This West Virginia Downtown Is Made For Strolling

The state of West Virginia is rural, and many people are unfamiliar with all it has to offer. The most immediate cities people think of when they think of the state are larger destinations, such as the capital, Charleston, or historic sites, such as Harpers Ferry. Often overlooked are some of the smaller towns that make the state so charming — and few are nicer than the town of Lewisburg. With plenty of things to see and do in its highly walkable downtown, Lewisburg is the perfect place to take a stroll.

Shopping

There is a cluster of shops to enjoy in the heart of Lewisburg. As you stroll along Washington Street, you will first find Brick House Antiques. This store is the perfect place to find vintage items, featuring nine rooms of antiques for sale in the town's oldest commercial building. The building itself is worth seeing, as it has stood since 1815 and serves as a testament to the era's colonial red brick homes.

As you continue north a few steps, you will find Edith's Store. This health specialty store is the go-to destination for health-conscious individuals, offering a wide selection of supplements to enhance their diets. However, the store has so much more, including raw local honey for sale alongside jams and jellies.

Continue heading north, and you will cross the intersection to find A New Chapter Bookstore. This independently owned bookstore specializes in new hardcover and paperback books for people of all ages, making it the destination if you are looking for a gift for a bookworm friend. The bookstore also hosts fun community nights such as Scrabble nights.

Dining

From A New Chapter, you just have to head north across the next intersection to find The Humble Tomato. This Italian spot is your destination for everything from hand-tossed pizza dough to chicken alfredo and seafood pasta. The restaurant takes pride in using fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers to make the best food possible.

Head just a few steps south and you will find Del Sol. This restaurant offers a significant change of pace from the Humble Tomato, serving up Latin-inspired cuisine, including birria tacos and tequila chicken. If you are out enjoying the day, this will be a particularly inviting destination, thanks to the outdoor seating, which makes for a perfectly lovely afternoon.

Culture

Visitors to Lewisburg will find that there are also plenty of cultural attractions downtown. North, just two blocks away from the Humble Tomato, you will find the North House Museum. This historic destination was first built in 1820 as the home to a local lawyer, John North. The home was eventually converted into a tavern and later became a residential property, ultimately becoming a historic site in 1976.

Guests today can visit the house to learn about the history of the surrounding Greenbrier Valley. From the North House, you can head past Del Sol and then head up Court Street to reach The Lewis Theatre. This theatre first began operation in 1939 as a home to vaudeville acts. Today, it functions as a movie theater screening classic films, but it is worth the trip if you want to visit one of the most historic properties in town.

Events

Depending on what time of year you are in town, you will most likely find it easy to catch plenty of events right within walking distance of the surrounding shops and restaurants. The West Virginia Days Bluegrass Concert was hosted just under five minutes away from the Del Sol restaurant and showcased live bluegrass performances, creating a relaxing atmosphere for shoppers and diners in the area. And the Lewisburg Winter Music Festival is held downtown across multiple venues, providing the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy a day outside while strolling from one destination to another.

Nearby Towns

If you want to continue enjoying the small town feel, then it is not too far of a drive to Ansted. The town offers a change of pace, as it is smaller than Lewisburg and perched near the New River Gorge, with scenic overlooks and access points that highlight the area’s rugged landscape. The riverside views accentuate the charming small-town vibes, and after guests enjoy dining on Midland Trail, they can head just a few minutes south to Hawks Nest State Park for a relaxing time along the river. Peterstown is located south of Lewisburg, where Brush Creek and Rich Creek run through the town. Not surprisingly, Market Street is the best place to do some shopping, though dining destinations like Hometown Restaurant can be found along the same strip whenever you are hungry.

Take a Stroll in West Virginia

With so happening in downtown Lewisburg, it makes a fantastic place to visit and live. Within just a few city blocks, you can learn about the town's history at the North House, dine at The Humble Tomato, and go shopping at Edith's Store. Best of all, you can reach all these places just by heading outside and taking walks from one place to another. With so many destinations within minutes of each other, you should treat yourself and come take a stroll in Lewisburg.