Truck with canoes on a road

Pikeville-Pike County, Kentucky is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination for not only those interested in Hatfield and McCoy Feud lore, but also those who enjoy authentic country experiences and outdoor adventure. Over the past few years, tourist spending has been at an all time high in Pike County, with travelers flocking to our Appalachian mountains to explore our unique offerings. Pikeville-Pike County is stocked full of amazing attractions, as well as hidden gems. So what are some must-dos for the first time visitor? Let’s take a look. 

1) Hatfields & McCoys Historic Feud Tours

How amazing would it be to hold bullets fired in the OK Coral showdown? Bullets fired in the infamous Hatfield New Years attack on the McCoy homeplace, and so much more, are on display in Pike County for visitors to see. Firearms owned by “Devil” Anse Hatfield, as well as many of the significant sites where the Hatfields and McCoys lived, worked, and fought are open for tourists to explore with the Hatfields & McCoys Historic Feud Driving Tour.  With this self-guided tour, visitors will traverse the mountainous region we call “feud country”, featuring the McCoy Homeplace, the Hog Trial Cabin, Aunt Betty’s House, the Historic Pike County Courthouse (site of the trial of the Hatfields and “Cotton Top” Mounts), feudists graves and so much more, all available during daylight hours. The Big Sandy Heritage Museum features a Hatfield and McCoy exhibit, which contains the world’s most complete collection of Hatfield McCoy artifacts. Want to learn more about the Irish heritage that became Hatfield & McCoy heritage? Plan your visit to Pike County, Kentucky today!

2) Broken Throne Brewing

Broken Throne Brewing offers craft beer and delicious sandwiches

If you love tasting local flavors and enjoy craft beer, Broken Throne Brewing is the perfect place for you. Situated on Main Street in Downtown Pikeville, Broken Throne Brewing is a microbrewery and restaurant which offers a wide variety of unique craft beers. Broken Throne Brewing’s welcoming atmosphere is perfect to enjoy with friends, as this place is a popular hangout spot for a quick bite to eat and a nice cold beer. Broken Throne Brewing is always hosting unique and fun events, so be sure to check out their facebook page for updates.

3) Downtown Shopping & Dining

Also located in Downtown Pikeville is an assortment of charming “mom-and-pop” stores, with clever, high quality gifts, clothing, locally made products and more. Out Historic Downtown shopping district includes popular spots such as Ritchie’s Art and Gift Shoppe, CC Belle (a clothing store) and Dance World, each offering something all their own. If you’re interested in creating your own works of art, You, Me, & Pottery offers locals and visitors alike an amazing pottery experience. The Shoppes at 225 is an indoor market featuring local independent merchant booths offering a wide variety of items, such as clothing, baked goods, candy, hot sauces, handmade crafts, moonshine tasting and much more.

Located on Second Street in Downtown Pikeville

There are several dining options as well. Bank 253’s sports bar, which is recognized as a must-eat place by the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism, offers that perfect mix of unique and familiar flavors, During the warm months of the year, Bank 253 often showcases live entertainment, and is a great place to catch the game while out with friends. There are other great options in Downtown Pikeville as well, such as Chirco’s Italian Ristorante, which offers excellent authentic Italian cuisine, and is located in old McCoy home from Hatfield McCoy Feud fame. For one of the best burgers in town, look no further than Joyce’s Place, located on Caroline Avenue. Joyce’s Place has that classic diner feel, with good ole American cuisine.

4) Outdoor Adventure

Horseback riding at Bob Amos Park

Pike County is home to towering Appalachian Mountains with a great variety of hiking, biking, horse and river trails. Hosting over 100 runs a year, Pikeville-Pike County’s outdoor scene is booming. Visitors make it a point to travel into the region from all over to take part in the many 5Ks planned throughout the year, as well as special outdoor events, such as the Southlake Trail Ride at Lick Creek, whitewater rafting in Elkhorn City and so much more.

Pikeville City offers something truly special for the outdoor enthusiast. Pikeville’s Hatfield McCoy Trails features horseback riding on approximately 3 miles of horse trails, kayaking down Pikeville’s lazy Big Sandy River, and Zip across the top of a mountain on 7 lines up to 1000′ long. Visitors can enjoy all of this for one low price.

One cannot mention outdoor adventure without mentioning…

5) Breaks Interstate Park – Elk Viewing, Cultural & Outdoor Activities

The Breaks is one of our region’s most amazing hidden gems

With over 4000 acres of breath-taking beauty, wildlife, and 25 miles of trails, the Breaks Interstate Park is one of America’s most breath-taking hidden gems. The Breaks is regionally known as the “Grand Canyon of the South”, and prominently features a 5-mile wide gorge that reaches 1650 feet deep. One of the Breaks most exciting and popular offerings is the Elk Viewing tours, where visitors can potentially see over 100 elk on a vast, scenic preservation. The Breaks even offers lodging and dining options, with cabins, cottages, and a lodge available for reservation.

For a truly memorable experience, visitors are invited to enjoy dinner overlooking the canyon at the Rhododendron Restaurant.  With floor-to-ceiling windows, visitors can dine in a comfortable atmosphere while taking in a breath-taking scene of an Appalachian mountain range. The menu is also amazing, offering a broad selection of delicious dishes.

The Breaks also offers a variety of educational opportunities as well, from a moonshine still demonstration, to a plant and animal life presentation with a segment on coal. The Breaks Interstate Park is truly a must-see destination, worthy of a weekend getaway, or an extended stay.

6) Pike County Cruise-ins

Pike County hosts a variety of cruise-ins throughout the year

Pike County is a car lover’s paradise. With cruise-ins showcasing classic cars and hotrods being held most every month (during the warm months of the year), gear heads will feel right at home. Pike County is home to several car clubs, full of passionate car enthusiasts with a heart of gold. Many car shows held in our region have their own flavor, and often serve as fundraisers for charities, making this a truly wonderful thing for visitors to become a part of.

7) Pikeville Farmer’s Market

Judi Conway Patton shopping t the Farmers Market of Pikeville

Visitors love to explore local flavor, and nothing gives you a more authentic Pike County flavor than locally grown produce. The Pikeville Farmer’s Market offers more than delicious produce, however. Scheduled for Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., each event also features crafts, demonstrations and free samples. Many of the Pikeville Farmer’s Market events also include unique presentations, such as the Spring Fling Mother’s Day Market, seed swaps and so much more.

8) Live Entertainment

Pike County also features two theatres that showcase award-winning talent; Elkhorn City’s Artist Collaborative Theatre, and Downtown Pikeville’s Appalachian Center for the Arts. Both theatres offer an assortment of top quality productions throughout the year, from beloved classics to contemporary hits, as well as shows uniquely their own.

Coaltown Dixie

US 23, also known as the Country Music Highway, runs through Pike County, and along it can be found the homeplaces of many of Country’s most prolific stars. Artists such as Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Tom T. Hall, Billy Ray Cyrus, Patty Loveless and Dwight Yoakam all hail from our region. 

Eastern Kentucky’s talent pool is brimming with new rising stars, which is put on display on various weekends throughout the year, May through October. Main Street Live! is one of Pikeville’s most popular live entertainment options, featuring a variety of artists from an array of genres, from country to rock and roll.

Where To Stay in Pikeville/Pike County, KY

When you think of the rustic outdoors of the Appalachian Mountains, you may think of untamed adventure, unique culture and authentic experiences. What you most likely won’t be thinking of is decent lodging. Many of our visitors are surprised to learn that Pikeville-Pike County offers a wide variety of lodging to fit most any budget, which includes many well-known franchises such as the Hampton Inn, and the Holiday Inn Express. Our locally owned hotels and motels also provide a great lodging experience as well. To see a full list of our lodging options, click below.

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Thank you for visiting our Pike County, Kentucky Blog, home of the Hatfields and the McCoys. There is a lot to see and do in Pikeville-Pike County, so be sure to reach out to us; we are here to help you plan your trip!

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