Set at the junction of two Native American trails, Lewisburg was once a town of colonial forts and a Civil War skirmish. Today, Lewisburg's 236-acre historic district with more than 60 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries is the draw to this town in southern West Virginia. Nearby White Sulphur Springs was the 18th century destination for rich visitors who came to "take the waters" at the town's mineral springs. The famous Greenbrier Hotel is located here.
Lewisburg's historic district includes sites such as the Old Stone Presbyterian Church and North House Museum, featuring colonial and 19th century artifacts. Antique shops and art galleries dot the district. A self-guided walking tour of the district is available. General Lewis Inn has operated as a guest house since 1928 and was built in the 1800s. Today, the inn is operated as a bed and breakfast. The full service dining room is open to the public. Lewis Spring in Andrew Lewis Park was discovered in the early 1750s and is enclosed in a springhouse. The spring supplied water to the earliest Lewisburg settlement.
Carnegie Hall, built in 1902 as part of the Greenbrier College for Women and a gift of Andrew Carnegie, offers year-round live performances and art exhibits. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre is the only year-round live performance theater in the state.
The historic Greenbrier Hotel dominates White Sulphur Springs. Set on a 2,500 acre estate, the Greenbrier is over 200 years old, one of the country's oldest resorts. More than 50 sports are available on hotel grounds including the Sam Snead Golf Academy and three championship golf courses. Visiting the Greenbrier is a must, even for those who don't spend the night. The resort offers bunker tours of the "secret" underground facility 720 feet in the hillside, maintained until 1992 to house Congress in the event of nuclear war.
Outdoor recreation abounds around Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs. In addition to the Greenbrier, courses include Valley View Country Club and Oakhurst Links, the first established golf course in the US. Lake Sherwood is a 164-acre lake offering boating, swimming, fishing and camping. Greenbrier State Forest is over 5,100 acres and offers cabins, camping, hiking, swimming and hunting. The 76-mile Greenbrier River Trail is part of the C & O rail system and provides river access for fishing and canoeing. The Trail is used for hiking, biking and cross country skiing. Lost World Caverns features a trail over a subterranean rock mountain and a prehistoric ocean floor. Organ Cave is one of the longest caves in the country with 45 miles of mapped passageways.
Dining options in the area range from casual dining at chain restaurants to fine dining at the Greenbrier Main Dining Room to down home cooking 24 hours a day at Granny's House in White Sulphur Springs.
Lewisburg and White Sulphur are located on either side of the Greenbrier River in southeastern West Virginia, about two hours southeast of Charleston, WV. Take I 60 east to I 64 east to Lewisburg and US 60 on to White Sulphur Springs.
