Take A Break is your final information to the right journeys to recharge, rediscover your self and your relationships, and reengage with the world. We’ll cowl buying stops, nice bars, eating places value your cash, picture alternatives, memorable drives and experiences, and different vital particulars you want earlier than you e-book.
Under, we chat with Paige Lavender, information director at HuffPost, about why you’ll wish to put Lewisburg, West Virginia, in your bucket listing.
What drew you to Lewisburg as a spot to go to or discover?
I visited Lewisburg so much in my childhood. It’s near the place the West Virginia State Honest takes place, and it’s house to a number of occasions and companies my household frequents. It was voted “Coolest Small City in America” by Price range Journey in 2011, and it positively lives as much as that title. There are such a lot of fantastic locations to eat and drink, and delightful historic houses and buildings, just like the native Carnegie Corridor. Plus, it’s a brief distance from a number of locations to hike, fish, swim, camp and extra, for those who’re into out of doors actions.
What are the very best occasions of 12 months to go to?
I positively advocate going within the fall. The altering leaves are beautiful and the climate is ideal. There are a ton of enjoyable annual occasions, like Style Of Our Cities, the place all of the native companies and eating places collect on one road with nice meals, crafts and music. (When the general public well being scenario permits, anyway.)
What’s your finest tip for getting there? How are you going to make the journey as stress-free as potential?
Driving is the best option to get there; the historic downtown space of Lewisburg is only a brief drive from I-64, which runs by way of large cities like Richmond, Virginia, and Louisville, Kentucky. There may be an airport close by, the Greenbrier Valley Regional Airport, nevertheless it’s very small and flights might solely come from a handful of cities. You’d have higher luck flying into Charleston, West Virginia’s capital metropolis, and renting a automotive. (Truthfully, that is a good higher plan within the fall, when the leaves on the timber are altering ― driving by way of southern West Virginia is an actual deal with that point of 12 months.)
The place do you advocate staying while you go?
There are some Airbnbs round Lewisburg, in addition to some inexpensive chain motels. The Basic Lewis Inn is a historic resort close to a lot of retailers and eating places. I’ve by no means stayed there however I’ve heard it’s nice (and possibly haunted). There are additionally a lot of campgrounds close by for those who’re into that. Should you’re on the lookout for one thing super-luxe, The Greenbrier Resort is about 20 minutes away.
What are your go-to eating places or meals to eat when you’re there?
Should you can solely go to one spot, I’d make it The Humble Tomato, a scrumptious pizza place with improbable cocktails (and tons of out of doors seating, which has been nice through the pandemic). The Wild Bean & Thunderbird Taco is a combo espresso store and taco spot, and I’ve by no means ordered something there I haven’t appreciated. The French Goat and The Livery Tavern are on the fancier facet for those who’re having a date evening. The Asylum has nice burgers and beers. I might go on and on…
What bars or leisure spots do you ensure that to hit? What’s good to drink there or what else ought to folks know?
Stardust Cafe has actually tasty wine cocktails and is true within the downtown historic district. Should you’ve received a automotive, it’s positively value driving to Hawk Knob Cidery & Meadery. It’s positioned on a beautiful farm, and it’s the right spot to sip a cider and benefit from the cooler fall temps. Not removed from Hawk Knob is Greenbrier Valley Brewing and Clean Ambler Spirits, additionally each good spots to choose up regionally crafted drinks.
What are your favourite retailers and what do you search for while you’re there?
I like A New Chapter Bookstore. Along with having a ton of fine reads, they normally have a service-dog-in-training hanging out that’s the cutest. Concord Ridge Gallery has a ton of neat native artwork and textiles. Brick Home Antiques is enjoyable to stroll by way of ― I significantly get pleasure from taking a look at all of the outdated political buttons and memorabilia they’ve received, and so they normally have an enormous choice of eating and kitchen items. It’s a brief drive away in White Sulphur Springs, however I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the Barnwood Residing Showroom. My cousin Cindy Lavender-Bowe owns and runs this store that’s full of a number of house items, artwork and WV-made merchandise. It’s the storefront related to the TV sequence “Barnwood Builders,” which is hosted by Cindy’s husband Mark Bowe and airs on the Magnolia Community.
What’s your single favourite spot to go for photographs and why?
Lewisburg is gorgeous, however for those who can afford to drive half-hour away to the New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect (the nation’s latest nationwide park!), there are such a lot of lovely mountain views there. Plus, the New River Gorge Bridge is gorgeous to {photograph}.
What vacationer attraction ought to folks skip and what ought to they do as a substitute?
Carnegie Corridor is nice, however I feel you possibly can skip going inside; the inexperienced area in entrance of the constructing is a good spot to have a picnic when the climate permits. Misplaced World Caverns is enjoyable, and for those who’ve by no means visited caverns, it will be value going.
Mark C Stevens by way of Getty Photographs
The place do you’re feeling probably the most relaxed, calm or completely satisfied?
Hawk Knob Cidery or The Wild Bean. With the ability to sit and calm down with drink is the very best, and the people-watching might be actually fascinating.
What scenic spots do you advocate trying out?
Anyplace within the New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect.
What’s one factor you ensure that to pack for those who’re going and why?
Comfy sneakers. You’ll be able to positively stroll a lot of the historic downtown space, however as with all of West Virginia, it’s a bit of hilly.
What are some particular planning tricks to know earlier than you go so that you’re not harassed?
Except you’re going to the West Virginia State Honest, I’d keep away from going that week, because the city will get a bit of crowded then. However the state truthful is a number of enjoyable, with a number of tasty meals and live shows, so for those who’re OK with the crowds, it’s an thrilling time to be on the town.
Additionally, it’s really easy to get round West Virginia with a automotive and there are such a lot of different nice spots inside a brief drive of Lewisburg. It’s value planning to jump over to a different city, like Charleston, Elkins or Inexperienced Financial institution, the place it’s possible you’ll not have cell service however you will note the world’s largest absolutely steerable radio telescope.
What shocked you about Lewisburg while you went the primary time?
I don’t keep in mind my first time in Lewisburg as a result of I used to be so younger! However going as an grownup, I’ve actually realized how a lot the city has a bit of one thing for everybody. It’s very kid-friendly, fairly walkable, and filled with foods and drinks choices that can attraction to virtually anybody. I like realizing it’ll be a low-stress place to go to with a bunch as a result of everybody can discover one thing to do or one thing they like.
