Discover Local Artisans on the Valley Craft Network Studio Tour

There’s something magical about cruising the scenic backroads of Washington County, MD, on a crisp autumn day—especially when you’re stopping to meet some truly amazing local artists and makers. In November, I spent a weekend exploring the annual Valley Craft Network Studio Tour, a self-guided open house at the studios, workshops, and farms of some of the area’s most talented artisans.

This year’s tour (the 43rd!) featured around 16 artisans creating everything from pottery (my personal favorite!) to kombucha, moonshine, and goat cheese. I couldn’t visit everyone, but I mapped out a route that worked for me—and had the absolute best time!

Read Next: Exploring Inn Boonsboro and Nora Roberts’ Charming Town

The gorgeous countryside was one of the best surprises while hopping from place to place. Rolling hills, farmland, and mountains in the distance—seriously, it was stunning. Even with the mostly cloudy skies, the beauty of Washington County, Maryland still managed to shine through as I drove around. Each studio was tucked away in a rural, peaceful spot, where I imagine the artisans feel deeply connected to the earth as they create.

Foxcross Pottery – Sharpsburg, MD

I started my day at Foxcross Pottery, where Dirk Martin, a second-generation potter, crafts everything you could need for your home—mugs, tumblers, casserole and serving dishes, storage jars, vases and more—all with rich, earthy glazes.

The studio is warm and inviting, with plenty of natural light. It even overlooks the Potomac River and the JFK 50-mile race route (which happens on the same weekend). Watching the runners go by from the deck was such a fun bonus!

Boochy Call – Sharpsburg, MD

My next stop was Boochy Call (I love the name!), where they brew creatively flavored kombucha using unprocessed, raw, organic, and locally grown ingredients. If you’re unfamiliar with kombucha, it’s a sparkling sweet tea fermented with good bacteria and yeast and flavored with various combos of fruit juice, spices, and herbs. It’s beneficial for gut health, but I love it because it’s fizzy!

I tried everything but the ‘The Full Monty’ because I can’t stand beets, but everyone around me was raving about it! I bought three flavors to take home: Innocence, Limelight, and Zest for Life. My favorite is Limelight—so tasty!

Tameria Martinez Clay – Boonsboro, MD

Heading into Boonsboro, I stopped at Tameria Martinez Clay, where Tameria creates beautiful wood-fired pottery. As soon as I arrived, I got a tour of her wood kiln, and wow—the process is absolutely fascinating!

To get things started, they build small campfires around the kiln’s exterior, gradually raising the temperature by about 100 degrees an hour. Once it hits 1000 degrees, the real work begins—stoking the fire inside the kiln. It eventually reaches a scorching 2300 degrees!

Here’s the catch: the fire needs to be stoked every 10-15 minutes for the entire firing process. This intense, round-the-clock job lasts about a day and a half, with someone always monitoring the kiln and adding wood. They rely on pyrometers and pyrometric cones to keep the temperature steady and check for any uneven heating. Once the firing is complete, the kiln cools naturally over the course of a week.

After the tour, I headed into Tameria’s studio, which is packed with earthy, textured pieces that perfectly blend function and art. You can tell she pours her heart into each creation. The flames and smoke leave distinct, one-of-a-kind marks on the pottery, giving every piece a story.

I couldn’t resist taking home a stunning serving tray with unique flame patterns. Seeing the pottery up close gave me such an appreciation for wood-firing—it’s truly something special!

Pathfinder Farm Distillery – Keedysville, MD

I’ve visited plenty of distilleries, but Pathfinder Farm Distillery really stood out. Their mission to create a whiskey with a true “taste of place” is so unique. They use red corn, a non-GMO variety native to the Appalachian region. While it doesn’t produce as much liquor as other types of corn, it makes up for it with an incredible flavor. Staying true to this local heritage is a priority for the owners, making their whiskey extra special.

While the Valley Craft Network Studio Tour happens just once a year, you can visit Pathfinder Farm Distillery’s tasting room in downtown Boonsboro year-round, open Thursday through Sunday.

M4 Studios – Keedysville, MD

Next up was M4 Studios, where Kirke Martin’s clay creations really caught my eye. His work has two totally different vibes. One style is simple, sturdy, and super functional—perfect for everyday use. The other, his Signature Series, is thick, rugged, and industrial, with amazing textures that practically jump out at you.

The gallery also showcases work by another Valley Craft Network artist, Kesra Hoffman, who paints stunning landscapes in gouache and acrylic.

While I admired the unique rugged baskets and vases, I couldn’t resist the cozy soup crocks—that’s what I ended up taking home. I do regret not grabbing one of the high-wheel mugs, though. They reminded me of Frederick’s High Wheel Race, one of my favorite trip memories!

Caprikorn Farms – Gapland, MD

Caprikorn Farms is home to the sweetest Saanen dairy goats (including baby goats!) and I made a beeline for them upon arrival.

But the farm also has an incredible lineup of goat milk products. They offer cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, Fetina, and both traditional and flavored chevres. But what really caught my eye was their artisan goat’s milk soap! With dozens of scents made from essential oils and fragrances, I had the hardest time deciding which to get but ended up with peppermint (my all-time favorite aroma) and a holiday spice blend.

Bonus: they also had super-potent catnip pillow bundles, so of course, I grabbed a few—and my cats are absolutely obsessed with them!

van Gilder Pottery – Gapland, MD

My final stop of the day was at van Gilder Pottery, a pottery and contemporary craft gallery inside a restored barn on South Mountain. The gallery has a beautiful collection of stoneware, woodenware, handmade jewelry, and glass.

I was especially drawn to Bill’s serving and kitchenware. Each piece has a one-of-a-kind design. The pieces are elegant yet practical—perfect for daily use or as a gift (if you can bear to part with them!).

A Tour with Endless Possibilities

The Valley Craft Network Studio Tour is truly something special—not just for the stunning art, but for the opportunity to meet the talented makers behind it. While I only visited a handful of studios (there are so many more to explore!), each stop was a memorable and inspiring experience.

Explore More of Maryland