Top Places to See When Driving From Beckley, West Virginia to Lewisburg, West Virginia

West Virginia may be a small state, but it's packed with stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and charming towns to discover. A short drive from Beckley to Lewisburg presents an excellent opportunity to explore some of the best sights in the region. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or art lover, you'll find plenty of attractions to suit your interests. Here are some of the top places to see when driving from Beckley to Lewisburg.

Beckley

Before you set off on your road trip to Lewisburg, take some time to explore the city of Beckley itself. This vibrant community has a rich cultural heritage and plenty of points of interest to discover. Start your day with a visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where you can tour an authentic coal mine and learn about the history of the coal industry in Appalachia. If you're feeling adventurous, strap on a helmet and headlamp for a guided underground tour that will take you deep into the mine shafts.

After your tour, head to downtown Beckley to explore some of the city's boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Stop by the Tamarack Artisan Center to browse the work of over 300 local artists, including pottery, jewelry, and woodworking. Don't forget to sample some of the region's famous cuisine at a local restaurant. One favorite spot is the King Tut Drive-In, famed for its delicious hot dogs and homemade root beer.

Grandview

Traveling along the scenic highway 19, your next stop is Grandview, a beautiful park with panoramic views of both the Appalachian Mountains and the New River Gorge. Pack a picnic lunch and take a scenic hike on one of the park's many trails. The most well-known hike is the Grandview Rim Trail, which leads visitors on a loop past multiple scenic overlooks and rock formations. If you're not up for hiking, you can take a drive along the park's scenic roads and enjoy the stunning views from the comfort of your car.

Thurmond

The next stop on your journey is Thurmond, a beautiful and historic town nestled in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park. Once a bustling railroad town, Thurmond has been preserved as a living museum of West Virginia's history. You can explore the town's railroad station, the old bank building turned museum, and the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. Don't forget to stroll through the town's streets and admire the well-preserved homes and buildings that date back to the late 1800s.

The Greenbrier

No visit to West Virginia would be complete without a stop at the famous Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. This sprawling resort, steeped in history and luxury, has hosted guests ranging from presidents to celebrities. Take a tour of the resort's famous bunker, a secret Cold War fallout shelter built for the US government. You can also take a dip in the resort's world-renowned mineral baths or tee off on one of the championship golf courses.

Lewisburg

Your journey ends in the charming town of Lewisburg, a vibrant community filled with historic homes, boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Stroll through the town's streets and admire the well-preserved Victorian-era homes and buildings. Stop by Carnegie Hall, a beautiful music hall that hosts concerts and events throughout the year. And of course, enjoy some of the incredible food and drink the town has to offer, from farm-to-table restaurants to craft breweries.

Conclusion

From stunning mountain vistas to fascinating historical sites, the trip from Beckley to Lewisburg is packed with must-see attractions. Whether you're interested in history, art, or nature, you're sure to find something to love along this scenic drive. So hit the road, take in the views, and prepare to be dazzled by the beauty of West Virginia.