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We are making the trip from NY the week of Easter vacation from school. First stop will be in VA, to visit a friend of ours who has been battling cancer. We are toying with a brief stop in NC, to visit the zoo (and the furniture outlet!) Then on to WV to check out the areas that we have looked into the most.
One area is Buckhannon, down to Rock Cave (I saw a house online in Rock Cave that would suit our needs perfectly, price is good too). Can anyone recommend anything to do in that area that the kids might enjoy? They are 9, 11, and our oldest son will turn 13 while we are there. Also, clean, safe, modestly priced motels in the area? Area newspapers to pick up while we are there, to look further into employment and housing?
The other area is the Charleston/Clendenin area. I'm sure there are lots of things to do in and around Charleston. Any suggestions?
The third area is the Huntington/Hamlin area. Basically, the city area would be for jobs, the more rural area where we would be looking for a home, school, etc. Huntington seems to have many job opportunities, but doesn't look to be near the mountains, which we want. On the other hand, there are many homes for sale there reasonably priced, one even has a stream!
Any comparisons, ideas, etc would be greatly appreciated. We are in countdown mode until the trip. Because I pet sit for people when they go on vacation, we haven't take a vacation ourselves in ages, so this trip is a big deal. We are really looking forward to it!
Buckhannon is a really nice little town. Also, it has the prettiest little river.
Not sure what price range of hotel you want. We usually stay at the Hampton Inn. The Bicentenniel would be my 2nd choice. I would NOT recommend the Baxa.
There is a new Holiday Inn Express at the I-64 exit (which is about 10 miles from Bkn).
My fav restaurant is CJ Maggies. CJ Maggies - cj_locations.php (http://www.cj-maggies.com/cj_locations.php - broken link)
Take the kids to the Game Farm. Guess it's now called West Virginia State Wildlife Center. Not sure, but I think it's actually in Rock Cave. West Virginia DNR - Wildlife Center
Buckhannon, WV (http://www.ci.buckhannon.wv.us/citypark.html - broken link)
This is a nice little park http://www.ci.buckhannon.wv.us/northbuckriverfront.html (broken link) http://www.wvexp.com/index.php/Stone...anagement_Area
All of those towns have really nice features about them. I figure once you get down here and see the geography of said areas, you will have a much better idea of what's suitable for your family.
Well, I looked at Maggie's menu, and I think we will take my son there for his birthday. It looks great, and much different than what we have near us: Mickey D's , BK, Ponderosa, and way too many pizza places. We had planned to go to the French Creek wildlife center. I think we will spend most of our time just wandering around, relaxing, and trying to get a feel for the area. Right now I just look forward to sitting down, and staring at lakes, streams, and mountains! (and the kids want to try white water rafting
While in Huntington, you may want to consider staying in either the Pullman Plaza or the Holiday Inn downtown. This puts you within walking distance of Pullman Square and many of the great shops and restaurants downtown.
While checking out downtown, make sure to go to Pullman Square and walk along 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenues to check out many of the local restaurants and shops. There are some great stores like C.F. Reuschlines (been there for over 100 years), Love Hardware (old hardware store that has again, been in business for almost 100 years), MUG and PIA, Latta's Toy Station, Empire Books, Le Cook Store, and many others. When looking for places to eat, there are your usual chains close by like Max and Erma's, Applebee's, Uno's, Red Lobster, etc., but there are also some great local places that you might want to check out. Jim's Steak and Spaghetti has been in business since the 1930s and has served many celebrities like JFK, Bill Clinton and Billy Joel. Jewel City Seafood is on 4th Ave and is not only a restaurant but is also a seafood market. They have some of the best seafood I''ve eaten. There's also a new Italian place called Mellini's and another local eatery called Franky D's. Also make sure to stroll down and check out the new visitor's center in the old train station by the riverfront (it should be finished when you are here). The Huntington Mall is also close by as is Blenko Glass which offers tours of their glass blowing operations.
When looking for things to do while in town, the largest movie complex in the state is at Pullman Square and offers 16 screens and 3-D movies. The Funny Bone Comedy club is also at Pullman and it does offer family events from time to time. The Big Sandy Arena or the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center may be putting on a show or event that would interest all of your family. Also make sure to check out the Huntington Museum of Art which showcases a lot of neat items and has WV's only conservatory inside with plenty of neat plants to look at. Heritage Farm and Museum is also close by and might be of interest as well. You might also be interest in walking around the campus of Marshall University, especially if you've seen the movie "We are Marshall". It's a beautiful campus with some neat things to check out. They also have their own art gallery and performance center that may have something going on as well. Also be sure to check out Ritter Park and the wonderful atmosphere that it adds to Huntington.
Hope this gives you a good idea of things to do in Huntington. With regards to the Hamlin area, this area is definately rural if that's what you are looking for. It's about 45 minutes from Huntington straight down Route 10. There are many who live there and come to Huntington for work. You may also want to check out the areas along Route 2. This road also heads straight into Huntington but follows the Ohio River for much of its path. There's lots of farmland and some beautiful scenery on this road so keep your eyes out for property there either in Cabell or Mason Counties. Hope this helps and let me know if you need anything else.
I grew up in Rock Cave . Went through elementary school there & junior high & high school in Buckhannon . Rock Cave is a small community , nice but not really many activities for children . Buckhannon is a nice small town but I doubt if you'll find much in the way of employment there .
I moved away from that area for employment reasons several years ago but have been back through the area a couple years ago & things had changed some but not a lot . Mostly just appeared to be more convience stores & fast food joints .
What kind of employment will you be looking for? My vote is for Upshur co., Buckhannon - Rock Cave. I love this area. Grew up in adjoining county, Webster and now live in adjoining county , Lewis. If you and your kids are outdoorsmen, then there is plenty to do. Holly River State Park, Audra State Park. Lots of hiking, fishing, and swimming. Buckhannon is one of the busiest small towns in central WV. Be sure to check it out.
Thanks to all of you for all the info. There are so many links to check out.
The FBI plant? Is that an FBI training center, or computer center, or am I missing it completely?
We do prefer a small town to the city. We would live within commuting distance of the city, but no closer, we're country at heart. Plus, I really miss the mountains.
DinahMills: My husband is in retail/management. Right now I drive a school bus, so I can be home when the kids are. My background and education are in social work. If possible, I would like to stay on the school schedule, it makes it much easier than having to find day care. I also do pet sitting up here, and would continue that when we move if there were a need.
Again, thank you so much for all the info.
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