Sites, attractions, museums, parks, forests, rivers, waterfalls, wildernesses, wildlife refuges in West Virginia

If you like history, beautiful homes, quaint shops, and a beautiful setting, a spot that is well worth a visit is Lewisburg in Greenbrier County. It's an easy drive, located just off I-64 on State Highway 219. It isn't far from the luxurious Greenbrier Resort located at White Sulphur Springs.

Street Scene Downtown Lewisburg, Courtesy of Greenbrier County CVB

Lewisburg is named for General Andrew Lewis, who came to the area in 1751. He later fought in the American Revolution. The town grew up around a natural spring that is presently enclosed in a stone springhouse in town. Many of the lovely historic homes that you will see were built in the 1830's as people moved west. Some of the old homes have remained in the same families for years and years. Some of them have been converted to other purposes.

Lewisburg doesn't look like some touristy place that has a contrived feel about it. It has evolved and remained vibrant throughout the years, while maintaining its historical quaintness.

General Lewis Inn, Courtesy of Greenbrier County CVB

The General Lewis Inn, located on the site of an 1862 Civil War battle, is truly a special place. It would be a great place to stay if you visit the area. One page on their website has great information about the surrounding area, and you can learn a good deal about the town and region by checking it out. There is so much to see and do that will appeal to everyone, no matter what your tastes.

In 2004 Lewisburg was voted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the twelve Distinctive Destinations in the United States. It is the home to one of three surviving Carnegie Halls in the country, and it is also home to the state's only year round professional theater.

1902 Carnegie Theater, courtesy of Greenbrier County CVB

Be sure to include Lewisburg in your travel plans. You won't want to leave. A former mayor of the town was quoted as saying, "Only two kinds of people ever leave Lewisburg - those who will return and those who wish they could." Have fun!

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