If it's Tuesday, this must be Coonskin Park - Travel - The Charleston Gazette

Day one

This morning, stroll along the brick-paved, tree-shaded sidewalks of historic downtown Charleston, stopping in the art galleries and antiques shops.

Lunch will be at Blossom Diary, an art-deco treasure.

Pamper yourself with a nap before indulging in a massage or facial at Vision Day Spa.

Rested, you'll be ready for the excitement of an evening of dinner and gambling at Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center.

Day two

Sleep in.

Stop at the Deli-Fresh and pick up a picnic lunch on the way to Coonskin Park for a set or two of tennis (late morning, before it gets too hot).

After a walk on one of the many park trails, take a refreshing swim in the Olympic-size pool or enjoy a round of golf on the 18-hole par-3 course.

Dinner is on your own at one of the trendy East End restaurants.

Take a stroll through the Historic District of older homes on Virginia and Quarrier streets before turning in.

Day three

Journey to Nitro to browse through its many antiques shops.

Stop in St. Albans for burgers and shakes at Mayberry's, nourishment for an afternoon of river adventure.

Paddle a canoe or kayak down the serene Coal River.

After a day on or in the river, dinner will be casual at the riverside Huck Finn's Restaurant and Bar.

It will be an early night, so rent a movie to watch at home, or perhaps there will be one showing outdoors at Charleston's Magic Island.

Day four

This morning we'll get our daily exercise with a bike ride through Little Creek Park, ample justification for a stop at Spring Hill Pastry Shop for a bakery treat.

Continue to South Charleston, where we will tour the Dow Chemical Visitors Center before a shopping stop to look for bargains at T.J. Maxx.

Lunch at the Sand Trap restaurant at picturesque Little Creek Golf Course.

The afternoon is free to read or nap - but no cheating and cleaning out closets.

This evening, we return to downtown Charleston and join in the monthly Artwalk.

After a casual dinner of pizza at Lola's, we'll finish the day taking in the latest flick at Park Place Cinemas.

Day five

We're off to the Capitol Complex for a tour of the Capitol, the Governor's Mansion and the Cultural Center. If there's time, we'll take peak at the Supreme Court chamber.

We'll cross the river into Kanawha City to work off some calories with a set or two of tennis at the Watt Powell courts or walk or bike along the tree-shaded streets.

It's time for a stop at Café Creperi for a crepe-enclosed salad or omelet.

We'll continue the historic theme with visits to the Craik-Patton House and the Booker T. Washington home in Malden.

We'll do some shopping for our garden at TerraSalis.

Then it's back to the East End, for drinks and dinner outside at Appalachian Power Park. It may even be a game night, complete with fireworks.

Day six

We'll head to the hills for a stop at the Bridge Road Shops. Grownups will want to check the pieces at The Art Store and the clothes at Geraniums and Charlie, while teens will enjoy the funky stuff at Cornucopia. Stop by Kid Country Toys with the wee ones.

Continue to Capitol Market for an early lunch, outside at Soho's or inside at a vendor's table, and for some more shopping.

This afternoon, we'll tour the Clay Center, taking in the latest art exhibit. Youngsters will find fun and learning in the science museum and all ages will enjoy the ElectricSky Theater feature.

Indulge in an afternoon treat with a homemade ice cream cone at Ellen's or a latte across Capitol Street at Taylor Books.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Perhaps you'll choose to grill out at home or sample something new at an ethnic restaurant.

End the day with some live music, often at Taylor Books, Capitol Roasters or Café du Paris.

Day seven

Start the day with a hearty breakfast/brunch at First Watch on Summers Street.

Spend the rest of the morning hunting for gems at the Capitol Flea Market on Greenbrier Street.

A leisurely afternoon is in store on a rented pontoon boat on the Kanawha River.

Say goodbye to your vacation and fellow-travelers with cocktails and dinner on the patio of the Tidewater Grill restaurant.

Day eight

Transfer back to work and reality.