The small town of Pikeville, with a population of around 7,000, for example, wasn’t available to a lot of up until the landmark Pikeville Cut-Through Project gave it brand-new life. The job, which began in 1973 and covered up 14 years later on, not only safeguarded Pikeville’s downtown from regular flooding, however it helped put the peaceful however vibrant town on the map. Here are the 13 finest things to do on a trip to Pikeville, Kentucky
What To Do In Pikeville, Kentucky.
Stroll Down Main Street
If you want to see the best of Pikeville, downtown’s Creative Arts District (located at Main Street and 2nd Street) is the location. With brick pavers, string lights, and a whimsical public arts installation called Umbrella Alley, this stunning stretch of road is as captivating as it gets. If you’re in the mood for a little retail therapy, stop into The Shoppes at 225, an unique organization incubator and indoor market that features seven distinct merchants that concentrate on whatever from garments to vintage vinyl. For more regional love, make certain to attend a Night Market at Pikeville City Park, where craftsmens offer their products in a festival-like setting.
pikevillemainstreet.com; 243 Main Street, Pikeville, KY 41501; 606-213-2358
Take A Hatfields And McCoys Tour
There might not be any fiercer or more infamous fight than the one between the Hatfields and McCoys. The 1800s Appalachian households lived around the Kentucky-West Virginia border, and their decades-long fight, including lying, cheating, taking, and even murder, is the things of legends. Find out everything about the two households’ remarkable history on the self-guided Hatfields and McCoys Historic Driving Tour. Pikeville, and surrounding Pike County, is home to lots of landmarks, sites, and monuments all associated to the fight. From gravesites of men and women who lost their lives in the fight to the real sites where battles and duels happened, there’s plenty to explore. You can find a tour map online, and check out the spots at your own pace.
tourpikecounty.com
Walk Across The Historic Pauley Bridge
To get a beautiful glimpse into Pikeville’s past, look no further than the historic Pauley Bridge, a WPA job that began in 1936 and was completed in 1940. The wood bridge is bookended by enforcing sandstone towers on each end that produce a terrific media event. With the rich, tree-covered Appalachian mountains all around and the Big Sandy River listed below, you won’t discover a more scenic area in all of Pikeville. Though the bridge has been closed to cars and trucks given that 2000, you can still go out and stroll the length of the 390-foot-long landmark.
Tour Dueling Barrels Distillery
Found in the heart of downtown, Dueling Barrels is much more than your typical distillery. Tours consist of a whole history of moonshining in Appalachia and Eastern Kentucky, an overview of the distilling procedure, and 4 tasting tokens that can be used for beer or moonshine in the brewery and distillery.
duelingbarrels.com; 745 Hambley Blvd., Pikeville, KY 41501; 606-766-3835
Explore The Arts At The App
The App, also referred to as The Appalachian Center for the Arts, is a hub for arts and culture in Pike County. Visitors can go to the gallery to see rotating displays displaying visual art from regional and local artists. They can also head to the 200-seat theater to see anything from a comedy program to live music and theatre performances.
theapparts.org; 218 Second St., Pikeville, KY 41501; 606-262-4004
See A Show At Appalachian Wireless Arena
Pikeville may be a village, but the acts who make their method to the Appalachian Wireless Center are anything but. Found in the heart of downtown, the 7,000-seat arena sees hosts artists and entertainers ranging from The Black Crowes to Soulja Boy to the Harlem Globetrotters. The complex likewise has an outside plaza called the Mountain Top Media Stage that hosts a free music series called Main Street Live during many months of the year.
appalachianwirelessarena.com; 126 Main Street, Pikeville, KY 41501; 606-444-5500
Take A Hike At Bob Amos Park
With the marvelous Appalachian Mountains as a scenic backdrop, outside activity is even much better at Bob Amos Park. In addition to sport courts, fields, a play area, and strolling track, the park is likewise home to 13 miles of hiking tracks, horseback riding opportunities, ziplining, and 8 miles of river tracks that can be checked out via kayak, canoe, or paddle board.
Explore The Grand Canyon Of The South
Found simply 30 minutes from downtown Pikeville, Breaks Interstate Park is frequently referred to as the Grand Canyon of the South due to the truth that it’s home to one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi. The Virginia park is a bonanza of unbelievable vistas and amazing outside experiences. Trek one of 10 gorgeous tracks, book a trip to see elk living on restored coal mine sites and forests around the Breaks, get a rush of adrenaline by ziplining the canyon rim, go fishing or kayaking on the Russell Fork River, or invest a day boating on Laurel Lake. For true adventure candidates, you can likewise white water raft, rock climb, and mountain bicycle in the park.
breakspark.com; 627 Commission Circle, Breaks, VA 24607; 276-865-4413
Where To Eat In Pikeville, Kentucky
Have A Delicious Italian Meal
You can see a historic site and take pleasure in a fantastic meal at this dining establishment that’s located on completion of Main Street in the former Randolph McCoy House. Chirico’s Ristorante is a multigenerational family-owned company that was started by Frank Ray Chirico back in 1981. Today, the restaurant is run his three sons, who proudly carry on the family tradition and dishes. The menu features all the classics, from brick-oven pizzas and calzones to every type of pasta and fresh bread. For dessert, order a slice of their famous Brickle. The frozen confection is made with fluffy cream cheese, buttery pecan brickle, and velvety caramel atop a graham cracker crust.
facebook.com/ChiricosRistoranteKY; 235 Main St, Pikeville, KY 41501; 606-432-7070
Attempt The Local Barbecue
It’s virtually a sin to go to a Southern town without tasting their barbecue. Luckily, Pikeville visitors can get their repair at Biggen’s BBQ.
facebook.com/biggensbarbieq; 404 South Mayo Trail, Pikeville, KY 41501
Savor A Steak Dinner
In some methods, Sal’s Steak and Ribs is your timeless steakhouse, and in other methods, it’s most absolutely not. The family-owned and -run dining establishment is understood for serving classic cuts of beef perfectly cooked over a hot flat-top, however it’s also known for its excellent Central American fare, from quesadillas to burritos to fajitas. Start your meal with a plate of Sal’s Rattlers, corn ribs tossed in homemade seasoning and served with lime aioli, and after that buckle up for a big meal. You’re guaranteed to leave full and pleased no matter which area of the menu you purchase from.
facebook.com/salssteakandribs; 90 Weddington Branch Road, Pikeville, KY 41501; 606-899-8226
Get An Old-School Smashburger
Stop when you see the huge green-and-white indication, and head into the 1970s dining room that’s total with wood paneling and pastel-colored cubicles. Serving breakfast, lunch, and supper– plus plenty of yummy ice cream treats for any time of day– this is the ultimate place to go for a heavy dose of fond memories.
facebook.com/DairyCheer; 344 S Mayo Trl, Pikeville, KY 41501; 606-432-5222