Frequently Asked Questions about Tamarack

Frequently Asked Questions about Tamarack

  1.  What sets Tamarack apart from other cultural centers?

Tamarack is the nation’s first statewide collection of hand-made crafts, arts and cuisine.  Visitors will discover 59,000 square feet of juried crafts, working art studios for resident artisans, a 178-seat theater, fine art gallery and A Taste of West Virginia food court all under one roof, with an additional 22,500 square feet of meeting or special occasion space in the Tamarack Conference Center.
The Tamarack Foundation furthers the accomplishments of Tamarack by preserving and sharing West Virginia's cultural traditions, training and educating artisans, and building an economic base for the future. 
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  2.  Why is it called “Tamarack”?

Tamarack was named after the Tamarack tree, which is known for its strength, versatility and beauty.
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  3.  Why was Tamarack created?

Tamarack is the collective vision of artisans, agriculturists, businessmen, community members and public officials from every county.  It was created to boost the state’s economy by fostering a market-driven approach to selling indigenous products.  As a world-class facility, Tamarack is destined to become a major tourist attraction, expand job opportunities and draw more than 500,000 visitors a year.  The Tamarack facility is the focal point of the Tamarack distribution system, which markets West Virginia-made products throughout the state.
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  4.  What is the purpose of the building design?

Tamarack’s unique building was designed by Clint Bryan, AIA & Associates.  From an aerial view, it resembles a starburst quilt pattern, appropriate in a state known for the time-honored tradition of quilting.  Approaching on foot, the multiple peaks of the façade echo the craggy West Virginia terrain.
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  5.  How was the Tamarack project funded?

As an economic development project for the West Virginia Parkways Authority, Tamarack is mandated to be self-sufficient.  

Regarding the original funding and the expansion for this project, no tax dollars or toll revenues were used in the construction or are currently used for the operation of Tamarack.  The funding was a mix of monies available from concession revenue in the Economic Development Fund and Revenue Bonds that were issued prior to construction of the facility.
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  6.  Where is Tamarack located?

Tamarack is conveniently located in Beckley, West Virginia, just off  I-77, the West Virginia Turnpike.  Take Exit 45 and you’ll find us on the right at the end of the exit. It is north of east-west Interstate 64 and north-south Interstate 77 only a short drive from a wealth of resorts, restaurants, golf courses and recreational sites. For general directions, go to our "How to Get to Tamarack" page.
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  7.  When did Tamarack open?

Tamarack first opened its doors in May 1996.  The conference center was added in June 2003.  
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  8.  Is Tamarack open all year long?  What hours are you open?

Tamarack is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.  From January 2 through March 12, we’re open from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.  From March 13 through January 1, we close at 8:00 p.m.  The only exceptions are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve when we close at 5:00 p.m. 
*Please note that the Tamarack retail sales floor is usually closed on January 31 or another day late in January for inventory.   For your dining pleasure, our food court and the Greenbrier Shoppe will still be open.  If you plan to stop at Tamarack during late January, please feel free to call ahead and confirm our inventory date.
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  9.  Do you have a restaurant?  When is it open?

Tamarack’s A Taste of West Virginia is managed by The Greenbrier and offers a full menu daily. We serve breakfast from 8:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., and lunch/dinner from 11:00 a.m. until closing.  Our standard daily menu is complimented by a Specialty Menu of items that vary from day to day.  Find our menus  in the Food Court section of this website.
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10.  What types of products can I buy?

From hand-smithed rings to hand-carved sculptures, Tamarack has it all.  At Tamarack the artisans of West Virginia offer their finest creations, including glass-blown decanters, wood-carved tables, pottery vases, hand-woven baskets, canned preserves, specialty herbs, spices and much, much more.  But Tamarack is more than a retail store. Our visitors don’t just browse through shelves, they watch artists at work, taste the foods of local producers, experience nature and enjoy hours of entertainment.  When visitors leave Tamarack, they take home memories from the Best of West Virginia.
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11.  Are wheelchairs available?
Yes, Tamarack has four wheelchairs available for our customers to borrow while they are visiting with us.  At the front desk information area, ask to borrow a wheelchair as long as you are in our building.  ID required.
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12.  Do you have handicapped access?

There are two areas with parking places designated especially for handicapped visitors.  One is in our main parking lot.  The other is on the Conference Center side of the building near the white canopy. 
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13.  How do I contact the Lost and Found Department?

All items found at Tamarack are given to our Security Department.  The items are logged as to when and where they were found.  And if there is identification in the item, an attempt will be made to contact the owner.  To check with Security if you think you left something here, call 1-88 TAMARACK (1-888-262-7225) x160.  If you lose something while you're visiting, ask anyone to help locate the security staff.
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14.  Are there hotels and motels nearby?  Are there other local attractions that I might want to visit?
There are 1500 hotel rooms on or near  Exit 44, I-77, just one mile past Tamarack. For detailed information and reservations, contact:

     1)  Tourist Information Center at Tamarack 1-88 TAMARACK (1-888-262-7225) x152 or x153.
     2)  Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitor's Bureau website www.visitwv.com  or phone them at  1-800-VISIT WV or (1-800-847-4898).
     3)   West Virginia Tourism Office website www.callwva.com  or phone them at 1-800-CALL WVA (1-800-225-5982).
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