Seniors visit one of West Virginia’s Best

I looked up the “Best Small Towns in West Virginia” and up came Barboursville, population 3,967. Though Barboursville is next to one of the state’s largest cities—Huntington—senior visitors wouldn’t know it by walking the  quaint streets. Part of what attracts visitors to Barboursville is its curb appeal—tucked just enough away from Interstate 64 to maintain a quiet, 1950s neighborhood feel.

The Village of Barboursville was founded in 1813 by an Act of the Virginia Assembly. As the Cabell County Seat, it became a busy town of commerce and politics. A port of call for boats running on the Guyandotte River, Barboursville flourished as an industrial center.

During the Civil War several battle skirmishes took place in and around the village. After the war, the county seat was moved to nearby Huntington. As the railroads and highways passed by, Barboursville became a quiet, residential setting of historic homes and figures and remains such today.

 Senior Visitors Enjoy Barboursville Park

Barboursville celebrated its 200th year in 2013, and the pride of its residents is clear. “No other place has quite the atmosphere that Barboursville has,” says Charles Seay, a lifelong resident and police officer for the Barboursville Police Department. Charles lives on Main Street, goes to church on Main Street, and says many families in the town go back generations. “It’s a tight-knit community. Everybody knows everybody.”

Right on the edge of the city limits, the 750-acre Barboursville Park seems like much more than simply a park. The sprawling grounds offer ball fields, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, multiple playgrounds, nine shelters, a fishing lake and ponds, walking paths, bike trails, and the list goes on.

There’s an amphitheater, horse show ring, and archery range. Doesn’t this well describe a neat small town?  Where else could one find a restaurant called Fat Patty’s, that claims to have the best burgers in town and appetizers galore.

 Barboursville Historic District Attracts Seniors

In the center of town, the Barboursville Historic District is made up of 20 buildings with excellent examples of late 19th and early 20th century commercial architecture, including the old Brady Hardware building (circa 1906) on Main Street.

Well worth a photo is the 1852 Miller House in Barboursville that was likely the home of a local businessman. You will find the Coleman Institute in Barboursville that is one of the most successful and innovative centers for addiction treatment in the country.

Senior oenophiles, plan a visit to the Barboursville Vineyards. And don’t miss the Palladio Restaurant that is on the grounds of this historic wine estate, complete with ruins. Over the years I have visited many of the finest vineyards in France as a tour group leader and I would be amiss if I did not stop in Barboursville for a visit and tasting.

Senior travelers, enjoy your stop in Barboursville.  jeb