The Greenbrier



The Greenbrier (minus the flowers)

Not sure exactly when I found out about The Greenbrier, I'm thinking in the early 80's, but ever since then, I've always wanted to go.  Well, today, my wish came true.  We took a side trip to White Sulphur Springs, West VA where this historic landmark is located.  Prepare to be amazed.  

 

We left our campground around 7:30 AM in an effort to get there in time to take the Interior Tour at 10:30 but missed it by about 40 minutes...oh well.  We took our own private tour and were just as happy.  I did a little online research before going and could not wait to see all of the bright, colorful fabrics, rugs and wallpaper inside the Main House, all designed by Dorothy Draper....absolutely stunning.  She was a pioneer in interior design in her day and her influence continues today.

  

The original building was built in 1779.  Today, it boasts 710 rooms, including 33 suites and 96 guest and estate houses.  There are 10 lobbies which flow together with large black and white tiles and those bright, beautiful colors on the walls and richly upholstered furniture.  There are more than 40 meeting rooms and a full blown conference center facility.  The Greenbrier has been visited by Presidents and distinguished guests from around the world for decades so it's a bit of an eerie feeling when walking these grounds. 



A view of the grorunds...

A nice buggy ride

 

 

Normally, The Greenbrier would be in full bloom by this time of year but we just missed that also.  The groundskeepers were preparing the grounds for the planting of the annuals so my pictures do not fully reflect the beauty of the grounds.

 

We also visited the Pro Shop and, if there is no price tag on an item, don't ask as you probably can't afford it!  I spied a pair of golf shoes to die for, then George walked up to me and politely said "no" and walked away.  Kinda funny.  We walked out on the back patio and watched a couple of guys tee of on #18 of the Old White TPC Course and almost got beaned by an errant tee shot.  These guys were playing from the back tees when one of them yanked it left, it bounced on the pavement in front of us, then hit the building, pinged around and ended up on the brick porch.  Oh, by the way, the greens fee for the Old White is $365 per person.  



The Crochet Club

The Old White TPC Course

 

#18 on The Old White TOC Coiurse











We had a quick lunch on the brick porch then walked around the grounds a bit.  The trees are magnificent and some have very unusual shapes. We walked down to the original sulphur springs gazebo which is now dry, but you can smell the sulphur as you approach it.  We drove around the remainder of the premises.  There are more than 55 activities in and around the facility so there is no shortage of things to do.

Odd Shaped Tree

White Sulphur Spsrings Gazebo

From there, we drove the 11 miles to Lewisburg, hometown of my dear friend Bev Albrecht and where we parked the motorhome while touring The Greenbrier.  We drove through the historic district and where the General Lewis Inn is located (sorry but my picture did not turn out).  It's just an adorable little town and was declared "Best Small Town in 2011".    

After leaving there, we went through two tunnels on the way to Fort Chiswell, VA where we will stay until Friday.