Take in the city culture, taste the local flavor, and head out on new adventures.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS, CARLA WITT FORD, HUNTINGTON AREA CVB, AND JESSE THORNTON
Maybe you can’t have it all, but the Huntington area comes close. Where else will you find arts, culture, dining, recreation, and history in a community that feels warm and small but has the resources of a world-class university and the beauty of an Ohio River town? It’s the perfect place to discover fun and make West Virginia memories anew.
Historic by Design
Huntington doesn’t keep its history tucked away behind glass. Visitors and residents interact with the story of this place through grand architecture, garden paths, and creative spaces. Sloane Square Gallery in Central City is a hub for contemporary fine art, furniture, and design in a space for collectors and browsers alike—immerse yourself. Enjoy nature’s finest creations as you wander through the blooms in Ritter Park Rose Garden. And no visit is complete until you wander the collections and explore the plant conservatory at the Huntington Museum of Art.
Sip and Savor
Come hungry. Stay awhile. The Huntington area’s food and drink scene is hopping, and once you’re out, there’s no reason to go home early. The Peddler is peddling “the cure for what ales ya” with 20 unique ales and lagers. Fresh, upscale dishes and an extensive wine menu can be found at 21 at The Frederick. And hidden away in the historic Thornburg House, Barboursville’s Black Fox Social is the place for cocktails and community.
HÜCK Food and Spirits has an all-day homestyle breakfast menu.
Free Time
Are you seeking adventure or relaxation? Find both here, maybe even in the same day. Start with a morning tour of Heritage Farm and learn about the history and culture of this region of Appalachia. Meet wildlife or go mountain biking and ziplining. Then switch gears at Beech Fork State Park. It’s a great choice for a family picnic at a shelter or a lazy afternoon swimming at the lake’s manmade beach.
Coming Together
The trains came first. The city was built with intention, where river could meet rail. That meeting made the world wider and opportunities for the area bigger and better. And while the city has grown and changed, the spirit of coming together remains. Growth relies on community, and the artists, historians, writers, local businesses, and visitors who come to the region each year continue to make Huntington a place with heart.
READ MORE STORIES FROM OUR FALL 2026 ISSUE
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