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 who are looking for alternatives to better known historic and outdoor destinations flocking to our Appalachian mountains. Sometimes it’s more interesting to switch things up, and explore some of America’s lesser-known treasures, and Pikeville-Pike County is stocked full of 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 are on display for visitors to see, and so much more, in Pikeville-Pike County. Firearms owned by “Devil” Anse Hatfield, as well as many of the significant sites where the Hatfields and McCoys lived, worked, and fought are all open to tourists to explore with the Hatfields & McCoys Historic Feud 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?
2) Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery
Pikeville’s premiere brewery and distillery, Dueling Barrels features a tour that not only explores how moonshine, bourbon and beer is made, but also the rich culture that makes Appalachia so colorful and unique. Tours cost $12 per person and guests over the age of 21 will receive four tasting tokens to use in the tasting bar. With a fully stocked gift shop, this tour has become a staple for the Hatfield McCoy Feud Tour experience. Stay tuned for news on the opening of their highly anticipated taproom, Pearse’s Place.
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, Mickey’s Menagerie, CC Belle (a clothing store) and Dance World, each offering something all their own. Rustic Roots on Second offers locally crafted art, as well as t-shirts, candles and more. If you have a knack for creativity, or simply want to try something new, Rustic Roots also offers art classes.
There are several dining options as well, from Bank 253’s sports bar to Chirico’s authentic Italian, and everything in between. For one of the best burgers in town, look no further than Joyce’s Place. The award-winning Blue Raven is a must try for visitors who want to taste expertly prepared dishes that use local ingredients. Dorsey’s Dairy Bar is a staple for those who fancy the flavors of a classic, down home drive-in restaurant. Their hotdogs are the stuff of legends.
For those of you who enjoy the most important meal of the day, Southern Biscuit and Grill is now open on Second Street as well, offering delicious breakfast, lunch, and a bit of everything else.
4) Outdoor Adventure
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, Hatfield McCoy Powersports Spring 2019 Ride the Ridge, whitewater rafting in Elkhorn City and so much more.
Pikeville City offers something truly special for the outdoor enthusiast. Pikeville’s Zip, Paddle & Saddle 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
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 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
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
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.
Pike County also features two theatres that showcase award-winning talent; Elkhorn City’s Artist Collaborative Theatre, and Downtown Pikeville’s newly minted 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.
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, Hilton Garden 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.