The Best Small Town In West Virginia For A 3-Day Weekend
West Virginia offers far more than many travelers expect, especially for those willing to slow down and look beyond major destinations. With mountain valleys, historic towns, and an increasingly respected food and arts scene, the state is well-suited for a long weekend escape. One place that consistently stands out is Lewisburg, a small town in the Greenbrier Valley with a population of just under 4,000.
Lewisburg has earned national attention in recent years, including being named USA TODAY’s Best Small Town Food Scene for 2025. Its walkable downtown, historic inns, active arts calendar, and easy access to outdoor recreation make it an ideal base for a three-day stay. From well-preserved architecture to dining that rivals much larger cities, Lewisburg offers a balance of culture, comfort, and pace that rewards travelers who stay a little longer.
Where To Stay: Old Stories, Modern Comfort
In the middle of town, General Lewis Inn marries history and modern conveniences. One part of the hotel dates back to 1834, and another part to the 1920s. Better still, all 23 rooms are unique. With the nooks, furniture, and artwork throughout the halls and in the rooms, each space offers a distinct vibe, making each of your stays special as a repeat visitor. In the eastern corner of the Inn, adjacent to the Thistle Lounge, you can find Jefferson Dining Room, a spot offering an array of delicacies on your plate from the renowned signature Lewsiburg(er) or the Rosemary Lamb Chop. The Thistle Lounge, on the other hand, has music and drink until midnight.
Just around the corner on Randolph Street, The Hotel Escape has a modern style that blends beautifully into the old district it inhabits. It's a bright, airy space with nice, clean lines and a hint of nostalgia to keep you grounded. Both hotels put you right in the midst of all the action, so you can walk everywhere you go without having to worry about driving around the block to find a parking spot.
Lewisburg is nestled away in the Greenbrier Valley, which boasts a population of just under four thousand, and there’s an essence to it that you won’t always find. Time actually appears to have stood still here, and it is still revered for having the best downtown in West Virginia. While some people have known that for quite a while, with Lewisburg being named Best Small Town Food Scene for 2025 by USA TODAY, more people are catching on about what they might be missing by passing by Greenbrier County.
Food That Makes People Talk
Stardust Cafe began with a quiet opening on Valentine’s Day in 2005, dreaming of a cozy cup of joe. That idea didn’t last long. Now, it’s bustling, and “fresh, local, organic” is no lie. The menu changes daily with whatever comes in fresh, and you can tell. What started out as a small coffee shop with baked goods now offers a full, delicious menu of fine-dining dishes that suit any taste in your traveling party.
The Humble Tomato set up shop in a gorgeous old downtown building, offering Italian-inspired food that always takes a slightly unusual turn. Owner Emily Isaac keeps close relationships with local farmers, and what's in season determines what shows up on your plate. While you can always expect the fresh staples like hand-tossed pizzas and sandwiches here, there is also an extensive selection of housemade pasta and salad variations to keep things fresh.
The Livery Tavern, on the other hand, lets you eat in a space that used to be a stable in the 19th century. They combine Creole and Indian flavors with local beef, and offer regional spirits at the bar. Upscale dining like this is one of the reasons that the town has the renown in national publications for its food scene.
Feeling The History Here
On Church Street, the Old Stone Presbyterian Church still stands strong after all these years, since 1796 to be exact. Built from limestone hauled in from the fields, it’s got these 22-inch-thick walls that have held up for more than two centuries. Legend says the women of the church rode out on horseback to bring back Greenbrier River sand for the mortar. Tough work, but that labor created a staple of the town that survives to this day. It’s still the oldest church in use west of the Alleghenies.
Carnegie Hall, built back in 1902 with help from Andrew Carnegie, is now the town’s arts and education hub. You’ll find plays, concerts, and art shows happening there. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre, West Virginia’s official state theater, still packs the house after 57 seasons. This is definitely something you should include on your three-day excursion here.
Nature Above And Below The Surface
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Lost World Caverns. You’ll descend 120 feet into a cavern that stretches roughly 1,000 feet long, 300 feet wide, and 120 feet high. The cave came to light back in 1942 when some kids rappelled down what everyone thought was just an old dump. Turned out, there was this huge cavern under the farm all along. Now you can wander a half-mile loop, passing striking formations like the Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton stalactite considered one of the largest in the country. Another highlight is the War Club, a 28-foot stalagmite where Bob Addis set a world record by camping for nearly 16 days.
The Greenbrier River Trail stretches about 78 miles from North Caldwell (just outside Lewisburg) to Cass, following the former Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, so every step or pedal stroke takes you along tracks where trains used to rumble. If you’re staying in Lewisburg, you’re in luck, the southern end of the trail sits just 3.5 miles from downtown. It’s a great jumping-off point, whether you want a short, easy ride or you’re in it for the long haul.
Planning a Three-Day Visit to Lewisburg
Lewisburg is a combination of sophistication, fine dining options, incredible historic accommodations, and an authentic, approachable vibe you would not expect together. In fact, it is considered the friendliest small town in West Virginia. You can spend your morning exploring caves, wander through galleries and antique shops in the afternoon, grab a fantastic dinner, then catch some live music, all without ever needing your car. Three days feels just right. It’s enough time to get outside, dive into the local food scene, and still slow down for a coffee, while you get a chance to slow down and take in the sights of Greenbrier County, far away from the chaos of daily life.
