Hotel Spotlight: The Greenbrier in West Virginia
If you're like me, West Virginia doesn't initially come to mind when thinking of must-visit travel destinations. However, thanks to one gorgeous resort nestled in the mountains of this southern state, it should be! Here's why…
At the end of August, my mom and I took a quick girls' trip to The Greenbrier after dropping my younger sister off at college in Virginia. Our short two-hour drive through the Appalachian Mountains led us to the small, charming town of White Sulphur Springs where "America's Resort" has been welcoming guests since 1778. I knew very little about The Greenbrier prior to our arrival, other than it is home to championship golf courses, but as soon as I stepped inside the lobby I knew we were in for a special weekend.
The first thing that drew me in about The Greenbrier was its bold personality on display through the eccentric, yet traditional, interior design of the resort. Famously decorated by interior design icon, Dorothy Draper, the resort became a one-of-a-kind destination after World War II. Her love for bright colors, bold patterns and attention to detail can be seen everywhere, bringing energy and passion to the 11,000 acre luxury retreat. It truly is a sight to see and in my opinion, worth the trip alone! But the striking design is only the beginning...
Offering more activities than one would ever have time for, The Greenbrier literally has something for everyone! Of course, there are the golf courses, tennis courts and clinics, indoor and outdoor pools, a renowned mineral spa, a movie theater, bowling alley and large casino. But, there are also more unique activities like off-road driving, skeet shooting, an aerial adventure course, falconry, paintball, afternoon tea and carriage rides, just to name a few. And when you have down time, there's plenty of on-site shopping and dining options to choose from. I recommend enjoying at least one dinner during your stay in the Main Dining Room, where you'll experience the epitome of southern cuisine and entertainment. Make sure to check out the dress code before your trip, as The Greenbrier loves tradition and requires guests to dress up in places such as the Main Dining Room.
On top of all this, the resort has an incredible history. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier has hosted royalty and celebrities alike, including 26 of the 45 U.S. presidents. The resort was a hospital during both the Civil War and WWII, and also was home to a secret bunker built to house Congress in the case of a nuclear attack, which you can tour.
Walking the grounds, my mom and I couldn't help but think that The Greenbrier would be a great location for a family reunion or destination wedding. With all it has to offer it's the perfect location for big events to quick weekend trips. Since there's no major airport close-by, one thing to keep in mind when booking travel is that there's an Amtrak station on property, with Business and Cardinal services from Washington D.C., New York City and Chicago. Both my mom and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay and know we'll return again one day. In fact, we've already talked about our next visit!
Thank you, The Greenbrier, for a wonderful stay!
