attractions include Pinnacle Rock, Bluestone and Pipestem state parks, as well as the Princeton Railroad Museum.
Charleston
www.charlestonwv.com
Charleston, West Virginia is often rec- ognized for its natural beauty and rich culture. But as the capital city of West Virginia, it also is one of the busiest and most popular places in the state.
Small-town charm and hospitality make this walkable community a pleas- ure to visit, and getting around is easy from downtown hotels to the conven- tion center, riverfront, shops, restau- rants and activities.
Places to Meet
Appalachian Power Park is a $23 mil- lion minor league baseball stadium that includes 4,000 fixed stadium seats and 11,000 total capacity with field seating for concerts and other events. It also has an indoor banquet facility with seating for 150, a party deck accom- modating 200, stadium lighting for nighttime games and events, 14 luxury suites, and a full-service restaurant.
Charleston Civic Center Coliseum is the region's largest and most modern entertainment and event complex with more than 150,000-square feet of space and seating for up to 13,500. This location is ideal for trade shows, conventions, staging concerts, sport- ing events and other attractions. The coliseum is directly adjacent to first- class dining, overnight accommoda- tions and shopping.
Charleston Civic Center Little Theater is located within the civic center and pro- vides an intimate showcase for audi- ences. It also acts as a great choice for meetings where a formal setting is desired.
The Charleston Civic Center Municipal Auditorium offers a perfect stage for concerts, shows, reviews and special events. This landmark provides seating for 3,400 and features a 65-foot stage for presentations, lectures, workshops and corporate gatherings.
Mardi Gras Casino and Resort is a pre- mier casino and gaming destination in West Virginia. Featuring over 60,000 square feet of gaming and entertain- ment, this Charleston area casino fea- tures more than 1,000 video and reel slots, including progressive jackpots, 24 poker tables and monthly poker
tournaments, another 31 table games for blackjack, roulette, craps and more, plus live greyhound racing and grey- hound and Thoroughbred simulcast wagering from racing venues around the globe.
Formerly known as Tri-State Casino, the new Mardi Gras Casino is home to 150 sleeping rooms and suites. The casino also offers a variety of dining venues from quick bites to four-course meals and everything in between.
For groups, an abundance of meeting, party and event amenities are available amid the sounds, flavors and ambiance of the resort’s New Orleans-theme. Offerings include spacious meeting facilities for up to 450 people, an adjoining luxury hotel, high-speed Internet access, full-service technology and tech support, complete food and beverage service for large groups, and special rates as well as all-inclusive group package deals.
Haddad Riverfront Park is a 2,500-seat amphitheater situated along the Kanawha River. More active during the warmer months, it is a popular spot for boat docking and features family- friendly events and summer concerts.
Magic Island Park is available year- round and plays host to many activities, from the annual SportsFEST, which attracts professional jet skiers and vol- leyball players from around the world, to family movie nights and local enter- tainment. This flat, five-acre island includes a walking trail and restrooms, and is conveniently located close to hotels, shopping and dining.
Things to Do
Free tours of the state Capitol and newly remodeled state museum are a must see in Charleston. The Governor’s Mansion is available for tours, as well.
For those interested in the arts, there is the Clay Center for the Arts and
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