Overview
Lewisburg is a city of 3,900 people (in 2017) in West Virginia. It was established in 1872, and named for Andrew Lewis, the Virginia colonel who won the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774. The town was built around a natural spring, which today is enclosed in a stone springhouse near the General Lewis Inn. Today, Lewisburg is a very popular tourist destination due to its historic downtown, specialty shopping, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, and its Civil War connections. Lewisburg is practically adjacent to the nearby resort town of White Sulphur Springs.
12 sights · 3 things to do · 10 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lewisburg
Carnegie Hall
Three art galleries, juried art shows, pottery studio, music and dance performances, film series, classes and workshops.
Lewis Theatre
Movies and balcony dining.
Old Stone Presbyterian Church
The oldest church in continual use west of the Alleghenies, built in 1796. Be sure to visit the old cemetery.
Lost World Caverns
Fairview Road, 304-645-6677 or 866-228-3778. May 15 through Labor Day: daily 9AM-7PM; Labor Day through Thanksgiving: 9AM-5PM; call for hours between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. Self-guided 35-minute tours; wild ca…
Organ Cave
Near Ronceverte. Tour hours vary by season. The second largest commercial cave in the eastern United States, with over 45 miles of mapped passageways, and one of the oldest commercial caves in the country, discovered in …
Moncove Lake State Park
CR-8 near Gap Mills. 250 acres, a 500-acre adjoining Wildlife Management Area and a 144-acre lake. Fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, birdwatching, and hiking. Camping available.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Sep. Summer highs reach about 70°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Snowshoe)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LWB Greenbrier Valley Airport, Lewisburg — 4 mi away. Directions
- BKW Raleigh County Memorial Airport, Beaver — 37 mi away. Directions
- GSO Piedmont Triad International Airport, Greensboro — 121 mi away (major hub). Directions
Lewisburg is located on I-64 between Beckley and Covington, Virginia. US-219 — which passes through Marlinton to the north, and Peterstown to the south — and US-60 — which passes north of Fayetteville to the west, and through Covington] to the east — also pass through the town.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $60–$75 a night (typical $75), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$150, comfortable ~$240.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge, Bed and Breakfasts in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Carnegie Hall, Old Stone Presbyterian Church, Lewis Theatre
- Lunch Blackwell's Catering
- Afternoon West Virginia State Fair, Lewisburg Living History Exhibit
- Dinner China Palace
- Evening Del Sol Lounge
Day 2
- Morning Lost World Caverns, Greenbrier Valley Theatre
- Lunch When Pigs Fly Barbeque and Catering
- Afternoon WV Sky Tours, First Fridays
- Dinner Dutch Haas Restaurant
- Evening The Irish Pub
Day 3
- Morning Organ Cave, Moncove Lake State Park
- Lunch Food and Friends
- Afternoon North House Museum, Greenbrier State Forest
- Dinner General Lewis Inn & Restaurant
- Evening Stardust Cafe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Lewisburg is located on I-64 between Beckley and Covington, Virginia. US-219 — which passes through Marlinton to the north, and Peterstown to the south — and US-60 — which passes north of Fayetteville to the west, and through Covington] to the east — also pass through the town.
By plane
By train
- Amtrak train service is available to nearby White Sulphur Springs or Alderson, each around 10 miles away.
Get around
- Mountain Transit Authority offers bus service within Lewisburg and to nearby towns from about 7AM to 6PM.
- Cosmic Cab Company +1 304 646-8882
See
- Take a walking tour of the Lewisburg historic district, which covers 235 acres of downtown. Other historic districts include the Maple Street district (historically African-American) and the South Church Street district.
- Alderson Historic District, Alderson off WV-63. 165 structures of historic or architectural significance, including a restored 1865 rail station.
- Lewis Spring, in Andrew Lewis Park. The spring around which the town was founded after its discovery in the 1750s; the stone spring house was built in 1770.
- American Heritage Music Hall, Quarry Road Village in Fairlea, 304-645-3982 or304-645-2298. Open 7 to 11 pm Tuesdays and the last Saturday of the month. Local musicians promoting American heritage music. Open jamming sessions, family-friendly live entertainment. Admission $5.
- Lewisburg Cinema 8, 257 Grand Ave, +1 304-992-7636. Two screens, playing first-run movies.
- Confederate Cemetery, McElhenny Road. Home to the remains of 95 unknown Confederate soldiers from the Battle of Lewisburg.
Caverns
See Lost World Caverns
Fairview Road, 304-645-6677 or 866-228-3778. May 15 through Labor Day: daily 9AM-7PM; Labor Day through Thanksgiving: 9AM-5PM; call for hours between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. Self-guided 35-minute tours; wild cave tours available. Features the nation's largest compound stalactite. On-site visitor's center and natural history museum, with the largest collection of dinosaur and fossil replicas in West Virginia. Excellent gift shop with someone for everyone. Many rock and mineral specimens. Owners very helpful.
See Organ Cave
Near Ronceverte. Tour hours vary by season. The second largest commercial cave in the eastern United States, with over 45 miles of mapped passageways, and one of the oldest commercial caves in the country, discovered in 1704. Guided 1.5-hour walking tours (Intelligent design theme) and extended exploring expeditions available. On-site gift shop. Admission $12.50. Largest seam of aragonite crystals in the state.
Parks
- Big and Little Clear Creeks, in Rupert. Trout fishing.
See Greenbrier State Forest
Harts Run Road off I-64 (exit 175) near Caldwell, +1 304-536-1944. Over 5,100 acres of heavily forested, mountainous terrain for hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, archery, horseshoes, volleyball, muzzleloading rifle range, hunting and fishing. Nearby Kate's Mountain is 3,280 feet high. Cabins and campground available.
Do
- Greenbrier Bowling & Recreation Center, US-219 N, +1 304-645-4230. Open M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-1AM Friday and Saturday, and Su 1-10 PM. Billiards, amusements, pro-shop, and bowling, including "cosmic bowling" on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Greenbrier Hills Golf Club, US-60 in Rainelle, +1 304-438-9050. Open April through October. 9 holes, 2,631 yards, par 35. Offers tennis courts also. $7 - 14.
Do First Fridays
The first Friday of each month brings in live music on the street and extended hours in the shops. A good way to enjoy a walking tour of Lewisburg past the rush hour. At Christmas the lights are an extra reason for photographers to bring the camera.
Events
- The Shanghai Parade, a 150-year tradition held at New Year's Day, this parade is a relic of the Old Christmas celebrations before the calendar switched over. An excellent glimpse of the past with people dressing in costumes and marching downtown. Shops are open!
- Taste of Our Towns, downtown Lewisburg. Held one Saturday in October. Sample regional foods plus specialties from the Greenbrier, Tamarack and local restaurants.
Buy
Shop Brick House Antiques
Shop Edith's Store
Gourmet and health foods, vitamins, supplements, fine body care and gifts. The staff is prepared to answer your questions and help you find what you need. A wide range of goods from bulk spices, sushi fixings, diabetic and gluten-free foods, books, pet food, organic produce and the only real root beer for miles around. These people love what they do, they like people, and it shows.
Shop Plants Etc.
Local handcrafts, and fossils from West Virginia and around the world. One of the few places that sells items from Pomegranate Press and Dover books, which is a godsend to parents who want to intelligently engage their children in the car. Schoolteachers tend to haunt the place, and for good reason. Rock and mineral specimens rub with potted plants, gourdcraft, and jewelry. Owner has a corner devoted wooden toys and engaged games. All her wares intend an environmental consciousness and good taste. Be sure to check the store out in the spring for the incredible heirloom seeds. Here there is no conflict between Function and Beauty.
Shop Robert's Antiques Wine & Gourmet Shop
Lewisburg's finest antiques and wine shop. It will take you a month of Sundays to see everything. A microcosm of surreal beauty and a rare emphasis on "working" antiques. Not above putting a vintage hearse in their front window, thankfully for the traveling photographer.
Shop Serenity Now Outfitters
Kayaks, canoes, and the place where you can find pet supplies for the camper. Nature-inspired pieces of art and angling gear. Owner's shop is dog-friendly. Need a backpack for your dog or winter booties for his paws? Collapsible drinking bowl and kibble? You'd best stop here. All fishermen, hikers or outdoorsmen should see this place! Owner is an expert on local fishing and will arrange guided fishing trips. Have fun trying to stump him with a question about fishing.
Shop Studio 40
- West Farm's Flowers, +1 304-497-3840. A working farm with 120 varieties of flowers. Group tours and classes available.
Art galleries
Malls
- Greenbrier Valley Mall, 75 Seneca Trail in Fairlea, +1 304-645-6120. 210,000 square feet of space, with over 20 shops and restaurants.
Eat
Eat Blackwell's Catering
Fresh fish, seafood, steaks and vegan offerings in a scenic golf atmosphere.
- Carlito's, Greenbrier Valley Mall, +1 304-645-3891. M-F 11AM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM and Su noon-9PM. Offering an extensive menu of Mexican favorites. On the other side of the mall from the theater, they have good food but the portions are larger than you might expect!
- Golden China Buffet, 475 Greenbrier Valley Mall Dr, +1 304-645-5678. M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11:30AM-9PM. Chinese and American cuisine. Good place to eat before you see a movie at the mall! Usually plenty of room and quiet, pleasant atmosphere. Children love to watch the tank full of chichlids.
Eat China Palace
Offers a variety of Chinese specialties. Not far from the Walmart and just down the street from the scuba-diving shop. The fried green beans are a hit with kids. Sushi at the weekend buffet.
Eat When Pigs Fly Barbeque and Catering
This is a mobile stall, and they are sometimes gone to other events, but the wait is worth it for the pulled pork barbecue, smoked nuts, and a concoction called the Barb-Q sundae--barbecue served in a sundae cup, topped with beans, slaw and a pickle on top where the straw would be. In the same parking lot as the Scuba Shop. This is the kind of cooking that you can show off. Large selection of sauces for the "naked" meat so you can choose how much to put on. Expect baked sweet potatoes over Irish potatoes, and sweet corn instead of french fries. If they're in when you drive by, pull up. You'll savor the memory long after.
Eat Dutch Haas Restaurant
Fine food in a casual atmosphere.
Eat Food and Friends
Casual American and Italian dining. Decor is made with nostalgia signs and images; good ciders and excellent food. The vegetarian dishes are fantastic. Service is excellent. Check to see if they're still selling alligator bits.
Eat General Lewis Inn & Restaurant
Chicken, beef, ham, trout, seafood and pasta. Homemade breads and desserts. Try the crab salad, crab melt and West Virginia rainbow trout.
Eat Greenbrier Valley Baking Company
European pastries, breads, and light lunches in a restored bakery building. Visitors can watch bread being made. Wireless access for those with laptops.
Eat Jim's Drive-In
Hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, chili, ice cream. Car service and take-out. Blackberry milkshakes are a must.
Eat Stuart's Smokehouse & Seafood
Hot dogs, burgers, chili, barbecue, steaks, seafood, with outdoor seating overlooking the Greenbrier River. Drinking and gambling machines; not completely child-friendly with mild swear words on the wall menu.
Eat The Market
Quick sandwiches and salads are the feature of this casual market style cafe. Just at the corner of Church Street with the Historical Society and the New River Community and Technical College, Carnegie Hall and the Old Stone Church and graveyard.
Drink
Drink The Irish Pub
Owners do not permit smoking, but the drinks are finest-kind and the owners are bang-up traditional musicians. Their CD is well worth the price since you can't take them home with you. There is always some sort of event, charity drive, or celebration going on!
Drink Stardust Cafe
Organic fair-trade coffee shop, also offering soups, sandwiches and pastries. While the prices are higher than most other places, the quality of the food is never in question.
Drink The Wild Bean
Organic and small-farmed coffee, espresso, tea, smoothies and pastries. Also offering light vegetarian fare. Wireless internet access available. A "Free Shelf" of books for the public disposal supports reading and literacy, and a nook in the back allows children creative play. Live music on a regular basis with entrance fees. This cafe is the heart of Lewisburg.
Sleep
Budget
- Sunset Terrace, US-60 W, +1 304-645-2363. 15 rooms.
Mid-range
Splurge
Bed and Breakfasts
Go next
- White Sulphur Springs is about 15 minutes east on I-64.
- Covington, Virginia is about 30 minutes east on US-60.
- Beckley is about 50 minutes west on I-64.
- Marlinton is about 50 minutes north on US-219.
- Peterstown is about 50 minutes south on US-219.
- Union is about 30 minutes south on US-219.
- Fayetteville is a little over 1 hour northwest on US-60 and US-19.
Nearby
White Sulphur Springs
City / town · 135 listings · 7 mi away
Hinton
City / town · 10 listings · 26 mi away
Hillsboro
City / town · 1 listings · 26 mi away
Richwood
City / town · 12 listings · 29 mi away
Marlinton
City / town · 6 listings · 35 mi away
New River Gorge
Park · 3 listings · 37 mi away
Blacksburg
City / town · 20 listings · 40 mi away
Summersville
City / town · 15 listings · 40 mi away
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