By The Editors
HQ 127 | AUTUMN 2024
For the past 35 years, Huntington Quarterly has showcased the best of what our city has to offer. To commemorate our 35th anniversary, we’re exploring 35 things that make the Jewel City such a gem — from its thriving arts scene and renowned university to its outdoor recreation opportunities and friendly locals. Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifelong resident, there’s no denying that Huntington has a unique charm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Simply put, Huntington rocks — and here are 35 reasons why.
1. 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, Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center, Arthur Weisberg Family Engineering Complex, Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, Brad D. Smith Center for Business & Innovation, Visual Arts Center and so much more. It’s little wonder that Marshall is the state’s fastest-growing institution for higher learning.
2. Ritter Park. 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. Its tennis and pickleball courts, rose garden, amphitheater and award-winning playground are just some of the reasons it was named one of 10 Great Public Spaces by the American Planning Association.
3. 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.
4. The Ohio River. In 1871, railroad tycoon Collis P. Huntington picked a cornfield overlooking the scenic Ohio River as the spot on which to build a city. Today, the mighty Ohio continues to serve the region, providing much-needed transportation for industry as well as recreation for the people of West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.
5. The Four Seasons. Whether it’s the blooming dogwoods in spring, the sizzling heat of summer, the electrifying colors of fall or an occasional snowfall in the winter, each season brings its own unique beauty to Huntington. It’s never too hot, and it’s never too cold — in Huntington, it’s just right.
6. Resiliency. From the floods of 1913 and 1937 that devastated the city to the recent opioid crisis, Huntington has proven to be resilient for more than 150 years. The best example of the community’s strength came following the Marshall University plane crash in 1970, which claimed the lives of 75 people including the school’s football team and numerous community residents. Few believed that Huntington could recover from such a tragedy, but it did. It was in honor of those lives lost that the city and university chose to rise from the ashes and rebuild the football program. A memorial fountain at the center of Marshall’s campus pays tribute to the 75 lives lost and inspires hope for the future.
7. The 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 American city. Whether or not these assertions are accurate, we do know one thing is true: Huntington has a rich religious history.
8. History Makers. City founder Collis P. Huntington (1821-1900) was one of the Big Four railroad tycoons who transformed transportation in America. Douglass High School student and principal Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) is recognized as the Father of Black History and the founder of Black History Month. Douglass High School also produced basketball star Hal Greer (1936-2018) who became the first athlete to break the color line in West Virginia when he signed to play for Marshall. Greer would go on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NBA. Marshall Coach Cam Henderson invented basketball’s fast break and zone defense, hallmarks of today’s modern game. Jan Rader became the state’s first professional female fire chief and was featured in the Oscar-nominated Netflix documentary Heroin(e) in 2017. In 2018, Rader was recognized for her relentless and innovative work combating the opioid epidemic in West Virginia when she was named to the TIME 100 — a list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
9. Downtown. Many downtown business owners credit the development of Pullman Square as the catalyst for downtown Huntington’s comeback. Today, the downtown area is thriving, with The Market, Heritage Station and other shopping, dining and entertainment venues. In 2023, the city established a Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) in the heart of downtown, allowing visitors to sip alcoholic beverages from local establishments while exploring the area.
10. Health Care. Much of Huntington’s health care needs are served by Marshall Health Network, a system that oversees Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary’s Medical Center, the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, HIMG and the Marshall Health physician practice. Other organizations tending to the needs of the 361,000 people in the metro area include OVP HEALTH, Valley Health and the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center. Working together, these providers have elevated Huntington to health care prominence in the Tri-State region. Additionally, the health care industry is the largest provider of jobs in Huntington.
11. The Huntington Museum of Art. Regarded as one of the finest small museums in the U.S., the Huntington Museum of Art features rotating exhibits that showcase works from its extensive permanent collection as well as visiting exhibitions. It also boasts an array of educational programs for all ages and the only plant conservatory in West Virginia. It is the pride of Huntington.
12. Sports. There’s no shortage of spectator sports for Huntingtonians to enjoy. The Marshall University Thundering Herd competes in football, basketball, baseball and more. The school’s soccer team won the NCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship in 2020. And earlier this year, minor league baseball returned to Huntington with the Appalachian League’s Tri-State Coal Cats taking the field at the university’s brand-new baseball stadium.
13. Huntington’s Heart. No one can say Huntington doesn’t have heart! Making a difference in the community is easy thanks to nonprofits such as United Way, Foundation for the Tri-State, Lily’s Place, Facing Hunger Foodbank, the Huntington City Mission, Harmony House, the Cabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, Cammack Children’s Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, Ronald McDonald House, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, Golden Girl Group Home, Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Hospice of Huntington, Little Victories Animal Rescue and many more.
14. Festival Fun. Festivals keep families entertained throughout the year, celebrating everything from ramps to hot dogs to wine. Must-dos include Stink Fest in April; the Juneteenth Festival and Old Central City Days in June; the West Virginia Hot Dog Festival and Dawg Dazzle in July; Rails & Ales, the “Italiano” Italian Festival and Diamond Teeth Mary Blues & Arts Festival in August; ChiliFest and the St. George Greek Festival in September; and the Siptacular Wine Festival and Pumpkin Festival in October. Heritage Farm Museum & Village hosts festivals each spring, summer and fall, and its annual Christmas Village attracts sellout crowds.
15. Arts & Culture. In addition to the Huntington Museum of Art, the community has a wide selection of cultural offerings, including the renowned Marshall Artists Series, Huntington Symphony Orchestra, Huntington Outdoor Theatre, Alchemy Theatre and more. The Birke Art Gallery, Sloane Square Gallery and 3rd Avenue Art Gallery showcase fine art, while niche museums like the Museum of Radio & Technology, Touma ENT Museum and Railroad Museum invite guests to explore lesser-known facets of history and culture.
16. The Homes. Whether it’s the mansions that line Ritter Park, the unique architecture found on North Boulevard, the historic Staunton Road residences that overlook the Ohio River, the imposing abodes along the road to Huntington’s art museum or the more modern flair of the houses in Chancellor Hills and Stamford Park, our city has an abundance of stately homes.
17. Good Grub. Huntington’s diverse culinary scene is a foodie’s paradise. Fine dining options include 21 at the Frederick, Le Bistro, The Cellar Door, Sip Downtown Brasserie, Rocco’s Ristorante, La Famiglia, Bruno’s Spotted Hare, The Grill on Third and Nawab. Then there are true originals like Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House, Tudor’s Biscuit World, Cam’s Ham, Central City Café, Backyard Pizza & Raw Bar, The Peddler, Bahnhof, Frostop and Fly-In Café. Craving a guilty pleasure? Huntington has plenty of pizza, burger and hot dog joints that will hit the spot.
18. 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 Theatre in New York City. Designed by Thomas W. Lamb, one of America’s foremost theater architects, the Keith-Albee’s ornate Spanish Baroque-style interior still wows guests today. In 2006, the Keith-Albee closed as a functioning movie theater and was renamed the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Its opulence and grandeur are perfectly suited to the first-class entertainment it hosts through the Marshall Artists Series.
19. Cost of Living. Huntington boasts many of the amenities of a larger city without the big-city price tag. In fact, Huntington’s cost of living is 21% lower than the national average. In 2024, U.S. News ranked Huntington No. 48 on its list of the top 150 cities to retire in.
20. Famous Folks. You’ve seen them on TV, in the movies, on Broadway and more. Huntington’s famous folks include television and radio pioneer Soupy Sales; Broadway stars Mark McVey and Michael Cerveris; actors Brad Dourif and Conchata Ferrell; television personality Dagmar; game show host Peter Marshall; NBA players Patrick Patterson and O.J. Mayo; MLB players Rick Reed, Donnie Robinson and Brian McCann; business titans Brad Smith, Verna Gibson and Bill Noe; celebrity chef Katie Lee; blues singer Diamond Teeth Mary; Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams; Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Keller; and podcast stars Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy.
21. The Setting for We Are Marshall. Warner Bros. chose to film most of the major motion picture about the 1970 Marshall plane crash in Huntington. During the three weeks of shooting, a love affair developed between the Hollywood stars and the city of Huntington. Dozens of local students and residents were used in the movie as extras, while hundreds more followed the film crew around town from set to set hoping to get a glimpse of the action. The end result was a motion picture that cast both the university and the city in the best possible light.
22. Pet’s Paradise.It’s safe to say Huntingtonians love their pets. At Ritter Park, Huntington’s PetSafe Dog Park provides a safe space for dogs and their owners to socialize and exercise. Various animal-friendly nonprofit groups have chosen to make Huntington their home, including Little Victories Animal Rescue, One by One Animal Advocates, Advocates Saving Adoptable Pets (ASAP) and Help for Animals. In addition, Huntington’s animal shelter boasts a euthanasia rate of just 3%.
23. The Huntington region offers endless fun for outdoor enthusiasts. Boating, water skiing and fishing can be enjoyed on the Ohio River or at Beech Fork Lake. For those who prefer to stay on land, Ritter Park features tennis courts, pickleball courts and walking trails. Golfers can choose from Guyan Golf & Country Club or one of the area’s five public courses, while thrill-seekers can find exhilarating activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, zip lining and aerial challenges at Heritage Farm Museum & Village’s new Adventure Park. Additionally, the PATH (Paul Ambrose Trail for Health) is an 18.6-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail system providing free recreational and transportation opportunities.
24. Often under-appreciated, Huntington is home to a wide variety of intriguing architectural structures. Just some examples include the Cabell County Courthouse, Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, Frederick Hotel, former Huntington High School, Carnegie Public Library, Greyhound Bus Station, Huntington Museum of Art, Coin Harvey House and 31st Street Bridge.
25. Heritage Farm Museum & Village. In 1996, Mike and Henriella Perry opened what amounted to a small town that consisted of log cabins, a general store, a church, a schoolhouse, a sawmill, a blacksmith shop and an array of historical museums housed in barns. They invited children and adults to tour their farm in Wayne County — now a Smithsonian Affiliate — that paid tribute to the hard work and heritage of West Virginia’s Appalachian ancestors. Soon, the property will also be home to the nation’s first indoor/outdoor four-season snowpark.
26. Central City. A stroll through this charming part of town involves the ever-present smell of baking bread at Heiner’s Bakery, quaint antique shops, a bookstore, a farmer’s market, a home-style café and a town gazebo. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon.
27. Camden Park. Fun-seekers of all ages have been flocking to Camden Park for 121 years! A giant waving clown welcomes visitors to the 23-acre park that features dozens of rides like the Carousel, Tilt-A-Whirl, Log Flume, Haunted House and Big Dipper — one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in America. Memories that last a lifetime are made every year at the only amusement park in West Virginia.
28. Almost Heaven. Huntingtonians have easy access to the Mountain State’s natural beauty and plethora of recreational pursuits including snow skiing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, zip lining, rock climbing, fishing, hiking, camping, caving and much more. Weekend getaways abound at quaint bed-and-breakfast inns, state parks, the New River Gorge National Park, the world-renowned Greenbrier resort and unique properties to suit every taste and budget.
29. Family Fun. In Huntington, childhood memories are made to last. Kids can find hands-on fun at Huntington Children’s Museum, the Huntington Museum of Art, Huntington’s Kitchen and The Pottery Place. Arcade games abound at The Peddler, Old North Arcade Bar & Kitchen and Dave & Buster’s. Summer traditions for local families include Camden Park and neighborhood splash pads, while indoor spaces like Pump Up the Fun and Strike Zone Bowling Center offer year-round fun. With so many kid-friendly attractions, it’s no surprise Huntington is a popular place to raise a family.
30. Care for Seniors. Huntington shows its commitment to seniors through a variety of businesses and programs. Woodlands Retirement Community and The Wyngate offer high-quality retirement living; the Huntington High Renaissance Center hosts various activities and social events; and the YMCA provides fitness classes and wellness programs tailored to senior adults. In-home care services by Village Caregiving and Right At Home also contribute to local seniors’ well-being and quality of life. Additionally, Huntington’s hospitals and physicians play a crucial role in providing medical care and preventive health services to the senior population.
31. Pace of Play. There’s no “rush hour” in Huntington. Our entire city moves at an easy, slow pace. Even amid the hustle and bustle of downtown, a moment of peace and quiet is not hard to find.
32. Harris Riverfront Park. Overlooking the Ohio River, Harris Riverfront Park is a lovely spot for a picnic lunch or evening stroll. A floating amphitheater has played host to a variety of concerts and special events, including the Huntington Symphony Orchestra’s Picnic with the Pops performances. Children can enjoy the park’s playground while adults can walk the Chuck Ripper Trail to learn about the birds and wildlife found along the river.
33. The Med School. Despite strong opposition from Morgantown and Charleston, the longtime dream of a medical school at Marshall University became a reality in 1976. Since then, the university’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has grown to meet the unique health care needs of West Virginia and Central Appalachia. Today, the med school is regarded as the catalyst that made Huntington a regional health care hub.
34. The Music Scene. Huntington rocks — literally. Live music can be found throughout the city, from energetic shows at The Loud to more intimate performances at The Market and Sip Downtown Brasserie. Special events like 9th Street Live and the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series attract music lovers of all ages, and the city’s diverse music scene caters to a wide range of tastes, from rock and indie to country and bluegrass. Huntington also attracts bigger-name acts to perform at the Marshall Health Network Arena, bringing in crowds from all over the region.
35. Huntington Quarterly. The city’s namesake magazine has been telling the positive stories of our region since 1989. Hopefully it will do the same for the next 35 years.
