Discover What Makes West Virginia Towns So Charming
The New River-Greenbrier Valley is full of small town action. It won’t take you long to settle into the charm, but you may be indecisive on which town in this region is your favorite!
A day or two in the New River-Greenbrier Valley will reveal why staple towns like Beckley, Fayetteville, Hinton and Lewisburg are so charming.
Soulful Shopping
Beckley
Tamarack showcases a plethora of West Virginia-made art. If you’re looking for high-end Appalachian furniture, local history books, unique pottery and more, you’ve come to the right place. The Crossroads Mall is one of Southern West Virginia’s largest shopping centers, which works perfectly if you are in the market for more modern goods.
Fayetteville
A notable benefit of shopping in Fayetteville is the brief walking distance between local stores. Boutique stores offer everything from handcrafted goods to outdoor gear. Lost Appalachia Trading Co. is the perfect place to find signature West Virginia clothing, stickers, drinkware, books and much more. The Fox & Hound offers hand-poured candles and many other collectible home goods. A local favorite is the Hobbit Hole, which welcomes you to a wide selection of unique, old-school knickknacks and furniture.
Lewisburg
Shopping in Lewisburg is an experience you’ll remember forever. The downtown area offers higher-end clothing, cozy bookstores, quaint antique stores and one-of-a-kind goods for the home. While perusing oriental rugs at Robert’s Antiques and Wine Shop, sample a fresh Chardonnay. Yarid’s offers designer shoes and footwear, as well as handbags, hats and jewelry.
Dining Like a Local
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is a small town with a big appetite. For a breakfast or lunch that soothes your soul, head to Cathedral Cafe, a former cathedral that cleared its pews and pulpit to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Try Secret Sandwich Society for some of the best sandwiches around, which are all named after U.S. Presidents. Pies & Pints is a must-try if you are a pizza lover as they prepare their own tomato sauce and hand-stretch and bake their pies on a stone hearth. To quench your thirst, make your way over to Bridge Brew Works for West Virginia-style Belgian beer. Choose from a wide array of seasonal brews and 20 different drinks.
Foodie Tip: Cathedral Cafe is on the West Virginia Culinary Trail. Check in on your mobile device for a chance to win exclusive prizes!
Beckley
Hidden in Beckley, local flavor is what makes Beckley even better than it already is. Calacino’s Pizzeria is a Beckley institution that offers mouth-watering Italian food in a sports-bar style environment. Want something a little more classy? The Char is a classic, upscale steakhouse surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Kimono Kin specializes in Japanese BBQ and sushi, which is so authentic that you won’t believe you’re still in Appalachia.
Lewisburg
Dining options in Lewisburg range from the upscale dishes found at the Stardust Café and The French Goat to the casual cuisine of The Wild Bean and The Asylum. Hill and Holler is the perfect place to refuel after a day on the trail. Their wood-fired pizzas are sure to blow away your expectations. Just up the street in Maxwelton is the Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company. Enjoy a WV-themed craft brew like their Devil Anse IPA.
Hinton
If you’re craving a hearty Hinton meal, you can’t go wrong with a flame-grilled burger or brick oven pizza at The Market on Courthouse Square. If you are looking for cuisine that’s a bit healthier, be sure to check out the wholesome and unique Lucky Rivers Cafe. For dinner with a beautiful view of the New River, head to Kirk’s.
Small Town Entertainment
Beckley
To explore some of Beckley’s rich history, visit the city’s Exhibition Coal Mine – where you can tour a real coal mine. Theatre West Virginia is an outdoor theater on the rim of the New River Gorge and just a few miles outside town, which puts on entertaining plays and musical acts. You can also make a visit to the Tamarack for a Sunday afternoon concert or an evening dinner theater production.
Fayetteville
While you’re in Fayetteville, you won’t want to miss out on local entertainment. The Historic Fayette Theatre, which was built in 1937, stages several performances throughout the entire year. You can catch live music, enjoy a few bites of classic farm-to-table cuisine and sip on craft beer and cocktails at The Station. The Southside Junction Tap House is another option for you fulfill your nightlife quest – with live music, delicious bar food, 18 beers on tap and even trivia nights.
Hinton
The Ritz Theatre, located on the West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail, is a venue for films, plays and live music. If you happen to be here in October, the streets of Hinton are filled with a variety of vendors, local food, live entertainment and carriage rides through the historic district during the Hinton Railroad Days Festival.
Lewisburg
Watch a live performance at Carnegie Hall or one of several other historic theaters set in the cultural hub of the Greenbrier Valley to end you day on a high note. For an old-time film experience, catch a flick on the big screen at the Lewis Theatre, a theater from the 1930s. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre also hosts live theatrical performances, musical concerts, literary events, art exhibits and more at different times during the year.
Are you ready to make a trip to to these towns yet? You’ll find even more amazing spots nearby with the help of our free West Virginia Vacation Guide!
Go to Town on Your Next #AlmostHeaven Getaway
This post was last updated on February 27, 2024