By Sarah Richardson
Lewisburg took center stage in the latest episode of PBS’s Hometowns series, which was aired on Jan. 16 and offers a unique look at our region’s culture, history, and the people who call it home. The episode, titled “Lewisburg, WV,” highlights not only Lewisburg, but businesses in Fairlea and White Sulphur Springs.
Hosted and produced by Joshua Deel, the episode features interviews with a selection of local business owners and community leaders. Among those featured are Frank Ford of Mountain Steer Meat Company, Josh Bennett of Hawk Knob Cidery and Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, Janice Cooley of the Greenbrier Historical Society, Kelly Collins of the State Fair of West Virginia, Sarah Elkins of Hammer Cycles, and Adrianna and Marius Grecu of Pomona Salt Cave and Spa. These conversations give viewers an insider’s look at the vibrant small businesses and deep-rooted history that make the region distinct.
Hometowns takes audiences on a journey off the beaten path to explore communities across Southwest Virginia, offering personal stories that only the locals know. The goal of the series is to explore what makes each town unique while showcasing how life is in Central Appalachia and beyond.
The Lewisburg, WV episode is part of the larger Hometowns series, which began its first season by focusing on towns in southwest Virginia in 2023. The pilot episode featured New Castle, VA, with later installments highlighting Bluefield, Big Stone Gap, Tazewell, Marion, Norton, Lee County, Carroll County, Scott County, and Abingdon. Season two of the series broadens its scope, featuring episodes in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming, offering a more diverse view of life in small-town America.
Hometowns is available for streaming on PBS platforms, including pbs.org and the free PBS App, which can be accessed on devices such as iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablets, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, and Vizio.
