Last week, while making my way home from Detroit, MI to the Carolinas, I decided to stop by the “Tamarack” for some food and exercise.


The “Tamarack” is a tourist destination and rest area located at exit #45 above Beckley service area of the West Virginia Turnpike. You will find lots of truck parking and I find it good exercise to walk up to the facility as its sits on top of a hill. The short walk is worth it as you get to experience this special place and all it has to offer.


The site opened in 1996 and greets 500,000 visitors annually. You can’t miss the large red peaked roof and beautifully landscaped grounds. The large facility/store offers visitors an opportunity to purchase arts and crafts from local artists throughout the state. Craft products include wood, glass, textiles, pottery, metal, jewelry as well as specialty food items, fine art and West Virginia books and recordings. The large building houses five artisan studios which provide demonstrations on most weekends during spring through the fall months. Tamarack also holds food tastings, book signings and live entertainment. You’ll find many great items for purchase such as: local sauces, jellies, wine, candy etc…


In addition to the store, you’ll find art exhibits, a theater and a large food court which serves traditional West Virginia favorites. Apparently, the food court chefs are all trained at the world famous Greenbrier resort. I enjoyed a wonderful tasting meal and will plan to come back when passing through West Virginia.


Tamarack is open from 8am to 8pm. I would recommend this place for a great meal, shopping and viewing the local art/treasures from across the state.


Comments (4)

Henry Albert

Henry Albert is the owner of Albert Transport, Inc., based in Statesville, NC. Before participating in the "Slice of Life" program, Albert drove a 2001 Freightliner Century Class S/T™, and will use his Cascadia for general freight and a dry van trailer. Albert, who has been a trucker since 1983, was recognized by Overdrive as its 2007 Trucker of the Year.

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Great place indeed.

July 30, 2013 17:32:30 PM

The Tamarack is a combination Rest Area Tourist Spot. Kansas has a couple on the toll roads that features products from Kansas.

July 30, 2013 13:54:26 PM

While I've never been to the Tamarack rest area, I did notice the rest areas in North Carolina are vastly different from the rest areas on the west coast. The rest areas I stopped at in North Carolina are more like resorts compared to the west coast. They are so clean and well maintained, no vandalism, graffiti or panhandlers, and all the wild flowers that were blooming really made for a beautiful place to stop. It was amazing to me and from the looks of Henry's pictures, the Tamarack is miles above the rest areas I visited.

July 30, 2013 8:26:54 AM

We have stopped at the Tamarack many times over the years and always enjoy climbing the stairs to visit. The Tamarack is where I really started learning and reading about Chuck Yeager, found one of my favorite authors " James Alexander Thom", and have watched many of the artisans at work. One year we watched glass blowers create Christmas Ornaments and I still have a Snowman in my Christmas collection from here. Glad you shared this Henry and glad you stopped to visit one of my favorite places.

July 30, 2013 2:19:09 AM