[at-l] Charleston, West Virginia: what to do in the area?

[Kent Gardam]

My wife has asked if I'm interested in accompanying her on a trip to her cardiac rehab association conference in Charleston, WV in mid-September on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday.  I won't have any conference related obligations.  So, assembled multitudes of copius knowledge, any thoughts on what I can do to fill my time?  I'm a flatlander from northwest Ohio so a chance to hike in the hills would be good.  Day hikes, an  overnight, or other options?  It appears that the southwest Virginia area of the AT (Mount Rogers to about Pearisburg) is only 100-125 miles or so away.  Should that be my destination and if so what is a good choice?  The Gauley, New River and Bluestone River recreation areas are closer to Charleston.  Should I be going there instead?
   
  Or does anybody need a deck built or garden weeded or some other honest form of sweat inducing toil?
   
  Your thoughts are welcome.
   
  Kent Gardam