Stories by John Gillispie, Susan Hahn, Megan Jones, Dave Peyton and Joseph Platania
HQ 31 | SPRING 1998
Nestled between the banks of the majestic Ohio River and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains is a city founded in 1871 by railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington. From its humble beginnings on the site of a former cornfield, the Huntington, West Virginia area now boasts a population in excess of 315,000, a nationally-recognized university, a thriving business community and a revitalized downtown. The community also affords a comfortable lifestyle, a low cost of living, state of the art health care, modern educational facilities and unrivaled natural beauty. This City Guide chronicles much of what this diverse community has to offer including entertainment, shopping, dining, health care, education and culture. It is our hope that this issue will help spread the word about one of the best kept secrets in America.
GET OUT
Entertainment in Huntington means more than just catching a movie or dancing at one of the city’s many nightclubs. The Huntington Civic Arena, at Eighth Street and Third Avenue, offers something for everyone, including concerts, family performances and ice skating.
When Ogden Entertainment took over management of the facility three years ago, it opened up many new doors for the Huntington entertainment scene, said Cheryl Myers, marketing manager. The Civic Arena now boasts an average of 30 to 40 major acts a year, including recent concerts by country stars Trace Atkins and Tracey Lawrence, as well as music legends Bob Dylan and George Clinton and the P Funk All Stars.
The Tom Collins Champions on Ice tour, which has featured the ice-skating talents of Olympians Nancy Kerrigan, Brian Boitano and others, has performed for the last three years and is a Huntington favorite, Myers said. Family shows, such as Sesame Street Live and the new Rug Rats Live production, also draw large crowds.
Throughout the year, the arena hosts several exhibitions, including the Chamber’s Open for Business Trade Show, the West Virginia Sports Spectacular, and three craft shows. The Dogwood Arts and Crafts Fair is presented every spring.
Sports enthusiasts can find hockey action at the arena’s “Tundra,” home to the Huntington Blizzard, a pro team. When the team isn’t practicing, figure skaters can. Myers said the U.S Figure Skating Association has graduated about 700 students from the arena’s classes. The ice rink is also available for private ice rentals.
Movies are an inexpensive mental getaway. Popular with the dating crowd and perfect for lazy afternoons, the area has several theaters including:
Camelot Theatre, 1030 Fourth Avenue, 525-4440.
Cinema Theatre, 1023 Fourth Avenue, 525-4440.
Huntington Mall Cinema, Barboursville, 733-0444.
Keith-Albee Theatre, 925 Fourth Avenue, 525-4440.
Sony Theaters at Midtown Shopping Center, Ashland, (606) 324-5116.
Movies 10, Ashland Town Center Ashland, (606)-423-3120
Huntington offers a diverse club scene for anyone seeking a night out. Area lounges offer music — country western to college alternative, and everything in between. Many clubs offer karaoke for the truly adventuresome. But for those who aren’t seeking the spotlight, the Tri-State has a number of places perfect for just winding down. Here are just a few:
Coyotes Wild Dawg Saloon at 809 Third Avenue, Huntington, caters to the country crowd, bringing in two national country acts a month. However, for those who forgot their cowboy boots, they also offer a rock music bar under the same roof. Call 697-3294.
Dancin’ Cowboys, at the Grandview Inn in South Point, Ohio, offers live music and karaoke throughout the week, with a special family night (no alcohol) on Sundays. Call (614) 377-4597.
The Drop Shop at 1318 Fourth Avenue is a college favorite with live music beginning around 11:30 p.m. Disc jockeys play retro music on Mondays and college nights are Saturdays. Call 634-SHOW for band listings.
Hank’s Wallstreet Tavern & Piano Bar, at 1019 Fourth Avenue, Huntington, is located in a former grill and offers a quaint atmosphere specially designed for the business professional looking to unwind at the end of the day. Call 523-3354.
MacIntosh’s, at 745 Seventh Avenue, Huntington, is an Irish pub decorated with bright plaids and an array of sports memorabilia. They also serve lunch and have karaoke on Tuesdays. Call 525-8051.
Mycroft’s, 1947 Third Avenue, Huntington, is ideally located just a few steps away from the Marshall University Stadium. The decor is architecturally unique. Both students and professionals mingle on most nights and especially after Herd football games.
Also open for lunch, their “Nitty Gritty Grinder” is to die for. Call 525-8963.
Shooters University Billiards and Sports Bar, at 1505 Fourth Avenue, Huntington, has karaoke Thursdays and Fridays, and dance music on Wednesdays. An abundance of pool tables, a beach volleyball court, darts and sports on big-screen TVs are also available. Call 697-2222.
The Stoned Monkey, at 2202 Third Avenue, Huntington, is a popular hangout for Marshall University students. Computers are available for free web surfing. Call 525-PLAY. Their web site is www.netwholesalers.com/ monkey.
At Tavern Off the Green II, 1941 Third Avenue, Huntington, disc jockeys play music on Saturdays. Sports fans can enjoy NASCAR, college basketball and NHL games on 13 TVs. Call 525-7713.
Twentieth Street Bar & Grill, at 2010 Third Avenue, Huntington, is a hot night spot for both Marshall students and working professionals alike. It is conveniently located across from the Marshall University Stadium and boasts terrific lunches along with a large selection of domestic and imported beers. Call 523-6130.
Vinnie’s, located in the former Warehouse Bar on Third Avenue has been renovated into a retro 70s discotheque. Their spacious dance floor has been designed to look exactly like the color-lighted floor which John Travolta glided across in the hit movie “Saturday Night Fever.”
Yesterday’s, located at 1935 Third Avenue, is known for its intimate dance floor and popular dance tunes. Call 523-4967.
The sporting life in Huntington is at the heart of numerous social activities. Sports enthusiasts can find a little bit of everything to whet their athletic appetites.
Huntington offers enough varied sporting attractions to satisfy the most die-hard athletes and couch coaches alike. The city’s football, basketball, hockey and minor-league baseball teams keep fans on the edge of their seats all year long.
When out-of-towners think of Huntington, W.Va., it’s usually in a football context. Marshall University’s Thundering Herd is one of the city’s main attractions, usually drawing near capacity crowds at its modern James F. Edwards Field. During the team’s 1997 inaugural season in Division I-A and Mid-American Conference competition, the Herd posted a 10-3 season record, a MAC championship and a spot in the Ford Motor City Bowl, its first bowl bid in 50 years.
Thanks to such stellar players as wide receiver Randy Moss, a Heisman trophy finalist, Sports Illustrated and the ESPN cable channel followed the Herd’s progress during its 1997-98 season. Most city natives think the recognition is long overdue, given the team’s outstanding record in I-AA football, where it finished last season with a perfect 15-0 record. Even more important, is Marshall’s triumphant recovery from the 1970 plane crash which claimed the lives of 75 players, coaches and fans as they returned from an away game.
Administrators seriously considered doing away with the Marshall football program altogether after the Southern Airways DC-9 crashed into a Huntington mountain side, as almost the entire team had perished. However, with support from the community, fans and alumni, the program was rebuilt into the powerhouse it is today. Schedule and ticket information is available at the Marshall University ticket office at 1-800-THE-HERD.
Marshall basketball, at the Cam Henderson Center on Third Avenue, is another popular attraction, although Coach Greg White said the team isn’t yet drawing the large crowds he hoped to see when he came to town two years ago. However, he thinks his young team just needs some time and a little experience. This year, White started six freshman, after graduating a trio of impressive senior players in 1997. He said the team’s first year in the MAC was a real challenge.
“The quality of players is just so much better,” he said. “Our transition couldn’t happen overnight. It takes time to elevate a team to that kind of form.”
White said he sees good things happening next year with three outstanding freshman slated to join the team and $5 million in renovations planned for the Henderson Center before the season starts in November. Added to the MAC veterans from this year’s roster, White said the program should put on a real show. “It will give us some momentum,” he said. “It will certainly put us in a position to improve the crowds.” Schedule and ticket information is available at the Marshall University ticket office at 1-800-THE-HERD.
When the Huntington Blizzard minor-league hockey team burst onto the scene five years ago, the city was given the opportunity to participate in one of the hottest sports around. As one of 25 teams in the East Coast Hockey League, the Blizzard play at the “Tundra” at Huntington Civic Arena on Third Avenue. The Civic Arena has installed a $2 million permanent ice system for the team and this season the Blizzard finished with their most successful season ever. The hockey season runs from October to the end of April. Ticket and schedule information is available at (304) 697-PUCK.
Since the early 1990s, when the minor-league Huntington Cubs left town, baseball fans have had to drive to Cincinnati to get a baseball fix. That will change when the Huntington Rail Kings, newly transported from Altoona, Pennsylvania, hit town. The Rail Kings, like the Cubs, will play at St. Clouds Commons field, on the west end of town. A member of the Heartland League, the Rail Kings will play five other ball clubs from Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and Mississippi, said Eric Reichert, president and owner. Tickets for the May 29 season opener should go on sale April 1. Ticket and schedule information is available at (304) 429-5046.
By Megan Jones
SHOPPING
Huntington projects a renewed vitality that is reflected in the diversity of the businesses located in the area. Residents and visitors find a welcoming, thriving city defined by a mix of industry, professional offices, restaurants and shops.
Downtown Huntington
The ambiance of the various shops and stores in downtown Huntington provides a shopping experience that is quite enjoyable and convenient.
For high quality, traditional men’s and women’s clothing, George H. Wright’s, on the corner of Fourth Avenue and 10th Street, offers suits, sportswear and accessories for the well-dressed man and woman. Established in 1911, Wright’s is Huntington’s premier clothing store.
For the latest contemporary fashions for women, the Village Collection Ltd., 938 Fourth Avenue, offers limited quantities in a range of styles from casual chic to elegantly sophisticated dresses, suits and coordinates. The shop also is a great place to find designer jewelry, leather handbags and shoes.
Belle’s, at 313 Ninth Street, offers a large selection of traditional, fine clothing exclusively for women while Wender’s Apparel Inc. at 901 Fourth Avenue, carries a mix of traditional and contemporary clothing.
While catering to surf and snow enthusiasts, Back Country Limited, 907 Fourth Avenue, also has women’s and men’s quality activewear such as hand-knit, organic blend sweaters and easy fitting dresses and separates. Back Country also carries jewelry and handbags made by local artists.
For children’s clothing from infants to teens, City Kids & Co., 948 Fourth Avenue, features everything from a one-of-a-kind, heirloom-in-the-making to the whimsical. High quality is the standard for the shop’s clothing, toys, mobiles, stuffed animals and other gift items.
Downtown Huntington also has a wide variety of specialty stores for shoppers looking for a special item or just browsing. The Renaissance Book Company & Coffee House, located at 831 Fourth Avenue, is an independent bookstore with a strong regional selection of books. The bookstore has the atmosphere of an open, airy library that encourages people to linger. Adding to its appeal is the display of paintings, photographs, quilts and furniture by local artists.
F. Reuschlein Jewelers Inc., 825 Fourth Avenue, has an elegance that lends itself to the merchandise within its walls. Established in 1887, Reuschlein’s has one of the best selections jewelry in the Huntington area.
T.K. Dodrill Jewelers at 321 Ninth Street also affords a wide selection of top quality jewelry from DeBeer’s to Honora.
For cards and unique gifts, stop in Richard’s Hallmark at 905 Fourth Avenue. Thoughtful Expressions, 406 Ninth Street, is a specialty gift shop with a varied selection of gourmet foods, Crabtree & Evelyn products (toiletries), and collectibles for all ages.
The shop is known for its customized gift baskets. Just up the street at 416 Ninth Avenue, the Finishing Touch offers unique home furnishings and gifts.
Across the street at 407 Ninth Street, Art Gallery Picture Framing offers an eclectic collection of prints, picture frames, art books, and water fountains. Gallery Two, at 1226 Fourth Avenue, also has a nice collection of framed and unframed prints.
Park Place is a little off the beaten path at 1010 10th Street, but it offers a gourmet food department, gift gallery and a variety of bath, body and home items. The shop also has gift services for any event.
Heritage Village
The Station at Heritage Village was originally the Ohio River Railroad passenger station built in 1887. In the mid-70s, the station and surrounding buildings were renovated to preserve the history of the railroad in Huntington. The complex and plaza, located at 11th Street and Veterans Memorial Boulevard, include a restaurant, a steam locomotive, a Pullman car and various gift shops.
Two shops in particular feature various hand-crafted items indicative of the rich history and culture of the Huntington area. Tia’s Toll, the largest and most unique craft outlet in Huntington, features many hand-crafted products made in West Virginia. The shop also has a large selection of collectibles, including beanie babies. American Heritage Quilts offers hand-quilted bedspreads, pillows, wall-hangings and other gift items. In addition, the shop has collectible dolls and West Virginia crafted furniture.
For the unusual, shoppers should visit the Oriental Gift Shop for spices, figurines and jewelry from the Far East.
Old Central City
Shoppers can spend a leisurely afternoon perusing the unique and unusual at the antique and specialty shops that comprise Old Central City along Adams Avenue and 14th Street West. Most shops in the area, like the Collectors Store Antiques Mall at 1660 Adams Avenue, offer an array of antique furniture, china, glass, toys and other knick knacks.
Other establishments serve a niche market. For instance, Central City Antique Mall at 611 14th Street West, specializes in liquidation of estates, antiques and collectibles. The Antique Center, Inc., 610 14th Street West, specializes in restoring brass items such as chandeliers, lamps and other lighting fixtures as well as beds for resale. In addition to general antiques, the center also has a large selection of antique glass shades and an assortment of stain glass windows.
For distinctive floral arrangements, gift items and baskets, Perry & James Florist at 701 14th Street West, is the place to go. Using greenery such as bear grass and lemon leaf to complement traditional and exotic flowers, PJ’s is known throughout the city for its unique garden-style, Victorian arrangements that reflect a bygone era.
The Mall Scene
Huntington is centrally-located within 15 miles of three shopping malls. While there are some stores common to all three malls, there are many unique shops at each location that offer a broad range of merchandise.
The Huntington Mall Complex, located at the Barboursville exit off I-64, is the largest mall in the area with over 150 stores including Lazarus, Stone & Thomas and Kohl’s department stores. In addition to the major department stores, the Huntington Mall features The Limited, Gap and The Disney Store.
The Ashland Town Center, at 500 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, has approximately 60 stores with Proffitt’s as the main department store. Stars & Stripes is a great store for contemporary and traditional, quality men’s and women’s apparel.
Stone & Thomas also anchors the 41 store Cedar Knoll Galleria, which is located off Exit 185 on I-64 in Kentucky. The galleria offers a mix of standard mall shops and independent shops.
By Susan Hahn
RECREATION
Recreational activities in Huntington are as diverse as the people who live in the area. The rolling hills beckon hikers and bikers; the river and lakes entice boaters, skiers and fishermen, and the parks welcome visitors of all ages to enjoy a variety of activities.
The state parks and forests in the Huntington area provide an array of recreational activities. Beech Fork State Park, East Lynn Lake and Cabwaylingo are all within easy driving distance of Huntington.
Beech Fork State Park (304-522-0303) and Beech Fork Lake and Wildlife Management Area (304-525-4831) encompass more than 10,000 acres of wooded hills, rugged terrain and lush valleys. Beech Fork Lake offers fishing and leisure boating, with many of the park’s 275 campsites located by the lake. The park also has picnic facilities, hiking trails and game courts. The wildlife management area offers seasonal hunting.
East Lynn Lake and Wildlife Management Area (304-849-2355) is a popular destination for waterskiers and motor boat enthusiasts. The 905-acre lake also offers great trout fishing. The 22,928-acre wildlife management area offers hunting for deer, small game and water fowl.
Nearby Cabwaylingo State Forest (304-385-4255) has rental cabins and campground facilities with swimming, picnicking and a play area. The forest has numerous hiking trails that offer the opportunity to see wildlife in a natural setting.
The city of Huntington is home to two very popular municipal parks. The beauty of Ritter Park (304-696-5954) is envigorated by the constant activity of the people using the 70-acre park.
The park, which winds along Fourpole Creek and climbs into the hills overlooking the city, is the heart of Huntington beating with constant activity. The park’s elaborate rose gardens offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of everyday life, while the award-winning playground is a favorite for children of all ages. A walking/jogging/ biking path is lined by some of Huntington’s finer homes. The park has an amphitheater that is very popular during the summer months.
During the warmer seasons, the amphitheater hosts plays and concerts by the Huntington Outdoor Theatre, the Marshall University Chamber 10 Music Series and the Huntington Symphonic Band.
Harris Riverfront Park (304-696-5500) also has an amphitheater, which is located on the Ohio River. It is home to Summerfest, a 10-day celebration featuring boat races and concerts as well as rides, games and food.
The amphitheater also has pop and symphony concerts and even movies during the summer. There is a boat dock and marina with launching facilities. The park is a wonderful place for a stroll or jog along the river, and it has a playground to keep the children happy.
Another favorite summertime destination is Camden Park (304-429-4321), a turn-of-the-century amusement park with an antique carousel, wooden roller coaster and 27 other rides.
The Jewel City Sternwheeler offers riverboat rides on the scenic Ohio River that originate at Harris Riverfront Park or Camden Park.
The Tri-State Ice Arena (304-697-4ICE) is a public ice skating facility on the east side of Huntington with programs for figure skating, power skating, and youth and adult hockey.
Most of the Tri-State’s best golf courses can be found in the Huntington area. Guyan Golf and Country Club (304-736-1141) leads the pack, but since it is private playing the well-manicured grounds will be a challenge.
Spring Valley Country Club (304-429-5570), a hilly, yet scenic, course which played host to Sam Sneed and Arnold Palmer in 1961, is less formal and easier to land a tee time.
As for public courses, Riviera Country Club (304-736-7778) sits on a bluff of land overlooking the Ohio River and is well-maintained and easy to walk.
Sugarwood Golf Club (304-523-6500) is a hidden gem in Wayne County featuring beautifully designed holes and excellent views of the regions rolling hills.
Esquire Country Club (304-736-1476) in Barboursville is one of the longer, more challenging tracts in the area.
Finally, Lavalette Golf Club (304-525-7405) offers dramatic hills and valleys, 11 lakes and is regarded as a shot maker’s course.
Even more recreational activities abound in the area, so get out and enjoy.
By Susan Hahn
DINING
Huntingtonians love eating out and, as a result, the city offers a variety of fine dining locales. Whether you’re looking for Tex Mex or Italian, Japanese or Caribbean, a brew pub or just the perfect hot dog, Huntington won’t disappoint.
Benjy’s 408 Fourth Street (304) 523-1340 This Harley-Davidson Diner is probably Huntington’s most undiscovered eating spot. A 50s style decor highlights this soda-shop setting complete with juke box, motorcycles and some of the best lunchtime food in town.
Calamity Cafe 1555 Third Avenue (304) 525-4171 This southwestern cafe is as famous for its entertainment as its food. Try the Southwest Pasta with Jalapeno Angel Hair and stick around for an evening of blues, jazz, acoustic or alternative music.
Central City Cafe 529 14th St. West (304) 522-6142 This extremely charming west side cafe offers some of the best home cooking you’ll find anywhere. Try one of their many soups, sandwiches, meatloaf dinners or even chicken and dumplings. Mmmmm. You will not be disappointed.
Chili Willi’s 841 Fourth Avenue (304) 529-4857 People from throughout the region make the trek to Chili Willi’s just to crunch the Cadillac Nachos, munch the fajitas, savor a bowl of chili or sip exotic drinks such as the powerful Bad Juan. In fact, a gentleman from Boston, Mass. flies down to Huntington several times a year to have lunch at Chili Willi’s. Enough said.
Elephant Walk 4th Avenue & 10th Street (304) 523-9255 The Elephant Walk in the Frederick Hotel returns to Huntington and is better than ever. The gourmet menu features some of the finest steaks, seafood, veal and lamb set against a very romantic backdrop.
Heritage Station 11th Street & Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard (304) 523-6373 This former railroad passenger station is filled with nostalgia and features delicious American-based cuisine in a romantic setting. After dinner, stroll through historic Heritage Village to capture the flavor of Huntington’s roots.
Hibachi 839 Fourth Avenue (304) 697-0920 Hibachi offers diners a taste of the far east with everything from sake to sushi to magic chefs. The restaurant’s elegant interior is home to a japanese steakhouse, a sushi bar and some of the best chinese food in the region.
Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti 920 Fifth Avenue (304) 696-9788 For over a half century, smilin’ Jim Tweel has welcomed the regulars and the famous to his legendary downtown eatery. You might bump into a future president while sampling Jim’s steaks, spaghetti, fish and irresistible pies. His simple menu is a must for any local diner.
Monty’s Pizza 815 Sixth Avenue (304) 525-1251 Actor/Comedian Billy Crystal said their square-cut pizza was “simply maaarevlous.” Today, Monty’s is a Huntington icon.
Oliver’s 322 10th Street (304) 522-2415 A turn-of-the-century British look lends itself to the ambience found at this fine “foodrinkery.” The menu affords a good blend of foods, including specialty salads, soups, chicken, steaks, seafood and light meals.
Rebels & Redcoats 412 Seventh Avenue West (304) 523-8829 Fine dining and ambiance are the key ingredients that have made Rebels & Redcoats Tavern a Huntington tradition for the last 30 years. The upscale menu ranges from Chicken Divan to Veal Oscar to Broiled Lamb Chops and boasts one of the most impressive wine lists in town.
River & Rail Brewing Co. 857 Third Avenue (304) 525-BREW This downtown brewpub is located on the first floor of the former Huntington Store and offers your favorite steaks, pasta and seafood in a casual atmosphere. Oh yeah, the home-brewed beer isn’t bad either.
Rocco’s Ristorante 252 Main Street, Ceredo (304) 453-2112 Rocco Muriale, Huntington’s prince of pasta, has carved out a niche for himself during his 21 years at the same location. On most nights, people line up outside his door to enjoy his fine cuisine. Rocco’s offers a quaint atmosphere and some of the best gourmet recipes you can find this side of Little Italy.
Savannah’s 1208 Sixth Avenue (304) 529-0919 Simple style and southern charm await you at Savannah’s Restaurant, located in a former townhouse. An understated elegance comforts you and a gourmet menu tempts you with such treasures as cream of crab soup, veal, lamb and salmon. For a romantic evening out, Savannah’s is a sure thing.
Sharkey’s Mo-Bay Cafe 410 10th Street (304) 697-5297 To experience an island breeze in downtown Huntington, try Sharkey’s Mo-Bay Cafe where you can sample the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Caribbean. With offerings like Havana Nachos, Puerto Rico Poppers, and jerked chicken, diners almost need a passport to sample the cuisine.
Stewart’s 5 area locations (304) 529-4700 After being away from Huntington, most residents make Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs their first stop when they return. The Mandt family’s secret recipe has made addicts out of three generations of Huntingtonians.
Other area restaurant locations include:
Applebee’s 1135 Third Avenue (304) 525-4321
Bailey’s Cafeteria 410 Ninth Street (304) 522-3663
Bob Evans 606 Third Avenue (304) 525-6610
BW-3 Grill & Pub 746 Fourth Avenue (304) 525-BWWW
Cajun Kitchen 40th Street & Ohio River (304) 529-3663
Chesapeake Bagel Bakery 335 Ninth Street (304) 522-3170
China Garden 804 Sixth Avenue (304) 697-5524
Crackerbarrel Barboursville (304) 733-3450
China Garden 804 Sixth Avenue (304) 697-5524
Damon’s 1001 Third Avenue (304) 697-7427
Dwight’s 601 First Street (304) 525-3591
Frostop Drive Inn 1449 Hal Greer Boulevard (304) 523-6851
Happy Dragon 1238 Fourth Avenue (304) 697-9061
House of Hunan 6435 Rt. 60 E., Barboursville (304) 736-3744
The Jury Box Cafe 715 Fifth Avenue (304) 697-JURY
Laredo Steakhouse 2134 Fifth Street Road (304) 697-4810
Logan’s Roadhouse 850 Mall Road, Barboursville (304) 736-2792
Lone Star Steakhouse 3420 Rt. 60 E., Barboursville (304) 733-1391
MacIntosh’s 745 Seventh Avenue (304) 525-8051
Magic Wok 2707 Fifth Avenue (304) 697-1077
Martini’s 411 Ninth Street (304) 523-1663
Smith’s Midway Drive-In 445 Sixth Avenue West (304) 523-4844
Mojo Ribs Barboursville (304) 736-2246
Mycroft’s 1947 Third Avenue (304) 525-8963
Nawab Indian Cuisine 600 Fourth Avenue (304) 525-8500
Olive Garden 12 Mall Road (304) 733-6481
Orient Express Rt. 60 East Hills Mall (304) 733-5050
Outback Steakhouse 3417 Rt. 60 E. (304) 733-1355
Red Lobster 200 10th Street (304) 529-4042
Rio Grande 914 Fourth Avenue (304) 522-3010
Sam’s Hot Dog Stand 3 locations (304) 522-8137
Schlotzsky’s Deli 844 Fourth Avenue (304) 525-8000
Southern Style 615 10th Street (304) 522-2100
Steak & Ale 607 Third Avenue (304) 522-2016
Tascali’s Rt. 60 E. (304) 733-1355
20th Street Bar & Grill 2010 Third Avenue (304) 523-6130
West End Cafe 124 Washington Avenue (304) 528-9900
Yesterday’s 1935 Third Avenue (304) 523-4967
By Leesa R. Mullins
HEALTH
The healthcare community in Huntington fosters an environment of cooperation that is essential for providing the very best in healthcare and hospital services to the residents of the Tri-State. Growth in the area’s healthcare community reflects a commitment to provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of the population.
St. Mary’s Hospital is the area’s largest hospital and the state’s second largest provider of healthcare. The 440-bed teaching hospital, established in 1924, continues to grow to meet the medical needs of the region. As a community-based, fully-integrated service provider, St. Mary’s opened a new $17 million Outpatient Center last July. The facility houses the pre-admission testing area, outpatient radiology, endo-scopy and other gastrointestinal procedures, and pre- and post-operative areas for surgery.
The St. Mary’s Regional Heart Center is recognized throughout the area as a leader in invasive and non-invasive cardiac care, with the center performing more than 550 open heart surgeries each year.
Utilizing the latest technology, the center provides interventional cardiology services, non-invasive cardiology testing, specialized patient units and a cardiac rehabilitation department.
The hospital’s Regional Cancer Center is the only cancer program in the Tri-State area that is a designated Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons. The center also is affiliated with the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, allowing the center to share educational and research data, clinical research protocol and consultation between local physicians and Duke’s nationally recognized experts. The partnership, plus 40 years of experience providing the best possible oncology care, has placed the center at the forefront in the battle with cancer.
The Regional Neuro-science Center at St. Mary’s provides advanced treatment and specialized procedures for neurological injuries and disorders including aneurysms, seizures, spinal and back injuries, tumors of the brain and spine, and birth defects.
St. Mary’s offers other specialized services. The Woman’s Health Services provides a nurturing atmosphere with specially-designed birthing suites. In the event of some unforeseen complication, the unit includes a Level II Neonatal Care Nursery. St. Mary’s also offers comprehensive psychiatric services including addiction services, a partial hospitalization program, and adult and adolescent psychiatric services.
Cabell Huntington Hospital, established in 1956, has grown into a leading medical center in the area. As a highly regarded referral center, the facility provides ground and flight services that are essential for critical care patients. The hospital has an Adult Intensive Care unit and Level II Trauma Center that meets the needs of critically injured patients by providing services for neuro, thoracic and orthopedic surgery; and burn, obstetric and pediatric trauma. The 16-bed intensive care unit supports the advanced treatment needed by trauma patients.
The facility’s 10-bed pediatric trauma unit, staffed by the region’s only pediatric intensivists, provides a full range of pediatric trauma specialties.
The hospital also has the only Regional Burn Intensive Care Unit in West Virginia and the Tri-State area. The unit has a comprehensive staff that is trained to deal with the various traumas experienced by burn victims while providing skin grafts and artificial skin in extreme cases.
The hospital’s regional High-Risk Obstetrics Care unit, directed by the only perinatologist in the Tri-State, offers care for women with abnormal or complicated pregnancies as well as multiple pregnancy and premature delivery. In the event that the baby has complications, the hospital has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care unit with supervised “rooming in” for parents.
The hospital also has a kidney dialysis unit, a pain management center and a women’s health center.
Looking to the future, Cabell Huntington and the Marshall University School of Medicine have formed a partnership to strengthen their commitment to providing community-based healthcare services. By consolidating the facilities of Cabell Huntington and Marshall’s medical school, the new medical center will provide access to the medical school’s specialists and residents as well as clinical educational programs and health education. The blending of the medical school and the hospital also benefits patients in that services will be much more centralized enabling the partnership to deliver high quality health care that is cost conscious.
The new medical center will integrate clinical education and patient care for the departments of family and community health, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery and geriatrics.
As Huntington grows and moves into the 21st Century, the quality of healthcare services will continue to exceed the expectations of the community and surrounding areas.
By Susan Hahn
CITY ONLINE
While Huntington continues to grow and prosper, its virtual counterpart in cyberspace is doing the same. More and more Huntington businesses and institutions are making their presence known on the World Wide Web as it becomes apparent that the web is the way to get a message out to the world quickly and efficiently.
The following is a list of web sites that either originate with Huntington businesses and institutions or promote Huntington on the web:
ComputerLand of Huntington, 416 10th Street, which provides sales and service of computers and software: www.clhnt.com.
EZNET, 838 Fourth Avenue, 3rd Floor, a large Internet service provider and consultant in Huntington: www.ezwb.com.
Huntington Quarterly magazine, with a circulation of 5,000 subscribers, offers selections from its print magazine online at www.huntingtonquarterly. com. Be sure to check out Virtual Huntington, an online photo exhibition by David E. Fattaleh.
Magic Makers Costumes, Inc., 940 Fourth Avenue, Suite 360, a national costume sales and rental supply house: www.magicmakers.com.
Cabell Huntington Hospital at www.cabellhuntington.org offers a web site that currently features the latest photos of the future Marshall University Medical Center at Cabell Huntington. Its Nursery Net section features pictures of the latest new arrivals via the stork.
St. Mary’s Hospital at www.st-marys.org features a searchable database of the web site based on keywords. Read about the various hospital centers as well as a calendar of events the hospital sponsors for the community.
Huntington Online, the official City of Huntington site, features a directory of Huntington churches, a message from Huntington Mayor Jean Dean and more. See it at www.cityofhuntington.com.
The Cabell-Huntington Convention & Visitors Bureau solicits and serves visitors, groups, conventions, conferences, events and all sorts of gatherings in the city. You’ll find it at www.visithuntington.org.
The Huntington Area Development Council (HADCO), an economic development agency whose job it is to attract new businesses and grow existing businesses: www.hadco.org
The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, an advocate and development facilitator for businesses in Cabell and Wayne counties, can be found at www.huntingtonchamber.org.
Advantage Valley, a collaborative effort by Marshall University and regional businesses to promote Greater Huntington, Putnam County, Ashland and metropolitan Charleston as a place to do business: www.advantagevalley.com.
The Robert C. Byrd Institute, 1050 Fourth Avenue, offers the latest in high tech manufacturing processes to the region’s small and medium sized businesses. It’s web page is at www.rcbi.org. While there, check out the 21st Century Manufacturing Network, an innovative program to boost the sales of local manufacturers via the Internet.
WOWK-TV at www.wowktv.com offers local news and weather. If you have RealAudio, you can listen to newscasts through your web browser.
WSAZ-TV at www.wsaz.com gives readers news, weather, sports, a community bulletin board and a direct link to the web pages of MSNBC.
Marshall University’s impressive web site at www.marshall.edu offers hundreds of well-designed pages including web pages created by the faculty and students.
The Cabell County School System web site at www.cabellschools.com offers a school calendar, important announcements about the school system and links to Cabell County schools which have home pages of their own on the World Wide Web.
The official web site of Blizzard Hockey at www.blizzardhockey.com offers biographies of the team members, game schedules, history and pictures. With Realplayer 5.0, you can log onto the site and hear live game broadcasts.
The Huntington Museum of Art offers a web site at www.hmoa.org that explains the history of the museum. It also has a listing of classes, workshops, exhibitions, an events calendar and information on how to join.
The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society at www.serve.com/cphrrhs is the place to find information about the chapter founded in 1959 and named for the founder of Huntington.
By Dave Peyton
EDUCATION
Quality educational opportunities can be found in the Huntington area from kindergarten to high school to college and beyond.
The Cabell County Public School system has a proud tradition of professional employees. No school system in the region or state has a more extensively trained and experienced instructional staff. According to the latest figures, 70 percent of the county’s teachers have at least a master’s degree.
Reading, writing and arithmetic remain the foundation for learning about other cultures, technology and the arts. Computer instruction begins in kindergarten as the importance of technology is stressed throughout the learning process. Emphasis is place on workplace readiness to prepare students for life after graduation.
Education for exceptional children provides an advanced learning atmosphere that is conducive to the social, physical, emotional and intellectual growth of each individual student.
Cooperative ventures with Marshall University, the Huntington Museum of Art, local law enforcement agencies, human service agencies, business partnerships and volunteers show that the community members take a special interest in what happens in their schools.
In 1990, through the combined efforts of a number of community organizations, a bond for school construction was passed. This bond brought about the consolidation of four high schools into two: Cabell Midland High School (opened September 1994) and Huntington High School (opened September 1996). Every student in Cabell County attends a state-of-the-art high school.
Alternative choices in private and parochial schooling can also be found in the Huntington area. At Grace Christian School in the west end of Huntington, the mission is “to assist Christian parents from bible believing churches as they seek to educate their children in truth and righteousness.” The school is currently celebrating their 20th year and is accredited by the West Virginia Christian Education Association (WVCEA) and the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS). A faculty staff of 25 (50 percent of which hold master’s degrees) instruct students K-4 to grade 12. More than 90 percent of the schools graduates enroll in four-year colleges and universities. Their current enrollment is 350.
Covenant School, located on Route 60 East, is a board-run private school offering a classical and Christ-centered education for students K-5 through grade 8. Instruction at the school is organized according to the classical “trivium,” a three-phase approach that includes grammar, logic and rhetoric. The goal of the school is to help each student learn how to learn and foster a love of the learning process.
Upon graduating from high school, students have a number of local educational choices including vocational school, junior college, community college and Marshall University.
Founded in 1936, the Huntington Junior College of Business offers training to more than 500 students in eight disciplines: business management, professional office assistant, computer information services, court reporting, dental assisting, accounting, medical assisting and secretarial. In 1997, the school received accreditation from the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education — North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Students can now transfer credits from junior college to regional schools such as Ohio University and Marshall University. The college had a placement rate of 81 percent in 1997.
Marshall University, founded in 1837 as a small teacher’s college, is now West Virginia’s fastest growing institution for higher learning with an enrollment in excess of 13,000. The school’s highly-regarded “Marshall Plan” offers students a competitive edge in the world economy of the 21st Century. The Marshall Plan incorporates a “Capstone” experience including a project and thesis for all graduating seniors, scientific and computer literacy for all undergraduates, and a required set of global studies and writing-intensive courses to hone students’ communications skills.
The university also is home to several Centers of Excellence including the John R. Hall Center for Academic Excellence, the Barbara P. Guyer National Center for Higher Education for Learning Problems and the John Deaver Drinko Academy for American Political Institutions and Civic Culture.
The 1990s have seen sweeping changes on the campus not only in terms of academic excellence, but modern new facilities as well. In 1991, a new $30 million football stadium opened on campus. A year later, construction was completed on a new $13 million Fine and Performing Arts Center. This year construction is nearing completion on the Drinko Library, projected to be one of the country’s most modern, technologically advanced facilities. In addition to housing more than 200,000 printed volumes, the library will be wired with a network of dedicated fiber-optic cables that will enable the library to be the “on-ramp” to the Information Superhighway for people of all ages and interests.
Marshall University offers 200 quality academic programs, 1,200 academic scholarships, $25 million in student financial aid, a range of cultural and athletic programs, Masters and Doctorate degrees, a renowned School of Medicine and is rated as a U.S. News “Best Buy.”
By Leesa R. Mullins
HISTORY
The city of Huntington may have never existed if not for a small incident that took place about 10 miles up river in the small settlement of Guyandotte, W.Va. You see, railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington was in Guyandotte hoping to build a western terminus for his fledgling Chesapeake and Ohio Railway when he was fined because his horse, tied in the street, “swung about to take a position on the sidewalk.”
The incident of the fine, many believe, so angered Huntington that he decided to build the terminus and a new city in a cornfield down river. By February 1871, the city of Huntington was incorporated. From that date and for more than a century, the C&O was the region’s largest employer. No other single event contributed to the building of the city of Huntington more than the coming of the C&O Railway.
The next century and a quarter have witnessed many changes to the city that extends for some 15 miles along the Ohio River flood plain. Three bridges now span the beautiful Ohio and an interstate runs south of town. Between the river and the highway stands the city of Huntington, home to more than 50,000 residents, a beautiful park system, factories, businesses, hotels, theaters, an art museum and, of course, Marshall University.
Over the last 125 years, the city has seen many exciting changes and dramatic events.
On Monday, September 6, 1875, four well-armed members of the notorious James-Younger Gang robbed the Bank of Huntington. Two of the men entered the bank and, in a matter of minutes, the two gunmen who remained outside began firing up and down the street. After the robbery, the foursome spurred their swift horses out of town.
Electric lights first shone on Huntington streets on November 12, 1886. This led city fathers to decide to add the new technological marvel called the electric street car to city transportation. The electric street car, or “trolley,” ran on tracks and used a pole to draw power from an overhead wire.
In the 1890s, a young man named Carter G. Woodson and his family settled in the bustling city of Huntington which now boasted 10,000 residents. In the fall of 1895, after teaching himself how to read by recognizing letters from an old Bible, Woodson enrolled in the new Douglass High School. He completed his high school education in just two years. He then went on to become the second black man in history to earn a Ph. D. from Harvard University, founded Black History Month which is celebrated each February and is recognized as the “Father of Black History.”
In 1906, the Frederick Hotel at Fourth Avenue and 10th Street welcomed its first guests. For nearly 70 years, the 125-room Frederick was the city’s largest hotel, and was considered the finest hotel between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.
The year 1913 is memorable as the time the Ohio River flooded Huntington, then a city of more than 30,000. In September 1913, Ritter Park, located on the city’s southside on land once considered the outskirts of town, opened to the public. Ritter Park, named for Charles Lloyd Ritter in honor of his gift of several acres of land, has been dubbed the “Jewel of Huntington.”
In 1920, the International Nickel Company decided to establish a refinery and rolling mill in Huntington. Plant operation began in 1922 and the company soon became one of the area’s largest employers.
In 1924, St. Mary’s Hospital was founded by a handful of sisters of the Pallottine Order. Originally from Germany, the sisters were scheduled to sail to the United States on the luxury liner, Titanic. But, as fate would have it, one of the sisters discovered the papers necessary for their departure were not in order, so they watched the ill-fated ship sail on without them. Today, St. Mary’s Hospital is a state-of-the-art regional medical center and one of the city’s largest employers with more than 1,500 employees.
In 1926, the Sixth Street Bridge, Huntington’s first span across the Ohio River, opened to traffic. Two years later saw the opening of the opulent Keith-Albee Theatre, the city’s largest movie theater and then one of the largest in the country outside of New York City.
The winter of 1937 brought the city’s worst flood as water from the swollen Ohio River inundated most of the region testing the endurance of Huntington residents. The entire city was paralyzed by the far-reaching waters. Six thousand people were left homeless. Later, a 15-mile long flood wall was built to protect the city by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
By 1950, the U.S. Census Bureau recorded Huntington’s largest population of 86,353.
In 1959, Huntington was named an “All-America City” by the National Municipal League and Look magazine. A year later, a young senator from Massachusetts came to West Virginia to show the world that he should be elected the next president of the United States. In 1961, a long sought-after event took place as Marshall College became a university.
After a decade of growth, tragedy struck on November 14, 1970, when a chartered airliner crashed on its approach to the Tri-State Airport, claiming the lives of 75 passengers and crew including almost all of the Marshall football team, coaches and fans. The city mourned for months.
The early 90s have been highlighted by the opening of Marshall University’s new 30,000-seat football stadium. In December 1992, the Thundering Herd won the NCAA I-AA National Championship. Five years later, the football program entered Division I-A competition finishing its first season at 10-3.
Marshall University is now the state’s fastest growing institution for higher learning with an enrollment in excess of 13,000 students. Downtown also is making a comeback with new businesses, specialty shops, restaurants and various activities.
What the next 125 years may hold in store for Huntington is anyone’s guess. But whatever is in the cards for the Jewel City, there will always be high points and low points for future historians to ponder.
By Joseph Platania
CULTURE
Fans of art and culture have a varied palette of concerts, plays and exhibits from which to choose right here in the Tri-State. From broadway to ballet, our arts community has it all.
Thanks to organizations such as the Marshall Artists Series, the Huntington Civic Arena and the Paramount Arts Center, world-renown entertainers visit the Tri-State regularly.
The Berlin Symphony Orchestra, Bob Dylan and Anne Murray are all recent performers to take to local stages.
Lovers of live drama can choose from outdoor productions to professional theater thanks to the efforts of Marshall University Theatre, the Musical Arts Guild, Musical Arts Guild Children’s Theater, the Community Players, Huntington Outdoor Theatre and many other such groups. Broadway musicals often visit Huntington as guests of the Marshall Artists Series.
Classical music has a home with the Huntington Symphony Orchestra which often performs at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium, Harris Riverfront Park, Ritter Park Amphitheater and the Huntington Civic Arena. The orchestra is buoyed by many Marshall University Department of Music professors who practice what they teach.
As the largest museum in the Tri-State region, the Huntington Museum of Art presents world-class exhibits and sponsors a number of educational workshops and classes. The museum also boasts West Virginia’s first and only plant conservatory which opened in 1996. It is regarded as one of the finest small museums in the nation.
The Birke Art Gallery at Marshall University presents a number of exhibits each year in addition to conducting lectures and symposiums.
The Kentucky Highlands Museum in Ashland also conducts a wide range of programs and exhibits.
Here are some of the cultural organizations working to keep drama, music and art alive here in the Tri-State:
The Huntington Civic Arena (304-696-4400) is home to the Huntington Blizzard hockey team. The arena has also played host recently to Champions on Ice featuring Oksana Baiul, Nancy Kerrigan, Brian Boitano, Dorothy Hamill and many other Olympic skating champions. The Civic Arena hosted Bob Dylan in the fall of 1997 and brings family events such as “Barney’s Big Surprise,” “Sesame Street Live” and “Rugrats: A Live Adventure” to town.
The Marshall Artists Series in Marshall University’s Smith Hall (304-696-6656) featured such performers as The Temptations, Paula Poundstone and Michael Feinstein this past season. In addition, the artists series presented the Broadway plays “West Side Story” and “A Chorus Line” and featured the Stars of the Kirov Ballet and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. It also hosts the International Film Festival each spring and fall.
The Paramount Arts Center in Ashland (606-324-3175) recently featured Anne Murray in their Annual Subscription Series and hosted the Fifth Dimension in April. It is home to the Troubadour Concert Series which will feature Kathy Mattea, Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin and others in concert this year. The Paramount is devoted to educational programming such as the Youth Education Series, an Imagination Festival and resident companies of the Ashland Youth Ballet as well as the Backstage Players community theatre group for students.
Marshall University Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center (304-696-ARTS) presents traditional and modern theatrical productions year-round. Two performance spaces include the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse and an experimental theater. Recent productions include Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” and David Mamet’s “American Buffalo.” The group’s summer production is “Lost in Yonkers.”
Recent productions at the Ashland Community College Theatre Program (606-329-2999, ext. 613) have included “Once Upon a Mattress” and “The Night the Beatles Played Sullivan.” Plans are underway to present Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” in late April and early May. They also feature an annual Children’s Theatre Production. The Musical Arts Guild (304-523-9232) presents a Broadway musical at various Huntington locations in May of each year. During November, the group presents a free concert of Classic Oratoria at one of Huntington’s downtown churches. The group plans to present “Showboat Review” May 14-17 at Harris Riverfront Park.
Musical Arts Guild Children’s Theatre (304-529-7912) is in its eighth year. It was created to give young people of the Tri-State a theatrical outlet. Children in kindergarten through high school have participated in recent productions of “Bye Bye Birdie,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Oliver!”
The Renaissance Book Company & Coffee House (304-529-7323) features book signings, art exhibits, storytelling, poetry readings, concerts and more. Many events take place in the Afterword Cafe, is on the lower level and serves a variety of specialty coffees and cuisine.
The Mountaineer Opry House in Milton (304-733-2721) offers traditional bluegrass music with regular weekend performances.
Marshall University Department of Music in Smith Hall (304-696-3117) hosts events that range from student and faculty recitals to Marshall University Symphony performances. The department includes University Chorus and Choral Union and a combination of singers from MU and the community. Many Smith Recital Hall musical events are free to the public.
The Community Players (304-529-4259 or 304-522-3064) presents mostly traditional theatrical productions. It is open to anyone interested in learning more about theater. They are always seeking volunteers to serve as directors as well as play reading partners and membership committee members.
Huntington Outdoor Theatre presents outdoor musicals during summer months at the Ritter Park Amphitheater. Past productions have included “The Sound of Music” and “Oklahoma!”
In addition to exhibits, workshops and classes, the Huntington Museum of Art (304-529-2701) features the C. Fred Edwards Conservatory. Recent exhibits have included “Roy Lichtenstein: Man Hit by the 21st Century” and the Walter O. Evans Collection of African-American Art. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
Vintage radios and windup victrolas are on display at the Museum of Radio and Technology (304-525-8890). The museum also houses a replica of a radio repair shop and a sales floor from the 1920s and 1930s. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission by donation.
Student and professional art exhibits as well as lectures and symposiums are featured at the Birke Art Gallery in Marshall University’s Smith Hall (304-696-6760 or 304-696-2296). Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 7 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Members of the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society serve as guides at the Huntington Railroad Museum (304-525-5884). The museum features a C&O Railroad locomotive, a converted caboose and a working pump handcar. Call for hours and tour information.
The Ceredo Historical Society (304-453-3025) chronicles the past of this charming community. A recent exhibit focused on the historical photographs and documents pertaining to Wayne County. Call for hours.
Recent exhibits at the Kentucky Highlands Museum (606-329-8888) have included the Kentucky Derby traveling exhibit featuring African Americans involved in thoroughbred racing and “Microscapes: The Hidden Art of High Technology.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
Call the Ashland Area Art Gallery (606-329-1826) for hours and exhibits.
Group tours are available by appointment at the Lawrence County Museum (614-532-1222).
Ohio University Southern Campus (614-533-4565) has various exhibits in the Collins and Riffe centers at the university. Call for more information.
At Southern Ohio Museum (614-354-5629), recent exhibits have focused on the art and craft inspired by the rivers of Kentucky. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $1 for adults and 75 cents for children and students. Free admission on Fridays.
French Art Colony (614- 446-3834). Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
By John Gillispie
GREAT GETAWAYS
West Virginia’s rich history, combined with its stunning scenic beauty, offers travelers a variety of amenities and activities that are ideal for weekend trips or an extended vacation.
State Parks
West Virginia has more than 30 state parks comprised of approximately 200,000 acres of mountains, forests, rivers and wildlife areas. Many of the parks include battlefields, monuments, Indian mounds and historic trails. Each of the parks offers a variety of events, workshops and festivals throughout the year. For more information, call 1-800-CALL-WVA.
Cacapon Resort at Berkeley Springs (304-258-1022) in the eastern panhandle is known for its Robert Trent Jones designed 18-hole golf course that features several double greens. Cacapon’s lake is great for swimming, and row and paddleboat rentals are available. Throughout the year, the resort offers horseback riding, hiking trails, and tennis. During the winter, guests can enjoy cross-country skiing. Visitors to the area should take the time to visit the mineral water and roman baths at nearby Berkeley Springs State Park (304-258-2711).
In the northeastern portion of the state, Canaan Valley Resort in Davis (304-866-4121) is a popular winter destination for skiers. The rest of the year, guests can play golf on the resort’s 18-hole course bordered by the Blackwater River. Guests staying at nearby Blackwater Falls (304-259-5216) also can golf or ski at Canaan. Blackwater Falls has miles of trails for cross-country skiers. Both state parks offer fishing, horseback riding, tennis, and hiking and biking trails.
Another state park situated in the north central area is Tygart Lake in Grafton (304-265-3383). The 11-mile lake is popular for water-related sports including boating, fishing, waterskiing, scuba diving and swimming. Vacationers can stay at Tygart Lake’s lodge, cabins or campgrounds.
Between Clarksburg and Parkersburg in Cairo, North Bend State Park (304-643-2931) sits atop a ridge that overlooks a wooded river valley laced with hiking trails and fishing streams. The North Bend Rail Trail, which is easily accessible from the park, passes through 10 tunnels and over 32 bridges. It is part of the 5,500 mile long American Discovery Trail.
The Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park in Parkersburg (304-420-4800) offers a glimpse into the life of the gentry in the early 1800s through a re-creation at the mansion and estate of Harman Blennerhassett. A sternwheeler takes visitors over to the island and horse drawn trams complete the trip to the estate. The island also has a crafts village, picnic shelters and bike rentals for visitors who want to explore the island.
Hawk’s Nest is nestled on the side of a mountain in central West Virginia right in whitewater rafting country. The park, in Ansted (304-658-5212) borders the New River Gorge National River which forms Hawk’s Nest Lake. An aerial tramway takes visitors from the park’s lodge to the lakeside recreational facilities. For the adventuresome, jet boat excursions into the whitewater of the New River are available.
A visit to Cass Scenic Railroad at Cass (304-456-4300), in the heart of ski country, makes for a very enjoyable trip at any time of the year. The steam-driven locomotives transport passengers into a bygone era of logging camps in the lush, rich forests of the mountains. The train makes numerous stops as it winds its way up the mountain, reaching an altitude of 4,842 feet at Bald Knob.
In the southern part of the state, Pipestem Resort in Pipestem (304-466-1800) offers a nine-hole par three and an 18-hole championship golf course overlooking the Bluestone Gorge. The resort features two lodges — the McKeever Lodge, which offers a commanding view of the gorge, and the Mountain Creek Lodge, which sits at the base of the Bluestone Canyon and is accessible only by an aerial tramway. Year-round activities include horseback riding, tennis, fishing, hiking and paddle boating.
Twin Falls Resort in Mullens (304-294-4000) also features an 18-hole championship golf course, originally designed by Geoffrey Cornish, and redesigned in 1984 by George Cobb. The course meanders along lush wooded areas with small ponds and streams framing 15 of the 18 holes. The resort is also home to a restored living history farm that dates from the 1830s.
Resorts & Inns
The Greenbrier is one of the country’s premier resorts designated as a Mobil five-star and AAA five-diamond resort. Located in White Sulphur Springs (800-624-6070), the spa utilizes the sulphur water of the springs to sooth the body and renew the spirit. The Greenbrier also has numerous championship golf courses, tennis courts and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. A paradise for the outdoorsman, the resort offers hunting and fishing excursions, and falconry.
Visitors to Greenbrier County should take the time to visit the charming shops in downtown Lewisburg. Within walking distance to the downtown area, the General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg (800-628-4454), offers antique filled rooms and has a quaint restaurant.
East of Greenbrier County, Glade Springs Resort, near Beckley (800-607-7669), has been recognized for its championship golf course. The 4,000 acre retreat offers villas and suites for visitors wanting to take advantage of all the amenities at the resort including a fitness center, tennis, racquetball, swimming and horseback riding.
Heading north from Greenbrier County into the mountains, vacationers will find the charming town of Huttonsville as a nice location from which to explore the natural beauty of the area. Huttonsville has two B&Bs that are a popular destination for skiers, rafters and other outdoor aficionados. The Hutton House Bed & Breakfast (800-234-6701) is a Queen Anne Victorian nestled between the Tygart Valley and the Laurel Mountains. The inn, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was built at the turn of the century. The Cardinal Inn (800-335-6149), built in 1901, is a completely restored Queen Anne Victorian that features a wraparound porch — an ideal place to enjoy the view of the mountains and the river.
Continuing north to Elkins, travelers will find a thriving community known for the performing arts and artisans. The area is also a central point for many of the state parks and forests offering excellent hiking and biking, hunting and fishing and skiing. The area has numerous historic B&B Inns that can serve as a “home base” while enjoying the culture and natural beauty of the area. The Graceland Inn & Conference Center (304-637-1600), which is located on the Davis & Elkins campus, is a spectacular Victorian stone mansion with 13 elegant guest rooms, three of which are suites. Adjacent to Graceland, Allen Hall houses the conference center and has 26 additional guest rooms. Graceland is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Warfield House Bed & Breakfast (888-636-4555) is within walking distance to the shops, restaurants and theatres of Elkins. The “Old Colonies Style” brick and shingles house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1901 and features stained glass windows, oak and cherry woodwork and ornate fixtures. Tunnel Mountain Bed & Breakfast (888-211-9123), a three-story fieldstone, is truly a country retreat nestled on the side of Tunnel Mountain. The interior is finished in pine and wormy chestnut woodwork, and one of the three guest rooms has an antique rope bed.
A Governor’s Inn, east of Elkins in Buckhannon (304-472-2516), is a century old red brick mansion built by the second governor of West Virginia, D.D.T. Farnsworth, who spared no expense in building the home for his wife and 15 children. The plush inn features European down featherbeds.
Moving north to Morgantown, Lakeview (800-624-8300) is the area’s most popular resort and convention center. Lakeview has two championship golf courses, a $2 million health and fitness center, tennis, racquetball, indoor and outdoor pools. In addition to lodge accommodations, the resort has luxury two bedroom condominiums.
Closer to the campus of West Virginia University, Fieldcrest Manor Bed & Breakfast (800-765-0569) offers an alternative to traditional hotel accommodations. The 80-year-old estate was built by the famous stone mason, Tony Pietro. Many of the antiques and collectibles in the house are available for purchase.
Another nationally-recognized West Virginia resort is Oglebay in Wheeling (800-624-6988) in the Northern Panhandle. The resort is part of a 1,500 acre municipal park that consists of a lodge with private cabins, numerous restaurants, the Oglebay estate museum, the Waddington Gardens, a glass house and a 65-acre petting zoo. Oglebay has three golf courses including a championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Other activities include tennis, swimming, boating, hiking and skiing.
The Eastern Panhandle, within an hour of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, is rich in history as the site of many colonial and civil war battles and other historically significant events.
Harper’s Ferry established its roots in the Civil War when John Brown raided the U.S. Arsenal there in 1859. Harper’s Ferry’s historic section is a national park and part of the Civil War Discovery Trail.
The panhandle is rich with B&B inns that reflect its historic past. Harper’s Ferry Guest House (304-535-6955) is located in the historic district of the town. The building was constructed in 1992 to replicate the mid-19th century architectural style of the period.
The Cottonwood Inn (800-868-1188) and the Washington House Inn (800-297-6957) are both in Charles Town, the site of John Brown’s trial. The Thomas Shepherd Inn (888-889-8952) is located in historic Shepherdstown, West Virginia’s oldest community. In Martinsburg, the hub of the Eastern Panhandle, visitors to the area will find the Aspen Hall Inn (304-263-4385) a wonderful place to stay. The majestic limestone house has retained all of its Georgian features from when it was built more than 200 years ago. Edgewood Manor (304-229-9353) in Bunker Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places. The elegantly restored red brick house was built in 1839 by General Elisha M. Boyd. The Farmhouse on Tomahawk Run in Hedgesville (304-754-7350), built in the early 1740s, has a long history. There also is a Carriage House on the property that guests can rent.
Skiing
West Virginia is known for having the best skiing in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States. With the Allegheny Mountains dominating the north central part of the state, there are many resorts in the state that cater to winter sports, making West Virginia a popular destination for tourists throughout the country.
Snowshoe & Silver Creek, located in Pocahontas County (304-572-1000), is the largest ski area in the region with 53 slopes and trails. Snowshoe is unique in that its slopeside facilities and accommodations are clustered at the top of the mountain at an elevation of 4,848 feet. Silver Creek, located two miles from the top of the mountain, is known for its family atmosphere. Slopes and facilities at both resorts can be used by guests with easy access by shuttle or car.
Timberline, located in Canaan Valley (304-866-4801), has 35 trails, 30 percent of which are lighted. Snowboarders are welcome on all the trails, and the resort has a 200-foot half-pipe that is used for competitions and special events.
Timberline is located in the same region as Canaan Valley State Park in Davis (800-622-4121). Canaan Valley has 21 trails comprised of 34 slopes, and offers night skiing and snowboarding. The top elevation at both resorts is approximately 4,300 feet.
Alpine Lake, in Terra Alta (304-789-2481), offers six trails for downhill skiing, and cross-country skiers will find 10 miles of trails for beginners and advanced skiers. Alpine offers free lessons to first time skiers.
Winterplace, located in the southern part of the state (304-787-3221), is conveniently located just one mile off I-77. The family-oriented resort is an excellent place for beginners to learn how to ski and snowboard. At an elevation of 3,600 feet, Winterplace has 24 lighted slopes and trails with 100 percent snowmaking capability and the slopes are open until 10 p.m. Lodging is available at Glade Springs, a 10-minute shuttle bus drive away.
Whitewater Rafting
The rivers of West Virginia are ancient, and for centuries the waters have fought to make their way through the mountains, creating a spectacular force of nature that is revered by the adventuresome. In recent years a 53-mile stretch of the New River in southeastern West Virginia has been designated the New River Gorge National River. The upper New River, a six-mile stretch of slow moving current and whitewater, is ideal for family fun, while the lower New is more challenging. The Gauley River, a 26-mile stretch of world class whitewater, offers the most thrilling ride with approximately 100 major rapids and a drop of more than 650 feet.
There are more than 20 professional whitewater companies that operate on the New and Gauley rivers. Each has a variety of packages that run from one week to a half day.
ACE Whitewater (800-787-3982) and The Rivermen Outdoor Center (800.545.RAFT) offer all-inclusive packages. Ace’s outdoor center has chalets for rent and has a campground. The Rivermen offers rustic ranch-style rooms and bunk-rooms, cabin tents or camping. Both offer other outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing and kayaking.
Songer White-water, Inc. (800-356-RAFT) will custom design a package to suit individual needs including multi-day trips and combination trips. Songer also offers horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking and fishing.
By Susan Hahn
