Town of Rainelle

One of Greenbrier County’s mellow small towns, Rainelle was once a fast-paced industrial center. Its early history revolved around the Meadow River Lumber Company, founded by the Raine brothers (for whom the town is named), who purchased 100,000 acres of virgin timber in the surrounding mountains in the early 1900s. The enterprise would become the world’s largest hardwood sawmill.

Though the sawmill closed in 1976, the town still boasts several structures associated with its heyday, among them the Veterans Building, a focal point of the annual West Virginia Veterans Reunion which is held in Rainelle in late May. Around that same time, the entire population lines the streets to welcome more than 100 motorcycle-riding veterans participating in the cross-country Run for the Wall.

In addition to those patriotic events and June’s Down on the Farm festival, you can bask in the summer sun at the Rainelle public swimming pool or the Greenbrier Hills Golf & Tennis Club. Soon joining these attractions will be an in-town trailhead for the Meadow River Rail Trail, a 23-mile converted railroad bed that invites hikers, bikers and horseback riders to drink in nature’s pristine beauty between Rainelle and the Fayette County community of Nallen.

Hungry for more? Known for its tasty house-made soups and juicy cheeseburgers, Fruits of Labor Café and Bakery is a popular Rainelle gathering spot. In addition, the Rainelle Deli & Marketplace features locally-raised beef, bulk goods, fresh-made sweet treats and a full menu of sandwiches and salads.