|
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
Over the Mountains
Early Summer 2007
by Lynette Johnson
Lewisburg & Greenbrier County Tourism Information
Greenbrier County, West Virginia is a short drive from the Shenandoah Valley—just over an hour west on I-64 from Lexington, Virginia—and well worth the trip. While you could make this trip
a one-day affair, you'll really want to stay at least one night, preferably two (or even more!).
You'll find lots of great places to stay in Greenbrier County, but I recommend the lovely General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg, site of a Civil War battle. It’s an antique-filled country inn—family-owned and operated since 1929—offering fine southern hospitality and award-winning dining. (Here on the weekend? Be sure to try their amazing Sunday brunch!)
The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (just off I-64 at Exit 169) is easy to find, and the friendly folks there can help you plan your itinerary.
Now, what to do while you’re here! If you like hiking, biking, horseback riding, or backpacking, the 77-mile Greenbrier River Trail runs north from Caldwell to the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Originally part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, this abandoned grade has been developed into a trail with unmatched scenery and pristine river access. It runs adjacent to five state parks and forests, and camping sites are scattered along the trail.
The pièce de résistance in Greenbrier County is the town of Lewisburg. Its historic downtown area was recently named one of the top twelve "Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It has been ranked one of the country's 100 Best Small Art Towns and one of America's Best Small Town Escapes, as well. In 2006, the town was profiled by The New York Times.
Stroll the charming downtown and visit the many galleries and boutiques. You'll find many somethings you just 'have' to take home!
Lewisburg also boasts performing arts. Carnegie Hall (a gift of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie), offers a varied year-’round program, featuring international, regional, and local artists. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre is the West Virginia's official year-’round professional equity theatre. The hall's black box design offers unparalleled acoustics and lighting. Playing this summer are I'll Never Be Hungry Again, Moonlight & Magnolias, and Picasso at the Lapin Agile.
You'll find there’s always something going on in Greenbrier County!
Article text ©2007-2010, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.
The General Lewis Inn
by Lynette Johnson
The General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg, West Virginia is definitely not just another cookie-cutter hotel. It is truly an inn, with the charm and feel of an historic bed & breakfast. Yet it boasts a full-service restaurant (open to the public) and 25 guest rooms and suites. The staff is friendly and courteous, and the innkeepers make you feel right at home. I fell in love with the place!
Imagine, if you will, a gracious, white-columned building, dating from the 1830s, with abundant antiques; a large, quiet living room; bustling dining area; and two floors of cozy, gleaming guest rooms, each different, all tastefully furnished. Picture a large open staircase with a Palladian window, and then look out that window to an expansive, shady lawn, with a peaceful lily pond and beautifully-tended flower beds.
In all its history, the General Lewis Inn has been owned by only two families. Built as a private home, it was purchased by the current family in 1929 and expanded and converted into an inn, by the grandfather of present-day innkeeper, Jim Morgan.
All this place really needs is a few good stories. And does it have them! There's a resident ghost—a mischievous brown-haired girl, nine or ten years old, in a gingham dress with a white pinafore—who roams the hallways and rooms. She's taken off a guest's socks during the night, and she has been known to climb in beside a guest or two on chilly nights. (When we visited, my children set off through the rooms, determined to meet her. One was sure the ghost passed behind him, another was thoroughly 'spooked', and the third thought she wanted to hold his hand as he raced down the corridor.)
Of all the antiques in the General Lewis Inn today, there's only one that was in the original home. It's a still life that hangs in the dining room. Everything else, from bedknobs to bronzes, has been lovingly gathered from hither and yon and assembled into a phenomenal collection. Mary Noel Morgan remembers riding with her father during the Depression, along West Virginia backroads into the hills and hollows, stopping at every cabin along the way, offering to purchase furniture and other household goods.
Nan Morgan notes that nearly every piece in the Inn has some flaw. She allows that there are only two perfect pieces in the entire place—and Nan says that she's the only one who knows which two they are!
While you might choose to spend your entire stay exploring and enjoying the Inn, you should know that, from the General Lewis Inn, it's an easy walk to the shops, boutiques, and galleries of downtown Lewisburg. You're close to the Greenbrier Valley Theatre (West Virginia's only permanent live, professional theatre) and Carnegie Hall (with outstanding performing arts throughout the year). Nearby explore the Greenbrier State Forest, Greenbrier River Trail, and two caverns—Lost World Caverns and Organ Cave.
For a weekend or longer, in any season, the General Lewis Inn is perfect for a relaxing, refreshing retreat from the workaday world. Find out more and make reservations online!
Article text ©2006-2010, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.
Our Local Advertisers
| 
