Tamarack, Best of West Virginia
N 37° 48.103 W 081° 13.019
17S E 480898 N 4183837
Located at the Beckley Service Plaza--accessable from both directions on I77. Has information about West Virginia, and sells crafts from resident artists.
Waymark Code: WM98D6
Location: West Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 07/13/2010
Views: 12
Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia: is a tourist destination located at Exit 44 above the Beckley service area of the West Virginia Turnpike. It features a red peaked roof and landscaped grounds that draw over 500,000 visitors annually. This large arts and crafts facility is run as an economic development project of the West Virginia Parkways Authority and sells West Virginia craft products, such as wood, glass, textiles, pottery, metal, jewellery, as well as specialty food items, fine art, and West Virginia books and recordings. There are five resident artisan studios and most weekends from Spring through Fall there are also craft demonstrations. Check Tamarack's schedule of events for live music, theatre, storytelling and other performances. A Taste of West Virginia Food Court features signature dining options from a Greenbrier Hotel-trained Executive Chef. There are six resident artists on-site, who may be available to give demonstrations throughout the day. Tamarack also houses a 178-seat theater that offers live music, theatre, dance, storytelling and other performances. The complex also boasts a conference center, which was added in 2003.
History
Tamarack opened in 1996 and was the first statewide collection of "handmade crafts, arts and cuisine" in the United States. Its enormous popularilty with out-of-state visitors has turned it into a regular destination for many and a model economic development project. At least a dozen states have contemplated building centers similar to Tamarack.
Since its construction, Tamarack has generated over $70 million in revenue. At any given time there are at least 10,000 unique products on display from about 1,200 juried West Virginia artisans, food producers, authors, performers and fine artists. [4] Over five million visitors have visited the complex.
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