Putnam County restaurants and artisans are teaming up this month for a new program.
Putnam Co. Tastes and Talents, a new program of the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau, runs through March. More than a dozen restaurants throughout the county are participating. Local musicians will play at some of the restaurants throughout the month.
Kelli Dailey, executive director of the Putnam County CVB, said the focus of the event is to encourage people to try something new - whether it's a new restaurant or a meal. She said Putnam-based restaurants and artisans are often under-recognized, and the month serves as a way to honor them.
Dailey said some of the restaurants participating have already increased business within the first few days of the month.
"The response so far has been really supportive and fun," Dailey said. It's been exciting to bring everyone together."
Dailey, who joined the CVB in December, said planning and promoting the event has helped her learn more about the community and discover hidden gems throughout the county. She said other people could easily do the same.
Multiple events are planned for the month, including a pop-up shop with work created by Putnam County artisans Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Area 34 in Hurricane. The CVB also partnered with Uncork and Create for art classes throughout the month, Birds Blooms and Butterflies by Design in Hurricane for a kid-friendly gardening workshop, and a "foodie storytime" with local author Don Sager at the Putnam County Library Main Branch.
Dailey said they hope to make Tastes and Talents an annual event. Next year they plan to hold it in February.
For a list of restaurants and dates of events, visit putnamtastesandtalents.com.
Reach Ali Schmitz at ali.schmitz@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @schmitzmedia on Twitter.