Crafty Hands – The Heart of Craft Beats in Western Virginia!
This weekend, my husband and I took a road trip to spend the weekend in the Massenutten Mountain ridge in heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. This area is not only famous for its historic role in the civil war, but also for its beauty, farm fresh produce and friendly people. Fall is approaching fast, and as leaves begin to change, that means festivals and harvest celebrations. For me…that equals crafty country! I was disappointed not to be able to find a craft show happening on Saturday within a reasonable driving distance. But I did find the next best thing…
Dayton Farmer’s market is a local famous indoor market located in a town so small you literally miss it if you blink. (We blinked, and we missed it.) The market is a treasure of community, home to about a dozen small, family run businesses; many who have been there for decades. Once I walked in, I immediately understood the draw to this small blend of country offerings, open only on weekends. The market atmosphere is warm, and its shopkeepers are overtly friendly.
There is something for everyone here. Among the smattering of offerings are: A gourmet food shop that sells fresh local cheese and butter (think churned that morning), fresh meats (slaughtered yesterday), toys, coffee/espresso, local BBQ, fresh jerky, homemade chocolate and sweets, kitchenwares, baked goods, an art gallery, windchimes and other gifts, and much more!
But the draw for me was the several shops that featured the wares of individual craft artisans, and I was not disappointed. The shop, “Crafty Hands” has been in the Dayton Market for 17 years and is owned by Jo and her husband.
The shop is aptly named as it carries wares not only from local artisans, but also creative goodies from crafters far and wide. The atmosphere is cozy, but not cluttered. Here are some of my favorites…
Across the way, the Craftyhands in Toyland shop section beckoned my husband, and the radio controlled helicopter had his attention for most of the hour. Just goes to show that they never really grow up.
Next, I met Cris from Cris’ Corner, a unique yarn shop with colors everywhere! She was a little camera shy, but otherwise very friendly and welcoming.
This her biggest fan, Ramon. Cris offered to teach me how to knit, (something that I’ve just never been able to master. ), but I told her I’d never be able to sit still long enough to finish a project! (Makin jewelry is hard enough, just ask my creative soul sister, “The Impatient Beader“)
Everyone at the market and in Dayton that we chatted with was truly delightful, and we genuinely felt welcome in this small town. Just next door to Harrisonburg, Dayton has real community feel with larger city amenities close by. That evening, we did the unthinkable while on a mini-break in the country…we went to the moves! I have to say, 3:10 to Yuma is a big thumbs up for this girl. Ooooo, Russel Crowe and Christian Bale as roughneck cowboys…mmmm, dicey!
After lunch and a beautiful hike up Massenutten on Sunday, we finally headed north home to DC. It was good to get back, as I really missed my pooch, but I’ll definitely remember the sweet time we had and the crafty folks we met.
Even this little silk worm. See ya little fella.
TL
5 Comments
One of the most delightful things I get to do with Crafty Nation is to meet totally fun, hip and interesting people. The ladies at “Gotta Knit” are just completely that!! This small shop is run by two gals, and is truly a sweet place to simply “sit and knit.” They are located in the heart of Greenwich Village, NY and every week they have a social they call “Wine, Nibble’s & Needles.” Tres Fun!!
