Meet Me in Matewan - WV Living Magazine

This southern West Virginia community is an excellent base camp for exploring a scenic region famous for drama and rich with history.

Eat

You’ll find Wingo’s Grill, next door to Hatfield-McCoy Resort Inn, offering affordable breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates for a hungry crowd. Diners love the pork BBQ, ribs, steaks, and sandwiches. Or if you’re up for traditional Mexican fare, visit Mi Pueblito. This family-run eatery offers daily specials, tasty combination dinners, and a large menu of Mexican favorites. For pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee, head to Chit and Chat Coffee Shop. Be sure to check the bulletin board inside for “pay it forwards” that might score you free coffee, or leave one for a future customer.

Explore

The southwestern part of the state was made for adventurers. The area is best known for the Hatfield-McCoy Trails system, a collection of more than 1,000 miles of off-road trails well-suited for dirt bikes, ATVs, and 4x4s. Two options for base camp during your stay include Devil’s Backbone Adventure Resort or Hatfield-McCoy Resort Inn. One of the most unique ways to explore the area’s rich history is from the deck of Hatfield & McCoy Airboat Tours. One-hour tours depart from the Matewan Depot on a regular basis Tuesday through Saturday. Be sure to stop in the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum—an impressive collection of artifacts telling the tale of the single largest armed uprising in the nation since the Civil War.

shop

While in town, be sure to stop into both of Matewan’s quaint shops on Mate Street. You’ll find gifts for anyone, including yourself, while browsing the trendy items on the shelves of Mountain State Boutique. Rediscovered treasures abound at Appalachian Lost and Found, along with jewelry and other items made by local artisans. For liquid essentials, pop into T.J.’s Hatfield-McCoy Carryout. You’ll find fishing and hunting supplies at The Fish Trap on Main Street.