About the Artist
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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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Places to Stay
Back Woods Rentals
(304) 426-4183
Back Woods Rentals are Vacation Rental Properties located in North Matewan, West Virginia with easy access points to both the Buffalo Mountain and Devil Anse Trails of the Hatfield McCoy Trail Systems.
https://www.facebook.com/backwoodsrentalproperties/
Billy Goat Mountain Village, LLC
(304) 785-3488
1312 Buffalo Mountain, Williamson, WV 25661
Where luxury and location meet! If you are looking for the CLOSEST accommodations to one of the most popular trailheads in the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system, look no further. Billy Goat Mountain Village is located exactly 200 STEPS from the Buffalo Mountain Trailhead so you can park at your cabin and go!
https://www.billygoatmountainwv.com/
Devil's Backbone Adventure Resort
(304) 542-7066
100 Adventure Lane, Matewan, WV 25678
Devil's Backbone Adventure Resort is the premier lodging and camping destination for visitors to the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. We offer 18 two-bedroom cabins, 6 one-bedroom cabins, 10+ RV sites, primitive camping, and a heliport. Convenient ride-in, ride-out access and large groups can be accomodated. Join us as we explore the outdoors!
Hidden Mountain ATV Resort
(606) 625-7018
Let Hidden Mountain ATV Resort host your journey to extraordinary places. Slaters Branch Camp & Elk View Camp are the perfect place to rest after an exciting day on the HMT Trail.
Located 1/2 mile from Buffalo Mountain Trail and Williamson WV, restaurants, and all you will need to get ready for a day on the trails is conveniently located nearby.
Start your journey on the HMT Trails with Hidden Mountain ATV Resort!
http://www.hiddenmountainatvresort.com
Historic Matewan House Bed and Breakfast
(304) 426-5607
The Historic Matewan House Bed and Breakfast is nestled in the Mountains of West Virginia. Located in one of the most famous little towns in the state, Matewan, WV, known for the history making Hatfield ~ McCoy feuds and the Matewan Massacre.
Located on the corner of Mate and Ferrell Streets Matewan, WV 25678
https://historicmatewanhouse.com/
Mountaineer Hotel - Temporarily Closed
(304) 235-2222
31 East 2nd Avenue, Williamson, WV 25661
Built in 1926, the Historic Mountaineer hotel has been restored to her former glory days. From the lobby's rich interior to the ballroom's sparkling chandeliers, the Mountaineer is a must see. www.mountaineerhotel.com
Red Dog Cottage
(304) 928-5945
3580 Buffalo Creek Road, Williamson, WV 25661
Red Dog Cottage is located in the heart of the Hatfield McCoy trail system, just a 1/2 mile from the Buffalo Mountain trailhead. This vacation home was designed and built by Shawn and Tonya Cool and opened in the spring of 2022. It features 2 bedrooms, an Indoor Loft Hammock, Private Outdoor Wooded Shower Area, Outdoor Hammock, Wraparound Covered Porch, Outdoor Dining Area, Fire pit w/seating, and much more!
Trailblazers Outfitters
(859) 953-0903
79 Coleman Road, Belfry, KY 41514
Great offer of a guided adventure through the trails!
https://trailblazersoutfitters.com/
Farmers Markets
Williamson Farmers Market
Address: 100 E 3rd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 235-3400
https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsonFarmersMarket
Pikeville Farmers Market
Address: 130 Adams Ln, Pikeville, KY 41501
Phone: (606) 432-5504
https://www.facebook.com/PikevilleFarmersMarket
Outdoor Activities
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
Historical Sites
Coal House Museum - Williamson, WV
Address: 2 Court St, Williamson, WV 25661
Phone: (304) 235-5240
Hatfield-McCoy Feud SitesTug Valley Chamber of Commerce
Website: https://tugvalleychamber.com
Phone: (304) 235-5240
Address: 3 W 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661
Art & Cultural Exhibitions
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.
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.
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.
Historical Reenactments
Hatfield-McCoy Trails
Website: Hatfield-McCoy Trails
They sometimes host events and reenactments related to local history and the famous feud.
West Virginia State Parks
Website: West Virginia State Parks
They often host historical events and reenactments at various parks throughout the state.
Travel and Local History Books
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The Hatfields and the McCoys: The True Story of the Feud by Altina L. Waller
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Appalachian Trail: A Visual and Narrative History by Tom Johnson
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The West Virginia Encyclopedia edited by Ken Sullivan
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The Coalwood Way by Homer Hickam
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Hunting and Fishing in the Appalachians by Joe B. Smith
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Moon West Virginia by Ann G. K. McCulloch