Jess Wiegandt, Author at Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Tucked away in the mountains of West Virginia, just off of US-64 lies Lewisburg, West Virginia, a town of charm and adventure that boasts an affinity for music and the outdoors. Since 2011, Lewisburg has gained recognition and now has something to offer for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and shoppers alike. Before you head out for a visit, consult this handy guide, and prepare yourself to do 48 hours in Lewisburg like a local. Lewisburg Day 1 Lodging Option For camping with a view, pick the Greenbrier River Campground. Located only 15 minutes from downtown Lewisburg, this campground offers a range of camping, including RV/Trailer sites, tent camping, and cabin rentals. The cabins offer cable, WiFi, a kitchen, and outdoor seating options. Tent camping is located right next to the Greenbrier River. The campground also offers river trips with a kayak, ducky, canoe, pontoon boat, or tube rentals, and has access to spots on the river that are great for light tackle and fly-fishing. Hiking 9.5 Miles The Kate’s Mountain Loop Trail, located in Greenbrier State Forest, is comprised of several trails within the forest. It connects four popular trails (Rocky Ridge, Holsapple, Young Nature, and the Mabel Dowdy) and is a steep hike for those looking for some difficulty. There are several views atop Kate’s Mountain that reward the hiker for every minute of the climb. For directions and more information on the loop, look here. Good Eats “The Hill and Holler is the place to eat and drink when you are still wearing the dirt of the day. They have the best wings in the area (insider’s tip: ask to try all the sauces on the side) and their pizza offerings such as Rock and Roll Shrimp and The Forager are inspiring.” – Kristi Godby, Media Relations Manager and local to the Greenbrier area. Libations If you’re still awake, be sure to check out The Asylum, a full service bar and restaurant. The Asylum offers a place for music, food, and drinks, with constant live music and events taking place into the night. The atmosphere is welcoming and, weather dependent, drinks can be enjoyed by the fireplace or on the rooftop deck. Extra! Extra! If your trip happens to be during the first Friday of the month, be sure to head downtown to enjoy “First Fridays After Five.” This monthly event includes live music, art, and the downtown shops and restaurants stay open late, offering free swag and discounts. The festivities last until 9 p.m. and occur every month except January. Lewisburg Day Two Lodging Option In the heart of Lewisburg, the General Lewis Inn brings a sense of history during the stay, as it was built in 1834. It is a beautiful place to stay the night, with 25 rooms, a dining room, a lounge, and grounds to explore. Every Saturday and Sunday morning the Inn hosts Garden Yoga at 10:30, and it is open to both guests of the Inn and the public.Fuel Your Soul A new day of adventure deserves a great start. Be sure to grab a bagel from The Bakery on Court Street. Ratings rave it is the “best bagel ever” and will certainly kick start your day in a good direction. Insider tip: The spinach and everything bagels are local favorites. If bagels aren’t your jam, check out The Wild Bean for a breakfast burrito and a Swiftkick, which is 8 oz. of espresso with brown sugar cream over ice. Hit the Waves Grab your kayak and explore the Greenbrier River. A five-mile section of the river, beginning at the Greenbrier River Campground and ending at Alderson, contains class II and III rapids, keeping the day exciting. During the spring season, this section is all class III due to higher water. Shuttle is short; only 8 miles long, and the total time it takes to paddle the stretch is around 2 hours. More sections of the river and their descriptions can be found here. Shred the Trails (or not) Head back out to Greenbrier State Forest to find the 16 miles of single track within the woods. The styles of trail vary, including flowy sections, steep and rocky sections, wood built features, and gravity features. If you’re looking for a cruise, check out the Greenbrier River Trail. Located 4 miles from downtown, this 78-mile trail follows the railroad system. It’s riverside and includes many beautiful views along the way. https://youtu.be/LgT9aeZMqV8 Brews For those looking to taste the local brews, take a tour around the tasting rooms of Smooth Ambler Spirits, Hawk Knob Cider and Meade, and Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company. Each has a unique atmosphere and community, hosting events throughout the years and keeping new brews flowing. Seasonal Treats If you’re in town in early April, check out the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival, featuring tastings, bake-offs, demonstrations, and contests. In June, July, and August the Carnegie Hall hosts live music on the lawn. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are on every 2nd and 4th Thursday. Known as the Ivy Terrace Concert Series, these concerts bring out the town for picnics, music, and cool summer evenings. Early August brings the annual Literary Festival, featuring author visits, outdoor art, music and performances, and other events honoring literature. The Taste of Our Town event, occurring in October, hosts thousands of people in the streets of downtown as Lewisburg celebrates the culture and food of the area. Live music brings more fun to the table and while leaves are changing this is an event sure to be a part of. Holiday season is the final event in Lewisburg and throughout November downtown transforms into a highly decorated (and visited) location. Live music and performances draw in the crowds and, of course, there’s food, carriage rides, and even Santa drops in for a visit. Special thanks goes to Kristi Godby for contributing local expertise on how to experience the hidden treasure of Lewisburg, West Virginia.

Jess Wiegandt

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