Nestled in the beautiful mountains of eastern Kentucky, Pikeville is often described as “Kentucky’s Mountain Treasure.” Twice voted as a Top 100 Best Small Town in America, Pikeville is the 3rd largest banking center in the commonwealth and the economic hub of eastern Kentucky. Famous for being the home of the Hatfield-McCoy feud and recognized as one of the nation’s largest producers of coal, Pikeville and Pike County are steeped in the traditions and culture of the Appalachian mountains. While feuding is a thing of the past, an appreciation of mountain music and arts to the enduring attitude of neighbor helping neighbor, make Pikeville a great place to call home.. Embracing its mountain heritage, each year more than 100,000 self-proclaimed “hillbillies” come to town to celebrate Hillbilly Days. The three day festival, held the 3rd weekend in April, draws folks from across the US and even Canada. It is one of the largest events held annually in Kentucky and helps support the great work of the Shriners Hospital for Children. The rugged ridges that surround Pikeville don’t stand in the way of progress. The city literally moved mountains in what is known as the Pikeville Cut-thru. Rivaling the construction of the Panama Canal, the cut-thru is reportedly the world’s 2nd largest earth moving project. The work allowed highway construction, re-routed the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River and moved a key railroad line. Relocating the river was critical to end the devastating flooding that historically plagued the city. The never-quit spirit of this determined mountain town brought Pikeville the largest arena in eastern Kentucky...the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center. The Expo seats 7,500 people for events that attract national shows such as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, the Moscow Ballet and famous recording artists like Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, ZZ Top and others. Pikeville is also a great base for nature-loving vacationers. Outdoor lovers will be awed by the beauty of the “Grand Canyon of the South,” otherwise known as Breaks Interstate Park. This beautiful park spans the mountains of Virginia and Kentucky. The magnificent vistas, hiking, camping and more make this a great vacation destination. Uncompromising beauty, a thriving economy, great roads and friendly people all contribute to Pikeville’s attraction.