West Virginia
Huntington, West Virginia (Travel Bug)
To kick off my time as travel writer for PurplePJs, I first want to take a minute and get you familiarized with where I live. I have the unique pleasure of living in Huntington, West Virginia. Huntington is the second largest city in West Virginia and is home to Marshall University, the university behind the hit film We Are Marshall. But this city is more than just a great university, it is a wonderful community of people and I feel like it is on the verge of a true renaissance. Huntington was once one of the historic industrial cities along the Ohio River and today, just like cities such as Pittsburgh, it is finding its way in a different type of economy. Huntington is centrally located for easy access to cities in the north and south as well as cities in the mid-west and on the east coast. Indeed it allows one to get a taste of a simpler life without forgoing all of the amenities one might find in a truly big city.
Like virtually everywhere in West Virginia, Huntington boasts some excellent opportunities for those that love the outdoors. Indeed, West Virginia is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I have this on good authority from people that live in other stunningly beautiful places. Nearby Beech Fork State Park offers virtually any outdoor activity one could imagine, though should be noted most for the lake itself, unlike many recreational lakes, Beech Fork Lake has lots of little fingers that go off in different directions so there's always another angle to be seen and it's easy to find seclusion on the lake during the peak summer months and to always find more little places to explore.
But if you were to visit Huntington later in the year, say on any weekend in the fall, the best bet for a good time could be found around Marshall University, where any open space within a few miles of Joan C. Edwards Stadium seems to be occupied by tailgaters, some of the most hospitable you’ll find anywhere! These folks aren't like Virginia Tech or West Virginia University fans (sorry guys!). And some may argue that Marshall has been running a sub-par football team in recent years, but I don't mind so much because it typically guarantees you'll even be able to get tickets on game day.
Though regardless of when you visit, there are year-round opportunities to get in touch with history in Huntington. The Guyandotte area of Huntington, the oldest part of the city, boasts rich history from the Civil War and a historical society dedicated to the preservation and restoration to that area's greatest places. Additionally the Heritage Farm Museum and Village truly will take you back in time, a simpler time without many of the luxuries we enjoy so much today, in a stunning setting.
(Pro tip: Geocaching is a great way to see some of the more historical sites in Huntington)
Huntington is also home to some good cooking! Local chain Tudor's Biscuit World will change how you view your morning breakfast sandwich, after one bite you'll wonder why McDonald's even bothers to sell breakfast in the area. In nearby Ceredo you'll find Rocco's, an Italian restaurant offering the most exquisite dishes you'll find anywhere (I guarantee it!) in a comfortable, non-commercialized, setting. Though if there's one type of food that most epitomizes Huntington, it's the hot dog. There's a condiment you'll find only in Huntington, it's simply called “sauce.” Sauce is an experience everyone should have at least once, though I suggest you bring some minty gum or mouthwash for the experience, it's great going down but won't leave your breath in very good shape. Finding these wonderful hotdogs can be done around town at Stewart's, Hillbilly Hotdogs, Sam's, and even at Joan C. Edwards Stadium where they're sold as Thunder Dogs on gameday!
(Pro tip: if you like spicy food: Try Rahall’s Red Hot Weenie at Hillbilly Hotdogs, everyone that’s tried it says it’s the best hot dog they’ve ever eaten)
Most locals would agree that the time to visit this part of the country is during the fall when the leaves are changing color. The vast majority of the trees here are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves for the winter, so during the fall they put on a wonderful show. Sure, it's not New England, but you'll get the same beautiful effect for a lot less money.
So while you're probably not halfway out the door to go and visit a small city in southern West Virginia, know that you'll always be welcome in our wonderful community along I-64 and that you're missing out on some great people and GREAT hot dogs!
Downtown Huntington in the Daytime - Old Main at Marshall University - Beech Fork Lake
A note on the photographs: all of the photos on this page are published with permission from their very kind photographers. You can see more of each photographer by visiting their Flickr sites (highly recommended!). Huntington Saturday night and daytime Huntington photos are courtesy of Rick Childers. Beech Fork Lake photos are courtesy of Brian Powell. The game day at Joan C. Edwards photo is courtesy of TerSan Photography. The Hillbilly Hotdogs photo is courtesy of Matt Johnson. And the photo of Old Main at Marshall University is courtesy of Charlene To.
Tags: travel, travel bug, usa, wv, west virginia, hillbilly hotdogs, downtown huntington, cabell county, huntington, southern usa
Goodbye, Senator Byrd ()
Today the United States says goodbye to the longest serving member of Congress of all time, West Virginia senator, one of my senators, Robert C. Byrd.
I am a “new” West Virginian, having lived in the Mountain state for less than two years, however the impact of Byrd is undeniable. A quick drive through the center of my city, Huntington, reveals the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Flexible Manufacturing, the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center, the Robert C. Byrd Bridge, and the Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health. Sometimes referred to as the “King of Pork” or as “Big Daddy” he brought significant amounts of money and often consequently hope to this state that is shaped by it’s dramatic terrain, unpredictable weather, and unconditionally kind people.
Compared to many states, West Virginia is often considered to be a relic of times gone by. Progress has taken more time to reach the greatest depths of Appalachia, all of Appalachia. West Virginia is a state that has had little come easy to it. The terrain has still left many corners of this state isolated from modern technology or even modern conveniences. Annually floods sweep through the southern part of the state leaving many to start over again. But for as unforgiving as this state can seem, there’s been Robert Byrd.
Byrd understood the complexities that West Virginia faced. He fully understood the uniqueness and importance that West Virginia could have. He was an avid proponent of improving the transportation network in the state, an effort that helped open it up further to both tourism and industry. He recognized the challenges faced by rural populations in gaining adequate health care, and was a driving force behind rural health initiatives in Appalachia and beyond.
Byrd was not the perfect person and made mistakes, but he was also able to look back on these mistakes and express his apologies sincerely. And despite the mistakes he did make, he also worked hard to overcome them. For a person that once opposed the Civil Rights Act, Byrd came out as an early supporter for Obama. In the fall of 2008 I had the unique pleasure of hearing Byrd speak at a rally with Joe Biden in support of Barack Obama’s campaign. Despite his frailty, the power and command in his tone was strong, and the few thousand people that had gathered in downtown Charleston, WV remained completely silent throughout. It was an experience that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. It was simply electric.
And for everything he was in politics, he is also known well for being a wonderful, caring person. Indeed he married his high school sweetheart at 20-years-old in 1937 and they remained happily married until she passed away in 2006. Erma Byrd was the joy of his life, and his enduring relationship with her was often the envy of wives and husbands alike on the hill. He was well-known for sending her flowers and gifts, and always making time to take her out for dinner.
Imagining the future of West Virginia without Byrd is not easy. While there are decisions he’s made that I personally may not agree with, his impact on this state, Appalachia, and the United States is undeniable. There is this void now, and how it will be filled is a mystery to me.
But, I thank Robert C. Byrd from the depths of my heart for what he has done—as a politician, a scholar of the Constitution, a West Virginian, and a person.
As I tweeted this morning, “Truly a sad day for all West Virginians. Goodbye Robert Byrd, enjoy the rest of all time with Erma! And thank you!”
Tags: history, democrats, politics, wv, west virginia, robert c. byrd