Press Releases

Lewisburg, WV (May 3, 2013) – The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau kicked off National Travel & Tourism Week with an awards reception on Thursday, May 2nd. Winners from the inaugural “Best of the Greenbrier Valley” contest were announced, along with the CVB staff’s award for the “Friend of Tourism.”

The “Best of the Greenbrier Valley” contest was a competition which ran April 8th through April 28th that invited the public to cast a vote for their favorite Greenbrier Valley attraction, lodging property, retail shop, restaurant and event.

“We are thrilled that nearly 1,000 people cast a vote in the contest,” said Kara Dense. “Votes were cast from 32 states. I think that’s a testament to the Greenbrier Valley’s popularity across the country.”

The winners were:

Best Attraction
Winner:  The Greenbrier
Runner Up: Carnegie Hall

Best Lodging Property
Winner: The Greenbrier
Runner Up: The Historic General Lewis Inn

Best Restaurant
Winner: Food & Friends
Runner Up: Stardust Café

Best Retail Shop
Winner: Harmony Ridge Gallery
Runners Up (Tie): Aggie’s, Something Sweet, Something Country and Wolf Creek Gallery

Best Event
Winner: Taste of Our Towns
Runner Up: State Fair of West Virginia

Additionally, the Friend of Tourism Award was presented by the CVB staff to Jeff Bray and John Pearson for bringing the 2012 National Speleological Society’s Annual Convention to the Greenbrier Valley. The convention welcomed more than 1,500 attendees to the area in late June 2012.

“The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the Greenbrier Valley economy,” said Dense. “As we look to begin another travel season, we thank not just the Best of the Greenbrier Valley winners, but all of our tourism businesses who make the Greenbrier Valley the destination that it is today.”

National Travel and Tourism Week is annually designated by Congress to show the impact that tourism makes on the economy. In the Greenbrier Valley, 1.3 million visitors are welcomed annually, making an economic impact of more than $181 million. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state.

For questions or additional information, please contact the CVB at 304-645-1000.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, WV (April 4, 2013) – The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is seeking votes for the “Best of the Greenbrier Valley” contest which gets underway Monday, April 8th.

All are invited to cast a vote for their favorite Greenbrier Valley attraction, lodging property, retail shop, restaurant and event.

“With hundreds of tourism partners in the Greenbrier Valley, we want to shine the spotlight on the significant contribution they make to our community,’ said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County CVB. “As the travel season gets underway, our area shops, restaurants, attractions and lodging properties work overtime to welcome visitors to our area. We’re asking everyone to show their support by casting a vote.”

The contest, which runs April 8th through April 28th, will culminate on Thursday, May 2nd as winners are announced at an evening reception at the Visitors Center. The event, which will include refreshments, entertainment and an awards reception, is intended to kick off National Travel and Tourism Week scheduled for May 4th through 12th.

National Travel and Tourism Week is annually designated by Congress to show the impact that tourism makes on the economy. In the Greenbrier Valley, 1.3 million visitors are welcomed annually, making an economic impact of more than $181 million. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state.

Beginning April 8th, votes may be cast by logging onto the CVB’s website at http://www.greenbrierwv.com/BestofGBV or by completing a form at the Visitors Center. One entry is allowed per name and email address.

Those who vote will be registered to win a $100 Visa gift card.

For more information, call 304-645-1000. The Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center is located at 200 West Washington Street, Lewisburg.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, WV (March 14, 2013) – The Alderson 4th of July Celebration and the State Fair of West Virginia were recently selected as a Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Events for Summer 2013.

Alderson’s 4th of July Celebration is set for July 4-8. With a long-standing history of hosting West Virginia’s largest Independence Day celebration, the five-day event includes musical performances, concessions, a rubber ducky race, grand parade and fireworks display.

“This is a wonderful event, and I am thrilled that we are receiving another distinction for it,” said Event Chair, Karen Lobban, Along with this STS award, the event was also voted “West Virginia’s Favorite 4th of July Celebration” by WV Living magazine.

A second event to be selected is the State Fair of West Virginia scheduled for August 9-17. This annual tradition features family fun, food, rides, livestock exhibits and more.

“We are excited to once again be recognized as a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society,” said State Fair CEO, Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe. “This year’s 89th annual State Fair is themed “Feel the Magic.” We guarantee an event that is jam-packed with great entertainment, engaging agricultural displays and educational opportunities for all ages.”.

The Top 20 Events list began in 1985 as a way to promote the best events in the Southeast. Nominations must be received by STS members and the two events were nominated by the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in January. 

The Top 20 Events publication is sent to over 1,600 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, AAA publications and others. The combined circulation runs into the millions.

Founded in 1983, Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its 12 member states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, convention and visitors bureaus, airlines, car rental agencies, newspapers, magazines and other travel-related organizations. Its headquarters are in Atlanta.

For more information, please call 800-833-2068.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, WV (March 13, 2013) – The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is excited to offer the third installment of its Partner Education Series on Thursday, March 21st, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, with Michelle Merritt, Media Director for Charles Ryan Associates, as she discusses the ever-changing world of social media.

Over the course of her twelve-year career, Merritt has led brands to embrace social media and include it in marketing plans to create relevant content that produces results. She knows how to create a successful tactical plan that can help small businesses put social media to work immediately.

“As social media is constantly evolving, it is important for small businesses to join in on the conversation,” said Merritt.  “During this session, we will demonstrate how to effectively create and manage social media to produce results.”

The session is geared toward tourism-related businesses, but any Greenbrier Valley business is invited to attend. Individuals interested in participating in the conference are asked to register by Monday, March 18th by calling the CVB at 304-645-1000 or by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The session is complimentary and is part of the CVB’s Partner Education Series that is meant to inform Greenbrier Valley businesses on the topics of digital marketing, public relations, social media and hospitality. All sessions are held at the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center’s Rahall Conference Room located at 200 West Washington Street, Lewisburg.

For questions or additional information, please call 304-645-1000.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, WV (February 11, 2013) – Funds totaling $16,540 were recently awarded to twelve Greenbrier County organizations for tourism marketing through the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Cooperative Advertising Grant Program.

Each year, the CVB sets aside a portion of its budget to assist local organizations with their tourism marketing efforts. A requirement of the applicant’s marketing plan must be to reach visitors outside of a 50-mile radius, with a focus on getting event attendees to spend the night. Groups, including two or more businesses, organizations and nonprofits operating in Greenbrier County may apply for funding.

One such recipient of this year’s funding is the Greenbrier Valley Bicycle Club for their promotion of the 7th Annual Wheels of Hope Ride scheduled for Saturday, July 20th. Event coordinators are hoping to attract 500 riders and are using an aggressive advertising approach to entice new riders to this year’s event. With grant dollars supporting online advertising and the printing of rack cards, event coordinators are hopeful that a wider audience from the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern states will participate.

Since July of 2002, the Greenbrier County CVB has given more than $323,000 in direct marketing grants to many of the county’s fairs, festivals, and non-profit organizations.
Applications for the CVB’s mini grants are reviewed by the organization’s Grants and Research Committee twice each year, in January and July. Requests can be made up to $2,000. The next deadline is Monday, July 1, 2013.
 
The recipients from the January application period include:  Alderson Quilters and Crafters of The Alderson Community Center, Carnegie Hall, Greenbrier Group to Fight Pancreatic Cancer, Greenbrier Historical Society, Greenbrier Valley Bicycle Club, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Lewisburg Chocolate Festival, Lewisburg Downtown Business Association, Lewisburg Literary Festival, Main Street White Sulphur Springs, Trillium Collective and United Way of Greenbrier Valley.

For more information about the CVB’s Cooperative Advertising Grant Program, call 304-645-1000.

Lewisburg, WV (December 6, 2012) – The Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau announces a deadline of Friday, January 4, 2013, to receive applications for the Cooperative Advertising Grant Program.

The Mini Grant Program is an excellent source of marketing dollars for groups promoting tourism-related events and activities within Greenbrier County. Since the program’s inception in July 2002, the CVB has provided more than $300,000 toward the marketing efforts of a variety of events and attractions including Riders of the Flood Outdoor Drama, Freshwater Folk Festival, White Sulphur Springs Dandelion Festival and Taste of Our Towns Festival.

Funding is available in the form of mini grants to groups (two or more businesses), organizations and nonprofits operating in Greenbrier County. Requests can be made up to $2,000 and must be used to reach people outside of a 50-mile radius.

For those needing assistance with the completion of their application, or to find out more about the program, a workshop has been slated for Monday, December 17 at noon at the CVB.

Applications for the CVB’s mini grants are reviewed by the organization’s Marketing Committee twice each year, in January and July. Grant applicants are asked to attend a mandatory review meeting on Tuesday, January 22 at 10:00am at the CVB office located at 200 West Washington Street in downtown Lewisburg.

For additional information or questions, contact Rachael Stebbins, Director of Marketing & Communications at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 304-645-1000.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, WV (November 26, 2012) – The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is excited to offer the second installment of its Partner Education Series on Tuesday, December 4th, 10am to 12pm, with Aly Goodwin Gregg. Gregg will discuss the effective tools to pitching, earning and ensuring great media coverage.

Executive Vice President of Charles Ryan Associates, Gregg has more than fifteen years of experience in the public relations industry. During the session, she will guide attendees through effective public relations and media outreach planning to best promote their destination or business.

“Many small business owners wear multiple hats, including public relations manager,” said Gregg. “We will give businesses the tools to get their messages heard.” Gregg will review real-world case studies, success stories and discuss tactics for businesses to use public relations to engage key audiences.

The session is geared toward tourism-related businesses, but any Greenbrier Valley business is invited to attend. Individuals interested in participating in the conference are asked to register by Friday, November 30th by calling the CVB at 304-645-1000 or by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The session is complimentary and is part of the CVB’s Partner Education Series that is meant to inform Greenbrier Valley businesses on the topics of digital marketing, public relations, social media and hospitality. All sessions will be held at the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center’s Rahall Conference Room located at 200 West Washington Street, Lewisburg.

For questions or additional information, please call 304-645-1000.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, WV (November 14, 2012) - The Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s video, “Welcome to the Greenbrier Valley,” has received the Southeast Tourism Society Shining Example Award for Visual Excellence. Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County CVB, accepted the award at the Southeast Tourism Society’s Fall Forum in Virginia Beach on November 1st. The entry was one of seventeen in the category.

“This video is a true testament to the beauty of the Greenbrier Valley,” said Kara Dense. “From the participants involved in making the video, to the story that it tells, the project captured the extraordinary qualities of the Greenbrier Valley, and we are proud to be recognized among our peers for it.”

From attractions, to fairs and festivals, to activities, to the storied and world-renowned Greenbrier resort, more than 120 locations throughout Greenbrier County were included in the video. Additionally, nearly 200 locals participated in the project acting as models or providing voiceovers and testimonials. The final touch to truly showcase Greenbrier County’s rich heritage was the music provided by musicians exclusively from the Greenbrier Valley.

“Shining Example Awards highlight some of the best work in travel and tourism, and winners truly set examples that others in the industry can follow,” said STS President and CEO Bill Hardman. “Showcasing great work is important because tourism is the largest, second-largest or third-largest industry in every Southeastern state.”

The final video is posted to the CVB website and YouTube Channel, and is dubbed to run on a loop for destination and group travel trade shows. Additionally, the footage is used as b-roll for commercials and promotions for group tour planners.

In December 2011, the Greenbrier County CVB hosted a premiere for the video hosting industry partners and friends to view the final product. The 7-month project was directed and produced by local videographers Russell Williams and Annamarie Visclosky.

For more information about the video, please contact the CVB at 304-645-1000 or view it online here.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.

About the Southeast Tourism Society:
Founded in 1983, the Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its 12 member states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, convention and visitors bureaus, transportation companies, newspapers, magazines and other travel-related organizations.

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Lewisburg, WV (October 18, 2012) – The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) was awarded Best Print Photography Layout during the WV Governor’s Conference on Tourism’s Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on October 9th. The CVB won for the Budget Travel magazine spread, 6th Annual Coolest Small Towns in America, featuring Lewisburg, WV.

The category of Best Print Photography Layout includes photographic content that does not include advertorial material provided through cooperative advertising projects and special sections. The September 2011 issue of Budget Travel magazine featured a stunning, nighttime photograph of downtown Lewisburg as seen from the roof of City Hall. Additional photos included an interior photograph of Stardust Café, Hall Hitzig, “The Crazy Baker,” and Carnegie Hall’s Ivy Terrace Concert Series. The two-page spread dedicated to Lewisburg resulted in an advertising equivalency value of $60,000.

“Being recognized by our peers and awarded for the article is an honor,” said CVB Director, Kara Dense. “To be featured in a national magazine with a full circulation of nearly 400,000, helps us spread our message about the Greenbrier Valley and the wonderful people and communities within it.”

The WV Division of Tourism hosts the Stars of the Industry Awards program annually. The 2012 conference was held in Shepherdstown, WV, October 8-10, 2012.

For more information about it and its recipients, please contact the CVB at 304-645-1000.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, WV (September 25, 2012) - The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has released its Annual Report for the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year.

The year included a number of hallmark events from increased visitation at the regional Visitors Center to participating in The Greenbrier Classic to unveiling Budget Travel magazine’s feature with Lewisburg’s designation of America’s Coolest Small Town.

Some of the highlights of the year included:
• Welcoming 37,895 Visitors to the Visitors Center.
• Distributing 213,005 brochures.
• Dispersing nearly $30,000 to Greenbrier County groups through the CVB Mini Grant Program.
• Producing a Welcome Video featuring 120 locations throughout Greenbrier County.
• Unveiling a mobile website.
• Launching a volunteer program.

“We know visitors are drawn to this area for a truly unique destination experience,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the CVB. “By presenting this annual report to the County Commission and to all of our municipal and industry partners, we can demonstrate the impact of our integrated, consistent marketing efforts year-over-year.

Our very mission is to market this region as a premier tourist destination, and we know this level of accountability to our industry and community demonstrates our strategies are working. We are converting prospective travelers to actual visitors to the Greenbrier Valley.”

The tourism industry continues to be a vital component of Greenbrier County’s economy. Annually, $181 million is spent by travelers. Additionally, nearly 2,000 people are employed by the industry which in turn generates nearly $79 million in payroll earnings.

The CVB is presenting the Annual Report to city and town councils throughout the county during the months of September, October, November and December. A complete copy of the report can be found by clicking here.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, W.Va. (September 19, 2012) – Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Kara D. Dense has been chosen as the only West Virginian for the first class of “Forty for the Future: Travel’s Leading Talent” by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS), an Atlanta-based professional association in the tourism industry.

“Our objectives with “Forty for the Future” are to recognize leadership, demonstrate how varied tourism jobs are and inspire even younger people to consider tourism as a career,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society. “All of the them have demonstrated leadership in their careers and communities and are beacons for others.”

Those chosen, most of whom were nominated by their employers or professional mentors, and all are younger than 40, represent businesses and organizations in 14 states.

“It is an honor to represent West Virginia’s tourism industry and to be included in this inaugural class,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and President, West Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Tourism in West Virginia is a lucrative and growing industry and I am proud to play a part. I am confident as the “Forty for the Future” honorees are listed in the future, more and more representatives from this state will be included.” 

Dense and other honorees will be recognized during a special presentation at the STS Fall Forum in Virginia Beach, Va., Oct. 31-Nov. 2. For a complete listing of the Forty for the Future Class of 2012, visit http://www.southeasttourism.org/forty_for_the_Future.cfm

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.
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Lewisburg, WV (September 7, 2012) – Visit the Greenbrier Valley during the changing of the seasons and take advantage of the variety of special events happening in the area. From festivals to performances, no matter your age or interests, you’ll find something to suit you.

Capitol Steps at Carnegie Hall
September 14, 7:30pm
Carnegie Hall presents Capitol Steps, a political satire group of Congressional-staffers-turned comedians who are sure to entertain the audience on Friday, September 14. Ticket prices vary. For more information, call 304-645-7917 or visit http://www.carnegiehallwv.org. 105 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV.

American Heritage Music Hall (AHMH) Jam Session
September 18, 7pm-10:30pm
AHMH provides live music and dancing in a family atmosphere on Tuesday, September 18. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy local and regional performers as they jam out to bluegrass, folk, country and rock and roll. Admission is $7. Handicap accessible. For more information, call 304-645-4667. 315 Monroe Avenue, Ronceverte, WV.

White Sulphur Springs’ Third Thursday
September 20, 5pm-8pm
It’s Cash Mob Night in downtown White Sulphur Springs on Thursday, September 20, from 5-8pm! Join a group of people who want to make a positive impact on local businesses by shopping together at the same time. Third Thursdays are dedicated to bringing together the public, businesses, artisans and musicians for a greater understanding and appreciation of White Sulphur Springs. For more information, call 304-536-5060 or visit http://www.wssmainstreet.org.

Trillium Friday Night Alive!
September 21, 9pm-10pm
Trillium presents a family-friendly evening of performing arts on Friday, September 21. This show features Mark Davis, of Charleston, with percussion workshop students. A local international folk dance group will perform a world medley as well. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 students and free for children 7 and under. For more information, contact 304-645-3003 or visit http://www.trilliumperformingarts.org. 113 North Court Street, Lewisburg, WV.

Greenbrier Valley Theatre Presents The Crucible
September 28 & September 29, 7:30pm
Greenbrier Valley Theatre presents a live performance of The Crucible on Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29. The Arthur Miller Classic is set in Salem, Massachusetts and recounts the events surrounding the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Ticket prices vary. For more information, call 304-645-3838 or visit http://www.gvtheatre.org. 113 East Washington Street, Lewisburg, WV.

First Fridays After Five
October 5, 5pm-9pm
Historic Downtown Lewisburg continues its monthly tradition of First Fridays After Five from 5pm to 9pm on Friday, October 5. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the theme for the evening will be “Paint Lewisburg Pink.” Join the downtown shops and businesses for an evening jam-packed with live music, artist receptions, special events and refreshments. This event is free to the public and everyone is welcome. For more information, call 304-645-4333 or visit http://www.downtownlewisburg.com.

White Sulphur Springs’ Fall Fling
October 5 & 6
Celebrate the birthday of White Sulphur Springs during their Fall Fling weekend on Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6. A number of special events take place throughout the weekend. For more information, contact 304-536-5060 or visit http://www.wssmainstreet.org.

Giant Fall Flea Market
October 5-7
The West Virginia State Fairgrounds presents a Giant Fall Flea Market, October 5-7 from 8am to 5pm. The flea market showcases over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors selling antiques, collectibles, crafts, new and used merchandise and fall produce. Admission to the 3-day event is free. Free parking is available on the main fairgrounds and adjacent to the Route 219 south bridge entrance. Camping is also available, but advance reservations must be made. For more information, call 304-645-1090 or visit http://www.statefairofwv.com.

8th Annual Freshwater Folk Festival
October 6, 10am-4pm
Join the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery from 10am-4pm for its 8th Annual Freshwater Folk Festival on Saturday, October 6. This year’s festivities will feature presentations and exhibits by expert biologists, educational children’s activities, art and craft vendors and live musical performances. The event is free to the public. For more information, call 304-536-1361 or visit http://www.freshwaterfolkfestival.org. East Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, WV.

32nd Annual Art & Craft Show
October 12-14
Edgewood Presbyterian Church presents the 32nd Annual Art & Craft Show, October 12-14, inside the West Virginia Building at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds. Featuring nearly 100 exhibitors, this is the area’s largest arts and crafts event and features wood crafts, candles, jewelry, needle craft, primitives, baskets, homemade apple and more. The event includes prize drawings, food and free admission and parking. Doors open Friday and Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday from noon to 4pm. For more information, call 304-497-0843.

Taste of Our Towns (TOOT)
October 13, 11am to 3pm
Area restaurants and community organizations line the streets of Downtown Lewisburg offering a variety of foods from crab cakes to pecan pie to shrimp and grits. It’s a food-lover’s dream! The day also includes kids’ activities and live musical performances. Each tasting requires tokens which are available for purchase prior to and the day of the event. For more information, call 304-645-7917 or visit http://www.carnegiehallwv.org.

Candlelight Ghost Tours of Historic Lewisburg
September- October
Take a candlelight walking tour of the haunted homes and sites in the Lewisburg Historic District. Tours begin on Saturday, September 15 and are offered each Friday and Saturday night through October 27. A tour will also be available on Halloween, October 31. Tours leave from The General Lewis Inn on Washington Street at 8:00pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and children 7 and under are free. For more information or to make reservations, call 304-256-TOUR (8687). 

For a complete list of Greenbrier County events, visit http://www.greenbrierwv.com or call 800-833-2068.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.
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Lewisburg, WV (August 23, 2012) – Cast your vote for Lewisburg as the Best Small Mountain Town as part of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s 2012 Best Mountain Towns competition. The winners will be featured in the magazine’s November issue.

“The Greenbrier Valley loves a good competition,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In the last year, Lewisburg won Budget Travel’s Coolest Small Town Competition and Alderson won WV Living’s Best 4th of July Celebration. We want to win this one too!” 

The public is encouraged to vote for Lewisburg who is in the running against 19 other towns with a population less than 10,000. Votes can be cast online through September 15th at www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/contests/best-mountain-towns.

Lewisburg is currently in third place.

Blue Ridge Outdoors is a monthly publication that touts itself as being the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic’s foremost magazine for outdoor sports, health and adventure travel. With a circulation of 110,000, magazines can be found from Baltimore to Atlanta.

For more information, please contact the Greenbrier County CVB at 304-645-1000.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, WV (July 18, 2012) – The Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is delighted to announce that the 2012-2013 edition of the Official Visitors Guide is now available.

The 48-page Visitors Guide features a magazine-style format bursting with photography, clearly defined sections with creative introductions and comprehensive information on county attractions, dining, lodging, historical sites and much more.

“Greenbrier County has gained significant attention over the last couple years,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the CVB. “We are privileged to showcase our assets through this Guide, including our ever-growing special events calendar, welcome video and mobile site.”

This year the CVB printed 75,000 copies of the Visitors Guide that will be distributed to a variety of travel plazas and visitors centers around the state, as well as sent in response to individual requests for information on Greenbrier County. It is the CVB’s main collateral piece that provides visitors a first impression of the area and its offerings. It is a valuable, relevant resource for tourists, group tour planners, residents and businesses.

The publication is also available online in digital format on the CVB’s website.

To request a copy of the new Visitors Guide, call the CVB at 800-833-2068 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually making an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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Lewisburg, WV (June 28, 2012) – The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau is ready for the return of The Greenbrier Classic and the record crowds it will bring to the Greenbrier Valley July 2-8.

In preparation for the tournament, the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center will have extended hours during the week: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9am-6pm, Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-8pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Staff will be available to assist visitors with directions, tournament details and area information. Complimentary Wi-Fi and computers with Internet access are also available inside the Visitors Center.

“Our Visitors Center staff look forward to welcoming visitors and assisting them with any of their needs,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We greeted nearly 1,000 visitors inside our Center during last year’s tournament, and we know that number will be even bigger this year. It’s an exciting time.”

Tournament goers can view a Greenbrier Valley commercial playing on attendee buses and pick up a copy of the new Greenbrier Valley Visitors Guide which will be located throughout the resort and at the golf course information booths. The CVB’s mobile website – http://www.greenbrierwv.com – also makes accessing area information easy.

Along with the Visitors Center, CVB staff will also be on-site at the tournament during the week using social media outlets to keep followers up-to-date on tournament events. Follow the CVB on Facebook at GreenbrierValleyWV and on Twitter at gbrvalleywv.

The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to be a sponsoring partner of this year’s tournament. For more information, please contact the CVB at 304-645-1000 or visit http://www.greenbrierwv.com. The Visitors Center is located at 200 West Washington Street in downtown Lewisburg.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $181 million.

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