While traveling through West Virginia, we stopped at Tamarack, a gem along Interstate 64 in the southern part of the state. Tamarack is actually a rest stop, offering bathrooms and a few places to grab a bite to eat, including some that feature local foods and drinks and offer sitting areas for guests. However, Tamarack also features West Virginia artisanal products. Tamarack is located in a large, round building, enabling visitors to slowly wind their way around it. Each area of the building houses the artwork of different West Virginia artists. The artists include painters and sculptors, but there are also potters, basket makers, woodcarvers, and those who specialize in other types of arts and crafts. Some of these artists even have workshops on-site, so you can watch them working as you browse the space. We were able to watch glassblowers just beginning their work. While the many different forms of art might appeal to different tastes, everything is handcrafted, interesting, and lovely. You could easily spend an hour just looking at all the art (even if you don’t buy anything). We enjoyed the arts and crafts so much that we decided to purchase a beautiful basket with decorative pine trees woven into the sides.

In addition to the arts and crafts, Tamarack also features other types of West Virginia goods, such as books about the region or by local authors, as well as different types of artisanal foods and drinks from the state. These include baked goods, jellies and jams, and a wide variety of other foods. Tamarack also has a good selection of local wine, beer (available in singles and mix-a-six-packs), and spirits. We decided to buy an elderberry cider aged in bourbon barrels from a local cidery called Hawk Knob. We enjoyed having it after we arrived back home.

Whether you want to stretch your legs by doing something other than walk around a typical rest area or want to find something unique for yourself or a friend, Tamarack highlights local West Virginia artists of all kinds, celebrating West Virginia’s heritage and talents. Simply walking around Tamarack is a nice way to spend a half hour. Plus, with so many lovely goods available, you might just go home with something new.