Posted in West Virginia July 15, 2020 by

Some Of The Most Popular And Colorful Dishes In The U.S. Are Made Right Here In West Virginia

Fiesta Dinnerware. Sound familiar? It should: they’re the sturdy, brightly colored, pottery-style dishes that have been extremely popular in kitchens around the United States for decades. But here’s what you may not have known: all those millions of dishes that are found in so many of America’s homes are made right here in West Virginia!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Fiesta. It's a Spanish word referring to a specific festival or holiday celebration. And it's also the name of a popular line of dinnerware - a party on a plate, as it were - known for its colorful, concentric circle designs.
Fiesta Dinnerware/Facebook
You most likely recognize it; it's one of the most popular line of dishes in America. In fact, the New York Times once claimed that it was the most collected brand of china in the U.S.
Fiesta Dinnerware was first introduced to the public in 1936. It was the first widely marketed solid color dinnerware in the U.S., a concept that proved to be very successful.
Fiesta Dinnerware/Facebook
Very little has changed when it comes to Fiestaware over the years. A few new colors have been added, the pottery has been made more durable, the glaze ingredients have changed. But many of the designs are still exactly the same, and the same company owns and produces the line at the same factory it's always been produced at: The Homer Laughlin China Company Factory in Newell, West Virginia
CARG930/Tripadvisor
That's right, Fiesta Dinnerware is and always has been not only made in America, but made right here in West Virginia!
And you can still visit the factory where it's produced.
Dustin M. Ramsey/Wikipedia
Factory tours are offered (watch for those to return soon; they've been temporarily suspended) at the facility, but you can also shop the full line of colorful products.
There's a traditional storefront located at the factory, as well as a backroom of seconds that are significantly discounted.
Janean S/Tripadvisor
And in addition to the backroom full of seconds, often there are crates and crates of colorful products set up outside for the factory's famous tent sales.
Jaxrabbit/Tripadvisor
So next time you're in the mood for a new set of dishes (or just needing a cheerful, colorful boost to your mood), you know where to come browse!
Plus, as if all that color wasn't enough to put a smile on your face, check out this mosaic mountain of Fiesta scraps: dinnerware that was malformed or broken in the making gets offloaded into a beautiful pile on the facility grounds.
P5_Crazy_Train/Tripadvisor

To learn more about the Newell Fiesta Factory, visit their website. And while you’re near the factory, make sure to visit the world’s biggest teapot! It has an interesting connection to the Homer Laughlin China Factory as well.

Do you use Fiesta Dinnerware? What other products do you love that are made right here in West Virginia?

 

Address: 672 Fiesta Dr, Newell, WV 26050, USA