'''Lewisburg''' [http://www.lewisburg-wv.com/] is a city of 3,624 people (as of 2000) in West Virginia. It was established in 1872, and named for Andrew Lewis, the Virginia colonel who won the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774. The town was built around a natural spring, which today is enclosed in a stone springhouse near the General Lewis Inn. Today, Lewisburg is a very popular tourist destination due to its historic downtown, specialty shopping, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, and its Civil War connections. Lewisburg is practically adjacent to the nearby resort town of White Sulphur Springs.
Get in
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, Virginia to the east — also pass through the town.
'''Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB)''', US-219 off I-64, 304-645-3961, [http://www.gvairport.com/]. Flights via US Airways and Delta Airlines.
Get around
See
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''', 105 Church Street, 304-645-7917, [http://www.carnegiehallwv.com/]. Three art galleries, juried art shows, pottery studio, music and dance performances, film series, classes and workshops.
'''Greenbrier Valley Theatre''', 113 E Washington Street, 304-645-3838, [http://www.gvtheatre.org/]. West Virginia's only year-round professional theatre, offering theatrical productions, musical events, literary events and more. Admission $15 - $22.
'''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''', 113 N Court Street, 304-645-6038. Movies and balcony dining.
'''Seneca Showcase Movie Theatre''', 75 Seneca Trail in Greenbrier Valley Mall, 304-645-6033. Two screens, playing first-run movies.
'''Lewisburg Living History Exhibit''', 119 W Washington Street in the Lewisburg City Hall, [http://www.lewisburg.org/history/]. Open 10 am to 4 pm. A tribute to the people, places and events that have contributed to the history of Lewisburg.
'''North House Museum''', 301 W Washington Street, 304-645-3398, [http://www.greenbrierhistorical.org/]. Open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday. 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''', 200 Church Street, 304-645-2676, [http://www.oldstone.us/]. 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 Tours''', in Renick, 304-497-2135, [http://www.wvskytours.com/]. Daytime and nighttime astronomy tours guided by an amateur astronomer and his telescopes.
Caverns
'''Lost World Caverns''', Fairview Road, 304-645-6677 or 866-228-3778, [http://www.lostworldcaverns.com/]. Open daily 9 am to 7 pm, May 15 through Labor Day; 9 am to 5 pm Labor Day through Thanksgiving; 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.
'''Organ Cave''', 417 Masters Road near Ronceverte, 304-645-7600, [http://www.organcave.com/]. 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 and extended exploring expeditions available. On-site gift shop. Admission $12.50.
Parks
'''Big and Little Clear Creeks''', in Rupert. Trout fishing.
'''Greenbrier River Trail''', 304-558-3500, [http://www.greenbrierrivertrail.com]. A 76-mile trail running from North Caldwell to Cass along the Greenbrier River. Fishing, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, biking.
'''Greenbrier State Forest''', Harts Run Road off I-64 (exit 175) near Caldwell, 304-536-1944, [http://www.greenbriersf.com/]. 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''', CR-8 (Moncove Lake Road) near Gap Mills, 304-772-3450, [http://www.moncovelakestatepark.com/]. 250 acres, a 500-acre adjoining Wildlife Management Area and a 144-acre lake. Fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, birdwatching, and hiking. Camping available.
Do
'''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, 304-645-4230. Open 11 am to 11 pm Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 1 am Friday and Saturday, and 1 pm to 10 pm on Sunday. Billiards, amusements, pro-shop, and bowling, including "cosmic bowling" on Friday and Saturday nights.
'''Pit Stop Arcade''', 234 Seneca Trail in Fairlea, 304-661-1802. Open 12 pm to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, 12 pm to 10 pm Friday and Saturday, and 12 pm to 8 pm on Sunday. Arcade, video games, pinball machines, pool tables.
'''Greenbrier Hills Golf Club''', US-60 in Rainelle, 304-438-9050. Open April through October. 9 holes, 2,631 yards, par 35. Offers tennis courts also. $7 - $14.
Events
'''The Battle of Lewisburg''', 304-645-6910, [http://www.battleoflewisburg.org/]. Held 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.
'''West Virginia State Fair''', 107 W Fair Street, [http://www.wvstatefair.com/]. Held in mid-August. Open 8 am to 11 pm weekdays, 8 am to 12 am weekends. 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.
Buy
'''Aggie's Gift Shop''', 100 W Washington Street, 304-645-4063, [http://www.aggiesgiftshop.net/]. Open 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday. Artwork, Boyds Bears, home accessories, Fenton glass, lampshades.
'''The Bookstore''', 104 S Jefferson Street, 304-645-6910. Open 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Scarce, scholarly and out-of-print books, specializing in Civil War books.
'''Hazel Boutique''', 204 W Washington Street, 304-647-4007, [http://www.hazelboutique.com/]. Open 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. Boutique offering women's clothing, accessories and intimates.
'''Homespun Treasures''', 402 Main Street in Rainelle, 304-438-6734, [http://www.homespuntreasureswv.com/]. Furniture, primitive decor, candles and food.
'''Honnahlee''', 117 E Washington Street, 304-645-6123. Open 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday. Independent toy store offering the largest selection of toys in the state.
'''Old Hardware Gallery''', 118 W Washington Street, 304-645-2236. Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and Sundays in December. Gift items including Blenko glass, Fiestaware, folk art and specialty throws.
'''The Open Book''', 113B E Washington Street, 304-645-7331. Open 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday. Large selection of books on West Virginia in the Civil War.
'''Peddlar's Alley Antiques''', 123 E Washington Street, 304-645-4082. Open 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 4 pm on Sunday. Antique shop located in the oldest standing commercial building in Lewisburg, from 1815.
'''Plants Etc.''', 102 S Jefferson Street, 304-645-6910. Open 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. Local handcrafts, and fossils from West Virginia and around the world.
'''Robert's Antiques''', 120 E Washington Street, 304-647-3404, [http://www.robertsantiquesltd.com/]. Lewisburg's finest antiques and wine shop.
'''The Ruby Rooster Antique Mall''', WV-219, 304-497-2177, [http://www.geocities.com/therubyrooster/]. Open 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday. Over 8,000 square feet of antiques, furniture and collectibles.
'''West Farm's Flowers''', 304-497-3840. A working farm with 120 varieties of flowers. Group tours and classes available.
Art Galleries
'''Christie's Signature Arts''', 113A E Washington Street, 304-645-1443 or 304-667-1390, [http://www.christiefinearts.com/]. Open 11 am to 5:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Oils, watercolors, prints, ceramics, sculptures and tribal rugs.
'''Cooper Gallery''', 122 E Washington Street, 304-645-6439 or 888-868-5129, [http://www.coopergallery.com/]. Sculpture, photography, painting and ceramics, featuring regional and international artists.
'''Harmony Ridge Gallery''', 209 W Washington Street, 304-645-4333, [http://www.harmonyisle.com/]. Open 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. Ceramics, jewelry, glass, wood, garden art, metalwork, lighting, furniture, wearable art, paintings and ornaments.
'''High Country Gallery & Boutique''', 122 W Washington Street, 304-645-5222, [http://www.highcountrylewisburg.com/]. Art, fine crafts, art jewelry and clothing, and home accessories. Specializing in African and northern Chinese fine crafts and antiques.
'''Tuckwiller Gallery''', 102 W Washington Street, 304-645-2070 or 800-343-7386, [http://www.tuckwillergallery.com/]. Open Monday through Saturday. Paintings, prints and notecards depicting the quiet beauty of pastoral country settings and the natural environment.
Malls
'''Greenbrier Valley Mall''', 75 Seneca Trail in Fairlea, 304-645-6120. 210,000 square feet of space, with over 20 shops and restaurants, including a movie theatre.
Eat
'''The Bakery''', 102 N Court Street, 304-645-1106. Open 7 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday; closed Sundays. Hearth-baked breads, pastries, and take-out salads and lunches.
'''Food and Friends''', 213 Washington Street, 304-645-4548. Open 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays. Casual American and Italian dining.
'''General Lewis Inn & Restaurant''', 301 E Washington Street, 304-645-2600, [http://www.generallewisinn.com]. Open for breakfast 7 to 11 am Monday through Saturday, and 7:30 to 11 am on Sunday; for lunch 11:30 am to 2 pm Monday through Saturday; and for dinner 6 to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, and 12 pm to 9 pm on Sunday. 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''', 110 S Jefferson Street, 304-645-6159. Open 7:30 am to 5:30 pm on Tuesday, 7:30 am to 8 pm Wednesday through Friday, and 7:30 am to 4 pm on Saturday; closed Sundays and Mondays. European pastries, breads, and light lunches in a restored bakery building. Visitors can watch bread being made.
'''Jim's Drive-In''', US-60 west of Lewisburg, 304-645-2590. Open 10:30 am to 7 pm Monday and Tuesday, 10:30 am to 7:30 pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 10:30 am to 8 pm Friday and Saturday; closed Sundays. Hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, chili, ice cream and more.
'''Julian's Restaurant''', 102 S Lafayette Street, 304-645-4145. Open 5 to 10 pm Wednesday through Sunday. Fine dining; reservations recommended.
'''Miss Ashley's Tea Room''', 203 E Washington Street, 304-645-7555. Open 1 to 6 pm Wednesday through Saturday, or by appointment. Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and desserts.
'''Rudy's Corner Grill''', 201 W Main Street in Ronceverte, 304-647-4700. Open 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday, and 8 am to 7 pm on Sunday. Local favorite for 75 years, with burgers, chicken, sandwiches and a daily buffet.
'''Stuart's Hot Dawgs''', WV-63 in Alderson, 304-445-DAWG. Open 10 am to 12 am Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 1 am Friday and Saturday, and 12 pm to 12 am on Sunday. Hot dogs, burgers, chili, barbecue, steaks, seafood, with outdoor seating overlooking the Greenbrier River.
'''Tavern 1785''', 208 W Washington Street, 304-645-1744. Open for lunch from 11 am to 2 pm and dinner from 5 to 9 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and brunch from 11 am to 2 pm on Sunday; closed Mondays. American cuisine in a restored 1785 log building.
Drink
'''Stardust Cafe''', 102 E Washington Street, 304-647-3663. Open 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 11 pm on Friday, and 10 am to 11 pm on Saturday; closed Sundays. Organic fair-trade coffee shop, also offering soups, sandwiches and pastries.
'''The Wild Bean''', 119 E Washington Street, 304-645-3738. Open 6:30 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday, 8 am to 9 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday. Organic and small-farmed coffee, espresso, tea, smoothies and pastries. Also offering light vegetarian fare. Wireless internet access available.
'''Wolf Creek Winery''', route 3 in Wolfcreek, 304-772-5040, [http://www.wolfcreekwinery.com/]. 12-acre vineyard with winery and tasting room; call ahead to schedule a tour and/or 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.
'''The Clover Club''', Rt.60 between Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs, 304-536-9887 [http://www.thecloverclub.com]. large Nightclub (11,000 sq ft), open Friday, Saturday and Holidays. 9pm-3am. All legal beverages, game room, cafe, 2 bars, large dance floor 70 sq ft video screen. Late night food service.
Sleep
Budget
'''Econo Lodge Fort Savannah''', 204 Jefferson Street, 304-645-3055. 66 rooms. Free newspaper. $35 - $95.
'''Relax Inn''', 635 N Jefferson Street, 304-645-2345. 26 rooms.
'''Rodeway Inn''', 107 West Fair Street, 304-645-7070. 32 rooms. $36 - $59.
'''Sunset Terrace''', US-60 W, 304-645-2363. 15 rooms.
Mid-Range
'''Brier Inn & Conference Center''', 540 N Jefferson Street, 304-645-7722, [http://www.brierinn.com/]. 162 rooms. Seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center. On-site restaurant and lounge. Complimentary continental breakfast. $60 - $134.
'''Days Inn''', 635 N Jefferson Street, 304-645-2345. 26 rooms. Average price $85.
'''Hampton Inn''', 30 Coleman Drive, 304-645-7300 or 1-800-HAMPTON. Indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness center. Complimentary continental breakfast. $75 - $84.
'''Super 8 Motel''', 550 N Jefferson Street, 304-647-3188 or 800-800-8000. 54 rooms. Complimentary Super Start breakfast. $60 - $69.
Splurge
'''General Lewis Inn''', 301 E Washington Street, 304-645-2600 or 800-628-4454, [http://www.generallewisinn.com]. 25 rooms. Originally 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. $100 - $145.
Cottages
'''Greenbrier River Cottages''', Benedict Lane, 888-298-7672 (PIN 3504), [http://www.greenbrierrivercottages.com]. 3 cabins. Rentals available April 15 to October 15.
Bed and Breakfasts
'''Church Street B&B''', 213 Church Street, 304-645-7014, [http://www.churchstreetbandb.com/]. 2 rooms. Located in a historic 1904 stone home within walking distance of downtown. Perennial gardens, eight fireplaces.
'''The Great Oak B&B''', 421 E Washington Street, 304-645-4749, [http://www.greatoakbnb.com/]. 2 rooms. An array of home-cooked breakfast options. $95 - $105.
'''Lee Street Inn''', 200 N Lee Street, 304-647-5599 or 888-228-7000, [http://www.leestreetinn.com]. 3 rooms. Built in 1876, with two porches, patio, water garden, landscaped gardens, hot tub, pinball machines. Continental breakfast. $75 - $125.
'''Lynn's Inn Bed & Breakfast''', US-219 N, 304-645-2003 or 800-304-2003, [http://www.lynnsinnwv.com/]. 3 rooms. Built in 1935 on rolling farmland, with shaded front porch and antique-decorated rooms. Full country breakfast, including fresh eggs from on-site chickens. $75 - $85.
'''Minnie Manor B&B''', 403 E Washington Street, 304-647-4096. 8 rooms. Free refreshments throughout the day.
'''Old Stone Mansion''', Stone House Road off US-60, 304-645-2749, [http://www.oldstonemanse.com]. 2 rooms. Stone home built in 1796. Two porches, landscaped yard. Full breakfast. $115.
'''The Page House B&B''', 317 Church Street, 304-647-3767 or 304-667-0042. Fireplace. Homemade breads.
'''The Veranda B&B''', 410 E Washington Street, 304-645-1970. 3 rooms. $125 - $175.
Get out
'''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.