This Hatfield–McCoy city is growing and thriving, welcoming new businesses, new ideas, and new beginnings.
written by NIKKY LUNA
photographed by NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS
What do you get when you combine small town vibes with a community of caring, friendly people, all set against the backdrop of beautiful mountains and vibrant flora and fauna? Add to the mix a rich, storied history and renewed spirit of entrepreneurship, and the answer is as clear as the evening call of a whippoorwill: Logan, West Virginia—a picturesque place nestled among the Appalachian Mountains along the beautiful Guyandotte River.
Designated as the county seat of Logan County, Logan is one of three main population centers in the area, contributing roughly 1,300 to the county’s total population of more than 32,000 residents. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-term local, a visit to Logan will reinforce one of its signature trademarks: the friendliness of its residents.
“The people are the best thing about Logan,” says Mayor Serafino Nolletti. “We help each other; we look out for each other. That’s why I’m still here.”
Second to the people is its natural beauty. Tucked in a valley and surrounded by mountains, Logan is at the confluence of the Guyandotte River and Island Creek, offering its residents and thousands of annual visitors a seemingly endless number of trails, scenic views, and unique encounters with nature.
And while much of Logan and its surrounding area are steeped in history and tradition, there’s an exciting sense of newness and renewed energy taking hold in the city.
What’s Here?
From fine dining to one-of-a-kind boutiques to a shopping center that has all the retail bases covered, Logan provides access to ample amenities that make the charm of small-town living even more enjoyable. Many of the storefronts have been in place for decades, carrying with them stories of multiple generations.
McCormick’s Furniture Store is one such example—a third-generation, family-owned store that has been in operation at the same location since 1936. Offering an extensive on-site display of furniture, McCormick’s touts its commitment to quality, courtesy, and service.
Another local favorite: Nu Era Bakery. Renowned for its exceptional range of baked goods and customer service, it’s been serving customers in downtown Logan since 1940. “We’re very lucky to have them,” says Nolletti, whose own family owned and operated a Logan bakery—City Bakery—for 80 years. “Their high-class pastries and pies keep people coming back. That’s the place to visit if you want to take ‘a taste of Logan’ home.”
From mouthwatering take-home pastries to fully plated meals, Logan has it covered, thanks to places like 317 The Steak House. Family-owned and -operated for more than 20 years, it was recognized in 2018 in WV Living magazine for “Best Casual Dining” in the Hatfield–McCoy Mountains.
The 1910, named for the year the historical building was constructed, is one of Logan’s newest additions. “The 1910 is a brand-new restaurant, and the owner took an old building that used to be the Appalachian Power Company, remodeling and turning it into a nice place to eat—all while creating more jobs, so kudos to him,” says Justin Turner, Logan County native and CEO of Logan Regional Medical Center, a 140-bed hospital that serves a broad range of patients across the southern coalfields.
Turner returned to Logan in August 2025, crediting the people of Logan, the city’s strong sense of community, and an opportunity to give back as his reasons for coming home. “The hospital is a key stakeholder in the community, and next year will be its 100-year birthday—and we want to be there 100 more years,” Turner says. “It means something to people. That’s their local hospital. We built that trust up with the communities we serve.”
The Boutique at 403 and June Seventh Boutique offer unique fashion finds in the heart of downtown. And just down the road at the junction of US Route 119 and WV Route 73 is Fountain Place Shopping Center, enhancing the appeal of small-town living with an array of shopping options.
“Fountain Place Shopping Center is a huge draw for the area, with a movie theater, Walmart, Lowe’s, and plenty of restaurants,” says Nolletti. “It’s our closest shopping center and keeps people from having to leave town to get to those popular retailers.”
What’s Near?
Just as there is no shortage of places to dine and shop, there are also plenty of places to play and stay in Logan and the surrounding area.
Among the most widely known attractions: the Hatfield–McCoy Trail System. Named after the world-famous Hatfield– McCoy feud, this 1,000-plus-mile off-road vehicle trail system, open 365 days a year, has more than tripled in size since it opened to the public in 2000.
The Appalachian Outpost and Rockfort Cabins are among the area’s more recent additions. Owned by local entrepreneur Diana Barnette, the space—once an old strip mall—provides cabins, retail, and dining space that support the local ATV tourism industry.
Why Stay?
Local entrepreneur and business owner Barry Carter sees a bright future for Logan.
“There is a massive rebirth happening here,” says Carter, founder and owner of Main Street Co. He has taken the lead on relaunching the Logan Business Association.
“The LBA is an organization of businesses that are within the city limits, and our whole focus is to network, engage, and strengthen each other as we figure out better ways, as a whole, to engage tourism,” Carter says. The LBA’s current membership includes 14 businesses, and Carter expects membership to grow as they continue building connections and fostering new ideas.
“Logan is a prime entrepreneurial space,” he says. “If you have a business idea, you won’t see 12 other businesses doing what you’re doing. You have some prime dreaming and planning ground, with lots of loose soil to plant that idea and watch it flourish.”
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S WINTER 2025 ISSUE
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