Lewisburg (West Virginia)

By car

Lewisburg is located on I-64 between Beckley and Covington, Virginia. US-219 — which passes through Marlinton to the north, and Peterstown to the south — and US-60 — which passes north of Fayetteville to the west, and through Covington] to the east — also pass through the town.

By plane

• Greenbrier Valley Airport

  phone: +1 304-645-3961
  Nonstop Service on United to Washington-Dulles and Silver Airways to Atlanta.

By train

• Amtrak train service is available to nearby White Sulphur Springs or Alderson, each around 10 miles away.

• Mountain Transit Authority offers bus service within Lewisburg and to nearby towns from about 7AM to 6PM.
• Cosmic Cab Company +1 304 646-8882

• Take a walking tour of the Lewisburg historic district, which covers 235 acres of downtown. Other historic districts include the Maple Street district (historically African-American) and the South Church Street district.
• Alderson Historic District, Alderson off WV-63. 165 structures of historic or architectural significance, including a restored 1865 rail station.
• Lewis Spring, in Andrew Lewis Park. The spring around which the town was founded after its discovery in the 1750s; the stone spring house was built in 1770.

• Carnegie Hall

  address: 105 Church Street
  Three art galleries, juried art shows, pottery studio, music and dance performances, film series, classes and workshops.

• Greenbrier Valley Theatre

  address: 113 E Washington Street
  West Virginia's only year-round professional theatre, offering theatrical productions, musical events, literary events and more.
• American Heritage Music Hall, Quarry Road Village in Fairlea, 304-645-3982 or304-645-2298. Open 7 to 11 pm Tuesdays and the last Saturday of the month. Local musicians promoting American heritage music. Open jamming sessions, family-friendly live entertainment. Admission $5.

• Lewis Theatre

  address: 113 N Court Street
  Movies and balcony dining.
• Seneca Showcase Movie Theatre, 75 Seneca Trail in Greenbrier Valley Mall, +1 304-645-6033. Two screens, playing first-run movies.

• Lewisburg Living History Exhibit

  address: 119 W Washington Street
  In the Lewisburg City Hall. A tribute to the people, places and events that have contributed to the history of Lewisburg.

• North House Museum

  address: 301 W Washington Street
  Built in 1820, the museum illustrates early everyday American life using the collections of the Greenbrier Historical Society, including many of the finest examples of early Virginia furnishings. Gift shop, library and archives on-site. Admission $4.

• Old Stone Presbyterian Church

  address: 200 Church Street
  The oldest church in continual use west of the Alleghenies, built in 1796. Be sure to visit the old cemetery.
• Confederate Cemetery, McElhenny Road. Home to the remains of 95 unknown Confederate soldiers from the Battle of Lewisburg.

• WV Sky ToursIn Renick. Daytime and nighttime astronomy tours guided by an amateur astronomer and his telescopes.

Caverns

• Lost World CavernsFairview Road, 304-645-6677 or 866-228-3778. May 15 through Labor Day: daily 9AM-7PM; Labor Day through Thanksgiving: 9AM-5PM; call for hours between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. Self-guided 35-minute tours; wild cave tours available. Features the nation's largest compound stalactite. On-site visitor's center and natural history museum, with the largest collection of dinosaur and fossil replicas in West Virginia. Excellent gift shop with someone for everyone. Many rock and mineral specimens. Owners very helpful.

• Organ Cave

  phone: +1 304-645-7600
  address: 417 Masters Road
  Near Ronceverte. Tour hours vary by season. The second largest commercial cave in the eastern United States, with over 45 miles of mapped passageways, and one of the oldest commercial caves in the country, discovered in 1704. Guided 1.5-hour walking tours (Intelligent design theme) and extended exploring expeditions available. On-site gift shop. Admission $12.50. Largest seam of aragonite crystals in the state.

Parks

• Big and Little Clear Creeks, in Rupert. Trout fishing.

• Greenbrier River TrailA 76-mile trail running from North Caldwell to Cass along the Greenbrier River. Fishing, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, biking.

• Greenbrier State ForestHarts Run Road off I-64 (exit 175) near Caldwell, +1 304-536-1944. Over 5,100 acres of heavily forested, mountainous terrain for hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, archery, horseshoes, volleyball, muzzleloading rifle range, hunting and fishing. Nearby Kate's Mountain is 3,280 feet high. Cabins and campground available.

• Moncove Lake State Park

  phone: +1 304-772-3450
  CR-8 near Gap Mills. 250 acres, a 500-acre adjoining Wildlife Management Area and a 144-acre lake. Fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, birdwatching, and hiking. Camping available.

• Ghost Tours of Lewisburg, 304-256-TOUR. Tours run September and October. Candlelight walking tours of the haunted areas of Lewisburg, with guides in period costume.
• Greenbrier Bowling & Recreation Center, US-219 N, +1 304-645-4230. Open M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-1AM Friday and Saturday, and Su 1-10 PM. Billiards, amusements, pro-shop, and bowling, including "cosmic bowling" on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Greenbrier Hills Golf Club, US-60 in Rainelle, +1 304-438-9050. Open April through October. 9 holes, 2,631 yards, par 35. Offers tennis courts also. $7 - 14.

• First Fridays

  address: Downtown Lewisburg
  The first Friday of each month brings in live music on the street and extended hours in the shops. A good way to enjoy a walking tour of Lewisburg past the rush hour. At Christmas the lights are an extra reason for photographers to bring the camera.

Events

• The Battle of LewisburgHeld in late May. Living history and re-enactment of the 1862 Battle of Lewisburg. Historical exhibits, recreated military camp and lantern tours, period dress events, dance, parades.

• The Shanghai Parade,

A 150-year tradition held at New Year's Day, this parade is a relic of the Old Christmas celebrations before the calendar switched over. An excellent glimpse of the past with people dressing in costumes and marching downtown. Shops are open!

• West Virginia State Fair

  address: 107 W Fair Street
  Held in mid-August. Live music and entertainment, carnival rides, juried competitions, talent contest, harness racing, West Virginia showcase, concessions. Admission $9.
• Taste of Our Towns, downtown Lewisburg. Held one Saturday in October. Sample regional foods plus specialties from the Greenbrier, Tamarack and local restaurants.

• Aggie's Gift Shop

  address: 100 W Washington Street
  Artwork, Boyds Bears, home accessories, Fenton glass, lampshades.

• Apricot Lane

  phone: +1 304-645-9084
  address: 213 Gateway Boulevard
  Gift and fashion boutique.

• The Bookstore

  address: 104 S Jefferson Street
  Scarce, scholarly and out-of-print books, all neatly categorized. The owner is a dry-voiced polymath. He can help you find almost anything. Once he waited 5 years to get a certain book for a customer. This is the sort of bookstore few people can find outside of a large city, and the kind of place people write home about. Something for everyone who genuinely loves a good read, self-education, and books that stand on their own merit. No cellphones, please, and intelligent political conversation welcomed. Ask about private publishing while you're in there.

• Brick House Antiques

  address: 123 E. Washington Street

• Cecilia's Bridal Boutique & Formal Wear

  address: 108 E. Washington Street

• Do Si Do for Kids

  address: 112 W. Washington Street
  Fun, fashionable designs for play and everyday. The owner is sharp as mustard and enjoys her work.

• Edith's Health & Speciality Store

  address: 114 E Washington Street
  Gourmet and health foods, vitamins, supplements, fine body care and gifts. The staff is prepared to answer your questions and help you find what you need. A wide range of goods from bulk spices, sushi fixings, diabetic and gluten-free foods, books, pet food, organic produce and the only real root beer for miles around. These people love what they do, they like people, and it shows.

• Hazel Boutique

  address: 204 W Washington Street
  Boutique offering women's clothing, accessories and intimates.

• Old Hardware Gallery

  address: 118 W Washington Street
  Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and Sundays in December. Gift items including Blenko glass, Fiestaware, folk art and specialty throws. A warm and charming store that is designed along the lines of an art gallery. One needs to stroll through and take their time if they really want to enjoy themselves.

• Plaid Eagle Antiques

  address: 117 E Washington Street

• Plants Etc.

  address: 102 S Jefferson Street
  Local handcrafts, and fossils from West Virginia and around the world. One of the few places that sells items from Pomegranate Press and Dover books, which is a godsend to parents who want to intelligently engage their children in the car. Schoolteachers tend to haunt the place, and for good reason. Rock and mineral specimens rub with potted plants, gourdcraft, and jewelry. Owner has a corner devoted wooden toys and engaged games. All her wares intend an environmental consciousness and good taste. Be sure to check the store out in the spring for the incredible heirloom seeds. Here there is no conflict between Function and Beauty.

• Robert's Antiques

  address: 120 E Washington Street
  Lewisburg's finest antiques and wine shop. It will take you a month of Sundays to see everything. A microcosm of surreal beauty and a rare emphasis on "working" antiques. Not above putting a vintage hearse in their front window, thankfully for the traveling photographer.
• The Ruby Rooster Antique Mall, WV-219, +1 304-497-2177. Open M-Sa 10AM-5PM. Over 8,000 square feet of antiques, furniture and collectibles.

• Serenity Now Outfitters

  address: 207 W Washington Street
  Kayaks, canoes, and the place where you can find pet supplies for the camper. Nature-inspired pieces of art and angling gear. Owner's shop is dog-friendly. Need a backpack for your dog or winter booties for his paws? Collapsible drinking bowl and kibble? You'd best stop here. All fishermen, hikers or outdoorsmen should see this place! Owner is an expert on local fishing and will arrange guided fishing trips. Have fun trying to stump him with a question about fishing.

• Show Your Colors

  address: 101 Court Street
  Speciality store featuring sportswear.

• Stonehouse General Store

  address: 124 W Washington Street
  Specializing in gourmet WV products.

• Studio 40

  address: 130 W Washington Street

• Sunflower Soul

  address: 203 E Washington Street
  Specializing in fun, happy, feel-good gifts and clothing.

• Valley Scuba and Sports

  address: 425 N Jefferson St

Yes, they scuba in West Virginia. Sporting goods, dive suits, equipment, air tanks and a little of everything from diving magazines, books, swimming safety gear, winter sports, clothing, bikes, models and hobbies, and the best place to go fill up your canister for a round of paintballing mayhem. Owner is a certified diver, safety conscious and an excellent teacher who arranges dive trips to Florida in early spring. A great resource. His merchandise exceeds minimum safety standards whenever possible. If you're headed to Snowshoe for a week of skiing, pull off to VS&S first and see what Mark has on the shelf. The quality consistently outshines the rest. Go get certified in snorkeling and head to Pocahontas County so you can sneak up on the Candy Darters with your rented scuba camera. They're as bright as anything you'll find in a coral reef!

• West Farm's Flowers, +1 304-497-3840. A working farm with 120 varieties of flowers. Group tours and classes available.

• Wolf Creek Gallery

  address: 112 W Washington Street
  Birkenstocks, excellent clothing and jewelry and small items. It is quite possible to fill a closet of tasteful clothing, down to the shoes, hats, and jewelry, just from this store alone. Pleasant staff!

Art galleries

• Cooper Gallery

  phone: +1 304-645-6439
  address: 122 E Washington Street
  Sculpture, photography, painting and ceramics, featuring regional and international artists. This is a comfortably-sized gallery with an unusually developed eye for decoration. The Coopers carry the attitude that "art is an enriching investment" and it shows.

• Harmony Ridge Gallery

  address: 209 W Washington Street
  Ceramics, jewelry, glass, wood, garden art, metalwork, lighting, furniture, wearable art, paintings and ornaments.

• High Country Gallery & Boutique

  address: 122 W Washington Street
  Art, fine crafts, art jewelry and clothing, and home accessories. Specializing in African and northern Chinese fine crafts and antiques. Extremely tasteful and inspiring without being expensive. Reminiscent of grotesquely overpriced ethnic/art shops in Pittsburgh.and nothing approaching those prices!

• Tuckwiller Gallery

  phone: +1 304-645-2070
  address: 102 W Washington Street

• Washington Street Gallery

  address: 123 W Washington Street
  Featuring one-of-a-kind works of comtemporary fine art in clay, painting, handmade furniture and print photography.

Malls

• Greenbrier Valley Mall, 75 Seneca Trail in Fairlea, +1 304-645-6120. 210,000 square feet of space, with over 20 shops and restaurants.

• Blackwell's Restaurant

  phone: +1 304-645-0100
  address: US 219 & Brush Road
  Fresh fish, seafood, steaks and vegan offerings in a scenic golf atmosphere.
• Carlito's, Greenbrier Valley Mall, +1 304-645-3891. M-F 11AM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM and Su noon-9PM. Offering an extensive menu of Mexican favorites. On the other side of the mall from the theater, they have good food but the portions are larger than you might expect!
• China Buffet, 45 Seneca Trail, +1 304-645-5678. M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11:30AM-9PM. Chinese and American cuisine. Good place to eat before you see a movie at the mall! Usually plenty of room and quiet, pleasant atmosphere. Children love to watch the tank full of chichlids.

• China Palace

  address: 409 N. Jefferson St
  Offers a variety of Chinese specialties. Not far from the Walmart and just down the street from the scuba-diving shop. The fried green beans are a hit with kids. Sushi at the weekend buffet.

• When Pigs Fly Pit Barbecue

  address: 425 North Jefferson Street
  This is a mobile stall, and they are sometimes gone to other events, but the wait is worth it for the pulled pork barbecue, smoked nuts, and a concoction called the Barb-Q sundaebarbecue served in a sundae cup, topped with beans, slaw and a pickle on top where the straw would be. In the same parking lot as the Scuba Shop. This is the kind of cooking that you can show off. Large selection of sauces for the "naked" meat so you can choose how much to put on. Expect baked sweet potatoes over Irish potatoes, and sweet corn instead of french fries. If they're in when you drive by, pull up. You'll savor the memory long after.
• Dutch Haas Restaurant is at the Elks Club clubhouse, on Rt 219 North, +1 304-645-2723. Open daily from 8:30AM-9PM. Fine food in a casual atmosphere.

• Food and Friends

  address: 213 Washington Street
  Casual American and Italian dining. Decor is made with nostalgia signs and images; good ciders and excellent food. The vegetarian dishes are fantastic. Service is excellent. Check to see if they're still selling alligator bits.

• General Lewis Inn & Restaurant

  address: 301 E Washington Street
  Chicken, beef, ham, trout, seafood and pasta. Homemade breads and desserts. Try the crab salad, crab melt and West Virginia rainbow trout.

• Greenbrier Valley Baking Company

  address: 110 S Jefferson Street
  European pastries, breads, and light lunches in a restored bakery building. Visitors can watch bread being made. Wireless access for those with laptops.

• Irish Pub on Washington Street

  address: 109 E Washington Street

• Jefferson Street Grille

  address: 540 N Jefferson Street
  At the Brier Inn, Lewisburg. Offers an eclectic menu featuring deli style sandwiches, salads, bagels, wraps, as well as steaks and fresh seafood.
• Jim's Drive-In, US-60 west of Lewisburg, +1 304-645-2590. M Tu Th-Sa 10:30AM-5:30PM, W 10:30AM-2:30PM. Hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, chili, ice cream. Car service and take-out. Blackberry milkshakes are a must.

• Julian's Restaurant

  address: 102 S Lafayette Street
  Fine dining; reservations recommended.

• Rudy's Corner Grill

  address: 201 W Main Street
  In Ronceverte. Local favorite for 75 years, with burgers, chicken, sandwiches and a daily buffet. Much entertainment value with the period decor and old photographs.
• Stuart's Hot Dawgs, WV-63 in Alderson, +1 304-445-DAWG. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-1AM, Su noon-11PM. Hot dogs, burgers, chili, barbecue, steaks, seafood, with outdoor seating overlooking the Greenbrier River. Drinking and gambling machines; not completely child-friendly with mild swear words on the wall menu.

• Tavern 1785

  address: 208 W Washington Street
  American cuisine in a restored 1785 log building.

• The Market

  address: 215 W Washington Street
  Quick sandwiches and salads are the feature of this casual market style cafe. Just at the corner of Church Street with the Historical Society and the New River Community and Technical College, Carnegie Hall and the Old Stone Church and graveyard.

• Del Sol Lounge

  address: 206 W. Washington Street

• The Irish Pub

  address: 109 E Washington Street
  Owners do not permit smoking, but the drinks are finest-kind and the owners are bang-up traditional musicians. Their CD is well worth the price since you can't take them home with you. There is always some sort of event, charity drive, or celebration going on!

• Stardust Cafe

  address: 102 E Washington Street
  Organic fair-trade coffee shop, also offering soups, sandwiches and pastries. While the prices are higher than most other places, the quality of the food is never in question.

• The Wild Bean

  address: 119 E Washington Street
  Organic and small-farmed coffee, espresso, tea, smoothies and pastries. Also offering light vegetarian fare. Wireless internet access available. A "Free Shelf" of books for the public disposal supports reading and literacy, and a nook in the back allows children creative play. Live music on a regular basis with entrance fees. This cafe is the heart of Lewisburg.

• Wolf Creek WineryRoute 3 in Wolfcreek. 12-acre vineyard with winery and tasting room; call ahead to schedule a tour and tasting. 7 red, white and fruit wines, including one made from apples, as well as the Union Wine line of 5 apple and blended apple fruit wines. $7 - 15 per bottle.

Budget

• Econo Lodge Fort Savannah

  address: 204 Jefferson Street
  66 rooms. Free newspaper.

• Relax Inn

  address: 635 N Jefferson Street
  26 rooms.

• Rodeway Inn

  address: 107 West Fair Street
  32 rooms.
• Sunset Terrace, US-60 W, +1 304-645-2363. 15 rooms.

Mid-range

• Brier Inn & Conference Center

  address: 540 N Jefferson Street
  162 rooms. Seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center. On-site restaurant and lounge. Free continental breakfast.

• Days Inn

  address: 635 N Jefferson Street
  26 rooms.

• Hampton Inn

  address: 30 Coleman Drive
  Indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness center. Free continental breakfast.

• Super 8 Motel

  phone: +1 304-647-3188
  address: 550 N Jefferson Street
  54 rooms. Free breakfast.

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites

  address: 222 Hunter Lane
  Featuring indoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center, meeting room, high speed internet and breakfast.

Splurge

• General Lewis Inn

  phone: +1 304-645-2600
  address: 301 E Washington Street
  25 rooms. It was built in 1834, with an addition in 1929, the inn was the site of a Civil War battle in 1862, and today is furnished with local antiques. Front desk dating from 1760, living room, memory hall, dollhouse and fish pond. Adjacent to downtown Lewisburg.

• The Greenbrier Hotel

  phone: +1 304-536-1110
  address: 300 W. Main St
  White Sulphur Springs, One of the world's most famous and elegant resorts, dating to 1778. 721 guests rooms.

Cottages

• Greenbrier River CottagesBenedict Lane, (PIN 3504). 3 cabins. Rentals available April 15 to October 15.

Bed and Breakfasts

• Church Street B&B

  address: 213 Church Street
  2 rooms in a historic 1904 stone home within walking distance of downtown. Perennial gardens, eight fireplaces.

• The Great Oak B&B

  address: 421 E Washington Street
  2 rooms. An array of home-cooked breakfast options.

• Lee Street Inn

  phone: +1 304-647-5599
  address: 200 N Lee Street
  2 suites and 2 rooms. Easy walk to downtown shops and art galleries. Built in 1876, with two porches, patio, water garden, pinball machines. Continental breakfast.

• Homeland B&B

  address: 466 Price Run Road
  Antiqued furnished bed and breakfast located one mile from downtown Lewisburg. Offering five bedrooms and two private baths.

• Minnie Manor B&B

  address: 403 E Washington Street
  8 rooms. Free refreshments throughout the day.

• James Wylie House

  phone: +1 304-536-9444
  address: 208 E Main Street
  White Sulphur Springs; An early 19th-century home and log cabin offering private baths, air conditioning and a full breakfast.

• Rose Hill, A B&B

  address: 317 Church Street
  Offering two rooms in the heart of downtown Lewisburg. Carriage House features queen bed and sofa bed, kitchen, fireplace and claw-foot tub.

• White Sulphur Springs is about 15 minutes east on I-64.
• Covington, Virginia is about 30 minutes east on US-60.
• Beckley is about 50 minutes west on I-64.
• Marlinton is about 50 minutes north on US-219.
• Peterstown is about 50 minutes south on US-219.
• Union is about 30 minutes south on US-219.
• Fayetteville is a little over 1 hour northwest on US-60 and US-19.