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, my birthplace. 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 there, 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!
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!
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
Sycamore Inn Bed & Breakfast - Williamson, WVAddress: 703 Alderson St, Williamson, WV 25661 (304) 235-3152
Hatfield McCoy House Bed & Breakfast - Williamson, WVAddress: 1 W 4th Ave, Williamson, WV 25661Phone: (304) 235-3174
Chief Logan Lodge - Logan County, WVAddress: 1000 Conference Center Dr, Logan, WV 25601Phone: (304) 855-6100Website: http://www.chiefloganlodge.com
Farmers Markets
Williamson Farmers MarketAddress: 100 E 3rd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661Phone: (304) 235-3400Website: https://www.williamsonfarmersmarket.com
Pikeville Farmers MarketAddress: 130 Adams Ln, Pikeville, KY 41501Phone: (606) 432-5504Website: https://www.pikevillefarmersmarket.com
Outdoor Activities & Trails
Hatfield-McCoy TrailsWebsite: https://www.trailsheaven.com Phone: (800) 592-2217
Main Office Address: 179 Rita Mall Rd, Lyburn, WV 25632
Fishpond Lake - Pike County, KYAddress: 1850 Fishpond Rd, Jenkins, KY 41537Phone: (606) 832-4095
Historical Sites
Coal House Museum - Williamson, WV Address: 2 Court St, Williamson, WV 25661Phone: (304) 235-5240
Hatfield-McCoy Feud Sites Tug Valley Chamber of CommerceWebsite: https://tugvalleychamber.com Phone: (304) 235-5240Address: 3 W 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661
Art & Cultural Exhibitions
Williamson Art Gallery Address: 44 E 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661Phone: (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.
Coalfield Development Co-op Address: 341 N Main St, Williamson, WV 25661Phone: (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 41501Phone: (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.
These beautiful Folk Art pieces can be found from artisans at the Williamson Farmer's Market!
Folk Art Exhibitions
Appalachian Artisan Center Address: 30 W Main St, Hindman, KY 41822Phone: (606) 785-9855
Appalachian Artisan Center This center promotes traditional Appalachian arts, including quilting, woodworking, and folk music, with workshops and events.
Performance Groups
Pikeville Ballet Academy
Address: 197 Main St, Pikeville, KY 41501Phone: (606) 432-6000
Website: University of Pikeville Dance 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.
Coalfield Theatre
Address: 55 E 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661Phone: (304) 235-2244
The Coalfield Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including community theater productions, musicals, and events that celebrate local history and culture.
Pikeville Community Theatre
Address: 208 Main St, Pikeville, KY 41501Phone: (606) 432-3288
This community theater often features local stories, including historical dramas. They hold auditions and welcome community participation.
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.
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
The Hatfields and the McCoys: The True Story of the Feud by Altina L. Waller
Appalachian Trail: A Visual and Narrative History by Tom Johnson
The West Virginia Encyclopedia edited by Ken Sullivan
The Coalwood Way by Homer Hickam
Hunting and Fishing in the Appalachians by Joe B. Smith
Moon West Virginia by Ann G. K. McCulloch
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