West Virginia Weekend Escape
The cool mountain town of Lewisburg offers outdoor activities, great restaurants, and its own Carnegie Hall.
It's easy to pass Lewisburg as you make your way along I-64 on the eastern edge of West Virginia. But turn off the interstate and follow the sign that points to "America's Coolest Small Town" and you'll find comfortable lodgings in a historic home, scenic sights along a bike trail, and a welcoming collection of shops and restaurants.
Friday 11 a.m.
The Historic General Lewis Inn
Check in to this 25-room inn filled with Civil War relics and 19th-century antiques. Rates start at $110. generallewisinn.com
Noon
Stardust Cafe
Start with owner Elizabeth Destiny's Trust Me Salad ($10), and then go for the perfectly moist sticky toffee pudding ($8) made by local pastry chef Hall Hitzig (aka the "Crazy Baker"). stardustcafewv.com
2 p.m.
Hill and Holler Bicycle Works
Rent a bike ($40/day) from this new downtown shop, and head to the scenic Greenbrier River Trail, spanning 80 miles along the cool, sparkly Greenbrier. hillandhollerbikes.com
7 p.m.
The Livery Tavern
Its Appalachian-inspired menu has such items as seared duck with apple cider glaze and hoppin' John ($14). liverytavern.com
Saturday 9 a.m.
The Wild Bean
Wake up with a Swift Kick ($3), an iced 8-ounce shooter with three shots of espresso, cream, and brown sugar. thewildbrew.com
1 p.m.
Harmony Ridge Gallery
This store stocks handcrafted American goods such as jewelry and pottery and has a coffee bar where you can rev up (again) for a Washington Avenue afternoon. harmonyridgegallery.com
3:30 p.m.
Carnegie Hall
One of only four performance halls built by Andrew Carnegie that is still in use, the 1902 building features art galleries and a theater. carnegiehallwv.com
6 p.m.
Julian's
Travel photographs taken by chef and owner Stephen Jackendoff fill the walls at this lively space, where the daily specials range from crispy veal sweet-breads to crabmeat risotto (both $24). 304/645-4145
Sunday 10 a.m.
Stella's Tea House
Ask for a table in the garden, and order the crab-and-avocado Benedict ($15). stellasteahouse.com or 304/520-4937
1 p.m.
The Greenbrier Resort
See a different side of the famous resort (about 9 miles east of Lewisburg) on a tour of the huge fallout shelter built underneath the hotel in the 1950s. greenbrier.com
