Spending an Afternoon at the Huntington Museum of Art

Being an artsy fartsy person myself, there are few things are relaxing and rejuvenating as spending some time in a quiet museum, examine the art pieces and enjoying the setting. And yet, being in a rural environment, I just don't have the opportunities to visit the big city museums. There is one place, though, that is both local, artsy, and comfortable: the Huntington Museum of Art, located in West Virginia.

I've moved away from my southern Ohio home several times in my lifetime, but every time I come home, I make it a point to visit the museum and walk its wide corridors. The museum is located at the top of a large scenic hill in Huntington. While driving up one side, you pass beautiful, picturesque homes on perfectly manicured lawns, on the other, a lovely scene of the forest. And once you reach the top of that hill lies the museum, its single story spread out and that recognizable glass conservatory on the front.

Outside stands a few pieces of modern sculptures and once inside, there is always a breathtaking sculpture near the entry way. The museum is rarely bustling, but this adds to the peacefulness of the place. For your time there, the place is yours. No one glares at you for walking too loudly or when your toddler lets out a shout to hear her own echo.

The museum has a simple, easy to navigate floor plan that allows visitors to easily circle around the outdoor court yard. The historical firearms gallery has always been my husband's favorite and is a must see, as are the lifelike portraits in the next gallery.

A trip to the Huntington Museum of Art simply would not be complete without a stroll through the incredible conservatory. This glassed in green house rises far into the sky and showcases many tropical plants. A paved walkway leads you through this tiny forest and past a small pool over which an original Chihuly sculpture of blown glass.