Small Town Charm in the Greenbrier Valley

Historic Lewisburg, A Cultural Crossroads

This city center of just a few thousand has made a name for itself. It pops up on must-do lists all across the country. Even recently cited by Fodors.com for its America's 25 Cutest Main Streets in Smaller(er) Towns and USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice for Small Town Food Scene two years running. Take some time to poke through the antique shops, boutiques and galleries, and stop in a downtown café for coffee, lunch or an afternoon treat.

RELAXED LODGING. The eclectic style that resonates through Lewisburg doesn’t fall short when it comes to a good night’s sleep. The Historic General Lewis Inn is a restored 1834 and 1928 building named after a general who fought in the French and Indian War. Take your pick from twenty-four rooms and suites, each tastefully decorated with historic touches and fully updated in all the right places. The Escape is a private boutique hotel on Randolph Street—one block from the bustling downtown district. Consistently garnering high marks for its well-appointed creature comforts, rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, spacious showers and lounge areas. Step off the front porch of the Washington Street Quarters and right into downtown. Accommodations range from a cozy studio to multi-room suites—all the modern amenities with just the right flair of historic style.

WHERE THE ARTS THRIVE. It’s a wonder how so much art and entertainment can fit into just a few blocks. Carnegie Hall, only one of four still in operation worldwide, showcases a wide-ranging repertoire of music from all over the globe. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre, the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia, delivers exceptional main-stage productions ranging from Shakespeare to Broadway musicals. And the building where Lee Street Studios resides was originally the local high school. True to its educational roots, the school rooms are now working studios and art spaces.  

SHOPPING & DINING. The key to any fruitful downtown outing is the shopping and dining prospects. Within Lewisburg’s five-block district, stylish and independently owned shops are filled with one-of-a-kind works to the uniquely repurposed and re-treasured. Museum-quality relics define Lewisburg’s “old hardware store,” now occupied by The Golden Rabbit. The Proprietors at A New Chapter are always in search of the next page-turner and latest in current affairs, guaranteeing their corner of the world is up on its reading. Inside Aggie's Gift Shop, Vest is an oasis in functional fashion dedicated to all things men.

You’ll quickly see the culinary collective possesses an unbridled spirit for food. There are a dozen or more restaurants, bakeries and cafés, each with its own flavorful style. For breakfast, Corn + Flour serves on-the-go stacked bagel sandwiches and sweet-treat-pick-me-ups. For lunch, the Stardust Café takes an artisan approach to food that features locally-raised meats, fresh breads and seasonal produce. The menu of classic favorites at Food & Friends has made it a Greenbrier Valley mainstay where locals have been celebrating special occasions for generations.

White Sulphur Springs, Refreshingly Friendly

White Sulphur Springs emanates a lively, relaxed atmosphere. It's a place where conversations flow naturally, and initial meetings effortlessly meld into warm connections. Unlike many modern downtowns, it serves as a daily hub for both residents and visitors. Its friendly charm draws workers for a mid-day break, community events bring people together, and the neighborhood coffee shop—Tootsie's--is a go-to stop that gets many days off on the right foot.

A WALK ON MAIN STREET. A stroll along Main Street promises a sampling of restaurants and shops that serve the community. New to the scene, The Lunch Box is a satisfying midday “refueling” with fresh to-go salads, sandwiches and made-from-scratch soups and bakery specials. Gustard's Bistro is a favorite gathering spot along Main Street. On summer evenings, find your way to the outdoor patio. A well-stocked bar and ample menu are a delectable concoction for a fun and flavorful night on the town.

Barnwood Builders star Mark Bowe brings a little bit of cabin life to town with the Barnwood Living showroom. It’s filled with a wide selection of American-made handcrafts, Urban Cowboy-inspired attire, as well as Boneyard gear for fans of the show. Gillespie’s Flowers & Events has been a White Sulphur mainstay since World War II when it moved its headquarters from The Greenbrier to downtown—the resort had temporarily closed to serve as a hospital. Today, the eclectic gift shop is icing on the cake for its custom floral creations, event décor and rental company.

SETTLE IN FOR A STAY.  Cozy, private home rentals run the gamut, along with downtown lodging such as Howard’s Creek Inn—roomy apartment-style living next door to dining and nightlife. Just off Main Street, The Schoolhouse Hotel is the first of its kind, a top-to-bottom-ADA-compliant hotel with an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. In an earlier century, it was the city’s first high school. Now, it has thirty modern rooms featuring accessible-for-all amenities to assist with everything from opening blinds to showering. It may hail from another time, but contemporary architecture, upscale dining, ballroom and rooftop bar are integrated into this boutique hotel—all with a charming nod to its academic roots.