Set in the Greenbrier River Valley of West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains, Lewisburg has many of the things one might expect from a town with a population of around 4,000, including historic buildings, mom-and-pop businesses and church bells tolling on the hour. What sets Lewisburg apart is a sophisticated arts and cultural scene for such a small town in a relatively remote area. Atlantans now have easier access to Lewisburg, as Delta recently began offering daily nonstop flights between Hartsfield-Jackson and the Greenbrier Valley airports.
America's coolest small town
In September Frommer's Budget Travel magazine selected it as the No. 1 choice in its annual "10 Coolest Small Towns in America" survey, citing the town's creative atmosphere. Many residents relocated from big cities in the 1960s and '70s, in search of a more tranquil lifestyle closer to nature. These transplants opened shops, eateries, bakeries and art galleries and livened up the downtown area, but they weren't the first to bring their big city sophistication to the hills of West Virginia. Steel baron and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie established a classroom building and cultural center in Lewisburg in 1902, one of only four Carnegie Halls still in existence. Today it is a vital visual and performing arts venue for the community, offering education and entertainment programs and concerts by national and international acts.
A couple of blocks away from Carnegie Hall, the Greenbrier Valley Theatre is a full-time professional theatre company that also stages music concerts ranging from jazz to bluegrass, and a literary series that includes poetry readings and a children's story time. As you stroll through downtown's multi-block National Historic District you'll encounter a vibrant gallery scene at places like Harmony Ridge Gallery, a 5,000 square foot space specializing in handcrafted items by American artisans that was recently awarded the NICHE Magazine Retailer Award for a large gallery. Continue strolling Washington Street to find other notable galleries, such as Wolf Creek and High Country. You'll also find an array of boutiques and antique stores to browse. In the evening, when you're ready to sit down for a drink and hear some live music, stop in at the Irish Pub on Washington Street or Del Sol Cantina and Grille to take in the local pub atmosphere.
Outside of downtown, take a scenic drive on winding two-lane roads past farmland into the hills and mountains, or an excursion along a portion of the 78-mile long Greenbrier River Trail. This rail-to-trail initiative through Greenbrier Valley is managed by the West Virginia State Park system and has turned old train tracks and trestles into a path leading to outdoor adventures. You can hike, bike or go horseback riding on the trail, and go cross-country skiing in winter when there's enough snow. Since the trail follows the route of the Greenbrier River, the grade isn't steep, making for pleasant and relaxing sightseeing adventure through the bucolic countryside.
Lost World Caverns has been a popular tourist attraction outside of Lewisburg since the early 1970s. This designated National Natural Landmark offers self-guided tours on a half-mile loop through the caverns 120 feet below the surface, where it's a constant 52 degrees year round. For more adventurous travelers, Lost World's longer Wild Cave Tour explores undeveloped sections of the cave system on guided tours that squeeze through narrow passageways and will leave you covered in mud.
Stay
General Lewis Inn. Historic 25-room inn in downtown Lewisburg with rooms in a large house circa 1834. A restaurant is also on the premises. Rates $110-$155. 301 E. Washington St., Lewisburg. 800-628-4454, www.generallewisinn.com.
Swift Level. 151-acre horse farm that has been in the same family for generations and offers lodging in its main house, bunkhouse and log cabin, all built in the 1820s. Rates start at $135 and include a full farm-fresh breakfast. 269 Herns Mill Road, Lewisburg. 304-661-6777, www.theswiftlevel.com.
Eat
Stella's. American fine dining family-run restaurant housed in a restored 1890s Victorian home with one of Lewisburg's nicest outdoor dining areas. Dinner entrees start at $20. 111 S. Lafayette St., Lewisburg. 304-520-4937, www.stellasteahouse.com.
Stardust Cafe. Bright, sunny and casual lunch and dinner spot downtown serving gourmet salads, sandwiches, burgers and creative entrees. Sandwiches start at $8.95, entrees at $12. 102 E. Washington St., Lewisburg. 304-647-3663, www.stardustcafewv.com.
Visitor info
The Merchants of Downtown Historic Lewisburg: 1-800-833-2068, www.downtownlewisburg.com.
Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau. 200 W. Washington St., Lewisburg. 1-800-833-2068, www.greenbrierwv.com.
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