Building on the foundation of the Jewel City, the visionary owners of "Boots Spirits & Feed," Alejandro and Milca Vence, aim to bring a new concept that includes a Country & Western experience with their Americana Themed Saloon. A rumor was once told that Huntington, WV was poised to become "Music City," but as settlers pushed further west, development happened in Nashville, TN. However, many West Virginian towns, radio stations, and residents were pioneers of Country and Bluegrass music. From the moment you approach the bar you get a "Nashville H***y Tonk Feeling!" As you enter the swinging doors, the western style barroom gives you a vibe of grabbing a pint and swing dancing around the vintage reclaimed floors. Adorned with gorgeous wood stains and time-honored decor, this venue is like stepping into an old fashioned tavern, polished to perfection. The owners also saw it fit to honor one of Country Music's brightest stars from Huntington, WV, Mr. Hawkshaw Hawkins. "The Hawk" was known for his smooth vocals and 6 foot, 5 inch towering stage presence. Hawkins became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee in 1955, where he often performed alongside many notable star acts. In the spring of 1963, Mr. Hawkins was tragically killed in a plane crash with Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and manager Randy Hughes while on tour. Hawhshaw Hawkins was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2009. The saloon name "Boots Spirits & Feed" was chosen due to the no-nonsense essence and utilitarian designs of the cowboy boot and western style that has certainly prevailed since the 1940s craze of Hollywood Western movies and country music. The American Cowboy Boot, traditionally worn by cowboys and horse riders in the 1800s, had an integral part in building the United States. Originally inspired by the vaquero-style boots of Spain in the 1600s, the boots are usually made from practical and sturdy materials such as cowhide or alligator leather and were typically worn to hug the calf for protection and security while riding in stirrups. As countless memorable country stars such as Mr. Hawkshaw Hawkins showed, old western fashion never goes out of style.
