The Greenbrier County CVB recently announced that Lewisburg was voted Happiest Town by the readers of Blue Ridge Country magazine. Lewisburg competed in the population less than 10,000 category and drew 30 percent of the total votes; runner-up was Blowing Rock, NC, with 6 percent and third place was Floyd, VA, with 5.74 percent.
Blue Ridge Country magazine conducted the online reader poll to find the Happiest Town in three population categories: less than 10,000; 10,000 to 49,000; and more than 50,000. Readers voted on 61 finalists that were selected based on several happiness factors such as low crime rate, high education levels, cost of living and walkability. Online voting took place from early December 2015 through the middle of January.
Lewisburg appears on the cover of the May/June edition in a striking sunset picture taken by local photographer Connie Manchester. Inside, the article highlights Carnegie Hall and Greenbrier Valley Theatre for enriching the community with culture, notes the extensive culinary diversity available around town and recommends lodging at the General Lewis Inn for overnight visits. The issue also contains a full-page guest column by Lewisburg Mayor John Manchester.
Executive Director of the Greenbrier County CVB Kara Dense stated “To be recognized in this well-respected publication is amazing, but to have the cover shot and an editorial by Lewisburg’s mayor is something very special.”
Blue Ridge Country is a bi-monthly publication featuring original photography and award-winning stories about the history, travel and lifestyle of Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia and Kentucky.