Lester West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lester, West Virginia.
1. The Greenbrier Resort
HISTORIC LUXURY MOUNTAIN RETREAT
The Greenbrier Resort stands as an iconic luxury destination nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, offering world-class accommodations and amenities since 1778. Visitors can enjoy championship golf courses, a renowned spa, and numerous outdoor activities across its sprawling 11,000-acre property. The resort's rich history includes serving as a hospital during wartime and housing the once-secret underground bunker built to shelter Congress.
2. Greenbrier Government Relocation Facility
SECRET COLD WAR BUNKER
The Greenbrier Government Relocation Facility, often called 'The Bunker,' was a once-secret underground fallout shelter built during the Cold War to house Congress in case of nuclear attack. This fascinating historical site remained a classified secret for over 30 years until it was exposed by The Washington Post in 1992. Today, visitors can tour this massive 112,544-square-foot facility complete with decontamination chambers, dormitories, and a meeting hall for the House and Senate.
3. Downtown Lewisburg
CHARMING HISTORIC DISTRICT
Downtown Lewisburg enchants visitors with its beautifully preserved historic district featuring brick sidewalks and buildings dating back to the 1700s and 1800s. The charming main street offers a delightful collection of independent shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes perfect for leisurely exploration. Recognized as one of America's Coolest Small Towns, Lewisburg combines small-town hospitality with sophisticated cultural offerings.
4. Greenbrier River Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TO-TRAIL PATH
The Greenbrier River Trail stretches for 78 scenic miles along a former railway bed, offering outdoor enthusiasts one of the most beautiful recreational paths in West Virginia. Winding alongside the Greenbrier River, this flat, crushed-limestone trail provides perfect terrain for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing through stunning mountain landscapes. Visitors encounter historic tunnels, bridges, and numerous access points with facilities along the route that begins in Caldwell and ends in Cass.
5. Smooth Ambler Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS EXPERIENCE
Smooth Ambler Distillery offers visitors an authentic craft spirits experience in the heart of Appalachia with tours showcasing their grain-to-glass whiskey production. The distillery prides itself on using local ingredients and traditional methods to create award-winning bourbons, gins, and vodkas. Guests can enjoy guided tastings in the welcoming tasting room while learning about the art and science of small-batch spirits production.
6. Lost World Caverns
SPECTACULAR UNDERGROUND WONDER
Lost World Caverns invites explorers to descend 120 feet below the earth's surface to discover a spectacular underground wonderland filled with massive stalactites, stalagmites, and other dramatic formations. The main chamber stretches an impressive 1,000 feet long and reaches heights of 120 feet, creating an awe-inspiring natural cathedral. Visitors can choose between self-guided tours along well-lit pathways or adventurous wild cave tours that involve crawling through undeveloped passages for a more immersive experience.
7. The Greenbrier Falconry
ANCIENT SPORT OF KINGS
The Greenbrier Falconry offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the ancient sport of kings through interactive sessions with trained birds of prey. Expert falconers guide visitors through the fascinating history and techniques of this 4,000-year-old tradition while demonstrating the remarkable hunting abilities of hawks, falcons, and owls. Participants can don a leather glove and experience the thrill of having these magnificent birds fly to and from their arm during this unforgettable hands-on wildlife encounter.
8. Carnegie Hall
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg stands as one of only four Carnegie Halls in the world still in continuous use as a performance venue since its construction in 1902. This historic building hosts a diverse calendar of concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and educational programs throughout the year. The beautifully restored Georgian Revival structure combines architectural charm with excellent acoustics, creating an intimate setting for experiencing arts and culture in the heart of Greenbrier County.
9. Greenbrier River
PRISTINE RECREATIONAL WATERWAY
The Greenbrier River flows for 173 miles as the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi, offering pristine waters perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Its gentle current and numerous access points make it ideal for both novice paddlers and experienced water enthusiasts seeking a peaceful day on the water. Anglers particularly appreciate the river for its abundant smallmouth bass, rock bass, and various trout species in a scenic setting surrounded by the lush Appalachian Mountains.
10. Greenbrier Valley Theatre
PROFESSIONAL REGIONAL THEATER
The Greenbrier Valley Theatre serves as West Virginia's Official State Professional Theatre, presenting high-quality productions ranging from Broadway musicals to contemporary dramas in its intimate 200-seat venue. Since its founding in 1967, this cultural cornerstone has enriched the region with professional theatrical experiences while supporting educational programs for all ages. The theatre's downtown Lewisburg location places it at the heart of the area's vibrant arts scene, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
11. Organ Cave
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND MARVEL
Organ Cave invites visitors to explore one of the largest and historically significant cave systems in the United States, featuring over 45 miles of mapped passages. During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers mined the cave for saltpeter to make gunpowder, leaving behind artifacts still visible today. Guided tours reveal spectacular formations, underground streams, and fascinating stories about the cave's role in American history, paleontology, and geology.
12. Greenbrier State Forest
MOUNTAIN RECREATION HAVEN
Greenbrier State Forest encompasses 5,100 acres of pristine woodland offering outdoor enthusiasts a recreational paradise with extensive hiking and biking trails winding through lush Appalachian terrain. The forest features picnic areas, a swimming pool, archery range, and comfortable cabins available for overnight stays. Visitors particularly enjoy the spectacular views from Kate's Mountain and the peaceful atmosphere that makes this natural area perfect for escaping into nature.
13. Cross Creek on Main
PREMIER LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Cross Creek on Main has established itself as the Greenbrier Valley's premier music venue, hosting an impressive lineup of local, regional, and national performing artists in an intimate setting. The venue's exceptional acoustics and welcoming atmosphere create the perfect environment for experiencing live music across various genres. Located in historic downtown Lewisburg, Cross Creek offers a full-service bar and often features special events that showcase the vibrant cultural scene of the region.
14. Lamp Light Glass Art
ARTISANAL GLASSBLOWING STUDIO
Lamp Light Glass Art invites visitors to witness the mesmerizing art of glassblowing during live demonstrations in their working "hot shop" at The Greenbrier. Master glassmakers transform molten glass into stunning artistic pieces using traditional techniques and tools in a choreographed process that combines technical skill with creative vision. Guests can purchase unique handcrafted glass art pieces as distinctive souvenirs of their visit to the Greenbrier Valley.
15. Greenbrier Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Greenbrier Historical Society preserves and shares the rich heritage of the Greenbrier Valley through its museum collections housed in the historic North House, built in 1820. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that illuminate the region's development from Native American settlements through pioneering days and beyond. The society also maintains the adjacent Barracks museum and offers educational programs that bring local history to life for guests of all ages.