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 purchasing stops, nice bars, eating places price your cash, picture alternatives, memorable drives and experiences, and different essential particulars you want earlier than you e-book.

Beneath, we chat with Paige Lavender, information director at HuffPost, about why you’ll wish to put Lewisburg, West Virginia, in your bucket checklist.

I visited Lewisburg quite a bit in my childhood. It’s near the place the West Virginia State Truthful takes place, and it’s dwelling to quite a lot of occasions and companies my household frequents. It was voted “Coolest Small City in America” by Finances 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 exquisite historic houses and buildings, just like the native Carnegie Corridor. Plus, it’s a brief distance from quite a lot of locations to hike, fish, swim, camp and extra, if you happen to’re into outside actions.

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 avenue with nice meals, crafts and music. (When the general public well being scenario permits, anyway.)

Driving is the best strategy to get there; the historic downtown space of Lewisburg is only a quick drive from I-64, which runs by way of huge cities like Richmond, Virginia, and Louisville, Kentucky. There may be an airport close by, the Greenbrier Valley Regional Airport, however 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 an excellent 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 yr.)

There are some Airbnbs round Lewisburg, in addition to some reasonably priced chain resorts. The Normal Lewis Inn is a historic lodge close to numerous retailers and eating places. I’ve by no means stayed there however I’ve heard it’s nice (and possibly haunted). There are additionally numerous campgrounds close by if you happen to’re into that. When you’re on the lookout for one thing super-luxe, The Greenbrier Resort is about 20 minutes away.

When you can solely go to one spot, I’d make it The Humble Tomato, a scrumptious pizza place with incredible cocktails (and tons of outside seating, which has been nice throughout 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 favored. The French Goat and The Livery Tavern are on the fancier aspect if you happen to’re having a date night time. The Asylum has nice burgers and beers. I may go on and on…

Stardust Cafe has actually tasty wine cocktails and is true within the downtown historic district. When you’ve bought a automotive, it’s positively price 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 select up domestically crafted drinks.

I like A New Chapter Bookstore. Along with having a ton of excellent 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 notably get pleasure from all of the outdated political buttons and memorabilia they’ve bought, 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 crammed with quite a lot of dwelling items, artwork and WV-made merchandise. It’s the storefront related to the TV collection “Barnwood Builders,” which is hosted by Cindy’s husband Mark Bowe and airs on the Magnolia Community.

Lewisburg is gorgeous, however if you happen to 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}.

Carnegie Corridor is nice, however I believe you can skip going inside; the inexperienced area in entrance of the constructing is a superb spot to have a picnic when the climate permits. Misplaced World Caverns is enjoyable, and if you happen to’ve by no means visited caverns, it might be price going.

Hawk Knob Cidery or The Wild Bean. Having the ability to sit and loosen up with an excellent drink is the very best, and the people-watching will be actually attention-grabbing.

Wherever within the New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect.

Snug sneakers. You’ll be able to positively stroll many of the historic downtown space, however as with all of West Virginia, it’s just a little hilly.

Except you’re going to the West Virginia State Truthful, I’d keep away from going that week, because the city will get just a little crowded then. However the state honest is quite a lot of enjoyable, with quite a lot of tasty meals and live shows, so if you happen to’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 price 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 totally steerable radio telescope.

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 just a little one thing for everybody. It’s very kid-friendly, fairly walkable, and stuffed with food and drinks choices that may attraction to nearly anybody. I like figuring out it’ll be a low-stress place to go to with a gaggle as a result of everybody can discover one thing to do or one thing they like.