Appalachian Crossroads: Huntington and the Kenova Region
Appalachian Crossroads: Huntington and the Kenova Region
(In Partnership with Ohio Valley Rails)
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
Columbus Wired
Prologue
This article is dedicated to my beloved Great Uncle Latney Bandy; in his memory as well as all the hard working individuals who worked in the coal mining and railroad industries…past, present and future. This is also dedicated to my Grandma Juanita and her dear sister Violet. Both ladies were a great part of my life and loved me very much.
Me and the Kenova (Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia) region of the Appalchians have a long standing love affair.
From the summers spent in the hollars of the foothills of Coalfield Country (Pike County, KY; Mingo County, W.VA; Buchanan, Wise and Tazewell Counties, VA) to present day trips, I dearly love this region of America.
Not just because of the family heritage (Bandys, Blankenships, McCoys, Justus and many others).
Not just because of the hard work of my father (the Original Giles Kennedy, named for his granddad Giles Bandy) and others who worked hard in the mines under and above ground.
The spirit of these hardscrabble, resourceful, and caring people is boundless.
Stated in the opening, my heart does its best to reflect the hard working and caring spirit of this region’s “kinfolk”.
Huntington, W.VA
This city is a microcosm of the best and the worst of hard times and resolve.
There are many things to explore within the city.
A museum of art, several high quality city parks, Pullman Square, and Marshall University are extremely great high points.
https://visithuntingtonwv.org/
Pullman Square is a great stop along US 52, near Ashland and Kenova.
A full service enclosed parking garage, restaurants and shops provide a great family destination.
My family dined at Black Sheep Burritos and Brews; a long standing place for UK, Marshall, WVU and Ohio State fans to hang out. This was on our return from Southwest Virginia Labor Day Weekend 2023.
https://blacksheepwv.com/huntington/
Moderately priced and extremely grand portions will not leave you hungry.
Austin; our server was amazing. We had a great time and a great lunch.
Inner Geek is what if a bookstore, comic book store and pop culture had a baby.
A great place for my family to unwind from the road. We took our time and enjoyed the selection of books, games, diecast and collectables.
https://www.facebook.com/InnerGeekHuntington/
But like many cities in Appalachia, the OTC pain med addiction has a grip. But many citizens are reclaiming and taking back what was robbed. Crosspoint Community Church, many non profits and city fathers are working hard to give Huntington a city of great pride and worth.
The reflection of working class America is right on the doorstep of the humble 1970’s era Amtrak Station.
Train Station
1050 8th Ave, Huntington, WV · (800) 872-7245
The Cardinal thankfully stops three times a week. But like with every other National Rail Passenger Corporation train; it can be late.
35 minutes late is better than 4 hours late any day of the week. So was the instance of Sunday’s July 3rd, 2022 arrival for the Washington bound train.
The crew boarding and departing showed great spirit and hard work on good crews. The passengers for the most part followed promptings for trainmen and conductors.
The station is an extremely safe location. Across from the mainline tracks and the Huntington CSX offices is the city’s police department and justice center. A well lighted and secured lot is a plus. Station only opens 35/40 minutes prior to arrival. Please use Amtrak’s train tracker for updates. It most certainly worked Sunday.
It is a safe place to railfan. But other places around Southern West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky await.
Kenova, W.VA
Literally down the road on US 60 is the long-time railroad town of Kenova, West Virginia.
Once home to the Norfolk and Western, Clinchfield and affiliated lines; NS and CSX have both operational presence.
Please refer to this link as well as other nearby railfan sites in the area. It is a great resource.
https://www.sacomrr.org/railfan-guide/
Ashland, KY
https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/ashland-ky-aky/
Along with this being a refurbished C&O freight house; it acts as the station for Amtrak, Greyhound and the area transit system.
A nearby riverfront park adds appeal for railfans and families alike.
All the cities listed have great restaurants and areas for the non railfans in your life.
One of my family’s favorites is a Japanese restaurant.
https://www.fujiashlandky.com/
Just southwest of Downtown Ashland, it is an amazing experience. It definitely is not your biscuit and gravy joint. Quality Japanese and Asian cuisine abides here.
Oh, by the way, Inner Geek has a sister store in Ashland. Pretty awesome as well.
https://www.facebook.com/theinnergeekashland/
Russell, KY
The glory days of the Russell Locomotive Shops are long gone. But the heritage is honored with a microbrewery in the former depot and a railroad plaza facing the famed shops.
https://www.facebook.com/eridanusbrewing/
https://wd8rif.com/russell.htm
The C&O Caboose 3191 greets incoming visitors with the plaza. Sunday is the only day the Brewery is not open. See FB page for details and events.
Life's an adventure. Live it to its fullest any chance you get.
