Not to knock on WV but Tamarack didn't really do it for me, especially on a Sunday. Non of the artisans were working in the workshop, the lunch crowd exploded almost precisely at 12:45, and although many of the crafts are nice to look at, they are much more expensive than you would guess. I'm all for paying artisans for their time and skill but expect $50-100 for a ceramic cup, $200-$1000 for paintings, $500 for large baskets, thousands for statues. you get the point. You even pay for WV tourist magazines!
However almost everything is handmade in WV and mostly unique. There is an educational and entertainment theater, conferences can be held here, lots of parking for cars and RVs, and there is a gas station nearby. The cafeteria has a wide selection and refills are free but the food just isn't that good. It may have been gourmet once but it's more similar to a chain cafeteria than diner fare.
We always find something beautiful and unique. Some of the art is very, very pricey but you can find something to fit just about any budget. The food in the cafe is quite good. The staff are friendly and helpful.
I love stopping here as a pit stop traveling through the area. There is a delicious buffet if you are hungry. I also enjoy destressing from driving by walking around to view all the local arts and crafts. Of course, there are public restrooms here as well. It's a great, unique pit stop and you will feel fully rested before getting back to driving. I highly recommend checking this place out. It's a one of a kind and represents the State of West Virginia very well.
Love to stop here. They have so much to see. Beautiful hand made items to enjoy and purchase. Eat lunch there, have ice cream and walk around the place that's made in a circle. The handmade items available are everything from dog biscuits to artwork to carvings to greeting cards to knives. Def recommend a stop off there.
Great selection of food in their food court, variety of local vendors in the shops. I came for a conference and those rooms were very well maintained. Staff was also very accommodating to our needs, present throughout the day, clean, refresh, and be available to address concerns. I would definitely come here for another conference.
I did not visit many of the shops. I did not spend much time here beyond the conference itself. I definitely want to.
This place is awesome!! Some stuff is a bit pricey. But still well worth coming here. I recommend anyone that can visit here to do so.
This is a great place to have a break on a drive. Solid food, a little shopping for handicrafts from the area, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. There are occasional performances as well if you have time to take one in. Enjoy!
This place is amazing, try the pork barbeque, side of green beans, mash potatoes with gravy and a salad, they even have Hershey's ice cream yum, yum, yummy good, all under $20. Best barbeque I ever had. Huge helping servings worth. Large cafeteria full of foods of most kind putting grandma's to shame Staff is pleasant, caring, hard working, professionals. Very friendly.
They have amazing things here, specialty candies and lots of it different assortments too. You have to stop here at least once in your life. Most amazing cultural center. Regular restaurant and truck stop for fueling all together, so truckers can fuel, eat, sleep and enjoy this amazing place too. I am returning there soon, well worth the drive. Beautiful country. John Denver sings about West Virginia for good reasons. Tamarack - where it's at. The only state in USA that is totally covered with mountains.
We've been stopping here for more years than I can count. The food is decent and reasonably priced. We love to look at all the artwork and handicrafts. The parking is plentiful and convenient. The place is neat and clean, including the spacious restroom facilities. Stopping here breaks up a long trip.
Tamarack is our "Must Stop" place on any trip through West Virginia. Great food, museum quality handcrafted furniture, clothing, food, and glassware. Artisans are often on hand showing their creations. Last time we visited, a glass blower was tutoring a young man on the basics of his trade. The child's face was priceless. When they say "Best of West Virginia", they are not kidding. Plan on at least an hour to eat, walk, shop, and be enthralled with this treasure.
This is a very nice place but it is not much of a place for families to go, as there are many breakable items everywhere. The items they sell are very beautiful but very pricey, which is understandable as they are all homemade pieces of art. They had a good amount of variety on their menu for the food place inside also. I loved being able to look through the handmade items. I will definitely go back but will go when I do not have my children as I was constantly afraid that they may break something.
Great place to visit, have lunch and enjoy some very fine arts and crafts. We speed by on Mother's day, so there went any craftsmen working at the time, but they're work spoke well enough for them. Very high quality and beautiful. We had lunch from their grill and it was delicious in peaceful setting, just wish we would have had more time. Allow time to savor the food, then another couple of hours to enjoy the arts and crafts. In addition, catch the film paying in the theatre as they profile the artists, it was very enjoyable!
Must admit was only looking to stretch my legs and call of nature. I've noticed the place before and a neighbor mentioned it just before setting out for Pittsburgh. So I stopped. The place is packed with the works of WV artisans all for sale. The food is also supposed to be incredible. A line was starting to form for lunch at 11am. Maybe next year.
This is an inspiring place to see a wide range of arts and crafts from West Virginia artists. We loved exploring this beautiful place. They offer a nice place to eat as well. Don't miss this wonderful place on your journey through the area!
We like to stop when enroute to Kentucky! The artwork and quilts are exceptional if you are in the market for unusual quality gifts, do stop. Prices range. The food is delicious! We almost almost stop for a meal. Fun place to catch your breath while driving.