Lewisburg is a city of 3,900 people (in 2017) 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
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
By train
- Amtrak train service is available to nearby White Sulphur Springs or Alderson, each around 10 miles away.
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, 611 Church St, +1 304-645-7917. Three art galleries, juried art shows, pottery studio, music and dance performances, film series, classes and workshops.
- Greenbrier Valley Theatre, 113 E Washington Street, +1 304-645-3838. 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, +1 304-645-6038. Movies and balcony dining.
- Lewisburg Cinema 8, 257 Grand Ave, +1 304-992-7636. Two screens, playing first-run movies.
- Lewisburg Living History Exhibit, 119 W Washington Street. Daily 10AM-4PM. In the Lewisburg City Hall. A tribute to the people, places and events that have contributed to the history of Lewisburg.
- North House Museum, 301 W Washington Street, +1 304-645-3398. M-Sa 10AM-4PM. 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 St, 37.8011°, -80.4486°, +1 304-645-2676, office@oldstonechurchwv.com. The oldest church in continual use west of the Alleghenies, built in 1796. Be sure to visit the old cemetery. 2021-05-03
- Confederate Cemetery, McElhenny Road. Home to the remains of 95 unknown Confederate soldiers from the Battle of Lewisburg.
- WV Sky Tours, +1 304-497-2135. In Renick. Daytime and nighttime astronomy tours guided by an amateur astronomer and his telescopes.
Caverns
- Lost World Caverns, 37.8326°, -80.4469°. Fairview 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, 417 Masters Road, 37.718056°, -80.436944°, +1 304-645-7600. 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 Trail, +1 304-558-3500. 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, +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 (Moncove Lake Road), 37.6197°, -80.3533°, +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.
Do
- 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, 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 Lewisburg, +1 304-645-6910. 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.
- 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, 107 W Fair St, 37.7769°, -80.4608°. M-F 8AM-11PM, Sa Su 8AM-midnight. 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.
Buy
- Aggie's, 979 W Washington Street, +1 304-645-4063. M-Sa 10AM-5PM. Artwork, Boyds Bears, home accessories, Fenton glass, lampshades.
- Brick House Antiques, 1066 E Washington St, +1 304-645-4082. M-Sa 10AM-5PM.
- Edith's Store, 1035 E Washington Street, +1 304-645-7998. M-Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 1-5PM. 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.
- Plants Etc., 102 S Jefferson Street, +1 304-645-6910. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM. 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 Wine & Gourmet Shop, 1055 E Washington Street, +1 304-647-3404. 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.
- Serenity Now Outfitters, 898 Washington St W, +1 304-647-9779. M-Sa 10AM-5PM. 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.
- Studio 40, 921 Washington St W, +1 304-647-4444. M-Sa 10AM-5PM.
- Sunflower Soul, 203 E Washington Street, +1 304-645-7685. M-Sa 10AM-5PM. Specializing in fun, happy, feel-good gifts and clothing.
- West Farm's Flowers, +1 304-497-3840. A working farm with 120 varieties of flowers. Group tours and classes available.
- Wolf Creek, 967 Washington St, +1 304-645-5270. M-Th 9:30AM-5:30PM, F Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. 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, 1067 E Washington St, Lewisburg, WV 24901, +1 304-661-1752. 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, 886 Washington St, +1 304-645-4333. M-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-5PM. Ceramics, jewelry, glass, wood, garden art, metalwork, lighting, furniture, wearable art, paintings and ornaments.
- The Very Thing, 600 N Jefferson St, +1 304-645-0043. M-Sa. Paintings, prints and notecards depicting the quiet beauty of pastoral country settings and the natural environment. Artists should particularly enjoy his fine detailing and his use of heirloom quilts as part of his farm paintings. Home to Tuckwiller Gallery location.
- Washington Street Gallery, 123 W Washington Street, +1 304-647-4561. M-Th 11AM-5PM, F Sa 11AM-6PM. 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.
Eat
- Blackwell's Catering, 830 S Jefferson, +1 304-645-6159. M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-4PM. 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!
- Golden China Buffet, 475 Greenbrier Valley Mall Dr, +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, 1615 N. Jefferson St, +1 304-645-6235. Th-Tu 11AM-8:30PM. 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 Barbeque and Catering, 103 Seneca Trail, +1 304-249-8124. 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 sundae--barbecue 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__368 Brush Rd, +1 304-645-2723. Open daily from 8:30AM-9PM. Fine food in a casual atmosphere.
- Food and Friends, 878 Washington St, +1 304-645-4548. Tu-Sa 11AM-9PM. 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, 1236 E Washington St, +1 304-645-2600. M-Sa 7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM, 6-9PM; Su 7:30-11AM, noon-9PM. 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, +1 304-645-6159. Tu 7:30AM-5:30PM, W-Sa 7:30AM-8PM. European pastries, breads, and light lunches in a restored bakery building. Visitors can watch bread being made. Wireless access for those with laptops.
- Jim's Drive-In, 479 Washington St, Lewisburg, WV 24901 (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.
- Stuart's Smokehouse & Seafood, 1738 Highland Trail (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.
- The Market, 215 W Washington Street, +1 304-645-4084. M-F 8AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. 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.
Drink
- Del Sol Lounge, 206 W. Washington Street, +1 304-645-1717. Tu-Su 4-9PM, lounge is open to last call.
- The Irish Pub, 1030 E Washington St. F 5PM-1AM, Sa Su 1PM-1AM, M Tu 3PM-1AM, W Th closed. 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, 102 E Washington Street, +1 304-647-3663. M-Th 9AM-8:30PM, F Sa 10AM-9:30PM. 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, 1056 E Washington St, +1 304-645-3738. M-F 6:30AM-7PM, Sa 7:30AM-7PM, Su 9AM-5PM. 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.
Sleep
Budget
- Sunset Terrace, US-60 W, +1 304-645-2363. 15 rooms.
Mid-range
Splurge
- General Lewis Inn, 1236 E Washington St, +1 304-645-2600. 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. $100 - 145
Bed and Breakfasts
- Church Street B&B, 213 Church Street, +1 304-645-7014. 2 rooms in a historic 1904 stone home within walking distance of downtown. Perennial gardens, eight fireplaces.
- James Wylie House, 208 E Main Street, +1 304-536-9444. White Sulphur Springs; An early 19th-century home and log cabin offering private baths, air conditioning and a full breakfast.
Go next