Bluefield, West Virginia is a city that's had some rough days, but it's been experiencing many exciting changes. Take a look at some of the things that you'll find in this charming town.

Bluefield, West Virginia was founded in the 18th century, beginning with two pioneer families who settled in the area.

The First Lady of Bluefield, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Miller Davidson, is credited with having said "Oh what lovely blue fields," as she observed the blue Mountain Chicory blooming in the area where the city would later be.

Bluefield has a reputation for charming hospitality, which is demonstrated by the city's official lemonade days.

Since 1938, the Chamber of Commerce has given free lemonade to the public when the temperature is greater than 90 °F.

At the height of the coal boom, Bluefield was called a "Little New York" and had a bustling, big city feel.

The Great Depression, the decline of the coal industry, and a series of fires hit Bluefield hard. The city declined in population. But recent efforts are focused on bringing the city back to life.

Many small businesses are starting to open in Bluefield's downtown area as part of revitalization efforts.

The Bluefield Yarn Company is one of the newer shops in the downtown.

This little shop offers luxurious yarns, as well as classes and tutoring for projects. Address: 313 Federal Street, Bluefield, WV 24701.

The Blue Mountain Mercantile is down the block.

The Mercantile sells handcrafted items from local artisans.

The store also regularly offers classes to design your own creative works.

You'll find handmade toys, artwork, ornaments, furniture, clothing, and more here.

Address: 320 Federal St, Bluefield, West Virginia.

Blue Mountain Apothecary is also located in the building.

This little shop sells handmade soaps and other indulgent body products, made with all-natural ingredients and scented with essential oils. You can also buy the products here.

Landmark Antique Mall is a three-story antique store filled with vintage treasures.

You're sure to find something here that will take you back to the good old days.

Address: 200 Federal St, Bluefield, WV 24701.

Bluefield's restaurant scene is also seeing some great developments.

Patty Joe's serves homestyle meals and fresh seafood. Address:

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3029 East Cumberland Road, Bluefield, WV 24701.

Portabella's is an Italian restaurant with delicious comfort food and New York style pizzas.

Address: 412 Princeton Ave, Bluefield, WV 2470

The Big Whiskey BBQ Company is an authentic barbecue restaurant with a variety of meats and sauces to choose from.

Address: 610 Raleigh Street

Bluefield, WV 24701.

Bluefield is celebrating Christmas in a spectacular way with the Holiday of Lights at Lotito City Park. The park has a 1.5 mile drive through the lights, making it one of the biggest displays in the state. Address: 1780 Stadium Drive, Bluefield, WV 24701.

The park displays nearly a million lights, which take months to set up into all the festive designs.

On special event days, families can take hayrides with Elsa and Olaf through the light displays.

There will be Frozen hayrides taking place on December 23 and December 30.

There are also trolley rides available.

The trolley travels through the light show on a trip to visit Santa.

The trolley stops at Santa's workshop...

... and the children get a chance to go inside and talk to jolly old Saint Nick.

You'll want to have your camera ready!

The light displays at the park will continue each night until the new year, when once again Bluefield will celebrate in its own special way.

On New Year's Eve, Bluefield has its own version of the The Times Square Ball drop, but what drops in the center of town is, of course, a lemon! The symbol of the city's hospitality is sure to bring great things for the new year.

If you need a place to stay to visit all these festivities, consider the Bluefield Inn.

This charming bed and breakfast is located in a beautiful historic home built in 1904. Address: 2109 Jefferson St

Bluefield, West Virginia.

Call (304) 323-2200 for reservations.

Take a look at this video from Mercer County about the Holiday of Lights. The last trolley ride to see Santa will be December 23, 2016, but you can still drive through the lights until January 1. For directions and more information, go here.

For another town in West Virginia that's coming back to life, check out what's happening in Princeton.