Lewisburg

Shopping, dining, theater and history. It’s all there in historic Lewisburg, a charming town set at the crossroads of the Midland Trail (U.S. 60) and U.S. 219. Named for surveyor Andrew Lewis, the area was the site of several battles during Lord Dunmore’s War, the 1774 conflict between the Colony of Virginia and Shawnee and Mingo American Indian nations. Later the town would play an important role during the Civil War, when several of its buildings were commandeered as hospitals and barracks by both Union and Confederate forces.

Today, historic downtown Lewisburg is one of the state’s most walkable cities, with dozens of boutique shops, antique stores and art galleries lining its picturesque main street. Dining options range from the upscale cuisine of the Stardust Café and The French Goat to the casual fare of The Asylum and The Wild Bean. Top off your day with a live performance at Carnegie Hall or one of several other historic theaters set in this cultural hub of the Greenbrier Valley.

Major attractions

• Carnegie Hall. One of only eight Carnegie Halls still in continuous use in the world, this venue hosts live performances, classes and art exhibits.
• Greenbrier Valley Theatre sets the stage for theatrical productions, an after-school drama program, summer camps and more.
• Lewis Theatre hosts feature films and special film nights, as well as live performances by the company in residence, Trillium Performing Arts Collective.
• Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum commemorates and preserves Greenbrier County history dating back to the early 1800s.
• Lost World Caverns reveals a wonderland of stalactites 120 feet below the earth’s surface, including the 30-ton Snowy Chandelier, one of the nation’s largest.
• The Historic General Lewis Inn is a boutique hotel dating back to the early 1800s with cozy guest rooms furnished with antiques.

Annual events

• The Shanghai Parade has been a New Year’s Day tradition in Lewisburg for more than 150 years.
• The Lewisburg Chocolate Festival in April features a variety of chocolate-themed events and activities.
• The State Fair of West Virginia is held in nearby Fairlea every August.
• Taste of Our Towns in October presents the opportunity to sample some of the many local food offerings.
• The Lewisburg Literary Festival in August hosts author lectures, writing workshops, book sales and more.

Quick Facts

• Population: 3,830
• Size: 3.81 sq. mi.
• Year incorporated: 1782