Huntington is the second-largest city in West Virginia and the self-proclaimed "Weenie Capital of the East." Along the banks of the Ohio River, Huntington is home to Marshall University, a state-supported public university, and the world's largest root beer mug. Huntington is a walkable city that offers the intrepid traveler several unique cultural diversions, with an excellent music and restaurant scene.

Cabell Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau is an excellent source for local information. ☏ .

Understand [ edit ]

In 2008, Huntington earned the dubious distinction of being named the "fattest and most unhealthy" city in the United States, based on 2006 data showing that 46% of adults were obese. Over the following decade, Huntington's obesity rate fell by 13 percentage points to 33%. It is no longer the fattest city in America, or even in West Virginia.

Men and women working in manual jobs that predominated through the 20th century required a lot of caloric energy in their diet. The traditional Appalachian diet of foods that were buttered, salted and fried served that purpose for most of the 20th century. But when the those physical jobs were replaced by lower-energy ones by the end of the century, the eating habits stayed the same, resulting in a sharp increase in adult obesity from the 1990s forward.

The civic shaming that resulted from the 2008 designation, which included a visit from British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, led to a number of strategies aimed at helping its citizens lose weight. The efforts included a challenge for area residents to collectively "walk to the moon", hospital programs focused on helping children lose weight, and a new local farmers market. The focus on children led to families becoming involved.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

Huntington is just off I-64. Primary exits for downtown are 8 (5th St. Rd.) and 11 (Hal Greer Blvd.). U.S. Route 60 and U.S. Route 52 also run through town.

By plane [ edit ]

The next closest airport is in Charleston (CRW IATA ), about an hour east in I-64. American Airlines has non-stop service to Charlotte. Allegiant Air has non-stop service to Fort Lauderdale, Myrtle Beach, Orlando-Sanford, and St. Petersburg/Clearwater.

By train [ edit ]

Huntington is served by Amtrak's Cardinal Line. Trains to and from New York City and Chicago arrive and depart on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.

By bus [ edit ]

Greyhound has a station at the TTA Transit Center, 1251 4th Ave.

has a station at the TTA Transit Center, 1251 4th Ave. Tri-River Transit runs from Logan to the Huntington Mall in Barboursville; there, riders can transfer to a TTA bus for a ride to Downtown.

Get around [ edit ]

Despite its reputation as America's unhealthiest city, downtown Huntington is surprisingly walkable; both bus and train stations are downtown, along with two hotels and several services and attractions.

Huntington is bisected by railroad tracks. To go north-south or south-north, drivers must use underpasses or bridges at 1st, 8th, 10th, 16th, 20th, 29th, and 31st. Sts. Additionally, U.S. Route 60 splits into two east-to-west one-way streets (3rd and 5th Ave.)

By bus [ edit ]

The Transit Authority, ☏ . Buses generally run on the hour between 6AM and 6PM, though there is limited service available in the evening. TTA also runs along U.S. Route 60 to Barboursville and Milton.

By taxi or rideshare [ edit ]

Yellow Cab , ☏ . Taxi service in Huntington is terrible. Rides dialed frequently take over an hour to arrive, especially late at night. Sometimes the drivers don't even show up. Keep this in mind while planning any travel in town.

, . Taxi service in Huntington is terrible. Rides dialed frequently take over an hour to arrive, especially late at night. Sometimes the drivers don't even show up. Keep this in mind while planning any travel in town. Uber and Lyft: The city is covered by both ridesharing services, letting you avoid Yellow Cab entirely.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Downtown Huntington is reasonably flat and bicycle friendly. As part of their Old Main Corridor project, the city has added bike lanes that run from 4th Ave. & 16th St. to Pullman Square. State law requires all riders wear helmets but is rarely enforced by the city or campus police.

With its several pubs, restaurants, and shops, the downtown area between Marshall University and the Civic Arena/Riverfront is ideal for walking. A walking tour map is available from the Herald-Dispatch.

See [ edit ]













Museums [ edit ]













Parks and gardens [ edit ]





























Do [ edit ]







WV Skydivers ☏ . At Robert Newlon Airport, about 10 miles from Huntington, offers the IAD 1st Jump Course w/ 1 jump for $200. Tandem skydives are also available for $240.

. At Robert Newlon Airport, about 10 miles from Huntington, offers the IAD 1st Jump Course w/ 1 jump for $200. Tandem skydives are also available for $240. Boating. Boaters can put in on the Ohio River in both Guyandotte and Harris Riverfront Park. Nearby Beech Fork State Park has a 700+ acre lake that is great for smaller craft; their marina offers rentals. +1 304 522-9374

Boaters can put in on the Ohio River in both Guyandotte and Harris Riverfront Park. Nearby Beech Fork State Park has a 700+ acre lake that is great for smaller craft; their marina offers rentals. +1 304 522-9374



Pottery Place The Pottery Place lets you express yourself by painting your own design on one of their bisques. They fire the pottery and you pick it up several days later. ☏

Music [ edit ]

Local musicians perform all over town several nights a week, though there's no central database of shows. There are some regular performances.

Pullman Square Summer Concert Series. Every Thursday evening during the summer, several hundred people descend on Pullman Square to enjoy live music, hot dogs, and beer.

Every Thursday evening during the summer, several hundred people descend on Pullman Square to enjoy live music, hot dogs, and beer.

String Thing Thing Thursdays. Black Sheep Burritos and Brews hosts bluegrass, old-time, and acoustic every Thursday night from 9PM until late.

Black Sheep Burritos and Brews hosts bluegrass, old-time, and acoustic every Thursday night from 9PM until late. Open Mic Night. Monday: Black Sheep Burritos and Brews. Tuesday: Shamrock's Pub. Wednesday: The V-Club.

Annual events and fairs [ edit ]

Huntington is home to numerous unique events and fairs held throughout the year.







Tsubasacon , Big Sandy Superstore Arena, first full weekend in October. An anime convention featuring guests, a game room, a vendor room, panels, and special events.

, Big Sandy Superstore Arena, first full weekend in October. An anime convention featuring guests, a game room, a vendor room, panels, and special events. Guyandotte Heritage Days , Guyandotte, West Virginia, November. This historic-themed festival features reenactment of the Confederate raid and the Union reprisal. It features period music, museums, 'living histories', and craft displays.

, Guyandotte, West Virginia, November. This historic-themed festival features reenactment of the Confederate raid and the Union reprisal. It features period music, museums, 'living histories', and craft displays. Hilltop Festival , Huntington Museum of Art, 2nd weekend in September. This event offers entertainment, children's activities, a petting zoo, book fair, arts and crafts, and concessions.

, Huntington Museum of Art, 2nd weekend in September. This event offers entertainment, children's activities, a petting zoo, book fair, arts and crafts, and concessions. X-Fest , Harris Riverfront Park, Within the first 3 weeks of September. Rock/alternative music concert that allows local bands to play with bigger bands.

, Harris Riverfront Park, Within the first 3 weeks of September. Rock/alternative music concert that allows local bands to play with bigger bands. Huntington Music & Arts Festival , Ritter Park Amphitheater, Last Saturday in August. Festival centered around local and regional music and visual artists

, Ritter Park Amphitheater, Last Saturday in August. Festival centered around local and regional music and visual artists Huntington Dogwood Arts and Crafts Festival , Big Sandy Superstore Arena, April. This features the demonstration and sale of traditional arts and crafts plus specialty ethnic foods.

, Big Sandy Superstore Arena, April. This features the demonstration and sale of traditional arts and crafts plus specialty ethnic foods. Jazz-MU-Tazz , Marshall University, June. A summer jazz festival, it is a weekend of music that features jazz cabarets, outdoor concerts, and numerous activities.

, Marshall University, June. A summer jazz festival, it is a weekend of music that features jazz cabarets, outdoor concerts, and numerous activities. Lions Tri-State Arts & Crafts Festival , Big Sandy Superstore Arena, 1st weekend in December. An old-fashioned arts and crafts fair that includes over 200 exhibitors featuring a variety of arts and crafts and homemade foods and sweets.

, Big Sandy Superstore Arena, 1st weekend in December. An old-fashioned arts and crafts fair that includes over 200 exhibitors featuring a variety of arts and crafts and homemade foods and sweets. Old Central City Days , Central City district in West Huntington, 3rd weekend in June. This event offers numerous entertainment and shopping options in addition to the existing stock of storefronts, historic tours, and various food vendors at the new farmers market "depot."

, Central City district in West Huntington, 3rd weekend in June. This event offers numerous entertainment and shopping options in addition to the existing stock of storefronts, historic tours, and various food vendors at the new farmers market "depot." Pilot Club of Huntington's Antique Show and Sale , Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Last complete weekend in September. An antique show and sale that features more than 40 dealers representing more than 10 states and West Virginia.

, Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Last complete weekend in September. An antique show and sale that features more than 40 dealers representing more than 10 states and West Virginia. Ritter Park Days , Ritter Park, Weekends in July and August. Features children-based activities and programs.

, Ritter Park, Weekends in July and August. Features children-based activities and programs. West Virginia Day Celebration , Downtown district – 9th Street Plaza, June 20. This features live entertainment, jugglers, food, crafts, and more.

, Downtown district – 9th Street Plaza, June 20. This features live entertainment, jugglers, food, crafts, and more. St. Patrick's Day Celebration , Downtown Huntington, March 14. This features live entertainment by musical and dance groups appropriate for St. Patrick's

, Downtown Huntington, March 14. This features live entertainment by musical and dance groups appropriate for St. Patrick's

Learn [ edit ]





Buy [ edit ]

Old Central City on 14th St. West is home to several antique stores.

on 14th St. West is home to several antique stores.

Pullman Square has an excellent shoe store called Heels. Chico's and Runway Couture also have stores here.

has an excellent shoe store called Heels. Chico's and Runway Couture also have stores here. Empire Books and News at Pullman Square has new and used books, along with an excellent selection of local-interest books.

at Pullman Square has new and used books, along with an excellent selection of local-interest books.

Scent from Heaven 3rd Avenue above the Java Joint A hippie-inspired store that offers everything from clothing, handmade purses, and handmade incense to teas. A wide variety of homemade jewelry from not only the store's owner but also local artists. Paintings from local artists are also on display. Also some stuffed animals from the owner's childhood are on sale there.

3rd Avenue above the Java Joint A hippie-inspired store that offers everything from clothing, handmade purses, and handmade incense to teas. A wide variety of homemade jewelry from not only the store's owner but also local artists. Paintings from local artists are also on display. Also some stuffed animals from the owner's childhood are on sale there.

Farmers Markets are held everyday in late summer and fall at Old Central City and Wednesdays at Pullman Square.

Milton [ edit ]





Eat [ edit ]

Huntington's food scene has improved significantly, with local chef-entrepreneurs opening several highly-rated restaurants. But hot dogs remain perennially popular.

Budget [ edit ]



Cam's Ham , 809 1st St, Huntington. Famous for its flaked ham sandwiches with mystery sauce, and roast beef sandwiches. Eating-in is an experience as much of the decor likely hasn't changed for decades.

, 809 1st St, Huntington. Famous for its flaked ham sandwiches with mystery sauce, and roast beef sandwiches. Eating-in is an experience as much of the decor likely hasn't changed for decades.







Taste of Asia' 821 3rd Ave. Upscale Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food. Hibachi and sushi bar seating is available here.

821 3rd Ave. Upscale Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food. Hibachi and sushi bar seating is available here.













Buddy's All American BBQ, 3rd Ave. A wonderful place for bbq sandwiches, ribs and wings. Also a good selection of mixed drinks and beer. Thursday night is bike night.

Splurge [ edit ]





Drink [ edit ]

As a college town, Huntington has more than its share of bars and pubs, but this list only includes the more reputable establishments. As of 2010, all drinking establishments are smoke-free, though many offer outdoor areas for smokers. Most of the bars are located along 4th Ave.

















Sleep [ edit ]









Best Western. ☏ . For the coupon rate of $62/night, you can get a clean room, high speed internet, and a continental breakfast.

. For the coupon rate of $62/night, you can get a clean room, high speed internet, and a continental breakfast.

Both the Coaches Inn and Huntington Inn are seedy and should be avoided.

Connect [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ]

Huntington has a moderate crime level, so general street smarts are advised. Dance club shootings are not uncommon, so avoid confrontations in those places. Harris Riverfront Park and Rotary Park should be avoided at night, unless you're with a large group.

Many homeless people can be found in Huntington and will often beg or panhandle. A common scam is a man asking for money for gas, with his family stuck at the station. Simply say no, even if they're persistent, they'll eventually leave you alone. Incidents of homeless people becoming aggressive or robbing people are rare.

Go next [ edit ]



Point Pleasant, 45 minutes north on State Route 2, is home to an excellent River Museum, the WV State Farm Museum, the Mothman Museum, and hosts the annual Mothman Festival.

45 minutes north on State Route 2, is home to an excellent River Museum, the WV State Farm Museum, the Mothman Museum, and hosts the annual Mothman Festival. World-class white water rafting, zip lining, and rock climbing are only two hours away in the New River Gorge area.

area. Carter Caves is about half an hour away in Kentucky. Here spelunkers can explore the extensive cave systems.

is about half an hour away in Kentucky. Here spelunkers can explore the extensive cave systems. Hatfield and McCoy Trail System Over 500 miles of trails comprise the east's highest-rated ATV trail system.

Routes through Huntington







