Charleston, West Virginia, is a compact, affordable state capital on the Kanawha River with a growing food and craft‑beer scene, walkable historic neighborhoods, regular live music and museums, and easy access to trails and river recreation—a comfortable, low‑stress base for travel therapists who want variety without long commutes.
Weekend escapes include world‑class hiking and whitewater at New River Gorge (about an hour away) and the larger riverfront city of Huntington (≈50 miles) for more dining, arts and shopping, so multi‑week stays can feel active and worthwhile.