100 Things Every Huntingtonian Should Do

To mark HQ‘s 100th edition, we came up with a list of 100 things every local citizen should do. From taking a stroll through Ritter Park to riding the Big Dipper, you’re not a true Huntingtonian until you’ve crossed off at least half the items on our list.

By Jack Houvouras & Carter Taylor Seaton

HQ 100 | WINTER 2018

What does it mean to be a Huntingtonian? If a person is defined by deeds rather than words, completion of the following list, compiled by the HQ staff and some of our readers, will make you a true lover of Huntington.

The Huntington region is steeped in history, rich in culture and blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. As a result, there are an abundance of activities to suit those of all ages and adventure levels, indoors and outdoors, in all seasons. Do as many as you can and you’ll not only have fun, but learn a lot about your community and yourself. The following are in no particular order.

Take a stroll through Ritter Park. Its 70 acres are filled with walking paths, tennis courts, a rose garden, amphitheater, children’s playground and more. Whether it’s foliage, winter snow, spring flowers or summer warmth, it offers year-round beauty and adventure.
Shop the Wild Ramp for locally grown produce, dairy products, sugar, spices, condiments, meat and more. In the summer, a weekly pop-up farmer’s market adds to the offerings.
Do yourself a favor and visit the Huntington Museum of Art. Regarded as one of the finest small museums in America, it features rotating exhibits that showcase works from its extensive permanent collection as well as visiting exhibitions. You might spot a masterpiece by Childe Hassam, Robert Henri or Andrew Wyeth along with impressive collections of art glass, Islamic prayer rugs, American firearms, Appalachian folk art and a tropical plant conservatory.
Drive over to the west end near Heiner’s Bakery and take in the unforgettable aroma of freshly baked bread. If you’re from Huntington, then you know what we’re talking about.
Watch Rain Man. The main character of Raymond, portrayed by Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, is an autistic savant inspired by Huntington’s own Joseph Sullivan.
Indulge in a Paula Vega cupcake, the tallest cupcakes around. They’re handmade with real butter, heavy whipping cream, fresh fruit and love. Take a box to the office to score major bonus points.
See Tony award-winning actor and singer Michael Cerveris on Broadway. If you can’t make it to the Big Apple, catch him on television or the silver screen. Even better, watch for his periodic returns home to Huntington.
Pack a lunch and head over to Harris Riverfront Park. There, just beyond the floodwall that guards our city, you can grab a bench and enjoy a lovely view of the Ohio River.
Drive your car down one of the Southside’s charming, old brick streets. It’s a bumpy ride you won’t soon forget.
Drive by some of Huntington’s most historic and architecturally appealing homes. Some of the stars include the old May Estate on High Drive, the former Rickett’s home on Washington Boulevard, the Marshall President’s home on Ritter Park, the St. Clair home and Ritter Estate near the museum and the Sakai home on Staunton Road. Call us for directions.
Bite into a burger. The Huntington area serves up a bevy of mouth-watering burgers. Some local favorites include Fat Patty’s, 21, G.D. Ritzys, Christopher’s Eats, Frostop, Huntington Ale House, Max & Erma’s, Savannah’s and more. For a complete list of the best burgers around, check out our spring 2017 issue.
Whether it’s a fundraiser, special event or Marshall Artists Series performance, find a way to see the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Designed by Thomas W. Lamb, one of America’s foremost theatre architects, the ornate Spanish Baroque style interior will most certainly “wow” you. From Broadway shows to world famous ballet troupes, comedians to crooners, this local treasure has been bringing culture to town for 90 years.
Hit the links at one of the Huntington area’s scenic golf courses. Looking for the best holes around? Our picks are No. 2 at Guyan, No. 13 at Creekside, No. 15 at Sugarwood and No. 16 at Riviera.
And while you’re golfing, remember to play by the rules as a “tip of the cap” to Huntington’s late, great amateur champion Bill Campbell. The winner of the 1964 U.S. Amateur and a 15-time winner of the West Virginia Amateur, Campbell also served as president of the U.S.G.A. and Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. As Jack Nicklaus said, “No one played the game with more integrity than Bill Campbell.”
Take Fido to Huntington’s PetSafe Dog Park. Located in beautiful Ritter Park, the 3.5-acre property has plenty of room for dogs to run, jump and play, as well as an abundance of park benches for loving owners.
Take a ride on the Big Dipper, an old-style wooden roller coaster at Camden Park. The state’s only amusement park is home to an array of rides for kids of all ages.
Read a book by Huntington native Julia Keller. Want a good mystery series with a hero you can love? Start with A Killing in the Hills. Sheriff Bell Elkins always gets her man. Oops, spoiler alert.
Take in the brilliant fall color. Some of the local hot spots include Ritter Park, Third and Fifth Avenues and East Pea Ridge Road. The residential section of the Southside isn’t too shabby either.
Step back in time to see how life in West Virginia has evolved at Heritage Farm Museum and Village. The small, recreated town includes a one-room schoolhouse, church, general store, blacksmith shop and several historical museums. Tours are offered that celebrate the work ethic and ingenuity of our Appalachian ancestors.
Learn about Huntington native Carwood Lipton, a major figure in both the book and acclaimed HBO series Band of Brothers. Episode seven of the series features Lipton talking about his hometown of Huntington.
Find the names of Cabell County soldiers who died or served during World War I on Huntington’s Memorial Arch. The cornerstone of the 42-foot-high arch, which resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, was laid on Nov. 11, 1964, the 46th anniversary of Armistice Day.
Take a walk through Spring Hill Cemetery. There’s much to see including large, stately trees, manicured lawns, a Marshall plane crash memorial, and an array of intriguing headstones and mausoleums marking the final resting place of Huntington’s most prominent citizens.
Get away from it all at one of the Huntington area’s six bed and breakfasts. Choose from beautifully restored cabins out in the country at Heritage Farm or stay in the heart of downtown Huntington at the Chessie Room in Heritage Station.
Have a slice of pie – pizza pie that is! Some local favorites include Gino’s, Monty’s, La Famiglia, Giovanni’s, Backyard, Husson’s and Evaroni’s. For a complete list of the best pizza around, check out our spring 2014 edition.
Attend the Pullman Summer Concert Series in downtown Huntington on any given Thursday from Memorial to Labor Day. Musical genres vary from classic rock to country to bluegrass. You can also shop, stroll or just sit a spell. Best of all — the event is free. The beer is on you.
Watch the pigskin fly! Head over to “The Joan” to cheer on the Thundering Herd. You will enjoy an unforgettable day of college football action … not to mention all the tailgating.
Dazzle yourself at the DAWG Dazzle every July Fourth weekend. It’s an evening extravaganza of music and fireworks at Harris Riverfront Park. The music sizzles and the sky blazes. Bring your own bug spray.
Pile into the Cam Henderson Center to cheer on the Thundering Herd. Some of our readers may not remember that Huntington used to be a big basketball town. Maybe it can be again.
Attend at least one of the area’s foodie festivals. Satisfy your sweet tooth with baklava at the Greek Festival, watch the wiener dog races at the Hot Dog Festival or chow down on some of the state’s best chili at Chilifest. Celebrate our railroad history at Rails and Ales or sample wine and noshes at UnCorked! Enjoy authentic tastes of Italy at the Italiano Italian Festival or go for it all at Marshall’s International Festival. Just don’t blame us for your extra pounds.
See the statues. Some of Huntington’s rich history is captured in three stately statues – city founder Collis P. Huntington, university namesake John Marshall and the “Father of Black History” Carter G. Woodson. Need directions? Then give us a call.
Run as fast as you can to the original Austin’s Ice Cream in Ceredo because they’re only open from April to October. Or, look for their second store at The Market on Third Avenue. Try one of the 50 flavors of homemade ice cream and don’t be afraid to let it run down your chin. Extra napkins are free.
Spend a lazy day at Dreamland Pool in Kenova. It’s a throwback to the 1950s. Relax on your beach towel tossed on the grass, or if you are adventurous, try the high dive. It’s a great place to conquer our sweltering summers. At $4 for adults, it’s the best summer bargain around.
Break out the popcorn and watch We Are Marshall. The major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox tells the story of how the university and city rose from the ashes of the 1970 Marshall plane crash.
Adopt a dog, cat, puppy or kitten from Little Victories Animal Rescue Shelter in Ona, West Virginia. Founded in 2003, the no-kill animal shelter finds forever homes for hundreds of our area’s homeless, injured, abused or abandoned animals.
Go antiquing on 14th Street West. Look for furniture, rare coins or handcrafted quilts like Granny used to make. Be sure to check out the Quilt Trail designs emblazoned on the buildings in this part of town also known as Central City.
Check out any of the more than 150 films and television shows in which Huntington native Brad Dourif has appeared. Some of the Oscar-nominated actor’s most popular roles are in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Mississippi Burning, Lord of the Rings and HBO’s Deadwood.
Stop and smell the roses in Ritter Park’s Rose Garden. You’ll find more than 3,000 flowers arranged between the stone paths that surround a center compass. In November, local gardeners can get slips of these beauties to plant in their very own yards.
Whether it’s a dress, purse, tie or fragrance, treat yourself to something designed by Oscar de la Renta. Why? Because Huntington native Alex Bolen is now running the late fashion icon’s global empire.
If handcrafts are your thing, head to the annual Dogwood Arts & Crafts Festival in April. From handmade jewelry, woodworking, candles and pottery, this event showcases some of the best artisans in Appalachia.
Watch and listen to Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke. The Oscar-winning actor came to Huntington in 1966 to prepare for his role as Lucas Jackson, a war hero from Appalachia. He spent four days in Huntington studying the dialects of people in the region in an effort to acquire a subtle accent for the film.
Hot Diggity Dog! If there’s one thing Huntingtonians love, it’s hot dogs. And nothing stirs up greater debate than who serves the best in town. To find out for yourself, head over to Stewart’s, Frostop, Midway, Sam’s or Hillbilly. Let us know your favorite.
After the sun sets, head downtown to see the West Virginia Building light up. The tallest building in Huntington was outfitted with modern LED lights in 2014 that illuminate the upper floors with a dazzling display of ever-changing colors. Owner Alex Vence even puts on special shows during Christmas, July Fourth, St. Patrick’s Day and more.
Stroll the pathway of the Chuck Ripper Trail along the Ohio River at Harris Riverfront Park. The internationally renowned local artist has captured the river’s wildlife species in paintings that are displayed on large signs so you can learn all about what’s living in and around the river.
Bite into one of the mouth-watering creations at Tudor’s Biscuit World. This West Virginia-based franchise, founded by the Tudor family in 1980, is a favorite among locals and out-of-town visitors alike. Eater.com even proclaimed Tudor’s to be the “Best Thing About West Virginia.”
Bring your own picnic or have it catered as you enjoy a world class Pops concert by the Huntington Symphony Orchestra. Watch the sun set over the Ohio River while Maestro Kimo Furumoto entertains, sometimes in costume. Special guest artists often accompany the orchestra as well.
Ride the whitewater down one of West Virginia’s scenic rivers. The New River and Gauley are well known for offering some of the best rapids in the country.
Watch Wheel of Fortune. Why? If the name Jim Thornton doesn’t ring a bell, his voice should. The Huntington native has been the show’s announcer since 2010.
Visit the world famous Pumpkin House in the weeks surrounding Halloween. Decorated with some 3,000 carved pumpkins, the Victorian home of Ric Griffith in Kenova is a showplace you must see to believe. Designs can reflect politics of the day, patriotic themes or spooky monsters. Some are even set to music.
Troop up to Guyandotte in early November for Civil War Days. Local citizens camp out around the town and recreate the Civil War raid on Guyandotte. The sights and sounds of the street battle will stir your soul no matter which side of the conflict your grandpappy was on.
Hit the slopes! Ski, snowboard, tube or watch others from the fireside comfort of the lodge at one of the Mountain State’s four ski resorts. Don’t forget your flask.
Polish up your mealtime repertoire with Katie Lee. Read one of her cookbooks, or watch her on Katie’s Kitchen. Biscuits were the first dish she perfected and salmon is her go-to if she’s cooking for herself, but the Milton native has recipes for everything in between.
Walk, run or bike the PATH — the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health. Currently about 16 miles of developed paths have been completed, and future plans will connect the entire region. Named for Dr. Paul Ambrose who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the PATH is just one route to a healthier life in Huntington.
Go fishing in one of West Virginia’s scenic rivers or lakes. Even if you don’t get a nibble all day, the rugged beauty of the Mountain State is something you will never forget.
Download the free Clio app on your smartphone, then walk or drive Huntington’s streets for the coolest history lessons available. As you stand in front of a building, statue, historic house or park, Clio will explain its significance. It’s your mobile connection to history and culture.
Settle into your own lawn chair, bring a picnic supper and enjoy a Broadway musical by HART in the Park. Summer nights come alive in the Ritter Park Amphitheater when local talent dances, sings and acts behind the footlights … and sometimes in the audience.
Treat yourself to a weekend at The Greenbrier. The world-renowned resort and spa is less than three hours away and represents the very best of what West Virginia has to offer.
Brace yourself and then have a swig of moonshine, the unofficial state drink. The original Mountain Dew can still be found in hollows here and there, and even in some liquor stores, and should be sampled by any Huntingtonian at least once in their lifetime.
If you have the guts, swim across the Ohio River. Depending on the current, you might want to start upriver from where you plan to end up. Also, it might not be a bad idea to have a friend in a boat nearby just in case you peter out.
Celebrate autumn and all things pumpkin at the annual Pumpkin Festival in Milton. Don’t miss the chance to drink pumpkin cider, eat pumpkin ice cream or marvel at a pumpkin that weighs more than you. It’s an outing the entire family will enjoy.
Go see the old Bank of Huntington building that the James-Younger gang robbed in 1875. The small two-story structure now serves as retail space in Heritage Station.
While you’re there, browse the dozen or so locally-owned eclectic shops at Heritage Station for unique finds and yummy treats. Tucked in the former B&O train station you’ll find vintage clothing, coffee shop, bakery, yoga studio, wine and whiskey bar, craft beer and a gazebo for summer outdoor movies and concerts.
Hop in your car and take a driving tour of Huntington’s intriguing architecture. Some must-sees include the Carnegie Library, Old Main, First United Methodist Church, C&O Railway Station, Huntington Museum of Art, Cabell County Courthouse, Greyhound Bus Station and the old Huntington High School.
Donate to a local charity like Hospice of Huntington, Foundation for the Tri-State, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Facing Hunger Foodbank or Cammack Children’s Center. Oh, there are plenty more charitable organizations in the area from which to choose. No one can ever say that Huntington doesn’t have heart!
Listen to the music of Diamond Teeth Mary. Blues and gospel singer Mary McClain was born in Huntington in 1902, and has been hailed as the “Queen of Blues.” She performed with such legends as Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington.
Head to Keeneland racetrack over in bluegrass country. Enjoy thoroughbred racing and maybe win a few bucks each April or October. The spring Bluegrass Stakes is often an early predictor of Derby contenders. Don’t forget to try the Kentucky burgoo.
Shop in Huntington’s revitalized downtown. Whether it’s Pullman Square, shops on Third Avenue, Fourth Avenue and beyond, you’ll find women’s clothing boutiques, books, jewelry, menswear, accessories and more. Looking for a cozy place to eat? It’s all within walking distance. Movies, too. Here, shopping local is a pleasure.
Watch some hoops. Tune in to an NBA basketball game to see Oklahoma City Thunder power forward and Huntington native Patrick Patterson battle the likes of LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, James Harden and more.
See why Huntington’s been called the City of Churches by driving down Fifth Avenue. Some of the stately churches that line the street date back to the early 1800s.
Take a cooking class at Huntington’s Kitchen. If you need to brush up on your gastronomic skills and learn to make your dishes healthy to boot, this is the place to go. Take your partner or a friend and share the meal you prepare. Aprons optional.
Step back in time and visit The Hotel Frederick, built in the 1920s. Folks of a certain age may remember dances in the upstairs ballroom or ladies in white gloves lunching at its restaurant. While you’re there, have a great dinner at 21.
Own at least one piece of MacKenzie-Dow Fine Furniture in your home. Whether it’s a coffee table or an entire bedroom set, your home should feature at least one piece of hand-crafted furniture proudly made in Huntington.
All aboard! Take a train ride to see some of the Mountain State’s best fall foliage. New River Train Excursions schedules round-trip tours from Huntington to Hinton on the middle two weekends each October.
Attend a Marshall University fountain ceremony on November 14 to remember the 75 people lost in the 1970 plane crash. The event features guest speakers, a roll call of names, a presentation of roses and the fountain’s closing. The experience will touch your heart.
Listen to My Brother, My Brother and Me (aka MBMBaM), the critically acclaimed, highly popular and hysterically funny weekly podcast starring Huntington brothers Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy. The show has consistently been listed among the Top 10 comedy podcasts on iTunes. Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda counts himself among the shows legions of fans. Wow!
Watch the sun set over the Ohio River. Simple, easy and inspiring.
Take a class at Marshall University. Love history? Want to understand art? Itching to write poetry? Lifelong learning is right around the corner. Good news for seniors — you can audit a class for just $50.
Find a copy of the 1964 movie Teen-Age Strangler and watch it with some friends. Filmed entirely in Huntington at such locations as Huntington High School and Martin’s Restaurant, the 61-minute production is a B-movie cult classic. Meant to be a thriller, it plays more as a comedy and has even been featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Drive up West Virginia Route 2 to see the scenic Green Bottom Plantation on the Ohio River. The former home of Gen. Albert Gallatin Jenkins, it now belongs to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The two-story brick home is on the National Register of Historic Places and overlooks the Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area.
Don’t miss Strawberry Pie Week at Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House. Each year, during the week after Mother’s Day, Jim’s serves approximately 13,000 succulent slices of pure strawberry sweetness. The local phenomenon requires a dose of patience as you wait in line for your homemade reward.
Hike, swim, fish or go boating at beautiful Beech Fork Lake. This 3,000-acre state park offers something for every member of your family. Bring your own sunscreen.
See the movie Matewan. Hey, you live in coal country so you should probably learn a bit about the state’s heritage. The critically-acclaimed movie is based on the 1920 massacre in Matewan, West Virginia, that started the Coal Wars. Poverty-stricken miners stand up to company fat cats in a film that reveals the courageous spirit of West Virginians.
Get dressed up for a good cause. Don your finest for the Huntington Museum of Art’s annual ball presented by Cabell Huntington Hospital or dance the night away at the St. Mary’s Gala, both black tie affairs. If you’re lucky, you may be featured in your best in the next issue of HQ’s “After Hours” section.
Tour the Blenko Glass Company in Milton. Watch the pros blow molten glass into beautiful objects. While there, shop for a one-of-a-kind piece of art glass or take a class to learn how to blow your own water pitcher.
Dare to ride a sled down one of the snow-covered hills at Ritter Park. If you’re truly adventurous, pile on an inner tube with a friend or two. Rescues not included.
Eat out! From upscale cuisine at Rocco’s, Savannah’s, 21, Le Bistro and Prime on Fourth, to family friendly locales like La Famiglia, Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House, Christopher’s Eats and Central City Café, Huntington has you covered. Don’t forget other local favorites like Black Sheep Burritos & Brews, Jewel City Seafood, Backyard Pizza & Raw Bar, Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe, Bahnohf, The Bodega, Fly In Café, Hibachi or Taste of Asia.
Read any of a dozen or more books by local authors. For a real thriller try Eliot Parker’s Fragile Brilliance, S.G. Redling’s Flowertown, or Laura Treacy Bentley’s The Silver Tattoo. Marie Manilla’s Patron Saint of Ugly is set in a quasi-Huntington neighborhood and Carter Taylor Seaton’s Father’s Troubles comes straight from Huntington’s past.
Hear Mark McVey sing. Whether in his critically acclaimed Broadway role as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables or on any of the handful of occasions he returns to the area for special concerts, hearing the Huntington tenor perform “Bring Him Home” from Les Miz will bring tears to your eyes.
Celebrate Black History Month in February. It was Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a former student and principal at Douglass High School in Huntington, who established Negro History Week in 1926 which later grew into Black History Month. The second black man to earn a doctorate from Harvard University, Woodson is universally acknowledged as the “Father of Black History.”
Make Huntington a better place to live, work and play by joining Create Huntington. The grassroots network of local citizens has launched numerous efforts to better our community including the PetSafe Dog Park and the popular Rails and Ales festival. Chat ‘n’ Chew meetings are held every Thursday at the Frederick Hotel where local citizens just like you brainstorm on ways to solve problems and make our region more prosperous.
Visit the historic Madie Carroll House in Guyandotte. Built in 1810, this pre-Civil War structure is purported to have been brought there from Gallipolis, Ohio, on a flatboat. Currently operated as a house museum and cultural community center, it’s best to visit during the Guyandotte Civil War Days. But be warned, you should watch out for the resident ghost when you go.
Drive across the 31st Street Bridge. See how the sunlight makes the cables on this stunning suspension bridge change color and then disappear. When completed in 1985, it was the first bridge of its kind in the state.
Volunteer! Whether you relate to babies, the homeless, sick, troubled children or animals, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities in Huntington. Lily’s Place, Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, Little Victories Animal Rescue, Huntington City Mission, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Ronald McDonald House are just a few.
Soothe your spirit with the uplifting music of renowned contemporary Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith. Or better yet, see him perform live at his home church in the charming community of Kenova.
For an afternoon adventure, take a hike, ride a bike or play a round of disc golf at the 750-acre Barboursville Park. When the heat of summer hits, be sure to take the kids for some fun at the Splash Park.
Start a holiday tradition with a visit to the annual Winter Wonderland of Lights in Ashland, Kentucky. Only a short drive away, Ashland’s Central Park is aglow with a multitude of glittering displays from mid-November to after the New Year. You may view the spectacle from car or foot, but walking offers the bonus of hearing joyous Christmas carols played through the park’s sound system. Visits with Santa in the Central Park Log House as well as rides on the Winter Wonderland Express train are available on the weekends.
Plan a shopping trip at the Huntington Mall, the largest mall in the state. With over 150 retail stores, it’s the perfect place to shop on a Saturday or if you’re brave, score deals on Black Friday.
Jog for a cause at the annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot. The 5K run is not only a good way to burn off some calories before you chow down with family later in the day, but you’re also helping raise money for a good cause — Little Victories Animal Rescue, the only no-kill animal shelter in southern West Virginia.
Have a picnic at Virginia Point Park in Kenova and enjoy views of three states at once. Located at the confluence of two major rivers, you can see Kentucky on the far side of the Big Sandy River, and Ohio across the Ohio River as you stand in the most westerly part of West Virginia. Spend a leisurely afternoon watching river traffic or launch your own watercraft from the park’s boat ramp.
Catch a concert at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Opened as the Huntington Civic Center in 1977, it seats 9,000 and has hosted some of the biggest names in music including Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Chicago, Def Leppard, Frank Sinatra, Grateful Dead, Journey, KISS, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, Tim McGraw, Van Halen and Willie Nelson.
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