Overview
Huntington is West Virginia's second-largest city, nicknamed the Jewel City by steamboat captains who marveled at its lights reflecting off the Ohio River. A planned city on the river floodplain, it grew at the terminus of the C&O Railroad and retains a college-town feel anchored by Marshall University.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Museums
Before you go
Culture
Marshall University's NCAA Division I sports (Sun Belt Conference since 2022) are central to local culture. The 1970 plane crash that killed the football team remains deeply remembered; the film We Are Marshall dramatizes the story.
Food
Huntington claims to be the birthplace of the WV-style hot dog. Hillbilly Hot Dogs (featured on Food Network) and Frost Top Drive-In (home of the world's largest root beer mug) are notable. The city has a growing restaurant scene beyond chains.
Money
Huntington uses US Dollars. ATMs are widely available at banks and in downtown areas. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Safety
Moderate crime levels; avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Be cautious of needles in some neighborhoods due to drug epidemic. Homeless panhandlers are common but rarely aggressive.
Transport
Downtown is walkable but the metro area is spread out; a car is helpful for suburbs and regional attractions. Railroad tracks bisect the city, limiting north-south routes.