Sterling Drive In in Welch, a Living Link to McDowell History

The Sterling Drive In in Welch stands out as one of the few surviving mid 20th century drive in theaters in southern West Virginia, and it continues to serve as a visual and cultural touchstone for residents and visitors. Photographs of the Sterling, with its vintage signage and historic marquee, routinely appear in local travel features and photo galleries, reinforcing the drive in as part of McDowell County s roadside and entertainment history.

The theater s significance is not only aesthetic. It functions as a destination for tourists who visit the Hatfield & McCoy recreation region, where ATV riders and heritage travelers travel through Welch and surrounding towns. Coverage of the Sterling typically appears as feature or photo based pieces rather than breaking news, reflecting its steady appeal to people seeking nostalgic experiences and to organizations promoting heritage tourism in the region.

For McDowell County, which has been working to diversify its economy beyond extractive industries, assets like the Sterling offer practical opportunities. The presence of a recognizable landmark concentrates pedestrian and drive through traffic in Welch, which can support local restaurants, small shops, and lodging when promoted alongside map based visitor routes. Seasonal hours for the Sterling vary, so community groups and tourism promoters often pair visits with local events and trail schedules to maximize visitor engagement.

From a policy perspective, maintaining structures such as the Sterling requires coordinated attention from local government, historical societies, and private owners. Modest investments in signage, lighting, and marketing can yield outsized returns when they are integrated into broader tourism strategies that highlight the Hatfield & McCoy network and nearby attractions. Photo driven promotion is low cost and effective because visual nostalgia performs well on social media and in travel journalism, generating free exposure for Welch.

The Sterling s appeal also carries intangible value. It reinforces local identity and provides a shared reference point for older residents and new visitors alike. As McDowell County continues efforts to attract recreation based visitors, the drive in s marquee and neon sign offer both a practical magnet and a story that local historians and community organizations can use to craft visitor itineraries.

Practical details remain simple. The Sterling is located in Welch and operates seasonally with hours that vary. For residents and visitors planning a trip, pairing a stop at the Sterling with an ATV run or a heritage tour of the Hatfield & McCoy region remains one of the most accessible ways to experience McDowell County s living history.