Creative Comforts in Grant County
It’s nearly that time of year again. Leaves, brown and curled, are drifting from their branches. The sun rises through thick fog every morning. You’ve traded your iced lattes for mugs of steaming tea to warm your fingers and chase the chill from your cheeks. Winter is on its way, but there’s no need to huddle under a heated blanket until spring—there’s plenty of warmth and wonder to be found right here in the Potomac Highlands.
Get Creative—and Cozy
Late fall is the perfect time for a lot of things—namely, getting cozy and creative. And no one does it quite like South Side Studios in historic Petersburg. This local arts hub, located on the second floor of the South Side Depot Visitor Center and train station, is where creativity and community meet.
This fall, it’s been all about The Art of Cozy. That’s the name of the studio’s ongoing workshop series, featuring opportunities to learn fiber arts techniques from regional artists. Slow down with something creative and learn new things this season—no prior experience necessary.
On November 6 and 13, you can try your hand at embroidery with fiber artist Jelise Ballon of Hampshire County. Practice 10 basic stitches and learn how to create your own designs and ready your work for display. Then, on November 15 and 16, explore the whimsical world of needle felting with Martinsburg artist Emily Banocy-Newman. Using wool and a felting needle, you’ll learn to sculpt colorful, textured creations.
Each workshop promises more than just a fun time—you’ll leave with a masterpiece of your own creation and valuable skills for your next creative project.
Speaking of sparking imagination and nurturing creativity, through November 29, experience the studio’s current art exhibition: Inspiring Minds, a celebration of art educators from across Grant, Hardy, Hampshire, and Pendleton counties.
Highland Holiday Finds
As the holidays draw near, November is also the perfect time to start your shopping—especially when every purchase supports local makers. Grant County’s small businesses and artisans offer one-of-a-kind gifts that tell a story.
Stroll through downtown Petersburg, where charming storefronts and friendly faces await. The South Side Depot is a must-visit destination for locally made goods. Whether you’re looking for food, crafts, or home decor, this vibrant gift shop has something for everyone.
Stop by Peddler’s Crossing Country Store, where you can discover a variety of candles, paintings, handmade furniture, and accessories—be sure to grab something for yourself, too. Then check off the rest of your holiday shopping list at Smoke Hole Resort Gift Shop, where the shelves are chock full of handcrafted gifts, West Virginia–made apple butter, Mountaineer gear, holiday decor, and much, much more.
So bundle up, slow down, and spend a weekend exploring the heart of the Potomac Highlands. Whether you’re learning a new craft, browsing local art, or shopping for the perfect handmade gift, November in Naturally Untamed Grant County showcases the ways that art and community can make even the chilliest days warm and wonderful.