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Taking to the streets, shops in Lewisburg
Day Tripping
By Margo Oxendine • Contributing Writer
 | | Craig Miller and Logan greet shoppers in Lewisburg's Serenity Now Outfitters, where kayaks, camping and fishing equipment can be found, along with a line of "Life is Good" products. (Recorder photo by Margo Oxendine) |
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Welcome to "Day Tripping," an occasional column that could help you decide where to go and what to see and do should you just have to get out of town for a day.
We begin with my very favorite town within a day's drive - Lewisburg, W.Va.
There are four, five, maybe more routes that will get you there. Most involve at least one or two back roads. All but one does, however, involve brief passage on Interstate 64. Still, even to a "shunpiker," the interstate into Lewisburg is relatively free of wheel-gripping anxiety.
If you take exit 175 to Caldwell, you'll be on "old Route 60." This drops you right in the center of town: Washington Street.
Once you're there and snag a parking space, the town is at your service. You'll find your own favorite haunts and hangouts. Here are some of mine:
 | | Barrels of yarns and other knitting and crochet supplies, including the spinning wheels, can be found at All About Beauty on Washington Street in Lewisburg. (Recorder photo by Margo Oxendine) |
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RESTAURANTS: I can't seem to tear myself away from lunch at Food and Friends, on the west end of Washington Street. Consistently tasty fare and smiling service lure me back, time after time. Del Sol, across the street, is open again; the deli sandwiches and salads are plentiful and quite good. Across the alley from Del Sol is Tavern 1785, a grand old house turned into a grand restaurant with indoor or outdoor seat- ing, and plentiful delights on the menu. At the east end of Washington is the great old standard, the General Lewis Inn, a traditional place for traditional down-home dining. The Stardust Cafe sits in the middle of town. This busy spot is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Finding a table might be difficult during the lunch rush, but the soups, salads, sandwiches and, especially, the desserts are well worth the wait. Quick and simple is the byword for The Market, around the corner from Food and Friends. Two bakeries in town - The Bakery on Court and Greenbrier Valley Bakery on Jefferson - will not disappoint. If dinner is in your plans, Julian's is especially nice for a special occasion; in fact, most of the above-mentioned spots serve dinner, except for the bakeries.
 | | Save room after dessert! Delectable candies tempt diners at Food and Friends in Lewisburg, where the food is consistently tasty, and there's always service with a smile. (Recorder photo by Margo Oxendine) |
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COFFEE: Here's something we're lacking around here, and boy, do I miss it: Quick, delicious coffee drinks. I never leave Lewisburg without stopping by Harmony Ridge Gallery for an iced mocha in the summer, or a hot one in winter. While they're making it, I stroll through the place, which is filled with wonderful gifts and art you'd really like to buy for yourself. Stock up on coffee beans at The Mean Bean. Hands down, I prefer their "West Virginia Coal," about the richest, darkest beans I've found anywhere. You can get a gourmet coffee to go, along with a biscotti or other treat here, also.
 | | All About Beauty in Lewisburg is, well, all about beauty, as evidenced by a wall of hair products that are difficult to find elsewhere. (Recorder photo by Margo Oxendine) |
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SHOPPING: The shopping in Lewisburg is extraordinary. Some of my favorites are Wolf Creek Gallery, where Flax brand clothing, and Born, Teva or Dansko footwear is always in stock. You'll also find Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries, Putamayo worldmusic CDs, and a great selection of unusual cards and aromatic candles. This is a good place to shop for gifts. So is The Old Hardware Gallery, and any number of gift shops along Washington and Jefferson. If you're seeking something unusual, All About Beauty offers crystals, homeopathic remedies, a plethora of hair products, and an astounding selection of yarns and other knitting/crocheting supplies. My favorite consignment shop ever is The Tansy Shop, on Court Street. I've found some of my most unusual pieces there for cents on the dollar. Much of the clothing and shoes are brand new, tags still on; others are gently used. Serenity Now Outfitters is the place for "Life is Good" t-shirts and doggie things, as well as kayaks, camping equipment, fishing lures - all things outdoors. Say hello to Logan, the biggest, sweetest red golden retriever in town. He's usually napping in the storefront window. It's not really shopping unless you shop for shoes. Marvel at the array in Yarid's, an outlet where the selection changes almost daily. Anyone looking for a health food store will be pleased to find Edith's on Washington Street, across from All About Beauty.
ANTIQUES: Robert's Antiques is the splashiest draw in town, but Peddler's Alley, in my opinion, offers the widest selections and best values. Some very fine furnishings can be found at Tansy Antiques, next to the consignment shop. There are many other antique shops in Lewisburg; I just never seem to have enough time to visit them all. Find your own favorite.
MUSEUM: If you're into museums, you can't do better this side of D.C. than to visit the North House Museum. It's next to Carnegie Hall at the west end of town. Run by the Greenbrier County Historical Society, the grand old house is meticulously restored. Room after room, upstairs and down, is decorated in period pieces, just as it might have appeared in the Nineteenth Century. Make sure you allow time to marvel over the dioramas on the second floor. They are quaint, amusing, different and delightful. Museum docents, who will escort you around the place, are good at relating history, answering questions, and don't spout a rote spiel. It's the best few dollars you'll ever spend.
GALLERIES: Lewisburg offers galleries galore. I've not been to all of them - again, the time factor comes into play - but some of my favorites are photographer Gary Cooper's place, across from Peddler's Alley; watercolor wizard Bob Tuckweiler's gallery, in the middle of town; and, hands down, the Old Stone Room at Carnegie Hall. Exhibits here change monthly, featured works follow a theme - watercolors, oils, photography, children's art. Chances are, you'll have the place to yourself, to spend as much time as you like examining and exclaiming over what's displayed.
OTHER FUN: You can enjoy live theater in Lewisburg at Greenbrier Valley Theater; get on its e-mailing list, and you won't miss anything. Carnegie Hall features live performances from national names - musicians, comedians, lecturers. Every so often, there will be a street dance in the summer; these are not to be missed. The street is closed off, food vendors set up shop, and bands like Tommy Dorsey's modern-day marvel entertain under the moonlight.
Lewisburg is the perfect town to spend the day, or even spend the night, and make more forays the next day. There's really too much to see and do in just one visit. I guarantee, though, that once you've gone, you'll be drawn back again and again. It's small, quite friendly, and filled with wonders just waiting for you to discover them.
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