The Best of Pikeville, Kentucky

Pikeville, Kentucky was absolutely full of surprises. Not knowing what to expect, the best of Pikeville really blew us away! 

ATTRACTIONS IN PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY

Their bustling downtown is home to the University of Pikeville, Dueling Barrels Distillery and an array of enticing shops and restaurants. Pikeville clearly invests in their downtown with beautiful murals, bistro lights, an umbrella alley and lively, painted bear statues. These interesting features make for an adventure, ambling about, spotting whimsical photo ops.

For the best of Pikeville, take in a self-guided, Hatfield-McCoy expedition. Pike County and the surrounding area is infamous for the Hatfield-McCoy Feud. Consult their brochure or check online for more information on this historic excursion to become acquainted with the most well-known family feud in the world.

Pikeville Cut-Through Project Overlook – A quick drive to the Overlook will provide an expansive panorama of the town.

Pike County is home to such classic music stars as Loretta Lynn, the Judds, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dwight Yoakam and Patty Loveless. More recently, talents like Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers hail from Pike County.

LOCALLY DISTILLED & BREWED

DUELING BARRELS BREWERY & DISTILLERY
Discover the ins and outs behind Dueling Barrels with an informative tour. This is an excellent approach to sample fine beers and bourbons in their tasting room. If interested in a full tour, give them a call or email. (606) 766-3835 Email: [email protected]

Guests receive four tokens for tastings of their choice – the hardest part of course, is deciding! Selections include several refreshing Kentucky Ale craft beers, on tap. My top picks are the Bourbon Barrel Ale and the Tangerine Cream. They also offer aromatic bourbons and yummy, flavored moonshines. I highly recommend the True Cask Town Branch bourbon, if available.
Spend some time in their gift shop for a choice selection of bottled beverages and a very nice assortment of branded merchandise.

BEST EATS

PEARSE’S PLACE
Pearse’s Place, located above Dueling Barrels is an ideal setting for delicious dining. Sit by the window to embrace a wonderful view of the town, including Umbrella Alley (with colorful photo ops)!
Arrive with an appetite and relish some of the fabulous menu items created by Executive Chef Chris Fleniken. Pearse’s will make your day with their delectable Scotch Eggs, Reuben Bites, Cubano, New Orleans Muffuletta and crisp salad. Pair your choice with a sudsy draft beer or sample a cocktail, concocted with their Town Branch bourbon or Moonshine.

We played a stimulating game of trivia at Pearse’s for the first time and won! We couldn’t believe it as we headed home with two Dueling Barrels shot glasses as prizes.

PIG IN A POKE PIKEVILLE
Pit Master and owner Brian has been at it for 20+ years and it shows! Folks, this is some rich, tangy and oh, so savory barbecue. There were a wealth of choices from tender ribs, pork, chicken and brisket. Try the zestful, house-made sauce on the side for added flavor. Everything is cooked on-site with fresh ingredients. Tell ya’ what – we loved Pig in a Poke offerings so much, we ordered two pounds of pork and brisket to go!

Want the best of Pikeville? I suggest starting off with their savory fried peppers. Then lean into the sampler platter for a variety of succulent meats and pungent sauces. Their appetizing sides are all house-made and prepared to perfection.

A BBQ joint with vegetarian options? Yes, it’s true! So bring your veggie lovin’ friends along to sample the mouthwatering Jack Fruit taco or the Impossible Burger.

Grab a big, frosty, flavored margarita as a special indulgence and be sure to save room for a creamy slice of cheesecake.

CHIRICO’S RISTORANTE
For Italian with a family feel, kick back at Chirico’s. This establishment opened in the early 1980s as a dream of owner Frank Ray Chirico. In true family tradition, Frank mastered both his father’s Italian sausage blending skills and the art of kneading dough, while incorporating his beloved nonna’s sauce recipe.
Soft bread was delivered warm to our table with dipping oil. My husband and I enjoyed the delish penne pasta with nonna’s famous red sauce. Savory meatballs arrived steaming hot and the cheese pull on the Italian sausage calzone was worth writing home about!

DORSIE’S DAIRY BAR
Step back in time for a sentimental stop at Dorsie’s Dairy Bar for luscious, chocolate-dipped cones, hotdogs, milkshakes and snacks. They are well known for their Dorsie Burger and footlong hot dog, This walk-up, road-side bar will conjure childhood memories of piling out of the family car and devouring an after-school treat!
Serving Pikeville since 1962, this tried-and-true establishment is a local treasure, so be sure to pop by and share in the nostalgia.

SHOPPING IN PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY

SHOPPES AT 225
The concept behind Shoppes at 225 is genius! The city of Pikeville lends a hand to provide a brick-and-mortar for local entrepreneurs to get their feet wet. Pikeville helps to supplement the rent, allowing vendors to grow and thrive. Some may decide it’s not for them while others open a store of their own. This adorable shopping venue is filled with small businesses, offering a variety of captivating goods. Visit Shoppes at 225 for appealing apparel, jewelry, home décor, candles and more.

PIKEVILLE-PIKE COUNTY, KY WELCOME CENTER GIFT SHOP
For the best in a Pikeville shopping experience, patronize the Pike County Welcome Center Gift Shop. They offer glassware, apparel, souvenirs and DVDs, to mention just a few of the items in their unique selection. A museum is featured, detailing notable Pikeville history.

STEPH’S UPTOWN SWAG
At Steph’s Uptown Swag you’ll marvel at the lovely apparel, game day shirts, hats and other wearable gear. But wait there’s more. Steph’s also sports an ice cream shop! Keep the kids busy with a sweet treat while you survey all they have to offer.

Put the best of Pikeville on your list for fun Kentucky towns to call on. You’ll delight in all they have to offer! Make a point to show up during Hillbilly Days to experience an incredible, multi-day festival dedicated to our Appalachian friends in Eastern Kentucky.

From one side of Kentucky to the other, now travel west and consider a visit to Owensboro, Kentucky.

Pikeville, Kentucky was absolutely full of surprises. Not knowing what to expect, the best of Pikeville really blew us away!  ATTRACTIONS IN PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY Their bustling downtown is home to the University of Pikeville, Dueling Barrels Distillery and an array of enticing shops and restaurants. Pikeville clearly invests in their downtown with beautiful murals, bistro lights,…