Huntington (West Virginia)

Huntington is the second-largest city in West Virginia. 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. Claiming to be the origin of the West Virginia-style hot dog; Huntington is a historic, walkable city that offers the intrepid traveler several unique cultural diversions, with an excellent music and restaurant scene.


 * Huntington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is an excellent source for local information..

Understand
Built in the Ohio River Valley and surrounded by lush steep hills, West Virginia's second-largest city (and at one time its largest), Huntington, is historically a town of railroads and industry, and to this day its port on the Ohio River is one of the busiest inland ports in the country. Home to Marshall University, the second-largest in the state of West Virginia, Huntington has a distinctive college-town atmosphere, and its tree-lined streets are lined with stately old homes with large, wide front porches. Although in a hilly region, and containing many hilly portions, the center of Huntington and many of its neighborhoods are built on the wide floodplain of the Ohio River, making parts of Huntington uniquely flat for a city in West Virginia.

Huntington is a planned city; the oldest and flattest parts of the city are built on a planned numbered grid platted on the flat Ohio River floodplain. The city grew quickly its first few decades as a river port at the terminus of the C&O Railroad and many of the city's cultural and architectural assets come from the regional prosperity of the gilded age and the influence of the city beautiful movement, notably an impressive park system for a city of its size which includes a chain of parks along the Washington Blvd/North Blvd. greenway corridor. Huntington's smaller twin-city of Ashland, Kentucky is 20 minutes drive west, downriver. The Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area has a combined population of 360,000 in 2020. I-64 skirts around the Huntington city center through more suburban areas to the south, a routing which prevented Huntington's historic center from seeing the large-scale destruction typically associated with inner-city highway construction. West Virginia's capital city, Charleston, is less than an hour east on I-64, and the suburbs of both cities have been growing towards each other for many decades, resulting in a near-continuous metropolitan area between the two cities. With a combined population of around 620,000 (2020); the Huntington-Charleston combined metropolitan area is the largest urban area for several hours in every direction. Generally off the tourist radar, prices for lodging and restaurants in Huntington are generally more affordable than larger and more tourist-oriented cities and towns.

Within a 2-hour radius of Huntington are many outdoor scenic recreational attractions including: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Ohio's famous Hocking Hills State Park, and Kentucky's Carter Caves and Red River Gorge as well as several man-made lakes.

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 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.

By car
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. US-23 serves Ashland, Kentucky, staying to the west of Huntington.

WV-10 arrives from Logan 1.5 hours south, WV-2 arrives from Point Pleasant 45 minutes northeast

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

The Huntington Tri-State airport ( has flights by Allegiant and American Airlines from Florida and Charlotte.

By train

 * Route stopping in Huntington:
 * Cardinal operating three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops in Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Connersville, Cincinnati, Ashland, Huntington, Charleston, Hinton, White Sulphur Springs, Staunton, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark. Trains to and from New York City and Chicago arrive and depart on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.
 * Cardinal operating three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops in Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Connersville, Cincinnati, Ashland, Huntington, Charleston, Hinton, White Sulphur Springs, Staunton, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark. Trains to and from New York City and Chicago arrive and depart on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.

By bus

 * Greyhound 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
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.

Easy to navigate, central Huntington is laid out on a planned grid, numbered avenues run east-west and increase south of the river, numbered streets run north-south and increase in number east of 1st St. West of 1st St, numbered streets increase in number heading west, and carry a 'W' designation at the end (as in 14th St W), and avenues are names of presidents. The street grid dissolves as one goes into hillier neighborhoods in the south of the city. Huntington is bisected by railroad tracks. To go north-south or south-north, drivers must use underpasses or bridges at: Spring Valley Dr. Vernon, W 14th, 1st, 8th, 10th Sts, Hal Greer Blvd, 20th, 29th, and 31st. Sts. Additionally, U.S. Route 60 splits into two east-to-west one-way streets (3rd and 5th Ave.; and Washington and Adams Ave. in the West End)

Crossing the Ohio River to and from Ohio can be done on three bridges in the city: the East End Bridge off 31st St in Highlawn, the Robert C Byrd Bridge off 6th and 5th Sts and Veterans Memorial Blvd. downtown, and the West End Bridge on US-52 in the West End. There are two additional bridges downriver, one in downtown Ashland and one downstream connecting to Ironton, Ohio. There are no bridges crossing the Ohio River upstream after the East End Bridge for almost an hour's drive until Point Pleasant/Gallipolis.

Despite the walkability of the city core, the surrounding metropolitan area is very spread-out and a car is necessary to reach some destinations, or to travel between suburbs.

By bus

 * 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

 * 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.
 * Uber and Lyft: The city is covered by both ridesharing services, letting you avoid Yellow Cab entirely.

By bicycle
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. Make sure to wear a helmet to protect your skull and internal brain organ if you get hit by a car or go too fast and hit a bump though.

On foot
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 Cabell-Huntington CVB and Herald-Dispatch.

Neighborhoods

 * PullmanSquare.jpgDowntown: Roughly between 1st St and 20th St. and from the river to the north to the train tracks behind 7th Av. to the south. Contains Huntington's central business district, Marshall University's main campus between Hal Greer Blvd and 20th St, and several residential pockets of apartments and dense detached homes west of 7th St, and east of the CBD towards and around the university campus.
 * Southside: South of the train tracks and 8th Av, from 14th St. W to the east end of Ritter Park. The quintessential Huntington neighborhood and one of its wealthiest; includes Ritter Park and Memorial Park. A mix including old-and-new money wealth, college professors, junior/senior undergrads and grad students, and young professionals and their families. includes part of the Ritter Park Historic District.
 * [[File:Similarly designed homes on one of several brick streets in a neighborhood of Huntington, West Virginia. There are so many brick streets remaining there that the entire neighborhood is referred to LCCN2015631814.tif|thumb|southside]]Enslow Park: From east of Ritter Park to Hal Greer Blvd; tighter streets and newer homes than Southside.
 * Fairfield: Historically a middle-and working-class African American neighborhood, today has a mix of housing styles and demographics. Cabell-Huntington Hospital is on Hal Greer Blvd.
 * Walnut Hills: Modest homes on steeper streets in the hills east of Fairfield and north of Norway Av. and Washington Blvd. Accessible from US-60 is the popular hilltop Rotary Park.
 * Highlawn: East of the main Marshall University campus, contains St. Mary's hospital, former industrial areas, a mix of wealthier residences along the river and more modest blocks near 5th Av. The small McClelland Park along Riverview Av. has a playground and basketball courts
 * West End: Contains the 14th St W business district. Generally modest homes built for factory workers, some blocks on and directly adjacent to US-60 between US-52 and downtown have many properties in a relatively poor state of repair.
 * Southeast Hills: A large neighborhood area consisting of a collection of generally wealthier neighborhoods southeast of the city center and east of Hal Greer Blvd, including neighborhoods along eastern Washington Blvd and Norway Av. stretching east along US-60 to the eastern city limits. Smaller residential neighborhoods contained within include Stamford Park, Chancellor Hills, Gallaher Village, Arlington Park.
 * Guyandotte: Pre-dates Huntington proper, containing the oldest buildings in Huntington, east of the Guyandotte River from the Highlawn neighborhood. The historic neighborhood commercial district along Bridge St. is unfortunately lacking in vibrance. There is a marina at the point where the Guyandotte River flows into the Ohio River accessible through a gate in the floodwall at Buffington St.
 * Altizer: Tidy, working class neighborhood southeast of Guyandotte and across US-60 and the Guyandotte River from Southeast Hills and Walnut Hills.
 * South Hills: South of Southside on very steep and narrow streets, very wealthy; impressive residences, some with jaw-dropping views over the city center. Contains the Huntington Museum of Art and part of the Ritter Park Historic District.
 * Park Hills: A prestigious residential area with homes mostly from the mid-20th century on the hilltops south of the Ritter Park Historic District.
 * Harveytown: A small neighborhood of modest, tidy homes tucked in a valley; older than most portions of South Hills. Contains the small Harveytown Park and the Museum of Radio and Technology.
 * Frostop Root Beer stand in Huntington, West Virginia LCCN2015631802.tifWestmoreland: modest suburban-style neighborhood west of the West End, east of the suburb of Ceredo. The only portion of the city proper in Wayne County instead of Cabell County; contains the historic Camden Park Amusement Park.

Suburbs

 * Barboursville: East of the city of Huntington along I-64 and US-60, Home to the Huntington Mall, many big box and chain stores, a small historic downtown along the Guyandotte River, and the large and much-loved Barboursville Park. Generally considered Huntington's wealthiest suburb.
 * Barboursville West Virginia.jpgPea Ridge: Unincorporated, wealthier suburban area between the eastern city limits of Huntington and Barboursville, along US-60 and Pea Ridge Rd.
 * Milton: East of Barboursville along I-64 and US-60, a small bedroom community with a small historic downtown, home of Blenko Glass, the Milton Flea Market and WV Pumpkin Park. Hometown of famous writer Breece D'J Pancake.
 * Kenova: Predating Huntington itself, sits to the west of Huntington city limits at the tri point where West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky meet, visible from Virginia Point Park. The smaller suburb of Ceredo is adjacent to the east.
 * Lavalette: A wealthier, spaced-out suburb south of the city limits along 5th St, which becomes WV-152. Home to 2 golf courses, and the popular Beech Fork Lake, the dam, marina and recreation area is accessible off WV-152.
 * Spring Valley/Buffalo Creek: Generally newer residential suburbs south of the Westmoreland neighborhood and west of Lavalette. Contains the VA Hospital complex.
 * Wayne: Small town south of Lavalette along WV-152, the small historic downtown and Wayne County Courthouse sit on top of a small steep hill, around which Twelvepole Creek flows. The last outpost of civilization before very rural southern Wayne County, where East Lynn Lake and Cabwaylingo State Forest are located.
 * Lesage: spread-out suburb along WV-2 northeast of Huntington, accessible to Barboursville via Big Ben Bowen Hwy (WV-193)
 * Lawrence County, Ohio: A large, mostly suburban and rural county across the Ohio River from Huntington and Ashland. Contains towards its western edge the small, historic city of Ironton, today more of a bedroom community for especially Ashland. Also the locally popular Lake Vesuvius, a unit of Wayne National Forest, can be accessed via a short drive north of Ironton, about 35-40 minutes from central Huntington. Suburbs of Huntington include along the river from east to west: Rome and Proctorville sit directly across the East End Bridge from Huntington's east end, Chesapeake is directly across the bridge from downtown Huntington, Burlington is an unincorporated area with big-box shopping, riverfront houses and South Point addresses across the West End Bridge (US-52) from Huntington's west end, adjacent South Point is a suburb halfway between downtown Huntington and Ashland, Ky. along US-52.
 * Ashland, Kentucky: Huntington's smaller sister city, less than half its size. Most parts of central Ashland are about 20-30 minutes from central Huntington. A historic downtown with a small riverfront park and a nicely maintained Central Park, contains Ashland Town Center: the smaller of the Huntington Area's 2 indoor malls. Beyond the immediate downtown neighborhoods a generally suburban feel. 29th St. features a small but thriving neighborhood business district. The Kentucky portion of the greater Huntington metropolitan area contains about 1/3 its total population.
 * Catlettsburg, Ky: A small suburb directly across the Big Sandy River from Kenova, WV. Contains a small historic downtown area.
 * Russell, Ky. northwest of downtown Ashland. A small historic district on the banks of the Ohio River, much suburban sprawl.
 * Flatwoods, Ky; Raceland, Ky; Worthington, Ky;  Wurtland, Ky; Canonsburg, Ky: Mostly residential suburban sprawl northwest and west of downtown Ashland.
 * Greenup, Ky: A small historic town on the Ohio River at the far northwest edge of the Huntington area, the county seat of suburban Greenup County.

Further afield

 * Hamlin: A very small rural farming town along the Mud River 45 minutes from Huntington, county seat of Lincoln County, hometown of Chuck Yeager.
 * Louisa, Ky: A small town where the Louisa Fork and Tug Fork meet to form the Big Sandy River, on the border West Virginia. Near Yatesville Lake
 * Grayson, Ky: A small town along I-64 west of Huntington and Ashland, notable for being where direct traffic to Cincinnati can access the beginning of the AA Highway.
 * Olive Hill, Ky: A small town along I -64 west of Grayson, Ky. The closest town to Carter Caves.

Do

 * 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.
 * Boating. Boaters can put in on the Ohio River in both Guyandotte and Harris Riverfront Park. Nearby Beech Fork State Park has a more than 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.
 * 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.
 * Boating. Boaters can put in on the Ohio River in both Guyandotte and Harris Riverfront Park. Nearby Beech Fork State Park has a more than 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.
 * 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.
 * 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
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.
 * String Thing Thing Thursdays. 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.
 * Open Mic Night. Monday: Black Sheep Burritos and Brews. Tuesday: Shamrock's Pub. Wednesday: The V-Club.

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


 * Tsubasacon, Mountain Health 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * Huntington Music & Arts Festival, Ritter Park Amphitheater, Last Saturday in August. Festival centered around local and regional music and visual artists
 * Huntington Dogwood Arts and Crafts Festival, Mountain Health 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.
 * Lions Tri-State Arts & Crafts Festival, Mountain Health 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."
 * Pilot Club of Huntington's Antique Show and Sale, Mountain Health 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.
 * West Virginia Day Celebration, 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
 * Ritter Park Days, 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.
 * St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Downtown Huntington, March 14. This features live entertainment by musical and dance groups appropriate for St. Patrick's

Buy

 * Pullman Square 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.
 * Old Central City on 14th St. W. in the West End is home to several antique stores, a used bookstore and a small cafe.
 * Farmers Markets are held 3x weekly in summer and fall at Old Central City in the Central City Market building in the part behind The Wild Ramp; Wednesdays on Pullman Square, and 2x weekly in Barboursville.
 * Grocery Stores include: Huntington-based local chain Foodfair, large regional chain Kroger, and discount grocers Aldi and Save-a-Lot. Walmart locations in the Huntington area have large grocery selections.
 * Flea Markets in the area include the Milton Flea Market, and the smaller Chesapeake Flea Market and Proctorville Flea Market.
 * Old Central City on 14th St. W. in the West End is home to several antique stores, a used bookstore and a small cafe.
 * Farmers Markets are held 3x weekly in summer and fall at Old Central City in the Central City Market building in the part behind The Wild Ramp; Wednesdays on Pullman Square, and 2x weekly in Barboursville.
 * Grocery Stores include: Huntington-based local chain Foodfair, large regional chain Kroger, and discount grocers Aldi and Save-a-Lot. Walmart locations in the Huntington area have large grocery selections.
 * Flea Markets in the area include the Milton Flea Market, and the smaller Chesapeake Flea Market and Proctorville Flea Market.
 * Flea Markets in the area include the Milton Flea Market, and the smaller Chesapeake Flea Market and Proctorville Flea Market.

Eat
Huntington's food scene has improved significantly from decades prior, with local chef-entrepreneurs opening several highly-rated restaurants. Huntington claims to be where the West Virginia-style hot dog was created, and hot dogs remain perennially popular. Unfortunately despite significant progress, much of the dining scene still consists of fast-food and national chain restaurants.

Budget

 * 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.
 * 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.

Mid-range



 * Taste of Asia 821 3rd Ave. Upscale Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food. Hibachi and sushi bar seating is available here.
 * Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 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.
 * Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 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.
 * Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 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.
 * Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 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.
 * Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 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.
 * Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 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.
 * Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 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.
 * Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 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.
 * Buddy's All American BBQ, 1537 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.

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



Sleep

 * Best Western Huntington Mall Inn . For the coupon rate of $62/night, you can get a clean room, high speed internet, and a continental breakfast.
 * The Coaches Inn and Huntington Inn are seedy and should be avoided.
 * Best Western Huntington Mall Inn . For the coupon rate of $62/night, you can get a clean room, high speed internet, and a continental breakfast.
 * The Coaches Inn and Huntington Inn are seedy and should be avoided.
 * Best Western Huntington Mall Inn . For the coupon rate of $62/night, you can get a clean room, high speed internet, and a continental breakfast.
 * The Coaches Inn and Huntington Inn are seedy and should be avoided.
 * The Coaches Inn and Huntington Inn are seedy and should be avoided.
 * The Coaches Inn and Huntington Inn are seedy and should be avoided.

By phone
Most West Virginia telephone numbers consist of +1 304 plus a seven-digit number, but the state is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with +1 681 as the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all ten digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).

Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 304 before these if no area code is indicated.

Stay safe
While generally safe for visitors and residents, Huntington has a moderate crime level, so general street smarts are advised. Dance club shootings have occurred from time to time in the past, so avoid confrontations in those places. That said, the city government has made efforts to close disreputable drinking establishments where these events have repeatedly occurred, making gun violence noticeably less common than in years past. It is best advised to walk at night with a group, especially if unfamiliar with the surroundings.

A regional drug epidemic was supercharged by the nationwide opioid epidemic, so it is not unheard of to see exposed needles on the ground in the most affected neighborhoods. Tread carefully and watch your footsteps, as you don't know what pathogens could be transferred from the needles; care should be taken for pets to do the same.

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 or down the road. 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

 * Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, is less than an hour east on I-64
 * 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.
 * New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is two hours away to the east, World-class white water rafting, zip lining, and rock climbing. New River Gorge.
 * Carter Cavesis about 45 minutes west along I-64 just outside the small town of Olive Hill, Ky. 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, throughout several counties in southern West Virginia.
 * Morehead, Ky is 1 hour west on I-64; home to Morehead State University and nearby Cave Run Lake.
 * Logan is a historic coal mining town 1.5 hours south on WV-10. A state park, historic downtown and ATV trail access.
 * Williamson is a historic coal mining town 1.5 hours south on US-52. A historic downtown featuring the 'Coal House'; hiking trails to rock formations and ATV trail access.
 * Lexington and Kentucky's bluegrass region is 2 hours west on I-64.
 * Red River Gorge Geological Area of Daniel Boone National Forest and Natural Bridge State Park are about 2 hours southwest in a sparsely populated rugged region of eastern Kentucky, near the tiny towns of Campton and Stanton.
 * Athens and the Hocking Hills are about 2 hours north.
 * Columbus is the closest large metro area to Huntington with over 1 million in population. 2.5 hours north on US-23.
 * Cincinnati is almost as close as Columbus, 2.5 hours west on KY-AA.