What to do in Huntington, West Virginia in the Winter
Welcome to beautiful Huntington, West Virginia! The West Virginia Department of Tourism invited us to explore the city of Huntington over the holidays and we couldn't refuse! Our first big trip as a family of 5 was road trip heaven, brimming with art galleries, delicious restaurants, beautiful parks, and one-of-a-kind local shops. Full of history and heritage, Huntington is a great family destination!
Unique Things to do in Huntington, West Virginia:
Whether you’re searching for activities to do with kids in Huntington or romantic things to do in West Virginia, this list is appropriate for all ages.
The iconic Log Church decked for the Christmas celebrations at Heritage Farm Village and Museum in Huntington, West Virginia.
1. Celebrate Appalachian history at Heritage Farm & Village
Heritage Farm Museum and Village is an award-winning open-air history museum that celebrates Appalachian heritage. Visiting this Smithsonian-affiliated museum gives you a glimpse of what life was like in West Virginia during the 1800s.
During December, the farm is transferred into a truly magical Christmas Village with thousands of Christmas lights. At Heritage Farm Christmas Village, you can meet Santa at his workshop, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, listen to skilled artists discuss traditional Appalachian arts, learn metalwork at the blacksmith shop, and listen to Christmas carols. The iconic Log Church is the centerpiece of the village and hosts live music throughout the year. We enjoyed singing along to classic holiday music during our visit!
There are a variety of events throughout the year at Heritage Farm Village in West Virginia, like their Fall Festival and summer events. But seeing the village all lit up at Christmas time is truly magical! Buy your Heritage Farm Museum & Village tickets here and check out the events at Heritage Farm here.
2. Find nostalgia at The Old North Arcade
If you’re searching for a little fun in the winter in Huntington, head over to Pullman Square downtown and hit up the Old North Arcade. This was so fun for adults and kids alike! There’s a large selection of classic video games that are completely free and others with a small fee. The deep-dish pizza on the menu was the cheesiest slice we’ve ever eaten and there’s a great beer selection at the bar!
3. Get creative at The Pottery Place
The Pottery Place is a popular spot for ceramic painting in Huntington. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids or more of a romantic thing to do on a date, you can’t go wrong with The Pottery Place. There’s a huge selection of pieces to choose from adorable figurines to custom coffee mugs, there’s no shortage of creative inspiration. If you’re visiting from out of town they will even ship your pieces to you. This makes for a great souvenir from Huntington!
4. Browse galleries & gardens at The Huntington Museum of Art
Art, education, and nature collide at The Huntington Museum of Art and Botanical Gardens, which is a nationally accredited art museum. Nestled in a 50-acre plot in the gorgeous Park Hills neighborhood overlooking downtown, the museum houses an impressive art collection of over 16,000 pieces. The museum features a large glasswork gallery, a Syrian sculpture and textile exhibit, an interactive children’s educational center, an art reference library, and even studios for art classes. Not only is the Huntington Museum of Art the largest art museum in the state of West Virginia, but it’s also the state’s only indoor tropical botanical garden and conservatory.
Behind the museum, you’ll find 40 acres of well-marked hiking trails that wind through the unspoiled forest. There are a variety of art installations and hidden artistic gems along the way, making the Huntington Museum of Art Nature Trail fun for all ages!
5. Stroll Through Ritter Park
Ritter Park is a massive award-winning green space and historic district comprising 120 acres of trails, interactive playgrounds, event spaces, and historic buildings. Ritter Park is the heart of the city as children, dog walkers, runners, and visitors gather, play, and learn. Throughout the park, you’ll find celebrations of art, culture, and history.
The Ritter Park Historic District that lines the park is a stunning representation of early 1900s architectural grandeur in West Virginia. No trip to Huntington is complete without a visit to Ritter Park!
6. Discover local artisans at Heritage Station
Heritage Station is a repurposed Baltimore & Ohio Railroad station with an old steam-engine locomotive out front that the kids will surely marvel at. This revitalized station is home to several eclectic shops and anchors a thriving art district near downtown. Heritage Station is a great place to support local artisans, stop for a latte, or grab some information about the city at the Huntington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Places to eat in Huntington, West Virginia:
Here are some of the best restaurants in Huntington, West Virginia:
Nomada Bakery is the cutest cafe and a great stop for a morning coffee! Nomada is located inside Heritage Station right next to the tourism information center. They serve a variety of lemonade, pastries, empanadas, salads, and cakes!
The Peddler is a brewpub where everything is made in-house, even the buns! Famous for its unique burgers, duck fat fries, and more, The Peddler is a favorite among Huntington locals and visitors alike.
The Market Downtown Huntington has many unique food and beverage options. Grab wings at The Wing Place, a custom sandwich at Fuel Counter, or a scoop of ice cream at Austin’s Homemade Icecream.
The Old North Arcade has a small menu but their Detroit-style pizzas are huge and packed with cheese and flavor. If you’re in the mood for deep-dish and good beer, look no further than The Old North Arcade in Pullman Square.
Bahnhof WVrsthaus + Biergarten has the best brewhouse vibe , serving traditional German dishes with a twist. At Bahnhof, you can’t go wrong with any full stein from their large variety of draft beer, some of their unique appetizers, and one of their seasonal entrees. We enjoyed the fish and chips, Autumn duck, and a killer Reuben!
Backyard Pizza was among our favorite restaurants in Huntington. Never, and I mean NEVER ever, have we seen such a large list of unique pizzas! Dive into the Nashville hot chicken pizza or enjoy the pear, blackberry, and truffle combo. There’s a pizza for everyone and even a raw bar with a variety of seafood options.
Whether you’re searching for a family travel destination, a city for a romantic getaway, or somewhere to celebrate a fun weekend with friends, Huntington makes for a fantastic winter destination. No matter what, you can’t go wrong in Almost Heaven, West Virginia!
This blog was sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Tourism.