FAQs
One of the best parts of working in the Visitors Center is the opportunity to talk with visitors from all over the country and around the world. Our staff learns something new every day by chatting with our guests. For your reference, we have compiled our top 12 most frequently asked questions. Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find out who does!
West Virginia became a state in 1863 when it seceded from the state of Virginia during the Civil War.
Built in 1902, Carnegie Hall is an active arts and education center located in downtown Lewisburg. It was named for philanthropist Andrew Carnegie who donated monies to construct a classroom building that supported the Lewisburg Female Institute.
The bunker was built at The Greenbrier resort in the late 1950’s as a relocation facility for the U.S. Congress in the event of a national emergency. Tours of the facility are given several times daily and reservations are requested. It is a unique trip back in history and a rare chance to visit a facility of this type.
Ronceverte is pronounced ron-suh-vurt. It means “green brier” in French and was named for a prickly climbing plant of the lily family.
Lewisburg achieved this designation in 2011 as a result of an online poll created by Budget Travel Magazine. We always knew Lewisburg was cool but now, so does the whole country!
Our area is the proud home to many wonderful and unique eateries. Where you dine really depends on what you desire. Our restaurants offer All-American and Latin American cuisine, farm-to-table options, wood-fired oven pizza, great burgers and fries, and everything in between. Don’t miss our pubs and bars which feature locally crafted beers, ciders and spirits.
A retail shop, Barnwood Living, is open in downtown White Sulphur Springs. They sell a variety of handmade items and t-shirts. Although a few of the guys live locally, they are usually traveling the country filming and considering cabin sites. For more information, go to barnwoodliving.com.
The John Wesley Methodist Church was built in 1820 and was hit by a cannonball during the Battle of Lewisburg in 1862. The church is located on East Foster Street where you will find a plaque designating the place of impact.
There are seventeen covered bridges currently standing in West Virginia -- two are in Greenbrier County. Herns Mill Covered Bridge is located off US Route 60 West and still provides vehicle access over Milligan’s Creek. Travel 219 South to find Hokes Mill which spans Second Creek. For more information, stop by the Visitors Center for a brochure of West Virginia covered bridges.
The predecessor of the State Fair was the Greenbrier Valley Fair, which began as an annual event in 1921. It featured livestock, animal shows, a carnival, exhibits and grandstand entertainment. It became a very popular end-of-the-summer event for West Virginians and those living in surrounding states. In 1941, the West Virginia State Legislature passed an act naming the popular Greenbrier Valley Fair as the official State Fair of West Virginia. It has been in operation every year with the exception of 1942-1946 during World War II.
North House Museum in downtown Lewisburg offers an Archives and Library area for research, along with helpful volunteers to assist you. The historic home is also the site housing the Greenbrier Historical Society artifact collection. Be sure to take a tour of the home and learn the fascinating history of the Greenbrier Valley.
Unfortunately, there are no public springs in the Greenbrier Valley in which to “take the waters.” Local history tells of many springs used by travelers and hence, the construction of several stately resorts built in the area. Our local resort, The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, continues to offer restorative sulphur baths in their world-renowned spa.
