Explore Your Own Backyard: Celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week

There’s no better time to rediscover what’s right in front of you. From May 3-9, communities across the country are celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) – a time dedicated to recognizing the impact travel has on local economies, small businesses, and the places we call home.

Here in Huntington, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down, look around, and explore your own backyard in a new way.

What is National Travel & Tourism Week?

Led by the U.S. Travel Association, NTTW highlights how travel supports jobs, strengthens communities, and brings people together. While it often focuses on big destinations, the heart of this week is local – encouraging people to experience the businesses, attractions, and hidden gems in their own region.

Start Local

You don’t have to travel far to have a memorable experience. Spend the morning grabbing pastry at a local café, take a walk through Barboursville Park, or explore the galleries at the Huntington Museum of Art.  Sometimes, the places we pass every day are the ones worth rediscovering.

Support Small Businesses

Tourism isn’t just about visitors – it’s about the businesses that make a destination feel alive. Restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and local markets all play a role in shaping Huntington’s identity. This week is a great opportunity to try somewhere new or revisit a favorite spot.

Plan a Day Trip

Looking to go a little further? Take a short drive to nearby spots like Cabwaylingo State Forest in Dunlow, Blenko Glass in Milton, or Griffith & Feil Soda Fountain in Kenova. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or exploring the outdoors, there’s plenty to discover just minutes away.

See Huntington Through a New Lens

National Travel & Tourism Week is a reminder that you don’t have to go far to experience something new. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, there’s always more to see, do, and appreciate in the Huntington area.

So this week, get out, explore, and support the places that make this community special. You might just find a new favorite along the way.

For more information about National Travel & Tourism Week, visit the official page from the U.S. Travel Association.