The 26th annual Taste of Our Town (TOOT) festival took place Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.   TOOT is a benefit for Carnegie Hall and is held every year in downtown Lewisburg.  Literally thousands of residents and visitors from across the region converge to gather on the streets of historic downtown Lewisburg to sample delicacies from local restaurants, civic clubs and organizations.  It was a very warm day, lots of fun and games for the kids, as well as lots of food for everyone.  Check out the video below...........     Other Posts: TOOT TOOT TOOT - It's That Time Again! 10/13/2010

    A Perfect Way to Bling in the Fall is to attend the BBQ Fundraiser for the Greenbrier Valley Theatre.   The "Boots and Bling" benefit at the home of John and Elizabeth Arbuckle in Lewisburg, WV Sunday, October 17 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Route 219N, the Maplewood Farm     Grab your boots and don your rhinestones for this great new event! This down-home evening will feature live music by Half Bad Bluegrass Band, beer and wine, and some delicious BBQ. Tickets are $50 per person.  Order tickets online, or call GVT at 304-645-383. Pick up tickets before the event at GVT or at the farm the night of the boots and bling benefit!     Hope to see y'all there! Greenbrier Valley Theatre 113 East Washington Street Lewisburg, WV 24901   10/09/2010

      TOOT  TOOT  TOOT - It's That Time Again!       The 26th annual Taste of Our Towns (TOOT) festival will take place Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m   TOOT is a benfit for Carnegie Hall and is held every year in downtown Lewisburg.  Literally thousands of residents and visitors from across the region converge to gather on the streets of historic downtown Lewisburg to sample delicacies from local restaurants, civic clubs and organizations.   If I am lucky enough to get there early, I usually buy one of my favorites, and that is The General Lewis Inn’s pecan pie.  Last year I was late and only got one slice of pie.  The Greenbrier always has good selections from their exclusive restaurants; and Wolf Creek Gallery's crab cakes disappear quickly, my husband's fav... 10/05/2010

    While out showing houses with my clients, we saw a fawn in the nearby woods.  The client goes over and the young deer starts licking his hand for a good five minutes. I had plenty of time to get my camera and snap a few photos.  We then go into the house and when we came out the fawn was in the yard waiting for us. He continued to pet the small deer until we were ready to go.  The poor thing was so skinny and must have been hungry and we had nothing to feed him.  Seems the fawn was use to being around people...perhaps the neighbors feed it...at least I hope so.  There were no other deer around, so it seems he was alone and hungry.           ____________________________________________________________   10/03/2010

      Jessica Roczniak's Art Exhibit at the Cooper Gallery, Lewisburg, WV     The Cooper Gallery is presenting new art work by Jessica Roczniak at a reception today, October 1, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. til 8:00 p.m.   Stop by and see this emerging artist and her new work of Greenbrier and Monroe Counties.   And, don't forget it is First Friday in Lewisburg.             Over 20 paintings will be on display at the gallery.  Below are just two of Jessica's art:       "Gossip", 24x48 Oil on board   "Annexation", 34x42 Oil on board     Cooper Gallery of Fine Art Celebrating their 15th Anniversary 2010 122 E. Washington Street Lewisburg, WV 304-645-6439 or 888-868-5129 Email: getart@coopergallery.com   ____________________________________________________________ If I can assist you in any way wit... 10/01/2010

Coldwell Banker Broker, Tom Johnson named "Realtor of the Year 2010" by the Greenbrier County Board of Realtors Tom Johnson, Broker of the Coldwell Banker Stuart and Watts Real Estate office in Lewisburg, West Virginia, was named "Realtor of the Year 2010" by the Greenbrier Board of Realtors.   His name was also submitted for the state level Realtor of the year. Tom is a great person, manager and broker and all of us at Coldwell Banker are so proud of him.  Tom gives back to his community in Lewisburg and Greenbrier County in many ways. Tom has been Past President and member of Greenbrier River Valley Foster/Adoptive Parent Association that sponsors fund raising events and parties for the children.  Tom and his wife, Terri, have opened their home and hearts to 14 foster children in the... 09/26/2010

When one hears the name Gary Cooper, most  automatically think of the movie star......  But, the Gary Cooper I am writing about is the one that is a photographer in Lewisburg, West Virginia.  Although born in York, Alabama, he considers his home town as Mobile.  “Most of my nature photography has been done since my wife Marilyn (a native West Virginian) and I moved to Lewisburg during the summer of 1991 following my retirement as Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Cincinnati,” says Cooper.  He trained in neurophysiology and concentrated his research in neurotoxicology.  Cooper has gone from studying the effects of heavy metals on the nervous system to photographing nature.  If he is not traveling on weekends to different counties of West Virginia photographing nature... 09/13/2010

        The Hamilton's Wine Bar is located behind  Robert’s Antiques Store.  Robbie Hamilton, owner, opened the bar in October 2009.  Hamilton’s Wine Bar features a large selection of fine wines available by the bottle or by the glass.   At Hamilton's,   there are three wine bars, an outside patio for relaxing and enjoying wine with friends, the Hamilton Wine Shop wine display racks, walk-in wine cellar, an equisite tasting room, and one of the finest selections of specialty wines, domestic and imported  wine prices start at $2.99 and go up to $1,200 a bottle.          "Hamilton's WIne Bar"Create a free slideshow with Picnik!     Hamilton's Wine Bar Behind Robert’s Antiques, LTD 120 E. Washington Street Lewisburg, WV 304-647-3402 Check out Hamilton Wine Bar Facebook page     Hours of Op... 09/12/2010

The upcoming Chocolate Festival in Downtown Lewisburg will feature on of the local favorites. In concert at Carnegie Hall events planned for the Chocolate Festival, on the weekend of October 9, 2010. If you enjoy Bluegrass and want to have a great time with a local favorite performers, plan on being there! Here is more information about the band!    If you want to know more about the band click on this link!  http://www.halfbadbluegrass.com/ The Band formed in late 2005, out of a weekly jam session around the old coal stove in the loft of the Lively's barn. "We knew right away that we wanted to stay with the style of old school, driving bluegrass, such as Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin and regional favorite Richard Hefner and The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys. The firs... 09/11/2010

54°F/12°C View Forecast Taste of Our Towns Food Festival Package   Package Details Contact: 304-645-7300 Location: Hampton Inn, Lewisburg Rates: $141 per night plus taxes Availability: Now through October 10, 2010 Description The 26th annual Taste of Our Towns festival will take place Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 11am until 3pm. Thousands of residents and visitors from across the region converge to gather on the streets of historic downtown Lewisburg to sample delicacies from local restaurants, civic clubs and organizations. Yearly favorites such as The General Lewis Inn's pecan pie and Wolf Creek Gallery's crab cakes disappear quickly. The Greenbrier comes out in force with numerous selections from their exclusive restaurants.  Package Inclusions Two nights at the Hampton Inn Twenty... 09/11/2010

      You Will Find Antiques and Wine at Robert's Antiques in Lewisburg, WV     Robert's Antiques has been in business for 20 years and is located in downtown Lewisburg.  Owners Robert and Mary Jane Hamilton still help out at the shop, but their son Robbie has taken over the family business.   I was very impressed with the changes Robbie has made to the shop.  It is very spacious and open with many antiques throughout.  There are rooms full of antiques that come from estate sales, auctions and the Internet.  Robert’s Antiques is one of the biggest antique stores in Lewisburg and in the Greenbrier County.   Besides selling antiques, Robert's also opened a wine shop located in the front of the store named Hamilton’s Wine Shop.  The wine shop was opened in October, 2009.   Hamilton’s is t... 09/08/2010

      The bronze statue below is of Audie L. Murphy, and can be seen at the Cooper Gallery of Fine Art  in Lewisburg, WV.       Audie L. Murphy bronze statute is by Sculptor Jimilu Mason     DID YOU KNOW?   Audie Murphy was the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II, and a well-known actor, who died tragically in an airplane accident in 1971.  He received every decoration for valor that this country had to offer plus 5 decorations presented to him by France and Belgium. Some may remember Audie Murphy as a well-known actor, and remember one of his 44 movies.    Read about the decorations Audie Murphy received and see some great photos.              Sculptor Jimilu Mason has done most of the vice presidents, presidents and many other distinguished people.  Many are in the ... 09/07/2010

      Exhibits at the Cooper Gallery in Lewisburg, WV       Marilyn Cooper, a native West Virginian, opened Cooper Gallery in 1995 and says "landscapes of the region have proven to be the most sought after by local and national collectors”.   Cooper Gallery, located in the historical town of Lewisburg, WV, will be exhibiting Max Hayslette’s art September 1-30.  A reception will be held today Saturday, September 4, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.-- stop by and meet the artist and see his art work.   "Hayslette’s landscapes and small abstracts are doing well", says Cooper.    Hayslette, a former West Virginian, was born in Rupert in 1930.  He had his first art show at the age of 16 in Rainelle, West Virginia.  This year, Max Hayslette celebrates his 81st birthday.   Below is just one of Max Hayslett... 09/03/2010

The Greenbrier Historical Society’s FIRST Annual Ice Cream Social will be held at the North House Museum in Lewisburg, West Virginia.  All proceeds for this event will benefit the restoration of the North House Portico.       The North House was built in 1820 and is a restored house museum located in Academy Park, the heart of Historic Downtown Lewisburg, WV.    When:   Sunday, August 29th, 2010 Time:    3:30 PM to 5:30 PM Where: On the Lawn of the North House, 301 Washington St., Lewisburg WV   Enjoy, fresh hand-dipped ice cream on a cone or cup! Music by Blue Ridge Blend and Pushin’ String   Purchase tickets by calling the North House at 304-645-3398 or by visiting the North House.  Tickets can also be purchased at the door the day of the event.                Child $3 Adults $5 Fami... 08/26/2010

    If You Are Looking for Healthy and Specialty Foods, Go to Edith's Store in Lewisburg, WV                 Edith McKinley, proprietor of Edith’s Health and Specialty Store in Lewisburg, West Virginia, serving Greenbrier County and beyond since 1986.                      The first thing you see when you walk into Edith’s Health and Specialty Store is a large Oak Tree.  The building was owned by Paula Greer who ran the Lewisburg Florist Shop.  Paula, when renovating added an Oak tree in the middle of the store.  Edith feels like it was done for her as it is “A Tree of Life” so perfect for her business and thanks Paula for her foresight for adding a tree in the store.  Edith says it is “the only oak tree in the middle of town and is located in the center of my store”.  Edith purchased th... 08/23/2010

        Opened for Business is the Impressive New Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center in Lewisburg, WV         The Greenbrier Valley  Visitors Center officially opened on July 22, 2010.  The new facility, located at 200 W. Washington Street in downtown Lewisburg, provides regional information for Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Monroe and Summers Counties.          An official ribbon-cutting will take place on Tuesday, September 7th at 11:00 a.m. with Congressman Nick Rahall present. Congressman Rahall was instrumental in securing a $544,000 grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund this project.   Mary Cole Deitz, Visitor Center Manager, said “There has been a great response from local residents on the new center, and we have been busy welcoming visitors and answering qu... 08/16/2010

      Speechless Sunday, "Friend or Foe"?           ____________________________________________________________ If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email, or visit my website.   Licensed in West Virginia and Virginia. Keep Connected On....   08/15/2010

Henne's Home and Gift Boutique, in Downtown Lewisburg, WV       Stepping inside Henne's Home and Gift Boutique located in historical downtown Lewisburg, you will discover the extraordinary selection of thoughtful gift items, home furnishings, bedding, mirrors, and much more.                    The owners, Bob and Henne Rausenberger, moved from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Lewisburg six years ago because of the Greenbrier Sporting Club.  They had purchased land, and with their general contractor license, built three spec homes at the Sporting Club.  Bob and Henne remodeled a 130-year-old house on Foster Street and lived their until their home at the Sporting Club was completed.  While living in Lewisburg, they fell in love with the town.  Because of the economy, they decided to put a hold... 08/14/2010

    First Fridays After Five: A Free Public Event in Historic Lewisburg, WV       Bring your family and friends and enjoy live music, art, food and fun in Historic Downtown Lewisburg on its tradition of First Fridays after Five!     First Fridays after 5 takes place all year long (every first Friday of every month) in downtown Lewisburg with shops, galleries and restaurants in downtown Lewisburg open until 9:00 PM serving complimentary refreshments and entertainment.   Downtown Lewisburg is just 1 mile south of I-64 via Exit 169. The town center is located at Washington Street (I-60) and Jefferson Street (Rt. 219). Check out the merchants and for more information call Aaron or Monica Maxwell at 304-645-4333.   View Larger Map     The event is free to the public....Below is the schedule ... 08/12/2010

   West Virginia's NEW 3.5% Mortgage Program and Market Summary Report for Greenbrier County, July 2010      WV launches new 3.5 percent mortgage program   The West Virginia Housing Development Fund is offering 30-year, fixed-rate loans at 3.5 percent interest to low- and middle-income home buyers who qualify for the program.  A $35 million bond issue will pay for the program. The money is expected to make about 280 loans available at this low interest rate.   This rate is offered to home buyers on a first-come, first-served basis. Offers zero-percent interest loans to pay for closing costs and down payments. The low interest rates will apply to new construction, existing houses and modular homes. Income and home price limits vary by county. For the past few weeks the area mortgage rate... 08/03/2010