Cozy Girls’ Getaway to Almost Heaven: Discover the Charm and Comfort of Lewisburg, West Virginia

West Virginia, also known as “Almost Heaven”,is a hidden gem that offers a perfect destination for a cozy girls’ getaway. With its rich history, charming small towns, and breathtaking natural beauty, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with old friends and create lasting memories. For these reasons, and more, I am so grateful that WV Tourism hosted me and my best friend for a cozy winter getaway to relax and rejuvenate before she welcomes her third sweet baby girl. As military spouses and busy moms, it can be especially difficult to find the time or itinerary to connect in such an intentional way and the team at WV Tourism did an EXCEPTIONAL job ticking our boxes for a memorable weekend.

I requested “cozy” and oh boy, did they deliver with the charming accommodations and atmosphere in Lewisburg, a historic town located in the heart of West Virginia. The town boasts a variety of boutique shops, antique stores, bookshops, and galleries that will surprise and delight you. The town is full of beautiful real estate, amazing restaurants, and the people were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I was so impressed by all that Lewisburg had to offer and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have my prior perceptions of West Virginia challenged.

We had the pleasure of staying at one of the most comfortable and unique places in Lewisburg- the Historic General Lewis Inn. This charming inn offers newly updated rooms, a cozy lounge bar, and an elevated yet traditional dining room. The walkability to the cute mountain main street of Lewisburg makes this Inn especially desirable. The staff was incredible and we loved getting a laugh out of them over a craft cocktail or glass of wine while chatting by the fire before bed. I stayed in Suite 211, the Boxwood King Suite, which overlooks the garden. The room was tasteful and comfortable including an amazing bathroom. I loved enjoying all the charm of a bed and breakfast without sacrificing private amenities. 

When it comes to dining, Lewisburg offers a wide variety of options to suit any taste. For a world-class coursed meal, head to The French Goat. The pacing is slow and intentional, perfect for catching up with an old friend over an exceptional glass of wine. During our visit, I had a seasonal sweet potato and apple bisque that was served with cinnamon tortilla strips- SO good! ‘

For a casual but delicious dinner, head to The Humble Tomato or The Stardust Cafe. My friend and I were in a debate over which restaurant was our favorite, but for me, personally, The Stardust Cafe made my “Gilmore Girls”-esque, small-town, beguiling dreams come true.

For a truly rejuvenating experience, take a 20-minute trip to White Sulphur Springs and visit the Pomona Salt Cave & Spa. I had never seen anything like it and squealed with excitement when we pulled in to the hillside sanctuary. I was transported to something that felt quite similar to The Shire from Lord of the Rings. Close your eyes and imagine the cozy and quaint hobbit-hole of Bilbo Baggins nestled into the side of a picturesque hill, surrounded by a blanket of freshly fallen snow. The rounded exterior, crafted from natural materials, blends seamlessly into the natural landscape- a rustic aesthetic that is very fitting with a simple and unassuming way of life. We indulged in a unique 45-minute salt halotherapycave session, followed by a 50-minute relaxation massage. After our massage, we enjoyed a lunch and French soda at the attached cafe and then sat outside to enjoy watching the snowfall. I highly recommend making time in your West Virginia itinerary for this attraction. It will be the ultimate pampering and you’ll immediately feel rejuvenated, ready to take on the chaos of home that awaits you a few days later. 

When you are planning a trip to West Virginia, I  starting one morning with a beautiful walk down the charming main street of Lewisburg and grabbing a coffee and a breakfast burrito at the Wild Bean. The burritos are delicious and will have you dreaming of them long after you’ve left. Take your warm coffee and stroll the wonderful boutique shops, antique stores, bookshops, and galleries that make Lewisburg surprising and charming.

For a truly authentic West Virginia experience, visit the Greenbrier Resort, a luxury resort that has been visited by royalty and celebrities such as Judy Garland. It was hard to imagine that I was walking the same hallways as the girl who donned the famous ruby slippers and inspired my lifelong creed of “Why, Oh Why, Can’t I?” We enjoyed a winter morning ice skating followed by shopping and cocktails by the fire in one of the elegantly designed sitting rooms. (Don’t forget to check out the Land of Oz gift shop, which includes a Wizard of Oz backdrop and nostalgia that will make any “happy little bluebird” reading this soar happily above a rainbow.)

Our cozy girls’ getaway to Almost Heaven was filled with memories that will last a lifetime. With its charming small towns, rich history, and beautiful natural scenery, West Virginia is the perfect destination to reconnect with old friends and make new memories. Book your trip today and discover the charm and comfort of West Virginia!