If you are looking for somewhere to go for the holidays, other than patented tourist attractions, take a scenic drive through the Allegheny Mountains into Greenbrier County, W.Va. There you will find Lewisburg, a 221-year-old small town with many 18th-and 19th-century buildings, where the steeple clock still tolls the hour and the church bells ring out on Sunday mornings.

You will also find old structures, converted to new purposes, are still in use, and antebellum homes (often remaining in the same families for generations) are still occupied. The town offers antique shops, fine arts and crafts, live year-round theater and music. Located on the Midland Trail, a National Scenic Byway and the site of the 1862 Battle of Lewisburg, it is an ideal location to explore our nation’s history and enjoy the charm of going “home” for the holidays. In 1978, a 236-acre area in the heart of Lewisburg was designated a National Register Historic District.

Lewisburg, nestled in the heart of the Greenbrier Valley, offers visitors a unique shopping experience, elegant (or casual) dining, and an opportunity to explore its history. There is always something to do, from fantastic live entertainment to community-wide celebrations.

Starting in November, downtown Lewisburg ramps up its holiday spirit by offering a Christmas Open House the weekend of Nov. 17–18. Visitors can start the holiday season early with street performances, in-store refreshments and other seasonal activities. Year-round, every first Friday of the month, there are special happenings after 5 p.m. in downtown Lewisburg. The event features live music, refreshments, artist receptions and over 30 shops open until 9 p.m.

The Greenbrier Valley Theatre at 113 E. Washington Street in downtown Lewisburg was named West Virginia’s Official Year-Round Professional Theatre in 2006. This holiday season, the theatre will present “Plaid Tidings” and “A Christmas Carol.” For information, visit www.gvtheatre.org.

Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg? One of only four remaining Carnegie Halls in the world, this 400-seat historic theatre presents live performances throughout the year, from internationally acclaimed musicians to special events and regional favorites. The hall is located at 105 Church Street. Don’t miss The Greenbrier Valley Chorale Holiday Performance on Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. Visit www.carnegiehallwv.com or call 304-645-7917 for information on events.

You can also ring in 2008 in Lewisburg. On New Year’s Day, there will be a Shanghai Parade in downtown Lewisburg, a 150-year tradition featuring wacky costumes and a float-filled parade.

Visit www.lewisburg-wv.com or www.greenbrierwv.com for information.

General Lewis Inn

The General Lewis Inn, a historic country inn and restaurant in Lewisburg, is the ideal setting for a weekend getaway. Located at 301 E. Washington Street, it is a short walk to downtown Lewisburg.

The inn, which opened in 1929, is located on the site of an 1862 Civil War battle. Civil War and Revolutionary history lives around every corner of this historically preserved town. Beginning with its meticulously clean, cozy bedrooms, you will be surrounded by period pieces of early American history in 25 very different guest rooms. All accommodations offer full private baths, individual climate control, telephones and cable TV. The inn offers access for disabled visitors and one barrier-free guest room. Room prices range from $105 to $150 per night.

Enjoy an old-fashioned meal in the dining room, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is no smoking throughout the inn.

From Dec. 1 through March 31, the inn offers a Romantic Getaway package that includes lodging, breakfast and dinner for two on any two consecutive days for $350. Holidays and special events not included.

Lewisburg, as well as the General Lewis Inn, is named in honor of the Revolutionary War era patriot, General Andrew Lewis. The town of Lewisburg grew around a natural spring, which today is enclosed in a stone springhouse three blocks from the General Lewis Inn and is believed to be the location of the original Fort Union.

For information, visit www.GeneralLewisInn.com or call 1-800-628-4454.