Huntington is the second-largest city in West Virginia. Along the banks of the Ohio River, Huntington is home to Marshall University, a state-supported public university, and the world's largest root beer mug. Claiming to be the origin of the West Virginia-style hot dog; Huntington is a historic, walkable city that offers the intrepid traveler several unique cultural diversions, with an excellent music and restaurant scene.
Built in the Ohio River Valley and surrounded by lush steep hills, West Virginia's second-largest city (and at one time its largest), Huntington, is historically a town of railroads and industry, and to this day its port on the Ohio River is one of the busiest inland ports in the country. Home to Marshall University, the second-largest in the state of West Virginia, Huntington has a distinctive college-town atmosphere, and its tree-lined streets are lined with stately old homes with large, wide front porches. Although in a hilly region, and containing many hilly portions, the center of Huntington and many of its neighborhoods are built on the wide floodplain of the Ohio River, making parts of Huntington uniquely flat for a city in West Virginia.
Huntington is a planned city; the oldest and flattest parts of the city are built on a planned numbered grid platted on the flat Ohio River floodplain. The city grew quickly its first few decades as a river port at the terminus of the C&O Railroad and many of the city's cultural and architectural assets come from the regional prosperity of the gilded age and the influence of the city beautiful movement, notably an impressive park system for a city of its size which includes a chain of parks along the Washington Blvd/North Blvd. greenway corridor.
Ritter Park Historic District
Huntington's smaller twin-city of Ashland, Kentucky is 20 minutes drive west, downriver. The Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area has a combined population of 360,000 in 2020. I-64 skirts around the Huntington city center through more suburban areas to the south, a routing which prevented Huntington's historic center from seeing the large-scale destruction typically associated with inner-city highway construction. West Virginia's capital city, Charleston, is less than an hour east on I-64, and the suburbs of both cities have been growing towards each other for many decades, resulting in a near-continuous metropolitan area between the two cities. With a combined population of around 620,000 (2020); the Huntington-Charleston combined metropolitan area is the largest urban area for several hours in every direction.
Downtown from Ohio
Generally off the tourist radar, prices for lodging and restaurants in Huntington are generally more affordable than larger and more tourist-oriented cities and towns.
Within a 2-hour radius of Huntington are many outdoor scenic recreational attractions including: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Ohio's famous Hocking Hills State Park, and Kentucky's Carter Caves and Red River Gorge as well as several man-made lakes.
In 2008, Huntington earned the dubious distinction of being named the "fattest and most unhealthy" city in the United States, based on 2006 data showing that 46% of adults were obese. Over the following decade, Huntington's obesity rate fell by 13 percentage points to 33%. It is no longer the fattest city in America, or even in West Virginia.
Men and women working in manual jobs that predominated through the 20th century required a lot of caloric energy in their diet. The traditional Appalachian diet of foods that were buttered, salted and fried served that purpose for most of the 20th century. But when those physical jobs were replaced by lower-energy ones by the end of the century, the eating habits stayed the same, resulting in a sharp increase in adult obesity from the 1990s forward. The civic shaming that resulted from the 2008 designation, which included a visit from British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, led to a number of strategies aimed at helping its citizens lose weight. The efforts included a challenge for area residents to collectively "walk to the moon", hospital programs focused on helping children lose weight, and a new local farmers market. The focus on children led to families becoming involved.
Huntington is just off I-64. Primary exits for downtown are 8 (5th St. Rd.) and 11 (Hal Greer Blvd.). U.S. Route 60 and U.S. Route 52 also run through town. US-23 serves Ashland, Kentucky, staying to the west of Huntington.
WV-10 arrives from Logan 1.5 hours south, WV-2 arrives from Point Pleasant 45 minutes northeast
By plane
38.3669-82.55861Huntington/Tri-State(HTS IATA),1449 Airport Rd.,☏ +1 304 453-6165.Downtown shuttle service is available to the Pullman Plaza Hotel and the Holiday Inn Hotel.
The next closest airport is in Charleston (CRWIATA), about an hour east in I-64. American Airlines has non-stop service from Charlotte. Allegiant Air has non-stop service from Fort Lauderdale, Myrtle Beach, Orlando-Sanford, and St. Petersburg/Clearwater.
The Huntington Tri-State airport (HTS IATA has flights by Allegiant and American Airlines from Florida and Charlotte.
Despite its reputation as America's unhealthiest city, downtown Huntington is surprisingly walkable; both bus and train stations are downtown, along with two hotels and several services and attractions.
Easy to navigate, central Huntington is laid out on a planned grid, numbered avenues run east-west and increase south of the river, numbered streets run north-south and increase in number east of 1st St. West of 1st St, numbered streets increase in number heading west, and carry a 'W' designation at the end (as in 14th St W), and avenues are names of presidents. The street grid dissolves as one goes into hillier neighborhoods in the south of the city.
Robert C Byrd Bridge
Huntington is bisected by railroad tracks. To go north-south or south-north, drivers must use underpasses or bridges at: Spring Valley Dr. Vernon, W 14th, 1st, 8th, 10th Sts, Hal Greer Blvd, 20th, 29th, and 31st. Sts. Additionally, U.S. Route 60 splits into two east-to-west one-way streets (3rd and 5th Ave.; and Washington and Adams Ave. in the West End)
Crossing the Ohio River to and from Ohio can be done on three bridges in the city: the East End Bridge off 31st St in Highlawn, the Robert C Byrd Bridge off 6th and 5th Sts and Veterans Memorial Blvd. downtown, and the West End Bridge on US-52 in the West End. There are two additional bridges downriver, one in downtown Ashland and one downstream connecting to Ironton, Ohio. There are no bridges crossing the Ohio River upstream after the East End Bridge for almost an hour's drive until Point Pleasant/Gallipolis.
Despite the walkability of the city core, the surrounding metropolitan area is very spread-out and a car is necessary to reach some destinations, or to travel between suburbs.
By bus
The Transit Authority, ☏+1 304-529-RIDE (7433). Buses generally run on the hour between 6AM and 6PM, though there is limited service available in the evening. TTA also runs along U.S. Route 60 to Barboursville and Milton.
By taxi or rideshare
Yellow Cab, ☏+1 304-529-7131. Taxi service in Huntington is terrible. Rides dialed frequently take over an hour to arrive, especially late at night. Sometimes the drivers don't even show up. Keep this in mind while planning any travel in town.
Uber and Lyft: The city is covered by both ridesharing services, letting you avoid Yellow Cab entirely.
By bicycle
Downtown Huntington is reasonably flat and bicycle friendly. As part of their Old Main Corridor project, the city has added bike lanes that run from 4th Ave. & 16th St. to Pullman Square. State law requires all riders wear helmets but is rarely enforced by the city or campus police. Make sure to wear a helmet to protect your skull and internal brain organ if you get hit by a car or go too fast and hit a bump though.
On foot
With its several pubs, restaurants, and shops, the downtown area between Marshall University and the Civic Arena/Riverfront is ideal for walking. A walking tour map is available from the Cabell-Huntington CVB and Herald-Dispatch.
Neighborhoods
Pullman SquareDowntown: Roughly between 1st St and 20th St. and from the river to the north to the train tracks behind 7th Av. to the south. Contains Huntington's central business district, Marshall University's main campus between Hal Greer Blvd and 20th St, and several residential pockets of apartments and dense detached homes west of 7th St, and east of the CBD towards and around the university campus.
Southside: South of the train tracks and 8th Av, from 14th St. W to the east end of Ritter Park. The quintessential Huntington neighborhood and one of its wealthiest; includes Ritter Park and Memorial Park. A mix including old-and-new money wealth, college professors, junior/senior undergrads and grad students, and young professionals and their families. includes part of the Ritter Park Historic District.
southsideEnslow Park: From east of Ritter Park to Hal Greer Blvd; tighter streets and newer homes than Southside.
Fairfield: Historically a middle-and working-class African American neighborhood, today has a mix of housing styles and demographics. Cabell-Huntington Hospital is on Hal Greer Blvd.
Walnut Hills: Modest homes on steeper streets in the hills east of Fairfield and north of Norway Av. and Washington Blvd. Accessible from US-60 is the popular hilltop Rotary Park.
Highlawn: East of the main Marshall University campus, contains St. Mary's hospital, former industrial areas, a mix of wealthier residences along the river and more modest blocks near 5th Av. The small McClelland Park along Riverview Av. has a playground and basketball courts
West End: Contains the 14th St W business district. Generally modest homes built for factory workers, some blocks on and directly adjacent to US-60 between US-52 and downtown have many properties in a relatively poor state of repair.
Southeast Hills: A large neighborhood area consisting of a collection of generally wealthier neighborhoods southeast of the city center and east of Hal Greer Blvd, including neighborhoods along eastern Washington Blvd and Norway Av. stretching east along US-60 to the eastern city limits. Smaller residential neighborhoods contained within include Stamford Park, Chancellor Hills, Gallaher Village, Arlington Park.
Guyandotte: Pre-dates Huntington proper, containing the oldest buildings in Huntington, east of the Guyandotte River from the Highlawn neighborhood. The historic neighborhood commercial district along Bridge St. is unfortunately lacking in vibrance. There is a marina at the point where the Guyandotte River flows into the Ohio River accessible through a gate in the floodwall at Buffington St.
Altizer: Tidy, working class neighborhood southeast of Guyandotte and across US-60 and the Guyandotte River from Southeast Hills and Walnut Hills.
South Hills: South of Southside on very steep and narrow streets, very wealthy; impressive residences, some with jaw-dropping views over the city center. Contains the Huntington Museum of Art and part of the Ritter Park Historic District.
Park Hills: A prestigious residential area with homes mostly from the mid-20th century on the hilltops south of the Ritter Park Historic District.
Harveytown: A small neighborhood of modest, tidy homes tucked in a valley; older than most portions of South Hills. Contains the small Harveytown Park and the Museum of Radio and Technology.
world's largest rotating root beer mugWestmoreland: modest suburban-style neighborhood west of the West End, east of the suburb of Ceredo. The only portion of the city proper in Wayne County instead of Cabell County; contains the historic Camden Park Amusement Park.
Suburbs
Barboursville: East of the city of Huntington along I-64 and US-60, Home to the Huntington Mall, many big box and chain stores, a small historic downtown along the Guyandotte River, and the large and much-loved Barboursville Park. Generally considered Huntington's wealthiest suburb.
historic downtown BarboursvillePea Ridge: Unincorporated, wealthier suburban area between the eastern city limits of Huntington and Barboursville, along US-60 and Pea Ridge Rd.
Milton: East of Barboursville along I-64 and US-60, a small bedroom community with a small historic downtown, home of Blenko Glass, the Milton Flea Market and WV Pumpkin Park. Hometown of famous writer Breece D'J Pancake.
Kenova: Predating Huntington itself, sits to the west of Huntington city limits at the tri point where West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky meet, visible from Virginia Point Park. The smaller suburb of Ceredo is adjacent to the east.
Lavalette: A wealthier, spaced-out suburb south of the city limits along 5th St, which becomes WV-152. Home to 2 golf courses, and the popular Beech Fork Lake, the dam, marina and recreation area is accessible off WV-152.
Spring Valley/Buffalo Creek: Generally newer residential suburbs south of the Westmoreland neighborhood and west of Lavalette. Contains the VA Hospital complex.
Wayne: Small town south of Lavalette along WV-152, the small historic downtown and Wayne County Courthouse sit on top of a small steep hill, around which Twelvepole Creek flows. The last outpost of civilization before very rural southern Wayne County, where East Lynn Lake and Cabwaylingo State Forest are located.
Lesage: spread-out suburb along WV-2 northeast of Huntington, accessible to Barboursville via Big Ben Bowen Hwy (WV-193)
Lawrence County, Ohio: A large, mostly suburban and rural county across the Ohio River from Huntington and Ashland. Contains towards its western edge the small, historic city of Ironton, today more of a bedroom community for especially Ashland. Also the locally popular Lake Vesuvius, a unit of Wayne National Forest, can be accessed via a short drive north of Ironton, about 35-40 minutes from central Huntington. Suburbs of Huntington include along the river from east to west: Rome and Proctorville sit directly across the East End Bridge from Huntington's east end, Chesapeake is directly across the bridge from downtown Huntington, Burlington is an unincorporated area with big-box shopping, riverfront houses and South Point addresses across the West End Bridge (US-52) from Huntington's west end, adjacent South Point is a suburb halfway between downtown Huntington and Ashland, Ky. along US-52.
Ashland, Kentucky: Huntington's smaller sister city, less than half its size. Most parts of central Ashland are about 20-30 minutes from central Huntington. A historic downtown with a small riverfront park and a nicely maintained Central Park, contains Ashland Town Center: the smaller of the Huntington Area's 2 indoor malls. Beyond the immediate downtown neighborhoods a generally suburban feel. 29th St. features a small but thriving neighborhood business district. The Kentucky portion of the greater Huntington metropolitan area contains about 1/3 its total population.
Catlettsburg, Ky: A small suburb directly across the Big Sandy River from Kenova, WV. Contains a small historic downtown area.
Russell, Ky. northwest of downtown Ashland. A small historic district on the banks of the Ohio River, much suburban sprawl.
Flatwoods, Ky; Raceland, Ky; Worthington, Ky; Wurtland, Ky; Canonsburg, Ky: Mostly residential suburban sprawl northwest and west of downtown Ashland.
Greenup, Ky: A small historic town on the Ohio River at the far northwest edge of the Huntington area, the county seat of suburban Greenup County.
Further afield
Hamlin: A very small rural farming town along the Mud River 45 minutes from Huntington, county seat of Lincoln County, hometown of Chuck Yeager.
Louisa, Ky: A small town where the Louisa Fork and Tug Fork meet to form the Big Sandy River, on the border West Virginia. Near Yatesville Lake
Grayson, Ky: A small town along I-64 west of Huntington and Ashland, notable for being where direct traffic to Cincinnati can access the beginning of the AA Highway.
Olive Hill, Ky: A small town along I -64 west of Grayson, Ky. The closest town to Carter Caves.
See
Downtown Huntington.Most of the Huntington's best shops, restaurants, and bars are in the area north of the railroad tracks, between the campus of Marshall University and the Civic Arena.(updated Nov 2018)
38.4251-82.42051Marshall University.Marshall University is a regionally-ranked public university, and the second-largest in West Virginia. Founded in 1837, this institution takes its name from former Supreme Court Justice John Marshall. Marshall's picturesque main campus sits on the east side of downtown Huntington, the historic Old Main building prominently constructed on a small rise overlooking 4th Av. towards downtown. In 1970, Marshall University lost most of its football team in a tragic plane crash. Built in their honor is the now-iconic fountain in the plaza in front of the Memorial Student Center. The 2006 film We Are Marshall dramatizes this story and includes footage of areas around campus. Marshall University's math department has the only publicly accessible mechanical differential analyzer in the United States.(updated Nov 2018)
38.411098-82.4794492Old Central City,14th St. W.The commercial heart of the West End neighborhood; the self-proclaimed "antiques capital of West Virginia." About ten antique stores line 14th St. West. There's also a locally-owned cafe, used bookstore, a historic market building hosting a farmers market; and a gazebo that hosts occasional outdoor performances.(updated May 2023)
38.422333-82.4434013Pullman Square(on 3rd Av midblock between 10th and 9th Sts.).A redeveloped retail area designed to pay homage to Huntington's railroad past. With its benches, fountain, and nice landscaping, this area functions as Huntington's de-facto town square.(updated Nov 2018)
38.4206-82.44284The Keith Albee Theatre.When it opened in 1928, the Keith Albee was the second-largest theater in the United States. It hosts off-Broadway shows and various performers, most notably those associated with the Marshall Artist Series.(updated Nov 2018)
38.423493-82.4407525Heritage Station,210 11th St(adjacent to Pullman Square and Harris Riverfront Park).Visitors center and several local businesses built into a repurposed train depot complex.(updated May 2023)
Museums
38.393-82.43446Huntington Museum of Art,2033 McCoy Rd,☏ +1 304 529-2701.Tu 10AM-9PM, W-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM.A 52-acre site featuring exhibits on glass, Appalachian folk art, 19th- and 20th-century American and European paintings, Middle Eastern art and Islamic prayer rugs, sculptures, and a large collection of flint firearms and carved powder horns. Also contains a small conservatory with tropical plants and a Dale Chihuly glass sculpture.(updated May 2023)
38.376689-82.4675557Heritage Farm Museum & Village,3300 Harvey Rd,☏ +1 304 522-1244.M-Sa 10AM-3PM.A tour of this quirky, anachronistic attraction includes a guided tour through the Progress Museum and Transportation Museum (the latter of which includes a 1908 electric truck and a miniature steam engine exhibit) as well as a visit to the country store museum.(updated May 2023)
38.4012-82.47318The Museum of Radio & Technology,1640 Florence Ave,☏ +1 304 525-8890.Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1-4PM, F 10AM-4PM (summer only).This museum houses the largest collection of vintage radios in the U.S.A.Admission is free.(updated Jun 2023)
J. Taylor's Auto Collection,1404 Washington Ave,☏ +1 304 522-2864.Th 5-9PM, Sa 10AM-6PM.Housing several early Fords and Chevrolets, this car museum is a must for the vintage auto enthusiast. Admission is free.
Gallery 842,842 4th Ave.Tu-Sa noon-7PM.Marshall University's Art Department operates this small commercial gallery.
Touma Medical Museum,314 Ninth St.9th St. This private museum houses fascinating and somewhat creepy medical artifacts, including a display case full of extracted teeth and a tonsil guillotine.(updated Nov 2019)
Parks and gardens
38.424047-82.4429269Harris Riverfront Park,Veterans Memorial Blvd(off Veterans Memorial Boulevard and across from Pullman Square, accessed by 2 gates in the floodwall.).A pleasant city park that overlooks the Ohio River and offers a view of Huntington's signature suspension bridge.(updated Nov 2019)
38.406111-82.43694410Ritter Park,1340 Eighth Street(on Huntington's South Side).The crowning jewel of Huntington's park system and an immense point of local pride. Fourpole Creek separates a flat portion from a hilly portion. Has a walking track, short hiking trail, tennis courts, picnic tables, and an excellent playground. In the summer, the amphitheater hosts outdoor dramas and festivals. Ritter Park's rose garden boasts over a thousand roses.(updated May 2023)
38.406351-82.44077511Rose Garden,1345 Eighth Street.(updated Nov 2019)
38.41984-82.39377112Rotary Park,215 Maupin Road(accessible by a turn off of US-60 between the intersections with Roby Rd and 8th Av).This 132-acre city park offers several miles of hiking trails as well as a challenging 36-hole disc golf course. There are also a couple overlooks over the Highlawn, Guyandotte and Altizer neighborhoods, also visible is the East End bridge crossing the river to Ohio at the point where the Guyandotte River flows into the Ohio River. Also an observation tower, though the best views are found when the leaves fall from the trees.(updated Nov 2019)
38.406319-82.46291913Memorial Park,1300 W Eleventh Avenue.The highlight of this park is the Veterans Memorial Arch. The arch is illuminated by floodlights at night. Connects to Ritter Park along a path following Fourpole Creek through the neighborhood.(updated Nov 2019)
38.417222-82.35611114Altizer Park,4801 Altizer Ave.(updated Nov 2019)
38.30795-82.3466331Beech Fork State Park,5601 Long Branch Rd. Barboursville(take Hal Greer Blvd south from the city center to a right turn on county route 43, Hughes Branch Rd; follow route 43 to the park entrance).At the narrow east end of the long Beech Fork Lake, camping, cabins, an outdoor pool, hiking trails. Despite being on the same lake, it's a long drive from the Army Corps of Engineers/dam side.(updated May 2023)
38.304888-82.4132432Beech Fork Lake,Beech Fork Rd.(take 5th St. south of downtown into Lavalette, left turn on Beech Fork Rd).Operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, the dam side of Beech Fork Lake has a small swimming beach, hiking trails, picnic pavillion, playground and a marina. Although on the same lake, Beech Fork State Park is a considerable drive away.(updated May 2023)
38.389429-82.3009883Barboursville Park(accessed from Park Rd. off of College Av in central Barboursville, or from 4-H Camp Rd, close to its intersection with WV-Alt-10).A small man-made lake, athletic fields, hiking trails, an amphitheater.(updated May 2023)
38.412941-82.594214Virginia Point Park(accessed from 23rd St. in Kenova, off US-60 immediately before it crosses the Big Sandy River into Kentucky; the road proceeds through an industrial area before entering the park).Three states are visible from this pleasant riverfront park where the Big Sandy River empties into the Ohio River at the point where West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio meet.(updated May 2023)
Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area(Along WV-2 in the far northeast of Cabell County).Hiking in riverfront wetland habitats on the grounds of the former plantation of confederate general Albert G Jenkins. The former plantation house stands mothballed.(updated Aug 2023)
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area (Wayne National Forest),6518 OH-93, Pedro, OH 45659(US-52 West to Ironton, Ohio. Exit to OH-93 north 6 miles to a right turn on CR-29.).A unit of Wayne National Forest, contains a long, narrow man-made lake with a marina and a small beach locally popular for hiking and backpacking, kayaking, fishing, camping.(updated Aug 2023)
Do
38.3971-82.53061Camden Park,5000 Waverly Rd,☏ +1 304 429-4321.A run-down amusement park featuring two very old roller-coasters, worth seeing.
Marshall Thundering Herd,toll-free: +1-800-THE-HERD (843-4373).The sports teams of Marshall University, members of the Sun Belt Conference since 2022, are a huge part of Huntington culture. Seeing the movie We Are Marshall before your trip may help you get an idea of the Herd's importance; the film, named after Marshall's signature cheer, is a slightly embellished retelling of the aftermath of the 1970 plane crash that killed the entire football team. A memorial fountain to the crash victims is located on the Marshall campus; every November 14 at 7:35PM, the time and date of the crash, the fountain is turned off and not restarted until spring. Most venues are on campus, with the most prominent being Joan C. Edwards Stadium (football) and the Cam Henderson Center (basketball), although the baseball team plays many of its home games 50 miles away in Charleston and some even farther away in Beckley. A new on-campus baseball park is set to open in 2024, and a new basketball arena is being planned.
WV Skydivers ☏+1 304 733-1240. At Robert Newlon Airport, about 10 miles from Huntington, offers the IAD 1st Jump Course w/ 1 jump for $200. Tandem skydives are also available for $240.
Boating. Boaters can put in on the Ohio River in both Guyandotte and Harris Riverfront Park. Nearby Beech Fork State Park has a more than 700-acre lake that is great for smaller craft; their marina offers rentals. +1 304 522-9374
Jeff's Bike Shop.Jeff's Bike Shop arranges and leads several rides throughout the week.
Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society.The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society organizes several train trips every year. Their most popular is the annual New River Gorge Scenic Train.
Pottery Place The Pottery Place lets you express yourself by painting your own design on one of their bisques. They fire the pottery and you pick it up several days later. ☏+1 304 525-8777
Music
Local musicians perform all over town several nights a week, though there's no central database of shows. There are some regular performances.
Pullman Square Summer Concert Series. Every Thursday evening during the summer, several hundred people descend on Pullman Square to enjoy live music, hot dogs, and beer.
Mountaineer Opry House.Most Saturday nights, the Mountaineer Opry House in nearby Milton, WV hosts excellent local and national bluegrass acts in a smoke-and-alcohol-free venue.
String Thing Thing Thursdays. Black Sheep Burritos and Brews hosts bluegrass, old-time, and acoustic every Thursday night from 9PM until late.
Open Mic Night. Monday: Black Sheep Burritos and Brews. Tuesday: Shamrock's Pub. Wednesday: The V-Club.
Annual events and fairs
Huntington is home to numerous unique events and fairs held throughout the year.
St. George Greek Festival,701 11th Ave.At St. George Greek Orthodox Church, late September. A festival with Greek food, music, and dancing.(updated Nov 2019)
Chilifest.Downtown district – 4th Avenue and Plaza, September 15–17. State championship is held every year, with chili cooks coming from West Virginia and other states to compete for a berth in the national competition.(updated Nov 2019)
[dead link]Guyandotte Civil War Days(Thunder in the Village).In Guyandotte, early November. This festival features arts and crafts, food, and entertainment.(updated Nov 2019)
Tsubasacon, Mountain Health Arena, first full weekend in October. An anime convention featuring guests, a game room, a vendor room, panels, and special events.
Guyandotte Heritage Days, Guyandotte, West Virginia, November. This historic-themed festival features reenactment of the Confederate raid and the Union reprisal. It features period music, museums, 'living histories', and craft displays.
Hilltop Festival, Huntington Museum of Art, 2nd weekend in September. This event offers entertainment, children's activities, a petting zoo, book fair, arts and crafts, and concessions.
X-Fest, Harris Riverfront Park, Within the first 3 weeks of September. Rock/alternative music concert that allows local bands to play with bigger bands.
Huntington Music & Arts Festival, Ritter Park Amphitheater, Last Saturday in August. Festival centered around local and regional music and visual artists
Huntington Dogwood Arts and Crafts Festival, Mountain Health Arena, April. This features the demonstration and sale of traditional arts and crafts plus specialty ethnic foods.
Jazz-MU-Tazz, Marshall University, June. A summer jazz festival, it is a weekend of music that features jazz cabarets, outdoor concerts, and numerous activities.
Lions Tri-State Arts & Crafts Festival, Mountain Health Arena, 1st weekend in December. An old-fashioned arts and crafts fair that includes over 200 exhibitors featuring a variety of arts and crafts and homemade foods and sweets.
Old Central City Days, Central City district in West Huntington, 3rd weekend in June. This event offers numerous entertainment and shopping options in addition to the existing stock of storefronts, historic tours, and various food vendors at the new farmers market "depot."
Pilot Club of Huntington's Antique Show and Sale, Mountain Health Arena, Last complete weekend in September. An antique show and sale that features more than 40 dealers representing more than 10 states and West Virginia.
Ritter Park Days, Ritter Park, Weekends in July and August. Features children-based activities and programs.
West Virginia Day Celebration, Downtown district – 9th Street Plaza, June 20. This features live entertainment, jugglers, food, crafts, and more.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Downtown Huntington, March 14. This features live entertainment by musical and dance groups appropriate for St. Patrick's
West Virginia Hot Dog Festival.Pullman Square district – 3rd Avenue, downtown Huntington, Last Saturday in July. The WV Hot Dog Festival celebrates the unique hot dog variations of local/regional hot dogs(updated Nov 2019)
C-K Autumn Fest.Late October.Celebrated in Ceredo and Kenova. Features the Pumpkin House, which is a house with over 3000 hand-carved pumpkins.(updated Nov 2018)
Marshall University's Visitor's Center.Located on Hal Greer Blvd. at 5th Ave.
Buy
Heritage Station,210 11th St.Home to several locally owned shops, including the Red Caboose, a shop that specializes in goods made and developed by West Virginia artisans. A steam engine stands sentinel at the entrance.(updated May 2023)
Pullman Square has an excellent shoe store called Heels. Chico's and Runway Couture also have stores here.
The Market,809 3rd Av..Several shops and restaurants occupy this space, including the downtown location of Austin's Ice Cream.(updated May 2023)
Empire Books and News at Pullman Square has new and used books, along with an excellent selection of local-interest books.
Glenn's Sporting Goods,1040 3rd Av.Sporting goods(updated May 2023)
Happy Camper,1323 4th Ave.A hippie-inspired store that offers clothing, purses, jewelry, incense, candles, and "tobacco" smoking supplies.(updated May 2023)
Old Central City on 14th St. W. in the West End is home to several antique stores, a used bookstore and a small cafe.
The Wild Ramp,555 14th St. W..Occupies the front, indoor portion of the historic Central City Market building; locally grown seasonal produce and locally made gourmet groceries.(updated May 2023)
Farmers Markets are held 3x weekly in summer and fall at Old Central City in the Central City Market building in the part behind The Wild Ramp; Wednesdays on Pullman Square, and 2x weekly in Barboursville.
Grocery Stores include: Huntington-based local chain Foodfair, large regional chain Kroger, and discount grocers Aldi and Save-a-Lot. Walmart locations in the Huntington area have large grocery selections.
Flea Markets in the area include the Milton Flea Market, and the smaller Chesapeake Flea Market and Proctorville Flea Market.
Barboursville
Huntington Mall,I-64 and Mall Rd, Barboursville(Exits 20A and 20B),☏ +1 304-733-0492.The largest mall in the state, the Huntington Mall features roughly 150 stores; anchors are Elder-Beerman, Dick's Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Macy's, Sears, and a Cinemark multiplex. The immediate area includes many other major "big box" stores, and the usual selection of fast food and chain restaurants.
Drug Emporium and Healthy Life Market,3 Mall Rd. Barboursville(exit 20 B to East Mall Road, bear right at bottom of ramp. Turn right immediately, between Chipotle and Lazboy; or turn right on to Melody Farms Rd. and then immediately right.).Health food store, clothing, jewelry, local products, a large selection of beer.(updated May 2023)
Milton
Blenko Glass,Fairground Road in Milton,☏ +1 304-743-9081,toll-free: +1-877-4BLENKO (253656).M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM; observation deck open Tu-F 8AM-3:15PM.Making handmade glass since 1921. The visitors' center features a factory outlet, a designers' corner, a museum and an observation deck from which visitors can observe the various steps in handcrafting glass.
The Milton Flea Market.WV's largest flea market is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, though Fridays can be a little quiet. Unique goods include ironware and crockery, livestock, leather products, Amish goods, local produce, and a primitives.
Eat
Huntington's food scene has improved significantly from decades prior, with local chef-entrepreneurs opening several highly-rated restaurants. Huntington claims to be where the West Virginia-style hot dog was created, and hot dogs remain perennially popular. Unfortunately despite significant progress, much of the dining scene still consists of fast-food and national chain restaurants.
Budget
Hillbilly Hot Dogs,6951 Ohio River Rd., Lesage.This quirky restaurant serves hotdogs topped with things like bacon, ground beef, sauteed onions, and more. Hillbilly Hot Dogs was once featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. If you have a choice, visit the original location in Lesage. Learn the weenie song for free ice cream.(updated May 2023)
Cam's Ham, 809 1st St, Huntington. Famous for its flaked ham sandwiches with mystery sauce, and roast beef sandwiches. Eating-in is an experience as much of the decor likely hasn't changed for decades.
No. 1 Kitchen,1669 Washington Av(In the West End, on US-60 west just after the interchange with US-52.).A local favorite for Chinese-American classics made with fresh ingredients. Quick, no-fuss service.(updated May 2023)
Frost Top Drive-In,1449 Hal Greer Blvd.This hot dog drive-in is topped by the purported largest root beer mug in the world.(updated Jun 2023)
Midway West Drive-In,445 6th Av. W..A local institution, simple, classic drive in food; hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. Well-made with quality ingredients(updated May 2023)
Soul Food Twist,417 12th St..A daily-changing menu of excellent soul food served in a small drive-through building.(updated May 2023)
Pho U & Mi,1451 3rd Av..Pho and Banh Mi, some other menu items. Near campus, popular with students.(updated May 2023)
Gumbo Stop Cafe,210 11th St. #3(in Heritage Station).Intimate cafe with Louisiana classics, including Gumbo.(updated May 2023)
Fuji Express,1216 Hal Greer Blvd.Sushi, teriyaki, etc.(updated May 2023)
Jolly Pirate Donuts,4526 US-60.Donuts and a small deli counter with greek gyros(updated May 2023)
Stewart's Hot Dogs,2445 5th Av.Drive-in style hot dog restaurant in downtown Huntington.
Rocco's Little Italy,1345 4th Av,☏ +1 304-529-2400.Very close to the University, popular with students. Cheap little hole-in-the-wall place with good food in a casual atmosphere.(updated May 2023)
Gyro King,300A 8th St(Located in "the market").(updated Nov 2023)
Taqueria 84,809 3rd Av.(Located in "the market", on the second floor).(updated Nov 2023)
Central City Cafe,529 14th St W..(updated Nov 2023)
Mid-range
Grindstone Coffeeology,816 8th St.Excellent coffee, roasted in-house. Also has a location in the Huntington Mall(updated May 2023)
Taste of Asia 821 3rd Ave. Upscale Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food. Hibachi and sushi bar seating is available here.
Black Sheep Burrito & Brews,279 9th St.(at Pullman Square).Quirky fusion burritos, locally-brewed beer.(updated May 2023)
Bahnhof WVursthaus & Biergarten,745 7th Av.Authentic German food.(updated May 2023)
Calamity J Grill & Bar,1555 3rd Av.Southwestern and southern-themed, directly across from campus.(updated May 2023)
Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe,857 3rd Ave.Overpriced pub grub with a great selection of Marshall memorabilia.
Fat Patty's,1935 3rd Ave.Burgers with a wide variety of toppings.
Jim's Spaghetti House,920 5th Ave,☏ +1 304-696-9788.Jim's is an excellent choice for a nice family meal. Try to make it for strawberry pie week.
Nawab Indian Cuisine,600 4th Av,☏ +1 304 525-8500.The lunch buffet is excellent.
Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 3rd Ave. A wonderful place for bbq sandwiches, ribs and wings. Also a good selection of mixed drinks and beer. Thursday night is bike night.
Tequila Grill,5636 US-60(On US-60, almost to Barboursville).Mexican-American with a few regional mexican dishes.(updated May 2023)
Splurge
Savannah's Restaurant and Bistro,1208 6th Ave,☏ +1 304 529-0919.
La Famiglia,1327 6th Av..Upscale Italian restaurant in an old mansion.(updated May 2023)
Drink
As a college town, Huntington has more than its share of bars and pubs, but this list only includes the more reputable establishments. All drinking establishments are smoke-free, though many offer outdoor areas for smokers. Most of the bars are located along 4th Ave.
The Loud((formerly V-Club)),741 6th Ave.One of the best small-to-mid size live music venues in town, the V-Club has pool tables, booths, and good drink specials. Rock posters line the walls, and the party frequently spills over onto the outdoor patio.(updated May 2023)
The Union,1125 4th Ave.This pub and grill is a favorite student (and frat) hangout. Wednesday night is trivia night.
Black Sheep Burritos and Brews,,279 9th St.Has one of the best selections of draft beers in town.
St. Mark's,932 4th Ave.Across from the Kieth Albee Theater, this quiet two-level dive has darts and vintage Pac Man.
38.421999-82.4417481Pullman Plaza Hotel,1001 3rd Ave,☏ +1 304-525-1001.The Pullman Plaza's guest rooms and suites boast 4-star quality and convenience. The upper floors offer a magnificent view of Huntington and the Ohio River.(updated Nov 2016)
Day's Inn,5196 US Route 60,☏ +1 304-733-4477,fax: +1 304-733-4493.Clean, basic room for 2 (2 beds) for $56+ tax. Free, but slow "High Speed Internet."
Most West Virginia telephone numbers consist of +1 304 plus a seven-digit number, but the state is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with +1 681 as the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all ten digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).
Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 304 before these if no area code is indicated.
Stay safe
While generally safe for visitors and residents, Huntington has a moderate crime level, so general street smarts are advised. Dance club shootings have occurred from time to time in the past, so avoid confrontations in those places. That said, the city government has made efforts to close disreputable drinking establishments where these events have repeatedly occurred, making gun violence noticeably less common than in years past. It is best advised to walk at night with a group, especially if unfamiliar with the surroundings.
A regional drug epidemic was supercharged by the nationwide opioid epidemic, so it is not unheard of to see exposed needles on the ground in the most affected neighborhoods. Tread carefully and watch your footsteps, as you don't know what pathogens could be transferred from the needles; care should be taken for pets to do the same.
Many homeless people can be found in Huntington and will often beg or panhandle. A common scam is a man asking for money for gas, with his family stuck at the station or down the road. Simply say no; even if they're persistent, they'll eventually leave you alone. Incidents of homeless people becoming aggressive or robbing people are rare.
Go next
Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, is less than an hour east on I-64
Point Pleasant, 45 minutes north on State Route 2, is home to an excellent River Museum, the WV State Farm Museum, the Mothman Museum, and hosts the annual Mothman Festival.
Carter Cavesis about 45 minutes west along I-64 just outside the small town of Olive Hill, Ky. Here spelunkers can explore the extensive cave systems.
Hatfield and McCoy Trail System Over 500 miles of trails comprise the east's highest-rated ATV trail system, throughout several counties in southern West Virginia.
Morehead, Ky is 1 hour west on I-64; home to Morehead State University and nearby Cave Run Lake.
Logan is a historic coal mining town 1.5 hours south on WV-10. A state park, historic downtown and ATV trail access.
Williamson is a historic coal mining town 1.5 hours south on US-52. A historic downtown featuring the 'Coal House'; hiking trails to rock formations and ATV trail access.
Lexington and Kentucky's bluegrass region is 2 hours west on I-64.
Red River Gorge Geological Area of Daniel Boone National Forest and Natural Bridge State Park are about 2 hours southwest in a sparsely populated rugged region of eastern Kentucky, near the tiny towns of Campton and Stanton.
This city travel guide to Huntingtonis a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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