A few weeks ago, our family embarked on a memorable journey to Huntington, West Virginia, to visit my wonderful 89-year-old grandmother, affectionately known as Granny. This wasn’t just any family visit; it was a delightful blend of heartfelt reunions, charming discoveries, and quirky adventures. Our extended family, including my parents, cousin Erin, and her adorable 2-month-old son, Finn, joined us for a weekend primarily dedicated to delicious food and the irreplaceable joy of holding babies. Beyond these cherished moments, we managed to weave in several unique side adventures that we’re thrilled to share with you, especially now that we’ve finally recovered the camera cord that held our precious photos captive.
Discovering Huntington, WV: A Family Getaway of Antiques, Quirks, and Culinary Delights
Our recent trip to Huntington, West Virginia, offered a perfect blend of family connection and unexpected exploration. From the rolling hills we traversed to the warm embrace of Granny’s home, every moment was a reminder of the simple joys of life. This guide will take you through our highlights, offering insights for anyone looking to explore the charm of Huntington, particularly its vibrant antique scene and unique local eateries. Join us as we recount a weekend packed with memorable finds, good food, and unforgettable family moments.
A Heartwarming Family Reunion in Huntington
The core of our trip was, without a doubt, the precious time spent with family. Huntington became the backdrop for a beautiful gathering, reinforcing the bonds across generations. My parents, my cousin Erin, and her sweet two-month-old Finn, joined us, creating a bustling, joyous atmosphere. There’s something truly special about witnessing the interaction between great-grandparents and their newest additions, and our little Clara, full of life, perfectly embodied this connection. The weekend was a tapestry of shared meals, laughter, and the quiet comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. We started our memory-making with an essential snapshot, capturing Clara alongside her great-Granny—a moment as purple-tastic as it was precious.
Exploring Huntington’s Charms: Shopping and Sweet Treats
With only about 36 hours in Huntington, our Saturday was meticulously planned to maximize our time. We immersed ourselves in the local scene, enjoying leisurely walks around town, browsing charming shops, unwinding at a local park, and, of course, indulging in some delicious ice cream. This blend of relaxed activities truly encapsulated the welcoming spirit of Huntington, making it clear why it’s a fantastic destination for a family-friendly getaway. Every corner offered a new experience, from quaint boutiques to inviting green spaces, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Mug and Pia: A Unique Gift Shop Experience
One of our favorite discoveries was a delightful gift store called Mug and Pia. This charming shop proved to be a treasure trove of unique items, but for us, it held a particularly special find: the elusive giraffe Jellycat that we had been searching for over the past ten months! The moment we stumbled upon it, the relief and excitement were palpable, especially for Clara. Her infectious joy upon receiving her new friend was truly heartwarming, making the long search completely worthwhile. Mug and Pia wasn’t just about finding beloved toys; it also showcased an array of innovative products, like their remarkable frames crafted from recycled tires. These frames caught our eye with their raw, authentic beauty, displaying all the visible scratches and imperfections that told tales of their previous life on the road. The matte finish lent them an unexpectedly sophisticated appeal, proving that sustainability can also be incredibly stylish and unique. It’s a perfect example of how local businesses can blend creativity with environmental consciousness, offering truly distinctive items for home decor.
Journey Through Time: Antiques in Old Central City
Perhaps the most captivating adventure of our day unfolded in a historic district known as Old Central City. This vibrant area of Huntington is an absolute paradise for anyone with a love for the past, bursting at the seams with an impressive collection of antique and vintage shops. Stepping into Old Central City felt like entering a different era, a charming testament to West Virginia’s rich history. While the exterior facades of some buildings might evoke the rustic charm of an old Western ghost town, don’t let that fool you. Inside, these shops are brimming with an incredible array of cool, unique, and often surprising treasures, each waiting to tell its own story. It’s a fantastic destination for collectors, interior designers, or simply those who enjoy a nostalgic stroll through curated relics of yesteryear. The sheer volume and variety of items make Old Central City a must-visit for anyone exploring Huntington, promising an engaging hunt for that perfect, timeless piece. We spent hours sifting through its offerings, always finding something new and fascinating around every corner.
Treasures and Curiosities: Our Antique Haul
Our delve into Old Central City’s antique shops was a delightful exploration, yielding a variety of beautiful, weird, and wonderfully quirky items that immediately caught our attention. In the half-dozen or so shops we visited, every corner offered a new visual treat and potential project. For instance, a set of ornate white candle sconces stood out. Their intricate detailing suggested endless possibilities for personalization; we imagined how stunning they would look with a fresh coat of bold color, perhaps a vibrant teal or a rich plum, transforming them into modern statement pieces for any wall. It’s these kinds of finds that spark the imagination, turning a simple antique into a canvas for contemporary design.
Sherry, with her keen eye for unique decor, was particularly drawn to almost every ceramic, glass, or metal animal figure she encountered. One memorable piece was an open-mouthed horse head, which, after careful consideration, she playfully declared “too grinny” before moving on to the next intriguing item. Later, her attention was captivated by a magnificent big iron alligator. This piece was undoubtedly a favorite, radiating a rustic charm that would have been perfect for our home. However, at nearly $30, it just wasn’t quite within our spontaneous purchase budget, a common dilemma for antique lovers balancing desire with practicality. Yet, the joy of the hunt and discovering such unique pieces often outweighs the need to buy them all.
My interests veered towards the more graphic and textural aspects of vintage finds. I was particularly fascinated by old books, especially those with strong, utilitarian covers that managed to look incredibly cool and artistic, even when their topics were as mundane as “concrete.” These books, with their raw aesthetic, could easily be transformed into standalone art pieces, perhaps mounted directly onto a wall or nestled within a shadow box. The idea of blowing up their covers and framing them as oversized prints, or even commissioning them as large-scale canvases, filled me with regret for not acquiring them on the spot. It was a missed opportunity for truly unique wall art.
My weakness for old bottles and retro packaging also found its match in a shelf brimming with antique toiletries and intriguing “snake oils.” The display evoked a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of marketing and folk remedies. While the aesthetics were captivating, I admit to a slight shudder at the sight of a Grenadine Syrup bottle still full of thick, gloppy liquid – a testament to its age and a vivid reminder of why some things are best left as historical artifacts rather than consumables.
And, naturally, my eyes gravitated towards any oversized typography, especially an impressive art deco sign. Its bold, classic lettering strongly reminded us of the striking letters featured in Chuck’s studio from this house crashing feature (specifically, the second picture from the bottom). Had the letters A, B, O, or T held any particular significance to us, I would have seriously attempted to find a way to cram one into our car, despite the logistical challenges. These large, expressive letters possess a timeless appeal, making them perfect statement pieces for modern interiors looking to add a touch of vintage flair.
Our sole purchase from the multitude of tempting finds was a charming set of oversized decorative keys. Priced at a very reasonable eight dollars for the entire collection, these keys immediately sparked ideas for our home. Sherry plans to give them a fresh look with a coat of white paint, integrating them into our existing hallway frame gallery. We’re excited to see how they’ll complement our current display, adding another layer of texture and vintage appeal. We promise to share pictures once this little DIY project is complete!
Embracing the Eccentric: Quirky Finds and Upcycled Gems
No trip to an antique store is truly complete without stumbling upon those wonderfully quirky, sometimes bizarre items that bring a smile to your face. We certainly found our share of such curiosities! One particular gem was a vintage beer sign that read, “You’ll like Burger: the beer you can stay with.” We instantly burst into laughter, imagining it humorously displayed above our dog Burger’s crate at home. Clara, however, remained unfazed, probably because she’s still too young to appreciate the witty irony. It’s these unexpected, humorous finds that make antique hunting such a joy, adding character and a story to any space.
Another inspiring discovery was a clever piece of upcycling. A local shopkeeper had ingeniously transformed a vintage cheese grater into a charming light source simply by tucking some Christmas lights inside. The effect was surprisingly appealing, casting a warm, ambient glow. We immediately envisioned a string of these creative lights adorning the center of a rustic old farm table, adding a unique, cozy touch to a dining area. It’s a fantastic example of how everyday objects can be repurposed into functional and beautiful decor, showcasing ingenuity and sustainable design.
If you’re eager to revisit the political campaigns of yesteryear, the antique shops of Old Central City have you covered. We found an abundance of retro political buttons, especially a significant collection dedicated to Carter/Mondale. These tiny pieces of history offer a fascinating glimpse into past elections, and their sheer randomness and humor made for a memorable browse. They are perfect for collectors or anyone looking to add a touch of historical whimsy to their decor.
For those whose interests lean towards the truly eccentric, I even left behind two extraordinary trophies adorned with chickens. I found immense amusement in imagining the bizarre competitions someone might have won to earn such unique accolades—perhaps “Most Chickens Carried During The 400-Yard Dash” or “Rooster Relay Semifinalist.” These whimsical trophies serve as a hilarious reminder that the world of antiques holds endless surprises and stories, often stranger and funnier than fiction itself.
However, my absolute favorite discovery in the “weird and wonderful” category was a genuine blast from the past: a vintage sign hanging by the register of one of the shops. It was a flyer from Yellowstone National Park, issuing a stark warning to visitors about buffalo attacks. This sign struck a deep nostalgic chord with me because my family had received an identical one during our own visit to Yellowstone in 1998. Back then, I found it so hilariously (and perhaps inappropriately) amusing that I saved it and proudly displayed it on my dorm room door in college. I was endlessly entertained by the idea of my friends being warned that “many visitors have been gored by buffalo” right outside my room. It was a unique, personal joke that stuck with me for years, and seeing its counterpart again was a true delight.
Regrettably, I no longer possess my original copy of the Yellowstone buffalo warning, and this particular one in the antique shop was not for sale. So, if you ever find yourself visiting our home and happen to be gored by a buffalo, please accept my sincere apologies for the lack of adequate prior warning. It’s a risk we all take in the pursuit of unique home decor!
A Taste of West Virginia: The Hillbilly Hot Dogs Adventure
Our quirky adventures continued right into lunchtime as we decided to grab a meal at the legendary Hillbilly Hot Dogs. This isn’t just a hot dog stand; it’s an immersive, unforgettable experience that fully embraces its unique “hillbilly” theme, without perpetuating any stereotypes, of course. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by a vibrant and creatively decorated establishment that’s a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach. If you’re considering injecting a fun, eccentric vibe into your own home decor, this place offers endless inspiration.
The ingenuity behind their decor is truly remarkable. Among their most unique seating options, one allowed diners to sit inside a bathtub, complete with a shower curtain providing a playful sense of privacy. Even the fold-down table was cleverly supported by a plunger, adding to the eccentric charm. Another memorable choice was an outhouse-themed booth, where the seats—well, you can likely guess what they mimicked. My mom even gamely modeled the outhouse seating with baby Finn, showcasing the establishment’s fun-loving spirit and making for some truly hilarious photo opportunities. This commitment to an outlandish theme makes Hillbilly Hot Dogs a standout attraction and a must-visit for anyone seeking an experience beyond the ordinary restaurant.
But beyond the unforgettable decor, the hot dogs themselves were unequivocally worth the trip. Hillbilly Hot Dogs boasts an extensive menu brimming with a dizzying array of options and toppings that push the boundaries of traditional hot dog artistry. Imagine hot dogs adorned with pepperoni, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, creamy slaw, or even spicy salsa! It sounds insane, but trust us, they tasted far better than they might appear in a photograph. While this picture might not fully convey the incredible level of deliciousness savored by all of us, these inventive creations are a testament to their culinary creativity. It’s a truly unique gastronomic experience that perfectly complements the restaurant’s one-of-a-kind ambiance, making it an essential stop for any food adventurer in Huntington.
Road Trip Reflections and Future Adventures
After sharing photos of meat garnished with even more meat, it’s probably time to wrap up our tale! We often get asked about how Clara handles long car rides, and we’re happy to report that during two 6.5-hour journeys just days apart, she was an absolute champ. While there was significantly less sleeping compared to our previous trip when she was 2.5 months old, she masterfully kept herself entertained for the majority of the drive. Whenever her mood dipped, we simply put on her favorite CD from baby music class. Let’s just say that “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain,” though perfectly fitting for the scenery, became incredibly repetitive for the adults. But a happy Clara meant a peaceful car, and that’s all that mattered!
The only truly “rough” patch of the entire trip was a rather comical incident involving Sherry and a can of Fresca. Unbeknownst to us, Granny’s Fresca must have been vigorously shaken previously, leading to an accidental explosion inside the car. I jokingly called it a case of “Grandma sabotage,” but it was, of course, a genuine accident. Thankfully, Sherry’s pants bore the brunt of the fizzy assault, saving the rest of us from a sticky situation. You’ve got to admire Señorita Sticky Legs for taking one for the team like that – a truly heroic act in the annals of family road trips!
So, that’s the latest update on our travels and our delightful family getaway to Huntington, WV. We hope our adventures, from antique hunting to quirky dining, inspire your own explorations. Have you recently visited any fun or interesting places? We’re always on the lookout for new destinations to explore and would genuinely appreciate any and all suggestions. Especially if they’re within a reasonable driving distance – you know how much we adore a good old-fashioned road trip!
Psst—For another incredible journey, check out our all-time favorite road trip here.