Historic Downtown
Browse galleries, boutiques and cafes through a beautifully preserved historic district.
Greenbrier County · Greenbrier Valley
Things to Do in Lewisburg WV
One of the prettiest small towns in America, Lewisburg pairs a walkable historic downtown with Carnegie Hall, a cave, the State Fair and the legendary Greenbrier resort just down the road. Here is how to make the most of the Greenbrier Valley.
Quick Info
- County
- Greenbrier County
- Best For
- Historic charm, shopping, arts, fine dining
- Best Time to Visit
- Spring through fall; State Fair in August
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting There
- Off I-64 in southeastern West Virginia, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Charleston and 1 hour 15 minutes from Snowshoe.
A Storybook Greenbrier Valley Town
Lewisburg’s downtown is a National Register historic district, with tree-lined streets, well-kept 18th- and 19th-century buildings and a cluster of independent shops, galleries and restaurants. It feels polished yet relaxed — a place made for strolling.
Culture runs deep here. Carnegie Hall, one of only a handful of its kind still standing, hosts year-round performances and classes, while the Greenbrier Valley Theatre adds professional drama to the mix.
Nature is close too. Lost World Caverns and Organ Cave lie just outside town, the Greenbrier River Trail is a short drive, and the storied Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs is about 15 minutes away.
Best Things to Do
Top Lewisburg Experiences
Carnegie Hall
A beautifully restored 1902 hall offering concerts, theater, art shows and classes.
Lost World Caverns
Walk a self-guided route through huge limestone chambers and formations.
State Fair of West Virginia
Ten days of rides, livestock shows, concerts and fair food each August in Fairlea.
The Greenbrier
Tour the famous White Sulphur Springs resort, its bunker and its elegant grounds.
Antique & Art Shopping
Lewisburg is a regional destination for antiques, folk art and handmade goods.
Greenbrier River Trail
A 78-mile rail-trail for biking, walking and horseback riding along the river.
North House Museum
The Historical Society of the Greenbrier Valley’s home tells the county’s story.
Top Attractions
- Historic Downtown Lewisburg — the anchor of every visit.
- Carnegie Hall — performances, galleries and workshops.
- Lost World Caverns — family-friendly underground exploration.
- The Greenbrier — a national historic landmark resort.
- North House Museum — local history in a period home.
- Greenbrier Valley Theatre — professional live theater year-round.
Outdoor Activities
Biking the River Trail
The Greenbrier River Trail is a gentle, scenic route for all ages.
Hiking
Beartown, Watoga and the nearby state forests offer rugged mountain trails.
Caving
Organ Cave and Lost World Caverns provide underground adventures for all ages.
Fishing
The Greenbrier River and local streams are known for smallmouth bass and trout.
Golf
Championship courses at the Greenbrier and local clubs welcome visitors.
Paddling
The Greenbrier River offers calm floats and easy access points.
Historic Attractions
The entire downtown Lewisburg Historic District is the attraction, with architecture spanning two centuries.
Carnegie Hall, built in 1902, is one of only four Carnegie Halls still in active use worldwide and is listed on the National Register.
Down the road, The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs has hosted presidents and royalty since 1778, and its once-secret Cold War bunker can be toured.
Restaurants
The French Goat
A celebrated downtown bistro serving French-inspired dishes and wine.
Stardust Cafe
Creative, locally sourced plates in a relaxed downtown room.
The Wild Bean
Coffee, breakfast and light lunches, a local morning ritual.
Hill & Holler
Burgers, bourbon and Southern comfort food in a lively setting.
Del Sol Cantina
Tacos, margaritas and a casual patio atmosphere.
Greenbrier Valley Cafes
Bakeries and coffee shops for a mid-stroll break downtown.
Places to Stay
- The Greenbrier — a bucket-list resort 15 minutes away in White Sulphur Springs.
- The General Lewis Inn — a historic downtown inn with lots of character.
- Hampton Inn & Home2 Suites — modern, comfortable choices near the interstate.
- Downtown bed & breakfasts — romantic options within walking distance of shops.
- Greenbrier River cabins — rustic stays for outdoor-focused trips.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Lost World Caverns — about 5 minutes.
- White Sulphur Springs & The Greenbrier — about 15 minutes.
- Organ Cave — about 15 minutes.
- Beartown State Park — about 35 minutes.
- Cass Scenic Railroad — about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Snowshoe Mountain — about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Spring brings garden blooms and comfortable strolling weather. Summer is lively, peaking with the State Fair of West Virginia in August.
Fall is gorgeous in the Greenbrier Valley, and winter brings holiday charm, cozy dining and easy access to Snowshoe skiing.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: breakfast downtown, then browse the shops and galleries of the historic district.
- Late morning: explore Lost World Caverns just outside town.
- Lunch: a cafe on Washington Street.
- Afternoon: tour The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs or the North House Museum.
- Evening: dinner at a downtown bistro followed by a show at Carnegie Hall.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: downtown Lewisburg, Carnegie Hall and Lost World Caverns, then a fine dinner and evening performance.
Day 2: a morning on the Greenbrier River Trail, an afternoon at The Greenbrier or Organ Cave, and a scenic drive toward Beartown or Snowshoe.
Lewisburg on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lewisburg WV known for?
Its charming historic downtown, Carnegie Hall, and proximity to The Greenbrier and Lost World Caverns.
Is Lewisburg WV worth visiting?
Definitely. It is one of the most walkable and scenic small towns in West Virginia, with strong dining and arts.
How far is Lewisburg from The Greenbrier?
The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs is about 15 minutes from downtown Lewisburg.
When is the State Fair of West Virginia?
It typically runs for ten days in August at the fairgrounds in Fairlea, just outside Lewisburg.
What is the best time to visit Lewisburg?
Spring through fall for festivals and foliage, or August for the State Fair.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia’s destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Lewisburg guide is written to help you plan a memorable Greenbrier Valley trip.
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