60 Hours in Huntington, West Virginia

Early morning arrival

We rolled into Huntington, WV early Saturday morning. The airport is shorter that most we fly into and it sits right up on top of a hill. It was foggy and dark when we lined up with the runway. That’s the way it seems to be most nights lately. With so much rain, there’s plenty of fog. We pulled into the sort facility, handed that sweet bird over to the local mechanics and headed for the hotel. The weekend was on.

I got a couple hours of sleep and decided to hit the town. First stop, The World of Wheels car show. Normally I’d say that I’m not a big car guy but last year sort of changed things. My Dad handed over the keys to his 1963 Ford Falcon and I fell in love with things that remind me of that car and my Pops. I must have washed and waxed that thing 15 times in the last half of the summer and fall.

Then, needing an extra car for my new job, we got an 1987 Chevy Van which we quickly turned into a camper. These two older cars put me back in touch with turning wrenches. When you work on something yourself, there’s a greater pride in the vehicle. Most times I’ll call my brother, Dad , or Father-in-Law and we troubleshoot and then I get back to it. I’m not going to be opening a shop any time soon but with Youtube and good friends, we get it done.

With a hot cup of Starbucks I found the County Seat. Nice dome Huntington.

Strolling through town

There were some sweet rides at the car show but, unfortunately; there were no Ford Falcons so I eased on. Our hotel is right on the Ohio river in the downtown area. I passed shop after shop on my brisk walk through the sidewalks. There weren’t many folks out and about. Even with the local Marshall College (see “We Are Marshall” movie) nearby. They did have tons of vibrant little trains throughout the city. I would have totally had the kids riding these if they were with me!

This place was built on the railroad industry and it’s proximity to two river ports.

Lots of mining here over the years. These hills are rich with coal and ore.

I’m down to my last few hours here in Huntington. Soon it’ll be time to suit up and work our way back to Memphis. Tonight is what I call the all nighter… Two flights to Memphis, an hour nap there and I’ll be homeward bound. Huntington has been good but there’s no place like home.