Huntington, WV: A Hidden Gem

Megan
Huntington, WV: A Hidden Gem

Outdoors

Outdoor Recreation Nearby
Safe and family friendly, Barboursville Park features over 750 acres of free outdoor activity and relaxation! Activities: The park features a disc golf course, basketball courts, tennis courts, hiking/biking trails, and more for folks seeking free activities. Relaxation: Bring your rod and reel for some fishing at the pay lake or sit on one of the many swinging benches perched on the lakeside to enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Kid-friendly: the park features several playgrounds, picnic shelters, and even a splash park to beat the summer heat.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Parque de Barboursville
County Road 31/6
7 moradores locais recomendam
Safe and family friendly, Barboursville Park features over 750 acres of free outdoor activity and relaxation! Activities: The park features a disc golf course, basketball courts, tennis courts, hiking/biking trails, and more for folks seeking free activities. Relaxation: Bring your rod and reel for some fishing at the pay lake or sit on one of the many swinging benches perched on the lakeside to enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Kid-friendly: the park features several playgrounds, picnic shelters, and even a splash park to beat the summer heat.
Created in 1913 and named on the national register of historic places, Ritter Park is one-of-a-kind. The main entrance is lined by stately homes representing architecture from the years 1913 to 1940, including colonial revival, bungalow/craftsman, and Tudor revival. Lovingly maintained by the city and community volunteers, this public park features hiking/biking trails, a tennis center with 11 courts, an award-winning rose garden containing more than 3,500 rose plants, and a nationally-acclaimed playground noted for its climbing boulders, zip line, bongo drums, and dinosaur sand pit. When the weather is extra nice you will spot a Marshall student or two picnicking and sunbathing on blankets in the warm grass, setting up a hammock between two shady trees to study in comfort, throwing a frisbee, or catching fireflies. Visitors should toss a lucky coin into the stone fountain at the main entrance before making their way to the art show, car show, 5k event, LARP tournament, concert/play at the 1000-seat amphitheater, or any number of special events taking place just about every week in good weather.
18 moradores locais recomendam
Ritter Park
910 13th Ave
18 moradores locais recomendam
Created in 1913 and named on the national register of historic places, Ritter Park is one-of-a-kind. The main entrance is lined by stately homes representing architecture from the years 1913 to 1940, including colonial revival, bungalow/craftsman, and Tudor revival. Lovingly maintained by the city and community volunteers, this public park features hiking/biking trails, a tennis center with 11 courts, an award-winning rose garden containing more than 3,500 rose plants, and a nationally-acclaimed playground noted for its climbing boulders, zip line, bongo drums, and dinosaur sand pit. When the weather is extra nice you will spot a Marshall student or two picnicking and sunbathing on blankets in the warm grass, setting up a hammock between two shady trees to study in comfort, throwing a frisbee, or catching fireflies. Visitors should toss a lucky coin into the stone fountain at the main entrance before making their way to the art show, car show, 5k event, LARP tournament, concert/play at the 1000-seat amphitheater, or any number of special events taking place just about every week in good weather.
Beech Fork Lake sits on a 720-acre reservoir offering 31 miles of shoreline with quiet, secluded coves nestled between the scenic and lushly wooded hills. The Marina provides over 225 slips for private boat docking as well as a bait shop and store that’s stocked with fishing and boating supplies, snack food, soft drinks and ice. Best of all, there is a rental fleet of 30 boats including Bennington pontoon boats, fishing boats, Tracker bass boats, Ascend kayaks, and canoes—all available for a variety of water-related activities for individuals or groups. The 10 horsepower limit on boat engines helps to enhance the safe and peaceful atmosphere where you can spot fish jumping and spy beautiful wildlife on shore, from whitetail deer to blue herons, wild turkeys, ducks, geese, osprey, bald eagles, and sometimes even a black bear. Whether you are looking for a beautiful place just to relax or if you want to take advantage of the excellent fishing, the Beech Fork Lake Marina is the place to come. Call (304) 522-9374 for information or to make a boat rental reservation, or visit the website at www.beechforklakemarina.com.
Beech Fork Lake Marina
5445 Co Hwy 13/8
Beech Fork Lake sits on a 720-acre reservoir offering 31 miles of shoreline with quiet, secluded coves nestled between the scenic and lushly wooded hills. The Marina provides over 225 slips for private boat docking as well as a bait shop and store that’s stocked with fishing and boating supplies, snack food, soft drinks and ice. Best of all, there is a rental fleet of 30 boats including Bennington pontoon boats, fishing boats, Tracker bass boats, Ascend kayaks, and canoes—all available for a variety of water-related activities for individuals or groups. The 10 horsepower limit on boat engines helps to enhance the safe and peaceful atmosphere where you can spot fish jumping and spy beautiful wildlife on shore, from whitetail deer to blue herons, wild turkeys, ducks, geese, osprey, bald eagles, and sometimes even a black bear. Whether you are looking for a beautiful place just to relax or if you want to take advantage of the excellent fishing, the Beech Fork Lake Marina is the place to come. Call (304) 522-9374 for information or to make a boat rental reservation, or visit the website at www.beechforklakemarina.com.
The adventure park is worth visiting for outdoor fun. Check out the website at: https://heritagefarmmuseum.com/the-village/adventure-experiences Instagram: @heritagefarm.wv
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Heritage Farm Museum and Village
3300 Harvey Rd
13 moradores locais recomendam
The adventure park is worth visiting for outdoor fun. Check out the website at: https://heritagefarmmuseum.com/the-village/adventure-experiences Instagram: @heritagefarm.wv
Huntington is one of the best locations to visit if you enjoy disc golf. From the Huntington area, you can drive and in 30 minutes be into 12 or 13 courses--including 36 holes at Armco Park in nearby Ashland, Kentucky, 18 holes at Shawnee State Park near Portsmouth, Ohio, 36 holes at nearby Barboursville Park, as well as courses at Little Creek Park, Wine Cellar Park, Coonskin Park, Valley Park and more in the Huntington-Charleston area. But the 36-hole course at Rotary Park in Huntington--established in 1994--is the OG that started it all. https://www.facebook.com/HuntingtonDiscGolfClub
Rotary Park
Huntington is one of the best locations to visit if you enjoy disc golf. From the Huntington area, you can drive and in 30 minutes be into 12 or 13 courses--including 36 holes at Armco Park in nearby Ashland, Kentucky, 18 holes at Shawnee State Park near Portsmouth, Ohio, 36 holes at nearby Barboursville Park, as well as courses at Little Creek Park, Wine Cellar Park, Coonskin Park, Valley Park and more in the Huntington-Charleston area. But the 36-hole course at Rotary Park in Huntington--established in 1994--is the OG that started it all. https://www.facebook.com/HuntingtonDiscGolfClub
Whether you’re an angler, hiker, camper, or parent, Beech Fork has something in store for you. This 3,144-acre, family-friendly park offers hundreds of campsites, miles of hiking trails, and its own "beach" complete with sand! If you forgot something for your trip or have a low supply of camping needs, worry not! The state park has Camper’s Corner Store at the park headquarters, where grocery needs, gift items, camping and fishing supplies, and even ice, ice cream, and firewood are sold! For more information, visit: https://wvstateparks.com/park/beech-fork-state-park/
6 moradores locais recomendam
Beech Fork State Park
5601 Long Branch Rd
6 moradores locais recomendam
Whether you’re an angler, hiker, camper, or parent, Beech Fork has something in store for you. This 3,144-acre, family-friendly park offers hundreds of campsites, miles of hiking trails, and its own "beach" complete with sand! If you forgot something for your trip or have a low supply of camping needs, worry not! The state park has Camper’s Corner Store at the park headquarters, where grocery needs, gift items, camping and fishing supplies, and even ice, ice cream, and firewood are sold! For more information, visit: https://wvstateparks.com/park/beech-fork-state-park/

Golf

If you are a golfer, Guyan Golf & Country Club is about 1.5 miles from our home. Built in 1922, the 18-hole course is available year-round. Reserved for members and their guests, but with some notice we can make sure you have access. For more information, see https://www.guyangolfandcountryclub.com/
Guyan Golf & Country Club
1 Bill Campbell Way
If you are a golfer, Guyan Golf & Country Club is about 1.5 miles from our home. Built in 1922, the 18-hole course is available year-round. Reserved for members and their guests, but with some notice we can make sure you have access. For more information, see https://www.guyangolfandcountryclub.com/
Great for groups, this virtual indoor course simulator is fun for the entire family. For more information, see http://greensideindoorgolf.com/
Greenside Indoor Golf LLC
340 Washington Avenue
Great for groups, this virtual indoor course simulator is fun for the entire family. For more information, see http://greensideindoorgolf.com/
This beautiful 18-hole par 72 facility located in Barboursville, WV features 5 sets of tees to challenge all skill levels. For more information, see http://www.esquiregc.com/
Esquire Golf Course
1 Esquire Drive
This beautiful 18-hole par 72 facility located in Barboursville, WV features 5 sets of tees to challenge all skill levels. For more information, see http://www.esquiregc.com/
Enjoy year-round golfing and river-views on a mostly flat public course.
Riviera Country Club
6290 Ohio River Road
Enjoy year-round golfing and river-views on a mostly flat public course.
Sugarwood offers a variety of tees ranging from 5,186 to 6,710 yards and is ranked as one of the best public golf courses in the state every year. In the spring of 2013, Sugarwood introduced its indoor club fitting and teaching studio. The studio offers a launch monitor, simulator, fitting systems and the V1 video teaching system that evaluates your swing in slow motion to identify areas of improvement. https://www.sugarwoodgolfclub.com/
Sugarwood Golf Course
152 Sugarwood Drive
Sugarwood offers a variety of tees ranging from 5,186 to 6,710 yards and is ranked as one of the best public golf courses in the state every year. In the spring of 2013, Sugarwood introduced its indoor club fitting and teaching studio. The studio offers a launch monitor, simulator, fitting systems and the V1 video teaching system that evaluates your swing in slow motion to identify areas of improvement. https://www.sugarwoodgolfclub.com/

Culture

Visit this open-air, living history museum-recently named West Virginia's first Smithsonian-affiliated museum-focusing on Appalachian history and culture. When traveling with family, make sure to visit on a festival day! Kids of all ages will enjoy crafts, activities, and a petting zoo.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Heritage Farm Museum and Village
3300 Harvey Rd
13 moradores locais recomendam
Visit this open-air, living history museum-recently named West Virginia's first Smithsonian-affiliated museum-focusing on Appalachian history and culture. When traveling with family, make sure to visit on a festival day! Kids of all ages will enjoy crafts, activities, and a petting zoo.
HMA encompasses a permanent art collection of more than 16,000 objects, ten exhibition spaces, an interactive education gallery, an art reference library of nearly 27,000 volumes, a 287-seat auditorium, the only tropical and subtropical plant conservatory in the state of West Virginia, a coral reef aquarium, two outdoor sculpture courts, five studio workshops, two miles of hiking trails, and a quarter-mile paved accessible Sensory Trail for the visually impaired. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, HMA is scenically located on McCoy Road just a short drive up the hill from Huntington’s beautiful Ritter Park. The grounds, galleries, and studios provide an outstanding venue for visitors to discover, learn, and create.
20 moradores locais recomendam
Huntington Museum of Art
2033 McCoy Rd
20 moradores locais recomendam
HMA encompasses a permanent art collection of more than 16,000 objects, ten exhibition spaces, an interactive education gallery, an art reference library of nearly 27,000 volumes, a 287-seat auditorium, the only tropical and subtropical plant conservatory in the state of West Virginia, a coral reef aquarium, two outdoor sculpture courts, five studio workshops, two miles of hiking trails, and a quarter-mile paved accessible Sensory Trail for the visually impaired. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, HMA is scenically located on McCoy Road just a short drive up the hill from Huntington’s beautiful Ritter Park. The grounds, galleries, and studios provide an outstanding venue for visitors to discover, learn, and create.
Every November 14, the Marshall University community gathers around the Memorial Fountain at the center of campus for the Fountain Ceremony. Its significance is best described by these opening lines to the 2006 film We Are Marshall: “In the middle of Huntington, West Virginia there’s a river. Next to this river there is a steel mill. And next to the steel mill there is a school. In the middle of the school, there is a fountain. Each year on the exact same day, at the exact same hour, the water to this fountain is turned off. And in this moment once every year, throughout the town, throughout the school, time stands still.” These words beautifully capture the community’s enduring remembrance of the 75 Marshall University football players, staff members, and boosters lost in a tragic 1970 plane crash. In the film, Matthew McConaughey sensitively portrays new coach Jack Lengyel’s efforts to rebuild Marshall’s Thundering Herd and heal a grieving community in the process. I highly recommend viewing the film prior to your visit, not only for context but because it also highlights the community’s wonderful strength and perseverance in the face of hardship that stands true to this day. For further information, start with: https://www.marshall.edu/neverforget/
Memorial Student Center
1 John Marshall Drive
Every November 14, the Marshall University community gathers around the Memorial Fountain at the center of campus for the Fountain Ceremony. Its significance is best described by these opening lines to the 2006 film We Are Marshall: “In the middle of Huntington, West Virginia there’s a river. Next to this river there is a steel mill. And next to the steel mill there is a school. In the middle of the school, there is a fountain. Each year on the exact same day, at the exact same hour, the water to this fountain is turned off. And in this moment once every year, throughout the town, throughout the school, time stands still.” These words beautifully capture the community’s enduring remembrance of the 75 Marshall University football players, staff members, and boosters lost in a tragic 1970 plane crash. In the film, Matthew McConaughey sensitively portrays new coach Jack Lengyel’s efforts to rebuild Marshall’s Thundering Herd and heal a grieving community in the process. I highly recommend viewing the film prior to your visit, not only for context but because it also highlights the community’s wonderful strength and perseverance in the face of hardship that stands true to this day. For further information, start with: https://www.marshall.edu/neverforget/
At this iconic local factory, you can observe artisans shape boldly styled, handblown pieces from molten glass. Book a class or tour, visit the observation deck, browse the historic glass museum, or stroll the glass garden for a vibrant experience fusing history and art. Family-owned since 1893, the Blenko experience has been named one of the Travel Channel's Top 10 U.S. Factory tours.
8 moradores locais recomendam
Blenko Glass Co
9 Bill Blenko Dr
8 moradores locais recomendam
At this iconic local factory, you can observe artisans shape boldly styled, handblown pieces from molten glass. Book a class or tour, visit the observation deck, browse the historic glass museum, or stroll the glass garden for a vibrant experience fusing history and art. Family-owned since 1893, the Blenko experience has been named one of the Travel Channel's Top 10 U.S. Factory tours.

Fitness

If you want to stay in shape while traveling, consider buying a visitor pass at Brown Dog Yoga. Located in historic Heritage Station, the studio offers a wide array of classes: yoga, barre, cycling, and even combination classes fusing cycling with yoga, barre and TRX suspension training. In addition to the visit pass, you can also pay for a single class if you are dropping in for just a day. For more information see https://www.browndogyoga.com/pricing
Brown Dog Yoga - Yoga | Barre | Cycle | Fusion
210 11th Street
If you want to stay in shape while traveling, consider buying a visitor pass at Brown Dog Yoga. Located in historic Heritage Station, the studio offers a wide array of classes: yoga, barre, cycling, and even combination classes fusing cycling with yoga, barre and TRX suspension training. In addition to the visit pass, you can also pay for a single class if you are dropping in for just a day. For more information see https://www.browndogyoga.com/pricing

Seasonal Favorites

Support local artisans and sample local flavor at the annual Pumpkin Festival in Milton, West Virginia! My go-to recommendation is the open-fire apple butter, but Paul swears by the pumpkin rolls. There are always fun activities for kids during the day, and some of the area's finest musicians perform in the evenings. Local quilters square off in a surprisingly spicy competition.
WV Pumpkin Festival
1 Pumpkin Way
Support local artisans and sample local flavor at the annual Pumpkin Festival in Milton, West Virginia! My go-to recommendation is the open-fire apple butter, but Paul swears by the pumpkin rolls. There are always fun activities for kids during the day, and some of the area's finest musicians perform in the evenings. Local quilters square off in a surprisingly spicy competition.
What started as a family tradition has grown into a town-wide annual event, culminating with Autumn Fest. Hundreds of volunteers gather at the "Pumpkin House" to craft more than 3,000 intricately crafted and illuminated jack-o-lanterns. The carvings, crafted with jigsaws, have ranged in past years to everything from U.S. presidents' faces and musical instruments to cartoon characters and local icons. The display is more over-the-top each year!
Kenova's Pumpkin House
748 Beech St
What started as a family tradition has grown into a town-wide annual event, culminating with Autumn Fest. Hundreds of volunteers gather at the "Pumpkin House" to craft more than 3,000 intricately crafted and illuminated jack-o-lanterns. The carvings, crafted with jigsaws, have ranged in past years to everything from U.S. presidents' faces and musical instruments to cartoon characters and local icons. The display is more over-the-top each year!
Tickets sell out like lightning, but if you can get your hands on some make sure you visit Huntington's Keith Albee Theater (now called the Performing Arts Center) to watch the McElroy Brothers host Candlenights. Since 2014, Huntington's favorite brothers come home to host a live Candlenights-themed episode of their fan-favorite podcast, My Brother My Brother and Me (MBMBaM). Originating from Episode 36, Candlenights is a pan-religious, pansexual, personal pan pizza winter holiday. But definitely don't take my word for it--check out Huntington's favorite podcasters at: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/my-brother-my-brother-and-me/
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Keith Albee Performing Arts Center
925 4th Ave
9 moradores locais recomendam
Tickets sell out like lightning, but if you can get your hands on some make sure you visit Huntington's Keith Albee Theater (now called the Performing Arts Center) to watch the McElroy Brothers host Candlenights. Since 2014, Huntington's favorite brothers come home to host a live Candlenights-themed episode of their fan-favorite podcast, My Brother My Brother and Me (MBMBaM). Originating from Episode 36, Candlenights is a pan-religious, pansexual, personal pan pizza winter holiday. But definitely don't take my word for it--check out Huntington's favorite podcasters at: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/my-brother-my-brother-and-me/
I recommend heading to Pullman Square for the annual West Virginia State Chili Championship, which benefits our local Ronald McDonald House Charities. The winner qualifies to represent West Virginia at the International Chili Society World's Chili Championship. The festival is less about real competition though than an excuse for the town to come together for music, fun, and increasingly spicier chili in support of this good cause.
14 moradores locais recomendam
Pullman Square
220 9th St
14 moradores locais recomendam
I recommend heading to Pullman Square for the annual West Virginia State Chili Championship, which benefits our local Ronald McDonald House Charities. The winner qualifies to represent West Virginia at the International Chili Society World's Chili Championship. The festival is less about real competition though than an excuse for the town to come together for music, fun, and increasingly spicier chili in support of this good cause.

The Jewel City: A Hidden Gem

When I moved from the west coast to Huntington, West Virginia, this “Jewel City” immediately charmed my socks off. With its quirky traditions, fascinating people, music, food, public outdoor spaces, and surprisingly excellent cultural resources combined with a jaw-droppingly-low cost of living, pound for pound this tiny riverside city packs more of a punch than those triple its size nationwide. And don’t just take my word for it! In 2017, Huntington won first prize in the America's Best Communities competition with its vision for the future and aggressive revitalization plan to stimulate economic growth and development within the city. With a regional population of about 300,000 people, Huntington boasts its own university and museums, unique dining and music venues, and innumerable outdoor opportunities like camping, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and even skydiving. The town is easily accessible via Interstate 64 as well as its own Tri-State Airport, and is the home of nationally-recognized regional hospitals. We hope visitors leave our area with a positive impression of Appalachia and West Virginia. So whether you’re here for medical or pharmacy school, sampling Appalachian culture, smelling the roses in Ritter Park's historic rose garden, or just enjoying a game of disc golf, Huntington has something for you. Come see all that this hidden gem has to offer!
Huntington is most known for being the home of Marshall University, but it is so much more. The people of Huntington are known for their friendliness, generosity, and community-oriented outlook. The cost of living is low, but the town is full of homes with architectural character and history. Its natural setting in the beautiful Appalachian mountains makes fall the ideal time to visit, but Huntington is a wild and wonderful place all year round and never turns down any chance to throw a parade, festival, or community celebration.
Huntington
Huntington is most known for being the home of Marshall University, but it is so much more. The people of Huntington are known for their friendliness, generosity, and community-oriented outlook. The cost of living is low, but the town is full of homes with architectural character and history. Its natural setting in the beautiful Appalachian mountains makes fall the ideal time to visit, but Huntington is a wild and wonderful place all year round and never turns down any chance to throw a parade, festival, or community celebration.

Food scene

Just about any local they will tell you that Rocco's Ristorante (just “Rocco’s” to its many loyal regulars) is the Gold Standard for dining in Huntington. For over 45 years, the family of Italian-American Rocco Sam Muriale have lovingly served wonderful wine and fresh, authentic Italian food in this cozy hole-in-the-wall located on an unassuming street. We enjoy every dish—from familiar favorites like spaghetti, lasagna, and fantastic lobster- or crab-stuffed ravioli, to clams sauteed in fresh basil and parsley; smoked trout finished with to-die-for vodka cream sauce; and flavorful Cappellini Alla Fruta Del Mare. Paul and I have been customers for 20+ years and have literally never had a disappointing meal here. Appetizers generally run about $8-13, entrees about $20-50, and specials between $50-75. Be prepared to wait in line; the restaurant generally does not take reservations. We recommend arriving early and enjoying a few cocktails and live music at the well-stocked bar. Instagram: roccos_ristorantewv Website: https://roccosristorante.com/
Rocco's
252 Main St
Just about any local they will tell you that Rocco's Ristorante (just “Rocco’s” to its many loyal regulars) is the Gold Standard for dining in Huntington. For over 45 years, the family of Italian-American Rocco Sam Muriale have lovingly served wonderful wine and fresh, authentic Italian food in this cozy hole-in-the-wall located on an unassuming street. We enjoy every dish—from familiar favorites like spaghetti, lasagna, and fantastic lobster- or crab-stuffed ravioli, to clams sauteed in fresh basil and parsley; smoked trout finished with to-die-for vodka cream sauce; and flavorful Cappellini Alla Fruta Del Mare. Paul and I have been customers for 20+ years and have literally never had a disappointing meal here. Appetizers generally run about $8-13, entrees about $20-50, and specials between $50-75. Be prepared to wait in line; the restaurant generally does not take reservations. We recommend arriving early and enjoying a few cocktails and live music at the well-stocked bar. Instagram: roccos_ristorantewv Website: https://roccosristorante.com/