Born and raised in Washington D.C., Kristy Lanier is the founder/owner of the Dirtbean in downtown Marlinton, beside the Opera House. While she grew up in the D.C. area, Kristy left the east coast to live in more peaceful surroundings in Honolulu. She resided there for about 10 years until eventually making Pocahontas County her home. Her bike shop and café is a mash-up of two concepts and cultures that go hand in hand: bikes “dirt” and coffee “bean”. Located alongside the Greenbrier River Trail, bike riders, hikers, and people from all walks of life have made the Dirtbean a go-to stop for the finest bike gear and services, refreshments, and bites around.

The café offers Williamsburg coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, teas, and sweet treats. For breakfast, you can order anything from a 3-egg scramble to the popular, “Da Kine Bagel” which has ham, egg, cheese, spinach, tomato, and pesto. The lunch menu consists of assorted sandwiches, wraps, and gourmet pizzas. Some popular dishes include the Veggie Burger, Hawaiian Ham Sandwich, Chicken Avocado Wrap, Quesadillas, Hawaiian Pizza, Fish Tacos, and Summer Salad with alfalfa sprouts and organic greens. Desserts include cinnamon buns, scones, and a variety of specialty cookies.

“Wonderful place, wonderful people! Great food. Right on the Greenbrier trail. Stop here if you’re in Marlinton!” – Addie A. via yelp.

There’s also an assortment of beer and wine, including some of West Virginia’s award-winning craft brews. On draft, there’s Mountain State Brewing Co’s Miner’s Daughter Stout and Almost Heaven Amber Ale, Big Timber Brewing Co’s specialty Porter, and Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co’s Devil Anse IPA. Patrons also have the option to order bottled Bud Light, Yuengling, and Michelob Ultra.

In between sips and bites, pursue the retail space which features a huge selection of bikes. Some brands are Giant, Louis Garneau, Shimano, Terry and Selle Italia saddles, Continental and Schwalbe tires, Time and Crank Brothers Pedals. The bike shop is full service. You can purchase a new bike, parts, or get a tune-up (call ahead for tune-ups).

The Dirtbean officially opened its doors on the Main Street during Autumn Harvest Festival/Roadkill Cook-off on September 25th, 2004. In 2014, a devastating fire destroyed the Dirtbean on Main Street. The current location is on 812 3rd Ave, but keep your eyes open for their final move. The Dirtbean’s future home is 818 2nd Ave in downtown Marlinton (directly behind the current location).

“This is an awesome place, period.  Sort of like a Burt’s Bee’s store in the middle of West Virginia. It is a bike shop, catering to the many nature people riding the Greenbrier Trail.  It is an awesome coffee shop with WiFi, mellow music, and cooky decorations.  It is a restaurant with tasty sandwiches, healthy cakes, quiches and cookies. Overall:  Supreme.” – Louis B. via Yelp

Most of her life, Kristy has pursued a healthy lifestyle.  In the late 90’s, she raced bikes professionally and has raced in France and Maui in mountain bike and XTerra Off Road Triathlons. Kristy says, “I got on a mountain bike and just loved it. Being outside on trails that are technically and physically demanding pushes the limits in a fun way.”

While riding bikes, she spent a lot of time in coffee shops. For Kristy, the Dirtbean is a lifestyle. She invites you to share the experience that feels like home and smells like the best coffee you’ll ever have. Bring your family, your co-workers, your friends, and your bike or laptop. Above all, enjoy yourself.  

– HashtagWV #102. June 2018.