50 Things We Love About Huntington

By the Editors

HQ 72 | WINTER 2010

1. The People Never too busy to wave, say hello or lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need, Huntingtonians know the meaning of hometown hospitality. It is a rare occasion to go to the grocery store and not see a familiar face. Those who’ve moved away often agree that the thing they miss most about Huntington is its people.
2. Marshall University It’s hard to even imagine Huntington without Marshall as the two are inextricably linked. The heart and soul of our community, Marshall University brings an undeniable energy to the city. While Old Main remains the focal point of the scenic campus, the local landmark is also surrounded by an array of state-of-the-art facilities – including the John D. Drinko Library, Arthur Weisberg Family Engineering Laboratories, Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center, Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center and so much more. It’s little wonder that Marshall is the state’s fastest-growing institution for higher learning.
3. City of Churches With more than 150 places of worship, many of them concentrated along downtown’s Fifth Avenue, Huntington is often justly called the “City of Churches.” Some Huntingtonians claim that there are more churches on Fifth Avenue than any other street in the country; others boast that we have more places of worship per capita than any other U.S. city. Whether or not these assertions are accurate, we do know one thing is true: Huntington has a rich religious history and is proud of it.
4. Ritter Park First dubbed the “Jewel of Huntington,” Ritter Park is the city’s premier playground for children, adults and man’s best friend. Day or night, summer or winter, you can spot residents of Huntington strolling its paths and enjoying its natural beauty. The rose garden and amphitheater have played host to numerous outdoor events, including weddings, chamber music, rock concerts and receptions. Ritter Park’s new state-of-the- art playground, built to increase accessibility, features a zip line, bongo drums and climbing rocks.
5. The Ohio River Railroad tycoon Collis P. Huntington picked a cornfield that overlooked the scenic Ohio River as the spot on which he would build a city. The mighty Ohio continues to serve the region today, providing much-needed transportation and recreation for residents of West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.
6. The Four Seasons From the blooming flowers in spring to the electrifying colors of fall, from the sizzling heat of summer to the crisp winter air, each season brings its own unique beauty to Huntington. In the spring, Huntington’s trees and flowers come alive with the showers of April, and in the summer, it’s just hot enough to enjoy a day by the pool or a glass of lemonade on the porch. During the fall, there are few things more beautiful than the sight of red, yellow and orange trees framing our parks and avenues. And in the winter, an occasional heavy snowfall will blanket the city, giving children a chance to go sledding or build snowmen. It’s never too hot, and it’s never too cold. In Huntington, it’s just right.
7. Pullman Square One part dining, one part shopping and one part entertainment, Pullman Square is a favorite among those looking to relax and take in the flavor of downtown Huntington. From savoring a cup of coffee at Starbucks to staying up to date on the latest movies at Marquee Cinemas, from the stylish boutiques to the laid-back atmosphere of Empire Books, there is something for everyone at Pullman Square. Many downtown business owners credit the development of Pullman Square as the catalyst for downtown Huntington’s comeback.
8. The Huntington Museum of Art Nationally regarded as one of the finest small museums in the United States, the Huntington Museum of Art has hosted some of the most exclusive exhibitions in the world. The museum has four permanent collection galleries, including 18th-century British portraits and silver, the Herman Dean Firearms Gallery, the Touma Near Eastern Collection and the glass gallery, which includes more than 4,000 pieces ranging from ancient to contemporary. In addition to local, national and international works of art, the Huntington Museum of Art boasts an array of educational programs for all ages as well as West Virginia’s only plant conservatory, showcasing year-round a colorful variety of nonnative tropical and subtropical plants.
9. Huntington’s Heart Making a difference in Huntington is easy, thanks to the dozens of well-respected nonprofit organizations that call our city home. The generosity of Huntingtonians with both their time and talent is what enables these organizations to carry out their diverse missions. Some notable nonprofits include the Huntington City Mission, the Cabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill of Huntington, the Huntington Area Food Bank, Barnett Child Care Center, Cammack Children’s Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, the Ronald McDonald House, the Jeffrey E. George Comfort House, the Stella Fuller Settlement, the Salvation Army, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, Contact of Huntington, Golden Girl Group Home, Dress for Success of the River Cities, Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind, Autism Services Center and the United Way.
10. The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Founded in 1976, Marshall University’s School of Medicine is regarded as the catalyst that made Huntington the region’s leader in health care. Beyond its impact on the quality of medical care in the region, the medical school has had a powerful positive effect on the local economy: millions of dollars of research grant money flow through the school each year, which then flow into the area’s businesses and tax base.
11. Outstanding Health Care Two major hospitals – Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center, a first-class university medical school and two state-of-the-art nursing programs have brought Huntington to health care prominence throughout the entire region.
12. Hospice of Huntington Since 1982, Hospice of Huntington has provided physical, emotional and spiritual end-of-life care to more than 10,000 patients, as well as much-needed support for their families. It is difficult to find a Huntingtonian who has not had an experience with Hospice, and the care the organization provides is unsurpassed. The new Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House of Huntington, located at 3100 Staunton Road, overlooks the Ohio River and provides care for patients in a peaceful environment.
13. Culture and the Arts Whether it’s a concert by the Huntington Symphony Orchestra, a national entertainer hosted by Marshall Artists Series or a performance by the Huntington Outdoor Theatre, culture abounds in Huntington. Gallery 842 is a community art gallery that showcases the work of local artists and Marshall students, and weekend festivals featuring the music and artwork of local artists continue to gain popularity. Pullman Square’s free summer concert series and other live music venues enable local musicians to showcase their talents.
14. The Keith-Albee When it opened on May 8, 1928, the Keith-Albee was the second-largest theater in the United States, after the Roxy Theater in New York City. The Marshall Artists Series, formed in 1936, moved to the Keith-Albee Theatre in 1939 and continues to bring a wide variety of entertainment to Huntington at the renowned theater – everything from film festivals to Broadway shows to orchestras to comedians. In 2006 the Keith-Albee Theatre closed as a functioning movie theater and was renamed the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Visitors to the Keith-Albee are repeatedly awed by the theater’s opulence and grandeur so perfectly suited to the first-class entertainment it hosts.
15. Oh, So Close Located within 500 miles of 60 percent of the nation’s population, Huntington is close to just about anywhere. Even within the city limits, things are never too far away. Huntington’s city planners had the foresight to design a street system with wide thoroughfares and a user-friendly grid pattern that will serve Huntington well into the future. The streets’ design and numbering system help new Marshall students and visitors find their way around, and it means that nothing in Huntington is ever more than a few minutes’ drive away.
16. Nice Neighborhoods Huntington boasts some of the region’s finest neighborhoods, including Chancellor Hills, Stamford Park and the historic South Side. Whether you’d feel more at home in an early-1900s historic house or in a brand-new subdivision developed by Huntington’s finest builders, our city is a great place to raise a family.
17. Our Determination On Nov. 14, 1970, an airplane carrying the Marshall University football team, its coaches and some of the most prominent members of the Huntington community crashed, killing everyone on board. Few believed that Marshall and Huntington would be able to recover from such a tragic loss. However, it was in honor of those lives lost that we chose to rise from the ashes and rebuild the football program. The Memorial Fountain, located at the center of Marshall’s campus, is a permanent tribute to the victims. Each year the fountain is turned off during a memorial service on November 14. Then, on the first day of spring, the fountain flows once again in a cycle that has repeated itself for the last 40 years.
18. Joan C. Edwards Football Stadium Marshall University’s “field of dreams” was made a reality in 1991 when a modern new stadium was built. Edwards Stadium has played host to Thundering Herd football for nearly 20 years and has seen a lot of history in that short span including two NCAA I-AA National Championships, three Heisman Trophy candidates, five conference championship teams and a bevy of future NFL players.
19. Harris Riverfront Park Tranquil one day and bustling the next, there is something at Harris Riverfront Park for everyone. The park, with its floating amphitheater, has played host to a variety of concerts and special events, including the Huntington Symphony Orchestra’s Picnic with the Pops performances each summer. It is also home to a picnic shelter, a boat dock and the much-anticipated Chuck Ripper Trail. The trail consists of a series of information stations that describe the various plants and wildlife along the Ohio River. What makes these stations so special is they feature paintings by renowned local artist Chuck Ripper.
20. It’s Wild and Wonderful Huntingtonians have easy access to the Mountain State’s finest weekend getaways, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, snow skiing, trout fishing, bed-and-breakfast inns, state parks, forests and the world-renowned Greenbrier resort. The list goes on. Whether you’re into an adventuresome jump off the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day or hours spent admiring West Virginia’s unique flora and fauna, you’re going to find something to love somewhere near Huntington.
21. The Huntington Tri-State Airport We may not have the biggest airport around, but you would be hard-pressed to find a more stress-free travel experience than one that begins at Huntington Tri-State Airport. In addition to major carriers like US Airways and Delta Air Lines, Huntington is also serviced by Allegiant Air, a popular low-cost carrier. For less than $100, Huntingtonians can hop onboard a nonstop flight to the east coast’s top vacation destinations including Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and St. Petersburg, Fla., as well as Myrtle Beach, S.C. The airport is no more than a 15-minute drive from downtown, making travel a breeze for business and leisure travelers alike.
22. The Marshall Artists Series Now entering its 75th year, the Marshall Artists Series has hosted a long list of award-winning acts, including classical ballet, Broadway shows, jazz and orchestra performances and comedians. Notable performers have included Bette Davis, B.B. King, Henry Fonda, Bill Cosby, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Whoopi Goldberg and Rain Pryor. The 2010-2011 season has been one of the most successful so far, featuring celebrated acts such as Liza Minelli, Marvin Hamlisch and Huntington’s own Mark McVey, the Doobie Brothers, Broadway’s The Color Purple, Stomp and A Chorus Line.
23. Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House A Huntington tradition for more than 70 years, Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House has become a city landmark and a favorite among locals and tourists alike. A highlight of every visit to Jim’s – aside from the famous spaghetti and delicious pies – is getting to see the photos of the restaurant’s famous customers that cover every inch of wall space. Celebrity guests have included John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Soupy Sales and Bill Cosby. Customers have plenty of time to check out the photos while they wait in line to eat during Strawberry Pie Week, when crowds from all over flock to the restaurant for a slice of Jim’s succulent strawberry pie.
24. Camden Park A giant waving clown welcomes visitors to 106-year-old Camden Park, where kids of all ages enjoy rides like the Dodgem Cars, the Haunted House and the Big Dipper – one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in America. Camden Park is the 18th-oldest amusement park in the country and is the only amusement park in the state of West Virginia. While you’re there discovering your inner child, don’t forget to sample the park’s world-famous Pronto Pups and cotton candy.
25. Intriguing Architecture Far too long under appreciated, the Huntington region is home to a wide variety of intriguing architectural structures. All that residents need to do is look up from time to time to take in the beauty. Some of the stateliest examples include the historic Cabell County Courthouse, the opulent Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center and the Veterans Memorial Arch, a 1/4-scale replica of the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. The old Huntington High School, the whimsical interior of the Huntington Arcade and the Carnegie Library have all undergone renovations while still retaining their historic beauty. Newer structures around town include the art deco Greyhound Bus Station and the modernistic Drinko Library on Marshall’s campus. Even Huntington’s neighborhoods showcase a plethora of inspiring architecture in homes both old and new.
26. Unique Local Eateries Huntington’s unique eateries have tempted local residents for years. Some of the region’s favorite establishments include Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse, 21 at the Frederick, Central City Café, Jewel City Seafood, Nawab Indian Cuisine, Coach Bob Pruett’s Steakhouse, Marshall Hall of Fame Café, Cam’s Ham, Tudor’s Biscuit World, Gino’s Pizza, Monty’s Pizza, Giovanni’s Pizza, Evaroni’s Pizza and Fat Patty’s. Huntington Prime, the area’s newest restaurant, is quickly becoming a favorite for fine dining.
27. More Museums Huntington is home to a variety of unique museums, including Heritage Farm Museum, the Touma Museum of Medicine, the Huntington Fire Museum, the Huntington Railroad Museum, the Museum of Radio & Technology, the J. Taylor Auto Collection anda Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Museum.
28. The Cost of Living Huntington boasts many of the amenities of a larger city without the big-city price tag. The cost of living in Huntington for the average family is well below that of most urban areas.
29. Rocco’s Ristorante This quaint, romantic dining spot in Ceredo has made a name for itself among Italian cuisine lovers throughout the region. Rocco’s is undeniably the most sophisticated Italian dining experience in the Tri-State and features dozens of traditional Italian dishes as well as regular seafood specials. Visitors from out of town often remark that Rocco’s has the best Italian food they have ever sampled. Proprietor Rocco Muriale opened Rocco’s Ristorante at the age of 29 to pursue his lifelong dream of owning a restaurant. In 1990, this magazine dubbed Muriale the “Prince of Pasta,” and for the last 20 years, he has lived up to that prestigious title.
30. Pace of Play “Rush hour” in Huntington is what many larger cities would refer to as low traffic. Our roads are rarely congested, and our entire city moves at an easy, slow pace. A moment of peace and quiet is not hard to find, even in our rejuvenated downtown.
31. The East End Bridge What better way to span the grand Ohio River than with this compelling design? Constructed in 1985, the East End Bridge was the first cable-stayed bridge in West Virginia and the fifth cable-stayed bridge in the United States.
32. Central City The Central City district is a testament to the spirit of local revitalization. A stroll through this charming part of town involves the ever-present smell of baking bread at Heiner’s Bakery, quaint antique shops, a home-style café and a town gazebo. Central City is known for getting into the Christmas spirit year after year, with Christmas decorations and unique holiday gifts for sale on every corner.
33. Savannah’s Restaurant A fine dining staple in Huntington since 1996, Savannah’s Restaurant is known as much for its wine as its food. Savannah’s has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 1999 and in 2006 was honored with an Award of Distinction from Wine Enthusiast and a Five Diamond Award of Excellence from the North American Restaurant Association. Entrées include veal, steak, pasta, duck and chicken, as well as fine seafood specialties. The dining experience is completed by the restaurant’s tasteful décor and Southern charm.
34. Animal Lovers It’s safe to say Huntingtonians love their pets. Huntington boasts an array of talented veterinarians to care for pets of all kinds; some even make house calls. Various animal-friendly nonprofit groups have chosen to make Huntington their home, including Little Victories Animal Rescue and Help for Animals. And with plans in the works for a Dog Park in Ritter Park, the future looks bright for Huntington’s four-legged friends.
35. Blenko Glass Blenko Glass, hand-blown since 1921 in nearby Milton, is world-famous for its vibrant colors and exquisite craftsmanship. Blenko pieces can be found at museums and in homes throughout the world, but they are especially cherished by residents of West Virginia.

36. PHOTO COURTESY OF CABELL HUNTINGTON HOSPITAL

    Huntington’s Kitchen It was “Jamie’s Kitchen” while ABC’s Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution was being filmed in Huntington. Now renamed “Huntington’s Kitchen,” this community cooking center offers healthy cooking lessons and demonstrations to budding chefs of all ages. Operated by Ebenezer Medical Outreach and funded by Cabell Huntington Hospital, the programs of Huntington’s Kitchen serve as a permanent reminder of Oliver’s important message – that changing the way we eat can indeed change lives.

37. The PATH Named in honor of the Huntington native and physician whose promising life was cut short in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH) is an in-the-works bicycle and pedestrian trail system that will connect Ritter Park to other parts of the region. The PATH provides citizens of Huntington with an alternative means of transportation and is part of a burgeoning movement in our area to adopt a more active and health-conscious lifestyle.
38. Chili Willi’s Chili Willi’s Mexican Cantina has offered the best Tex-Mex around since 1983. Founder and co-owner Ron Smith traveled the continent searching for the perfect Mexican, Southwestern and Tex-Mex cuisine and then brought all that flavor back to Huntington. Folks come from all over the country to enjoy the restaurant’s famous black bean soup, queso dip, Cadillac Nachos, fajitas and other specialties. And if there’s room, it’s pretty difficult to pass up the gigantic ice cream taco – a fried flour tortilla taco shell filled with cinnamon ice cream and topped with honey, whipped cream, semi-sweet chocolate bits and sliced almonds.
39. The Festivals Festivals keep families entertained every year. In September, ChiliFest plays host to the West Virginia State Chili Championship. Official judges sample a variety of chili recipes from the state’s top chefs, while Huntington residents get to join in on the fun and vote for their favorites. At the Huntington Rib & Music Fest, held each summer at Harris Riverfront Park, barbecue joints from around the country compete for the coveted First Place title. At the West Virginia Hot Dog Festival, held downtown on the last Saturday in July, Huntingtonians get a chance to visit all the area’s top hot dog vendors while enjoying the event’s popular wiener dog race. The Greek Festival, held in September at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, draws in crowds by the thousands each year and offers mouth-watering Greek specialties like baklava and gyros. The annual Heritage Farm Festival, held at the beautiful Heritage Farm Museum & Village, features 500 acres of historical exhibits and demonstrations, including spinning, weaving, jewelry-making and operating the farm’s saw mill and shingle mill. The Pumpkin Festival – held in Milton for the past 25 years – is one of the most popular festivals in the region, boasting a variety of events, primitive crafts, food vendors and contests for the entire family.
40. Delightful Dogwoods The abundance of dogwoods in Huntington is no happy accident. In the 1930s, the Huntington Garden Club launched a citywide beautification project that led to the planting of more than 6,000 dogwood trees in parks and cemeteries throughout Huntington, and many other garden clubs carried that original project forward during the decades that followed. Today, every spring, the rains bring forth the brilliant colors of those countless trees. Their pink and white blossoms dot the landscape from far-away hills to Ritter Park to neighborhood front yards.
41. Hot-Diggity Dogs OK, so hot dogs are probably not the best meal option in a nation of overweight people, but you can’t deny that Huntington is home to a wonderful selection of delicious dogs. With Frostop Drive-In, Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs, Smith’s Midway, Sam’s Hot Dog Stand and Hillbilly Hot Dogs (made famous worldwide on the Food Network), Huntington is the place to go for fantastic frankfurters. Just be sure to enjoy in moderation.
42. The Sound of Trains Nothing transports us back in time quicker than the sound of trains passing through the city. It was on tracks laid by the C&O Railroad that Huntington was born, and it is after railroad tycoon Collis P. Huntington that Huntington was named. Inside the beautiful CSX building on Seventh Avenue is a railroad museum chronicling the history of the C&O in Huntington, and in front of the building is a large bronze statue of Collis P. Huntington created by Gutzon Borglum, the acclaimed sculptor best known for creating the colossal carvings at Mount Rushmore.
43. Farmer’s Markets Crisp cucumbers, succulent squash, fresh fruit and vegetables, even fresh flowers and plants. It’s all available in season at Huntington’s farmer’s markets and roadside stands. The Central City Market is the largest farmer’s market in town, but others have popped up – including one at Heritage Station and one at Huntington’s Kitchen.
44. Blackhawk Grille Located in the heart of historic downtown Barboursville and adorned with stained glass windows and ornate woodwork, Blackhawk Grille is as much a reflection of our local history as it is a popular restaurant. The restaurant’s American cuisine includes steaks and fresh seafood dishes, as well as elegant salads and unique appetizers. Don’t forget to sample the restaurant’s rich desserts and extensive wine list, either.
45. The Hills Huntington is not flat, and that’s a good thing in our book. The beautiful hills that surround our city are home to some of the most fascinating wildlife in the country. For Huntington residents, all it takes is a quick glance out the window – either on a plane, in a car, at work or at home – to spot the unrivaled natural beauty for which our state is famous.
46. The Y While some local residents may take the Y’s state-of-the-art May Building for granted, out-of-towners often remark that it is one of the finest facilities of its kind in the entire country. Community leaders and the Y’s strong administrative team have initiated ongoing improvements to the facility and expansion of programs for groups ranging from toddlers to seniors. It’s no wonder that Huntington’s Y continues to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
47. The History-Makers Some of those who shaped our nation’s history also played a role in the history of Huntington. Carter G. Woodson, a noted author, historian and activist internationallyknown as the Father of Black History, attended Huntington’s Douglass High School and went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. He established “Negro History Week,” later expanded to “Black History Month.” Cam Henderson, a coaching legend who invented basketball’s fast break and zone defense, coached the Thundering Herd from 1935 to 1955; he is a member of the West Virginia Sports Writers Hall of Fame, the Marshall Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame. Hal Greer, the first athlete in West Virginia to break the color barrier when he played basketball at Marshall University, went on to have a 15-year professional career, playing in 10 NBA All-Star games. Soupy Sales, the king of early morning television, grew up in Huntington and graduated from Marshall. He conquered the Saturday morning airways with his fast-paced physical humor.
48. Brick Streets The ride may be rough in places, but our old brick streets have withstood the test of time and add to the charm of this grand old city.
49. Beech Fork Lake Enjoy the great outdoors at this tranquil lake, whether you’re there for a morning hike, an afternoon picnic or a weekend fishing trip. Beech Fork State Park consists of more than 3,000 acres of land suited for hiking, camping and other recreation year-round. Wildlife enthusiasts visiting the park have spotted waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, whitetail deer, foxes and even the occasional black bear!
50. The Huntington Quarterly Our editorial staff agrees: the Huntington Quarterly is the greatest magazine in the history of Huntington.