Elkhorn Inn & Theatre

Had the pleasure of staying here for the "Dinner in the Dining Car" Weekend with Railroad Historian & Author James D. Porterfield. Such an interesting evening with a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Dan with comments from Jim Porterfield on origin of the recipes. Not being as big of a railfan as many there that night it was fun to see them rush out with cameras in hand each time a train went by. Wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the area and the rest of the weekend. We had a lovely drive there although we did get lost trying to find the inn. Anyone interested in trains or coal mines and need a place to stay---this is for you!! They've done a remarkable job.

Next to Hatfield McCoy Trails, Ashland ATV Resort, the Elkhorn Inn has historic railroad museum, art gallery, books signings by authors who visit, the most imaginative gourmet meals to entice the pallette, antiques, railway goes by Inn several times a day and the Inn offers a great balcony view of the passing trains. Hosts Dan and Elisse Clark are the proprietors and have a wealth of talent between the two. Dan is a gourmet chef, Elisse is an artist. Her gallery has not only her work but paintings from all over the US and overseas. I am so impressed by them. They are awakening LIFE in a sleeping little hid away village!

My husband and I attended the October Sky Festival this year for the first time to see his favorite author, Homer Hickam. We had no idea what to expect when we were booking a place to stay just searching the area options on-line, but we knew we didn't want to stay as far away as Bluefield and drive an hour to the festival. We booked a room at the Elkhorn Inn with a private bath and a train view, and it was not only comfortable but had extra amenities that we didn't assume it would have (e.g., feather comforter). We had dinner at the Inn both nights, and Chef Dan served excellent meals on both occasions! The first night (the night before the October Sky Festival), Homer Hickam stopped by the Inn with his wife and an actor from the movie to visit our Innkeepers. To our surprise, Elisse came up to our room and invited us down to meet them while they were there visiting, and that started our wonderful, relaxing weekend in Southern WV! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and appreciated their hospitality and good food!!

WHAT A TREAT!! My husband and I get away to a B&B twice a year for R&R - He and I both love history and I love crisp linens and beautiful decor. This wonderful Inn has both and so much more. Dan & Elisse are such gracious hosts and patiently answered our many questions about the Inn and the area. They have amassed a wonderfully eclectic art collection (Any piece is for sale:) We also had fun touring the area. DON"T BE FOOLED! WEST VIRGINIA REALLY IS WILD AND WONDERFUL. We rode quads on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, had massages at a local day spa- (also got one of the BEST hair cuts of my life there)- toured 'the millionare's town' and ate well every where we went. Each evening we could return to the Inn, walk up the walk while the crickets chirped outside, relax with some TV in the "little living room" just for us on our floor or read and relax. WHat a great time. Wish I could go back every summer!

My newlywed and I stayed at the Elkhorn Inn last month on our honeymoon which entailed a drive thru West Virginia and Virginia, and ending in Washington DC with a night at the Mayflower Hotel on Connecticut Street. As we like unstructured outings, we bumped into the Elkhorn Inn one stormy night, rain pouring. The innkeeper welcomed us and from that moment on we were in very good hands. We settled in the room in the large period brick structure and enjoyed ourselves immensely, rain pounding outside in the mountain hollow where the inn is located. Dan and Elisse are wonderful hosts! Great art adorns the inn for your enjoyment. We will go there every time we are in the area, and would travel quite a way to stay there also. The Elkhorn Inn is on the Coal Heritage Trail in Coal Country, located on a small highway that winds thru the mountains. Very beautiful place! Rating: Excellent!! Four Stars!! Best Regards, Chris and Sherri Stockner

My wife and I have stayed up at the Elkhorn Inn with Dan and Elise two times now and are looking forward to the next visit over Labor Day... The inn combines history, a great location (especially for railfans), and plenty of time for couples to connect. Combine this with a chance to have a wonderful gourmet meal with Chef Dan and you have a great destination within easy reach of most of the Eastern US!

My wife and I stayed for a second time at the Elkhorn with Dan and Elise. It was even better than the first time. The Food was great, the company wonderful, and the chance to relax perfect. They have wi-fi on the property which is a big plus. If you like trains, this is a great spot to see them. We stayed in the Blue Room which overlooks the tracks.

My husband and I stayed at the Elkhorn Inn Oct. 9-10 to attend the October Sky Festival in Coalwood. The owners, Elisse and Dan, were fantastic! The inn has a wonderful ambience--the rooms are exquisitely decorated in period furniture, and the setting is quite magical--in front of the Elkhorn River and near a historic railroad. Dan is a wonderful chef; our dinners were delightful. Elisse is charming--a gifted artist and energetic hostess. These are all the ingredients you need for a fine weekend in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, my home state. Sharon Littlepage Powell, Tennessee Sharon Littlepage

My railfan husband and I enjoyed the gracious hosptality of Dan and Elisse. The room with private bath and view of both the NS tracks and Elkhorn Creek was very comfortable and well-appointed. We also enjoyed the late afternoons on the second floor balcony, giving the railfan a great view of the passing trains.

Extremely accommodating and comfortable. Dan and Elise are gracious hosts and will make you feel like you belong in their family. The B&B is still a work in progress but it is beautiful, nostalgic and pleasant. They provide 5 star quality food seasoned to perfection with freshly their grown herbs.

Whatever you love - rugged mountain railroading, history (especially of the coal industry), rugged mountain beauty, charming hosts offering comfortable rooms and excellent food, solitude, ATV and/or fishing, and so much more - all shared with who you love, the Elkhorn Inn is hard to beat. So much of the heartbreak and beauty of the coal industry surrounds you. And two noteworthy movies - October Sky and Matewan - have their origins in nearby Coalwood and Matewan. While it is a 500 mile drive for me, it remains my favorite getaway.

Amazing place. Wife and I thought it was the most romantic B&B we ever stayed in...

From the moment you enter the Elkhorn Inn you get swept away into a romantic escapade. The building, the bedrooms, the bathrooms even the fireplace area can take you easily to 1900's. The railroad is so near that at times in your room you can feel like you are in a railcart room. The perfect place to take a hot bath in one of the many clawed bathtubs whether in the privacy of your room or the red heart bathroom with your honney drinking champagne. I highly reccomend Dan's biscuits with gravy, they are the best. PEA(:E