I told my editor that this week is absolutely crazy for me, so I freely admit that I’m taking the easy way out. I’m writing about a single destination . . . but what a destination.
You might scratch your head about a visit to West Virginia, as most people think of that state as a bit of an accident, with lots of industrial mines. But if you ever get the chance, stay at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Built on 6,500 acres in the Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier is a member of the Historic Hotels of America scheme and has been welcoming guests since the late 18th century.
Founded around the sulfur springs that give the nearby town its name, The Greenbrier made a name for itself as a spa and health center. That part of the property truly is amazing, and I am assured by others who have actually taken advantage of the services available in the spa that it is worth a visit. Right now, the place is offering discounts, as well as special spring “hydrotherapies” to help you get ready for the summer.
I was lucky enough to go there to see the golf courses, and they are spectacular. “The Old White” course has been entirely redone, bringing it back to its original state, as built in the early 20th century. If you’re a serious golfer, it’s a great place to visit. If you’re REALLY serious, sign up for The Greenbrier Golf Academy, where you can get some great golf tutorials while experiencing all three courses on the resort grounds.
The resort also offers some unusual experiences. For example, you can go on a two-hour horseback ride that takes you up and down stunning mountain trails that give you great views of the Alleghenies. You also can try falconry; I didn’t do it when I visited, and I’m still kicking myself!
Finally, it seems a little corny, but it’s worth taking a free “behind-the-scenes” tour of the place, which resembles the White House if you approach from the front of the building. You’ll learn about the resort’s history, and you’ll get to see parts of the place that not everyone sees. It’s icing on the cake of a visit to The Greenbrier.
During the summer, The Greenbrier has airline shuttle service from places like Atlanta and Cleveland, and you also can take the Amtrak from lots of places on the East Coast, or even from Chicago. But I thoroughly enjoyed my drive through the mountains from Baltimore. It took quite a long time, but it offered a surprise around every corner.
(I’m a bit saddened by the fairly recent addition of The Greenbrier Sporting Club, “an upscale private residential development” located at the resort. It feels like a bit of a sell-out and dampens my enthusiasm. I should also note that the resort is coming out of bankruptcy, as it was just sold to a local businessman who has long loved The Greenbrier. That can only mean good things for the place!)
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