Artistic Talent
Local area provides a plethora of unique shopping
The Inter-Mountain photos by Shannon Bennett Campbell The award-winning Delmonte Market stands high above visitors waiting for their visit.
Don Hall paintings are among Artists at Work treasures.
Lovely Tygart River Pottery takes one’s eye among displays of at least 20 other artisans who have merchandise at Artists at Work in downtown Elkins.
If one needs some honey for a pan of fresh biscuits, find S&T Bee’s located on Third Street in Elkins.
The Inter-Mountain photos by Shannon Bennett Campbell The award-winning Delmonte Market stands high above visitors waiting for their visit.
Don Hall paintings are among Artists at Work treasures.
Lovely Tygart River Pottery takes one’s eye among displays of at least 20 other artisans who have merchandise at Artists at Work in downtown Elkins.
If one needs some honey for a pan of fresh biscuits, find S&T Bee’s located on Third Street in Elkins.
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The picturesque landscapes one passes as they enter Randolph County on Corridor H are a predictor of what visitors will find here if they decide to visit. The community is full of artistic talent as evidenced by the Augusta Heritage Center and The Arts Center attracting hundreds of talented participants each year.
As the Arts enliven people's senses, they have begun to dominate our commercial centers and downtown Elkins is a perfect place to shop for unusual creative items both for personal pleasure or for giving unique gifts. People find that handmade products not only have a pleasing appearance, but are usually made to last a lifetime.
A walk into the Elkins business district will afford one the chance to locate stores full of unique choices. One may want to begin at the Delmonte Market, which has proudly won a recent award from "wv living" magazine for the Best Shopping Store in the Potomac Highlands Region. This large, two-story building boasts native creations that are interspersed in gift merchandise and are just too numerous to list. There is no doubt that searching eyes will note the numbers of homemade goods on their shelves, both foods and presents, that would delight any recipient.
Not far away from this establishment and near Mountain Valley Bank on Davis Avenue is a cooperative venture that has offered outstanding art items for nearly 30 years known as Artists at Work. Marge Moses, current group leader, explained that this store has not only been popular with people who want to make purchases of original items, but with many who want to examine how items are made or put together. Moses emphasized how store merchandise was ever-changing since contributors are forever producing new inventory. This shop is certainly worth a look if one is serious about reviewing a large quantity of artworks in a short time.
Additionally, small shops are taking over recently vacated buildings to offer select items that focus on one specific interest. For example, a shop that visitors often ask directions to offers area honey and other items made from bee honey production known as S&T Bee's on Third Street.
Anticipation is great that new entrepreneurs will continue this trend in town largely because of the number of visitors that frequent here annually to ride the excursion trains originating at the Town Square's Depot.
The city is capable of feeding hungry site-seers with at least six full-service restaurants a short walking distance away. Three enjoyable pizza spots combine fresh dough and tasty cheeses to satisfy any desire for Italian specialty dishes, as well.
It is gratifying to realize that so many talented people have chosen this area to call home. Whether it is because of the expansive Monongahela National Forest, the several flowing streams, or the four seasonal periods of flowering views to snowy landscapes that offer special inspiration, it is not known. We can only hope we will continue to possess the atmosphere our artists seek.
As Springtime is sitting right around the corner, plan a visit to this area and share in the smiles of so many who possess hobbies and vocations they are willing to share with others. The joy generated will surely cause some happiness that would be welcomed in these challenging times.