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 Welcome to My Original Home:

The Beautiful Tug Fork Region

I’m so excited to share with you a special place that’s close to my heart—the Tug Fork region. This amazing area is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and includes Williamson in Mingo County, WV, as well as Logan County, WV, and Pike County, KY. It’s not just where I’m from, but it’s shaped who I am as an artist and a person.

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Growing up here, I learned the importance of family, faith, and hard work. In this community, we don’t just depend on others—we know how to do things for ourselves. We grow our own food, make clothes, can vegetables, and fix things when they break. Many of us were taught how to quilt, sew, knit, embroider, carve, hunt, fish, trap, and how to be in tune with nature by our parents and grandparents. We respect our elders and try to love and be kind people.  It’s part of what makes this place special.

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The Tug Fork region has a rich history, shaped by coal mining, farming, and being self-reliant. It’s also home to some of the friendliest, God-fearing, hardest-working people you’ll ever meet. We’re proud of who we are, and we’ve held onto traditions that go back many generations. Even the words we use can trace their roots to old languages from Britain, Ireland, Scotland and more!

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Some people might think the term “hillbilly” is a bad thing, but for us, it means pride in our unique way of life and our sub-culture. We’re proud of our traditions, our hard work, and the love we have for our families and the land. We would love for you to come visit and experience it for yourself!

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Explore the Tug Fork Region:

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Appalachia

Now, let me tell you about the Tug Fork region itself, it’s full of breathtaking views, rich history, and so many fun things to do!

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The Tug Fork River winds through beautiful valleys and rolling hills. Whether you like hiking, fishing, or just sitting back and enjoying the view, the natural beauty here is something you’ll never forget.

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If you love being outdoors, there’s so much to do! Logan County has the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System for ATV rides and hiking, while Pike County offers peaceful spots for fishing and boating. If you’re into wildlife, locals will be happy to take you into the woods to experience hunting or wildlife watching first-hand.

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Coal mining played a huge role in shaping the towns of Williamson, Logan, and Pikeville. You can visit museums, old coal mining towns, and historic sites to learn about the hardworking people who built these communities. You can also explore local traditions like herbal medicine, wild foraging, beekeeping, playing instruments, and storytelling—practices handed down through generations.

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The food here is delicious! Stop by local diners to try homemade biscuits, fried chicken, pinto beans, chicken and dumplings, venison, and homemade delicious pies, cakes and pastries. You can’t miss the out-of-this-world half runner or greasy green beans either! Each meal is a chance to enjoy the warmth of Southern hospitality and savor the tastes of home.

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The Tug Fork region loves to celebrate its community spirit. From festivals and art shows to sport events of any kind, there’s always something going on that showcases the pride we have in our home.

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If you love unique finds, check out the shops and boutiques in Williamson, Logan, and Pikeville. You’ll discover handmade fine art, photography, quilts, woodworking, folk art, and antiques that represent the rich culture of the region.

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Plan a Visit

Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or thinking of staying longer, the Tug Fork region has a lot to offer. It’s a place of beauty, history, and friendly people who will make you feel right at home. Here are some helpful links to plan your visit:​​​​​

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Places to Stay

Sycamore Inn Bed & Breakfast - Williamson, WV
Address: 703 Alderson St, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 235-3152

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Hatfield McCoy House Bed & Breakfast - Williamson, WV
Address: 1 W 4th Ave, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 235-3174  ​​

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Chief Logan Lodge - Logan County, WV
Address: 1000 Conference Center Dr, Logan, WV 25601
Phone: (304) 855-6100
Website: http://www.chiefloganlodge.com

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Farmers Markets

Williamson Farmers Market
Address: 100 E 3rd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 235-3400
Website: https://www.williamsonfarmersmarket.com

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Pikeville Farmers Market
Address: 130 Adams Ln, Pikeville, KY 41501
Phone: (606) 432-5504
Website: https://www.pikevillefarmersmarket.com

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Outdoor Activities & Trails

Hatfield-McCoy Trails
Website: https://www.trailsheaven.com
Phone: (800) 592-2217

Main Office Address: 179 Rita Mall Rd, Lyburn, WV 25632

Fishpond Lake - Pike County, KY
Address: 1850 Fishpond Rd, Jenkins, KY 41537
Phone: (606) 832-4095

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Historical Sites

Coal House Museum - Williamson, WV
Address: 2 Court St, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 235-5240

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Hatfield-McCoy Feud SitesTug Valley Chamber of Commerce
Website: https://tugvalleychamber.com
Phone: (304) 235-5240
Address: 3 W 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661

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Art & Cultural Exhibitions

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Williamson Art Gallery
Address: 44 E 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 235-9999
Website: Williamson Art Gallery
This new gallery showcases local artists and hosts community

events, providing a vibrant space for creativity and connection.

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Coalfield Development Co-op
Address: 341 N Main St, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 393-0505
Website: Coalfield Development
The co-op focuses on empowering local artisans and entrepreneurs, providing a platform for their crafts and products.

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University of Pikeville Art Gallery
Address: 147 Sycamore St, Pikeville, KY 41501
Phone: (606) 218-5251
Website: University of Pikeville Art Gallery
This gallery features works from students and faculty, as well as exhibitions from regional artists, emphasizing the area's cultural heritage.

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Folk Art Exhibitions

Appalachian Artisan Center
Address: 30 W Main St, Hindman, KY 41822
Phone: (606) 785-9855
Website: Appalachian Artisan Center
This center promotes traditional Appalachian arts, including quilting, woodworking, and folk music, with workshops and events.

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Performance Groups

Pikeville Ballet Academy

Address: 197 Main St, Pikeville, KY 41501
Phone: (606) 432-6000
The academy offers ballet classes for various ages and skill levels, promoting the art of dance in the community. They also host performances and events throughout the year.

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Dance Unlimited

Address: 119 E 3rd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 235-0211
Dance Unlimited offers ballet classes along with other styles of dance for children and adults. They focus on fostering a love for dance in the community and regularly showcase their students' talents through performances.

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Coalfield Theatre

Address: 55 E 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 235-2244
The Coalfield Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including community theater productions, musicals, and events that celebrate local history and culture.

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Pikeville Community Theatre

Address: 208 Main St, Pikeville, KY 41501
Phone: (606) 432-3288
This community theater often features local stories, including historical dramas. They hold auditions and welcome community participation.

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Historical Reenactments

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Hatfield-McCoy Trails

Website: Hatfield-McCoy Trails
They sometimes host events and reenactments related to local history and the famous feud.

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West Virginia State Parks

Website: West Virginia State Parks
They often host historical events and reenactments at various parks throughout the state.

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Come visit the Tug Fork region TODAY! Discover breathtaking nature in the heart of the central Appalachian Mountains, savor delicious food, and immerse yourself in rich history. Enjoy fantastic hunting and fishing spots, while meeting some of the friendliest people around. Once you experience it, I’m sure you’ll want to return again and again!

 

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Travel and Local History Books

1. The Hatfields and the McCoys: The True Story of the Feud by Altina L. Waller

2. Appalachian Trail: A Visual and Narrative History by Tom Johnson

3. The West Virginia Encyclopedia edited by Ken Sullivan

4. The Coalwood Way by Homer Hickam

5. Hunting and Fishing in the Appalachians by Joe B. Smith

6. Moon West Virginia by Ann G. K. McCulloch