Facility Overview

Friendly Way - City Lot 1 is a primary municipal surface parking facility situated in the heart of downtown Buckhannon, West Virginia (coordinates: 38.992620, -80.230875). Operated by the City of Buckhannon, this well-maintained, open-air surface lot features 55 paved and striped parking bays, including clearly identified ADA-compliant accessible spaces. Oriented along Friendly Way between South Kanawha Street and South Spring Street, just one block south of Main Street, the lot offers a straightforward rectangular layout designed for seamless maneuvering and quick parking.

Because the facility is a flat, uncovered lot with wide access lanes, there are zero vertical height clearance restrictions. Drivers operating high-roof transit vans, full-size commercial pickup trucks, dually trucks, lifted SUVs, or vehicles equipped with roof racks and cargo boxes can navigate and park with total confidence.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Serving as one of downtown Buckhannon’s most strategic parking hubs, City Lot 1 provides immediate pedestrian access to the city’s vibrant cultural, administrative, and dining corridor:

• Jawbone Park: Located immediately adjacent along Friendly Way, this popular community green space hosts seasonal farmers markets, outdoor concerts, community festivals, and public art installations just seconds from your parking stall.
• Historic Main Street: Located less than a 2-minute stroll (under 300 feet) north via South Spring Street or Traders Alley, offering immediate access to local boutique shopping and renowned regional eateries like C.J. Maggie’s, Stone Tower Brews, and Sweet-A-Licious.
• Upshur County Courthouse & Complex: Situated just two blocks west along Main and Chancery Streets, making the lot ideal for civic visitors, legal professionals, and county service patrons.
• Colonial Arts Center: The historic downtown theater and arts venue on Main Street is within a 3-minute walk (0.2 miles), accommodating theatergoers and gallery visitors.
• West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC): The picturesque campus is approximately 0.6 miles east (a pleasant 10- to 12-minute walk straight up East Main Street), offering convenient auxiliary parking during commencement, homecoming, and athletic events.
• West Virginia Strawberry Festival: During the state's famous annual festival held every May, this lot sits squarely in the epicenter of parade routes, vendor stalls, and downtown entertainment.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress to City Lot 1 are exceptionally convenient. Drivers can enter and exit directly from Friendly Way, with simple approaches from both South Kanawha Street and South Spring Street. Friendly Way operates as a low-speed, pedestrian-friendly connector running parallel between Main Street and Madison Street. Exiting following downtown events is typically quick and devoid of major congestion due to multiple surrounding grid streets.

Regional vehicular access is straightforward via West Virginia Route 20 (North/South Kanawha Street and Locust Street), which traverses Buckhannon. Additionally, U.S. Route 33 (Corridor H) lies less than 2 miles to the north, offering high-speed four-lane access connecting to Interstate 79 at Weston to the west and Elkins to the east. For local transit users, Buckhannon’s local on-demand transit services and regional shuttles serve stops within short walking distance along Main Street.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Free Municipal Parking: Buckhannon provides free parking in municipal lots to encourage local commerce, dining, and tourism.
• 55 Dedicated Surface Stalls: Paved asphalt with clear striping and ample turnaround space.
• ADA Accessible Parking: Designated handicap-accessible spaces located close to the lot’s pedestrian exits.
• Unobstructed Headroom: Fully open-air surface format accommodating large work trucks, lifted 4x4s, and oversized vans.
• Nighttime Illumination: Overhead municipal lighting illuminates the parking area and connecting walkways during evening hours.
• Direct Pedestrian Alleyways: Convenient sidewalk linkages and access to Traders Alley and Main Street storefronts.
• Close to Municipal Services: Proximity to the Buckhannon City Hall and Buckhannon Police and Fire headquarters provides an added sense of safety and regular patrol presence.

Ideal For

• Downtown Shoppers & Diners: Visitors enjoying coffee, casual dining, and antique shopping along Main Street.
• Jawbone Park Eventgoers: Families and music lovers attending farmers markets, summer concert series, and community celebrations.
• Civic & Courthouse Visitors: Citizens conducting official business at Upshur County government buildings and City Hall.
• WV Strawberry Festival Attendees: Festivalgoers looking for central, walkable parking close to vendor avenues and parades.
• College Visitors: Guests visiting West Virginia Wesleyan College who want to explore downtown shops before walking onto campus.

Visitor & Driver Tips

While downtown municipal parking in Buckhannon is free of charge, drivers should always observe posted signage regarding stay durations. Most municipal lots provide generous 21-hour parking allowances, but city ordinances typically require permits or restrict parking between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM for street cleaning, municipal maintenance, and winter snow removal. If you are visiting during the West Virginia Strawberry Festival or major parade weekends, arrive early in the morning as central lots fill up rapidly. When entering GPS destinations, navigate directly to Friendly Way or the intersection of South Spring Street and Friendly Way for the smoothest approach.