The crowning glory of West Virginia arts and crafts.
By Hope S. Philbrick
If you’re on a road trip through West Virginia, and you keep your eyes open—highly recommended, especially if you’re the one behind the wheel—it would be nearly impossible not to be aware of Tamarack: Roadside signs offer continual updates about your distance from the place.
By the time you see the sign that says, “Tamarack – Next Exit”—it’s Exit 45 off I-77 and I-64—your curiosity and/or anticipation is high.
Pull off, park and head on in. This detour is well worth your time.
The round building looks like a crown and is filled with works of art crafted by juried artisans from across the state. Tamarack is where to see and shop for the best of the best of West Virginians’ handcrafted works all in one place.
The array of goods is impressive, including blown glass, etched glass (some of which crafted by the same guy who was my guide during the Bridge Walk—proof, perhaps, that West Virginia is a ‘small world’), metal sculpture, quilts, baskets, wooden bowls, pottery, paintings, jewelry and much more.
There’s also music—recordings are for sale, and sometimes live performances are staged.
The food court features cuisine prepared by Greenbrier-trained chefs. At the very least, grab yourself a cup of coffee before getting back on the road.
More Information…
Free admission and parking.
Open daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Closed on Christmas Day).
Tamarack
One Tamarack Park
Beckley, WV 25801
1-88-TAMARACK
– Photos courtesy West Virginia Tourism
Featured products, services and/or travel arrangements may have been complimentary in part or in full; this affords the research opportunity but does not sway opinion.
Hope S. Philbrick is founder and editor-in-chief of Getaways for Grownups. She became a freelance writer and editor because she believes that work and fun should not be mutually exclusive. Her work has appeared in dozens of publications nationwide. When not writing, she can usually be found on the road or savoring something tasty.
