Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Surprise at White Sulphur Springs, WV

     
We've written before about the Greenbriar in White Sulphur Springs, WV. It's a place we've stayed every other year as an extension to a business meeting of Steve's.  This was our last meeting and it caused us to wonder if we'd be back for a visit on our own.

The Greenbriar history begins in the 1850's, when it was called The Old White.  For us it's always held the charm of the old south and, well, a racial divide that's less charming. It's a place that has both evolved and is stuck in time. 

There's plenty of options to be found on over 6,700 acres with more than 700 rooms in a mix of residential buildings as well as the immense  main white columned structure. Don't let the simple exterior fool you. The interior is a riot of patterned color made famous by Dorothy Draper and prototypical of what we think of today as typically southern decor. Let's just say  that without Dorothy, there would never have been a Lilly Pulitzer. 

There is every imaginable diversion here from renowned spa and fitness to horseback riding, skeet shooting, fly fishing, tennis (indoor & out), pools, bowling, croquet and even shuffleboard. Kyacking and rafting are close by and hiking through the property up to 3,000 feet provides amazing views. Did we mention the new, understated casino? Shopping, galleries and an artist colony offer diversion, along with cooking demos and multiple restaurants to tempt  - or send you back to the gym. 

Did we mention golf?  There are three courses, including the oldest in the PGA tour. And yes, that's us. Steve found his glove and dusted off his golf shoes. Me - well the last time I played 9 holes was over 2 days in Fiji three years ago. And before that? Probably a decade. But we did 8 holes together, only lost a couple of balls in the water and had a terrific time. 

Always looking for a place that might satisfy the ever expanding interests of our grandchildren and their parents - and at only 2-1/2 hours from DC - who knows? Maybe this southern charmer is just the ticket. 


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