On this episode of The Huntington Tri-State Time Machine podcast, the BIG questions get answered: "Wright's or Macy's?," "Is the Huntington Tri-State ready to host the World Cup?" "Beyonce or Taylor?" and so much more!

Huntington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau chief, Tyson Compton, gets together with HTSTM host, W.G. Bunch, to talk about the growth of "Heritage Village," our region's overall commercial progress, and more places to dine, visit, & stay in the HTS.

Welcome to the Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

I'm your host WG Bunch. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories of the Huntington Tri-State Area. Huntington, West Virginia, Ashland, Kentucky, Chesapeake, Ohio. Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives. We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So sit back and relax and welcome to The Huntington Tri-State Time Machine, sponsored by Realty Exchange.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

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When you are selling, buying, or looking for investment properties, your first stop is Realty Exchange. And let us know what you think about the podcast!

Copyright 2024 Vanessa Hankins

Intro: This is the Huntington Tristate Time Machine, brought to you by Realty Exchange, the top performing real estate company in the Huntington, West Virginia tristate area. Each week, your host, WG Bunch and his guests share memories and stories about the past, the present, and the future of the Huntington Tristate area. That's, uh, Huntington, West Virginia. Ashland, Kentucky, and the Chesapeake and Proctorville, Ohio areas. If you used to live here or you currently live here, you're going to catch yourself saying out loud, wow. I remember that. Now, here's WG.

Tyson: Yes, you did say it perfectly nicely done.

W.G.: Look at me. I'm one for one, baby. I love it. Um, well, welcome. I'm so glad you're here.

Tyson: Yeah, it's very exciting to be here. When I noticed the title that you gave me in the email you sent, i, uh, tried to decide whether to bring my crown or not. But since it's not televised, uh, I.

W.G.: Left that at home. Well, I noticed you had the cape, the huge cape that you came in, and your entourage, 19 people. I mean, they're all out in the lobby. It's crazy around here. All right, uh, let's educate everybody a little bit about what the Bureau does. What's the role?

Tyson: Sure. Um, our actual name, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, has always been a little daunting. When people ask me what I do or who I work for and I explain that to them, they always give me a little puzzled look. What does that mean? Uh, but basically, we work and all CVBs have the same charge, but we work outside the area to bring people into the area, and then once they're here, show them everything there is to see and do give me the website.

W.G.: Because you guys have a great website.

Tyson: Visit Huntingtonwv.org.

W.G.: It's got links to hotels and restaurants and what's going on around town and stuff. I love I love that website. Thank you. So I guess one of your jobs is to fill hotel rooms exactly. And get people out eating it at the local restaurants and all that kind of fun stuff.

Tyson: Yes. In a way, it's all about economic development, because the more we can get people into the community, uh, and spending money at the restaurants, the attractions, the stores, um, it just means more money coming into the local economy.

W.G.: Now, are you from here?

Tyson: Eastern Kentucky. Grew up in Louisa.

W.G.: Okay. Got you. Nice. Um, how long have you been in Huntington?

Tyson: I guess, uh, actually, just earlier this week, just celebrated my 14th year in this position.

W.G.: Wow. Now, did they create it for you or how long has it been around?

W.G.: Okay. Got you. And I know one of the big events that we have, um I don't know how many years it is, but, uh, that big soccer tournament thing that travels around I know you're one of the heads that brought that. Into the area. Because, good Lord, every once in a while in the summer, you drive around, you see all these signs saying, soccer this way. Soccer that way. Soccer this way. Um, now, as far as how long has that been going on?

W.G.: And how much involvement do you have with Marshall as far as their development stuff? I mean, do you all work together as far as let's bring in I don't know, do you help bring in coaches or I don't know. Yeah, we should be an idiot.

Tyson: Actually, uh, one of the growing markets for us is youth sporting events. So we've got wrestling tournaments at the arena. Um, and we have a very good and close working relationship with Marshall University. In fact, uh, Mike Hamrick, the former, um, athletic director, was on our board of directors.

W.G.: Okay.

Tyson: Um, he offered Marshall facilities, for example, the new soccer facility, uh, which is awesome. It is a great place, and was very beneficial to have the use of that during these soccer tournaments that you mentioned. Um, and then we also work with them. If they're working to bring an event, we might provide hospitality, help, um, them get, uh, their hotel rooms. So it's been a great relationship.

W.G.: And now how far out do you go? As far as if somebody wants to put together something in, I don't know, in Putnam County or Wayne County, uh, or in Ashland or something. Are you going onto someone else's turf?

Tyson: Well, in a way, but I've always believed, and our board believes in regionalism because the more we can work together, the more we can do, the more people we can bring in. Um, we actually do represent cavill county and wayne county.

W.G.: Okay.

Tyson: Um, but we work closely, like you mentioned atslan, uh, just recently, their, uh, CVB reached out to us. They're working on a major conference. They're trying to get there later this year, and we're going to support that because they may not have enough hotel rooms, so they may need to come over into our city. Also, we offer, um, assistance in, uh, day trips for the people coming to their meetings. So we do partner with, uh, surrounding CBD.

W.G.: And I'm sure you're pretty active with the medical community, with Marshall Health and St. Mary's as far as people coming in. And you got to showcase the house because that's what we do as realtors is we are also ambassadors for here's why you need to come and live in Huntington and not go live in Louisville, because here's what we had to offer. So I'm sure you do a lot of that as well.

Tyson: We do a whole lot of that. Um, and, you know, um, Pullman Square, when Pullman Square came in, it kind of, uh, rejuvenated the downtown area and for people like we also worked to bring meetings and conferences. Uh, is it true or false?

W.G.: You originally wanted to call it Compton Corner. Is that true?

Tyson: Uh, that is not true.

W.G.: Okay. Sometimes I black out, but now that you say that, hello, Heritage Village, guess what? We're changing all around. You do a ton of great stuff for the area. We certainly appreciate it, but everybody loves these crazy games that we play on the show. So I've got a couple this, uh, or that questions for, uh, Tyson, um, which some of them have nothing to do with the Huntington area. And he's going to go, why are we even talking about this? But all right, are we ready?

Tyson: I'm ready.

W.G.: Beyonce or Taylor Swift?

Tyson: Taylor Swift.

W.G.: Okay. All right. He's looking at it right now, going, I can't believe no one's ever asked me that before my entire well, you.

Tyson: Got to give credit to Beyonce. She just is what now the most awarded Grammy? Uh, artist.

W.G.: Yeah.

Tyson: Uh, but still, I'd pick Taylor Swift.

W.G.: Okay. Um, your favorite video streaming service? Netflix. Hulu. Disney plus. Are you one of these? I don't really watch TV.

Tyson: I read no. I do have to admit I watch a lot of Netflix.

W.G.: Okay. All right. You're a Netflix guy.

Tyson: Peacock may be a runner up there because I do watch a lot on Peacock as well.

W.G.: What are you watching now? What can you turn the audience on to that you're like, I'm kind of binging this. Um, again, Tyson is like, I did not expect these questions, but go ahead, shoot.

Tyson: I wish I could remember the name escapes me. Let me dwell on that, and I'll come back to it.

W.G.: All right, um, how about your favorite men's clothing store in the Huntington area? Can't be Amazon, like an actual walk in the store. What's your favorite or one of your favorites? Because I know you don't want to turn off everybody else and pick somebody, but I love Dollar General. I don't know if you've ever I'm sorry. Go ahead. I'm just kidding. Go ahead.

Tyson: Um, i, uh, think, um are you.

W.G.: A Macy's guy or a rights guy?

Tyson: I, ah, do like Macy's, but definitely rights. I like the local. If ever I have a choice, I will choose local over chain.

W.G.: Okay. I would agree with that. Now, okay. The bureau's office is in Heritage Village.

Tyson: Correct.

W.G.: Which is not the same as Heritage Farm.

Tyson: Correct.

W.G.: So people don't get lost and show up and they go, this is a cabin. What is this? Okay. Two different places, folks. Now, all right, and this is kind of a quiz for me as far as the places in Heritage Village. Heritage Village has been there from the 70s, right?

Tyson: The late 70s, yes. It was supposed to be demolished as part of the if you remember, the old Superblock situation.

W.G.: Right.

Tyson: Um, but Mickey, uh, Saint Clair decided that she didn't want that to happen, and she saved it, renovated, uh, it, and then donated it to the, uh, park board.

W.G.: Oh, I didn't know that. Yeah. Has the locomotive always been there?

Tyson: To my knowledge, yes.

W.G.: All right, now, our Heritage Village, let me see if, uh, you've got what's the Cajun restaurant called?

Tyson: Gumbo stop cafe.

W.G.: Great. Look. Tuning from West Virginia. We're a little bit limited on Cajun cuisine, but that's the place to go.

Tyson: And it is good stuff.

W.G.: Yes, it is. Um, and then we've got, uh, the Brown Dog yoga place is still there.

Tyson: Yes, it is.

W.G.: Okay. Um, and what's Noel Horsefield's place that.

Tyson: Full, um, circle gifts.

W.G.: Yes. Shout out to Noel and Scott. Um, and then the Red Caboose.

Tyson: Red Caboose.

W.G.: Now, Red Caboose is odd because, like, for instance, we did an episode about Camden Park. Camden park does not sell merchandise at Camden Park. I know, but you can get it on the Red Caboose website. So I guess it's like a conglomerate of different people or what it is.

Tyson: Actually, the Red Caboose is owned by the CVB. It's basically our gift shop. But, um, rather than having, uh, those typical items souvenir items made in China kind of things, nothing is China. Um, we, um, consign local artists. So 90% of the items in that gift shop are created by local people. Books written by local authors, uh, jewelry, clothing, glassware, uh, from Blanco.

W.G.: Yeah, because, you guys, I saw on the website you can buy, like, a frost top eight by ten, uh, lithograph or something. This is crazy. I love it, and it's amazing.

Tyson: I will tell you, those kinds of things are the top sellers. I guess people have that connection. Much like listening to your podcasts, they want to connect with those memories in that history. Um, we have one artist who makes stickers. Um, in my mind, stickers were things that, uh, kids in elementary school would put on their notebooks kind of thing.

W.G.: Right.

Tyson: Wrong. So wrong about that. Um, but she does all the icons. Uh, she has Camden Park, all of the old restaurants, places, some that are still in operation, but some that have closed, she sells.

W.G.: And they're like vinyl stickers that you just put on whatever. Wow.

Tyson: And she sells thousands of dollars worth of stickers every month. It just amazes me, the sticker business.

W.G.: I never thought, what am I doing in real estate when the sticker business I know, right? Uh, all right, so we've got that. And then we have let me think, the Taps is still there.

Tyson: Yes, Taps is still there.

W.G.: Taps is there. I can't believe I can't remember how long it had been open. And somebody said, because I'm a huge Star Wars fan. And they went, you know, there's a Star Wars themed bar. And I was like, no, there's not. They said, yeah, it's out in the Heritage Village. How would I know that there was a Star Wars themed bar? Yes. That place is fantastic. Very cool. And now I know there are a couple of new places on the block. Like what?

Tyson: So there is, um, a candlemaking place, it's called Hot Wick Social.

W.G.: Okay.

Tyson: Um, and in fact, it's in the old bank building. This bank building was moved from downtown mhm, um, and was purportedly robbed by the Jesse James gang back in the day. So it's a cool little history with that building. And then above that is Huntington's. Only B and B. It's called the chessie room. It's only one room, but it is a great place. Great place to stay.

W.G.: We have a bed and breakfast that has one room.

Tyson: That's correct.

W.G.: Is it booked for years? What have you been in it? I have been in it.

Tyson: I've actually stayed there, uh, when I had an event downtown. It's a great place to stay.

W.G.: Um, I don't even know what to say. A one room. B and B. The most exclusive B and B. Are there any restaurants in Heritage Village that just have one table? Yeah, we're booked tonight because we have the one table now. Is there a restaurant in Heritage Village?

Tyson: Did, um, we talk about Nomada bakery yet?

W.G.: No.

Tyson: Okay, so the CVV is actually in the building where Heritage Station restaurant used to be for many years. We took over that space. Um, and then sublet inside there now is Nomada Bakery, um, which is just an incredible lots of they make these incredible, delicious tiny cakes. Uh huh. Um, and, uh, serve lunch and they're open to, for early dinner. They're open till seven each night.

W.G.: And so if I went in there, the main building is it still called Heritage Station? What is that building called?

Tyson: The actual building is we call it the Visitor Central.

W.G.: Okay. So I walk in. Are you guys on the left and the restaurant is on the right, or.

Tyson: Is that well, you walk in and you're walking directly into our lobby. Okay. And then the restaurant is going to.

W.G.: Be on the right. Okay, got it.

Tyson: And then further down is the Red.

W.G.: Caboose and it's called what? Namada. M. Okay. All right. And then let me see if there.

Tyson: Um they make great empanadas, by the way. If you haven't tried it, I encourage.

W.G.: People to give it a check. Okay. All right, good. And did I forget anybody else down there in Heritage Village? I need to get down there more often.

Tyson: Yeah, there's a couple more little shops. Uh, one is called The Historic Hippie, um, and Birds of a Feather, which is female. Uh, uh, for the ladies jewelry and clothing line. Cool. And also a hair and nel salon. All about you.

W.G.: Wow. I'm embarrassed that I didn't know that much was going on down. I got to get off of my stupid computer and get in the car and start exploring a little bit.

W.G.: Wow. And I'm still blown away with the b and b of God to get in that place. That's great. Um, all right, now, uh, as far as downtown, I know downtown has popped over the past. How old is Pullman Square now?

Tyson: About 15 years.

W.G.: Wow, that's fantastic. I love going downtown. Used to be Ghost Town and now it's downtown. Exactly. It's fantastic. I love it. Um, all right, a couple of other questions that have nothing to do with anything, but I just love asking these stupid ask questions and people are like, I don't know, where is he going with this? Um, okay. Not just in Heritage Village, anywhere in the Huntington area. A restaurant that maybe people don't know about. Maybe you can turn them on to as far as it could be new, it's always been there or whatever. But we all know, uh, I love gyms and Stewart and all those places, but what's kind of an off the path place that you could suggest to people?

Tyson: Sure. Before I answer that question, I would like to say I think we're so lucky to have as many local restaurants that we do true. And that really helps us bring people in and meetings and conventions and those sort of things. So I would encourage people to take a look at that website we mentioned, and all those restaurants are listed there. But to answer your question, I think right now, the first one that comes to mind is East Flavor, which is on 10th street.

W.G.: 10Th.

Tyson: There, below Fourth Avenue. It has been the location of, I mean, numerous restaurants over the years, and unfortunately, none of them lasted very long. So we've always kind of wondered, like, what's the deal with is it where.

W.G.: Oliver used to be a long time ago? Yeah.

Tyson: Okay. Um, and so now they have Asian, uh, food, sushi. And it is good. Really? It's probably one of my top choices. I eat there at least once a week.

W.G.: Wow. What's the new place that's next to Buddy's RTPS place?

Tyson: Um, the grill on third.

W.G.: Yeah. Have you been there yet?

Tyson: I've not been there yet. Been reading about it, and I've seen.

W.G.: Some good comments, but, um, looks it very fancy. Schmancy. They'll have to have me coming into the back door. Um, okay, quick, uh, question. Your, um, preference? River park or Camden Park? Nothing to do with anything. Just out of the blue.

Tyson: I think my first choice is going to be Camden Park. Um uh, as a little guy growing up in Louisiana, Kentucky in the 60s, um, uh, it was a big deal for us to come to Huntington. That's when I first fell in love with Huntington, was as a little kid. Um, and in the summers when my parents would bring, uh, my brother and sister and I over to Cannon Park and we would get inside of that happy clown. Yeah, the memories are just too strong.

W.G.: The Big Dipper looks like the hugest roller coaster you've ever seen. When you're a little kid, you're like, I don't think I won't even try that thing. That thing is too big. And then as you grow up, it's getting smaller as I, uh, get older.

Tyson: Um, and it's hard to pass up.

W.G.: Those pronto pups, too. The pronto pups. It's hard to go to Camden Park and not gorge on food. And then you get on rides and you're like, this is a bad combination. I don't know what I was thinking with this. This is ridiculous. Um, all right, now, any other events coming up? It seems like there are so many great websites out there. Um, Facebook pages and stuff that let people know, hey, yeah, we've got this going on this weekend. This going on. Anything major that you can let us know about that, um, we need to mark on our calendars, um.

Tyson: Uh, as far as entertainment or things coming into town.

W.G.: Yeah, either one.

Tyson: Well, for example, like this weekend, uh, there's Arena Cross at the arena.

W.G.: Uh, what's that? What's?

Tyson: Arena cross. It is, um, like motocross? Yeah.

W.G.: Inside the arena. Motorcycles and stuff, correct. Oh, yeah. Wow.

Tyson: Okay. Pretty cool vent.

W.G.: And, and this is, uh, just so you know, this is February what is today, the 8th or 9th? So people don't show up in a month and they go, Good point.

Tyson: Where's?

W.G.: Arena cross. That was last month.

Tyson: Now you're mentioning the place to get, uh, events. That's also something we do at the CVB. Every Thursday, we send out, uh, an email for anybody who signs up for it, no charge. And it will list the upcoming events for the next ten days. Cool. So anybody can get on that list, just pop onto our website. There's a place there to sign up. Um, and we find it's geared toward visitors, but we find it's very beneficial for local people who, uh, just want to stay informed of what's going on.

W.G.: Now, let me ask you, this is going to be a dumb question, probably. Let's say I'm planning an event of, I don't know, 20 people, a family reunion, a high school reunion, or whatever. Do I contact you guys and say help? Or is that like, we'd love for.

Tyson: You to do nothing is too small? Uh, in fact, we work with a lot of high school reunions and family reunions. Um, all those are important because, in fact, one of the main reasons for travel, um, is for people who either have moved away and they're coming back to the Huntington area, or they still have family here. Um, so being able to help those people plan, uh, their event is, uh, something we really like to do.

W.G.: Okay? All right, so we can contact you for that. Now give us the website one more time, visit Huntingtonwv.org. Okay.

W.G.: And if you mention the Huntington Tristate Time Machine podcast, they're going to double their charges, so don't mention us. There's no discount, folks. Uh, I got to get paid somehow, you know what I'm saying? Anyway. All right, well, Tyson, I really appreciate you coming in.

Tyson: Are we done already?

W.G.: This has been fun. Hey, if you want to talk hey, I can kick back. We can talk more. I want to really thank you. You are one of the ambassadors of the area. And what you're doing as far as bringing in travel and stuff, it certainly has come to the forefront recently because of everything you guys are doing down there.

Tyson: Well, same back to you. Things like this podcast are so important because we sometimes have to remind people how special we really are here in this area.

W.G.: We kick ass around here, ladies. All right, folks. Well, hey, thanks for tuning in. We certainly appreciate a lot of other episodes out, uh, there for you. And again, Tyson, thanks for being here. Thank you. And we are out of here.

Intro: Thanks for listening to the Huntington Tristate time machine brought to you by Realty Exchange. The top performing real estate company in the Huntington, West Virginia tristate area. If you have a memory you would want WG to talk more about, just send him an email at memories@htstimemachine.com or post a comment on the Time Machine Facebook Group page. Did you like this episode? Be sure to share it with friends and family. You can find a link in the Show Notes that you can use to share it. And be sure to let Realty Exchange know that you like the podcast as well. Their contact information can be found in this episode’s Show.