Pack Your Bags: The Greenbrier

Nothing says America like apple pie, red, white, and blue, the White House, and of course, the Super Bowl which I’m sure some of you may be watching this weekend.     I thought about sending us to Dallas, the host city of this year’s Super Bowl XLV for today’s “Pack Your Bags” post, but I decided to change our course of travel at the last minute and head instead to what is often referred to as America’s Resort".




All Hotel Photos Courtesy of Preferred Hotels and Resorts Website

Pack your Bags: We’re heading to The Greenbrier in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia where we can just watch the Super Bowl on TV in luxury, be pampered in the spa, play golf on one of three championship courses, take culinary lessons, dine in one of nine restaurants, or try our hands at blackjack in the most sophisticated venue that revels in the warmth and comfort of southern hospitality.  Now that is what I call a SUPER VACATION!

You can do as much or as little as you want. And kids are welcome, too….that is if you want to take them.

The Greenbrier is also a member of  Preferred Hotels and Resorts.   I have stayed in many hotels that belong to this exclusive group.  As a result, I  tend to the look for the “Preferred Pineapple” when selecting a hotel based on my experience because I have to come to know I can expect a great stay.

I know you all are going to be surprised, but I’ve never stayed in this historic resort myself, but it is a property that has always been on my long list of places I would like to check-in so to speak.   In 2004,  I got an unexpected taste of the Greenbrier after an unplanned stop off of Highway 77 in West Virginia where we were on our way to a wedding in Athens, Ohio.   Let’s just say that one stop really wet my appetite for an extended stay.   While driving,  I saw a sign for the Tamarack, which is a one-stop shop for the artisans to sell their merchandise.   While there, we decided to have lunch in the Tamarack’s food court.  As I went through the cafeteria line, I said to my husband, “This food looks really good!”   
Not Same Pie, but Close (A Taste of Home)
As I was reaching for this beautiful, perfectly browned slice of coconut pie, I noticed a sign that said the Food Court was managed by the Greenbrier.  I stored that information, and we sat down to eat lunch.    Our food was delicious!   As I took the first bite of my all-time favorite pie, (I know I said I was a cake girl in Icing on the Cake, but there are a few pies that I like as well.)  I screamed in delight, and people stared.   I don’t think I had tasted a pie that wonderful since my childhood.    I knew at that very minute that I had to experience the Greenbrier one weekend in the future.

Unfortunately, we’ve been a little busy since that pie-eating time seven years ago, and frankly, if I had not loved my friend so much, I would have just gone straight to the Greenbrier after leaving the Tamarack , but the guests at the wedding definitely got an ear full about that coconut pie and my desire to visit this West Virginia resort.
The hotel’s dessert menu has changed through the years, and I no longer see coconut pie on the menu at the resort, but you can still get a slice of apple pie.

The Greenbrier has 682 rooms and 10 lobbies

A National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier represents 230 years of history with its classic architecture, exquisite interior design, carefully sculpted landscape, impeccable service and outstanding amenities.  The most interesting fact about the hotel is that during the height of the Cold War, the U.S. Government built a relocation facility for Congress at The Greenbrier. This 112,544 square-foot bunker, although never activated, remained a top secret for 30 years.  Now, that is what I call a five star bunker!  Daily tours are now offered to the general public and hotel guests for ages ten and up.

In one day in White Sulphurs Springs, you can learn about some of America’s history, relax, rejuvinate, and restore at the Greenbrier Spa, embark in family activities, and even watch TV if you wish.

As for the Superbowl this weekend,  I'm going to have to go with the Green Bay Packers over the Pittsburg Steelers simply because it has GREEN in its name plus I have a childhood friend living in Wisconsin.

Let's give three cheers for Green Bay and the Greenbrier.

Until next time, I'm off to grab a cup of tea!



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