The Greenbrier Hotel at Sunset

SIX AWESOME REASONS TO STAY AT THE GREENBRIER

Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, the pops of color, well-manicured lawns, and outstanding all-around beauty, is a stunning white classic iconic fixture that one can retreat to and escape the everyday worries of life. The Greenbrier, a fabulous resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, has been hosting families and guests for over 240 years.

Words are far and few to showcase how grand and unique The Greenbrier is. Superb décor, outstanding activities, and spectacular amenities are just a few of the six awesome reasons to stay at The Greenbrier.

1. The Spa

Healing sulphur springs await your arrival at The Greenbrier Spa. Let the healing waters wash away your troubles as you relax with a cup of warm tea or juice freshly made.

2. Golf

As the ladies or gentlemen, relax in the spa, grab the clubs and head out to one of the three superb resort courses, an exclusive private course, and a walking par 3 nine-hole course. Soak in the mountain views at either The Old White, The Greenbrier, The Ashford Short Course, or The Meadows.

The Old White has hosted numerous rounds of 18-holes since 1914. The Greenbrier course has been around since 1924 but received a complete makeover by Jack Nicklaus in 1977 so that the Ryder Cup could be hosted. Today, The Greenbrier course is 9-hole, wooded with forced carries to the green.

The Ashford Short Course takes you on a walking adventure for 9-holes, a great way to work on your short game, or get in some golf when 18 holes are not possible. This course is a perk for members of Greenbrier Golf and Tennis Club, The Greenbrier Sporting Club, and for those that are Greenbrier guests.

The Meadows has received several upgrades and facelifts since its opening in 1911 as Lakeside/Meadows. Some of those incredible modern features include stacked sod bunkers and reconstructed greens.

3. Pools

Take the family and relax by the outdoor pool as you soak up some rays and incredible West Virginia mountain views. Should the weather not cooperate, hit the indoor Olympic size pool designed in the 1940s.

4. Prime 44 West

Put on your best dress coat, press the white shirt, and head down to where the most exquisite aged beef, fine wines from all over the world, and fresh seafood is abundant. Take in the upscale atmosphere as it blends in with dark and natural woods. This upscale and inviting steakhouse is named in honor of West Virginia native and NBA legend Jerry West. Should you be feeling up for an adventure, order the Jerry West 44 Ounce Porterhouse.

5. Tennis

Ten incredible courts, five inside and five outside, along with a 2,500-seat professional tennis stadium, provide guests of The Greenbrier a delightful way to showcase their skills and form. It is ok if you have never picked up a racket, there are daily clinics, along with lessons for folks of all ages. Prices vary based upon if you wish a private, semi-private, clinic or group lesson.

Court and rental fees also apply if you do not have your own racket. There is also a dress code of sports shirts with collars, tennis shirts, knickers, tennis shorts, and walking shorts. Should you decide on an indoor court, you will need to have shoes with soles of light color.

6. Carriage Ride

Whether it is a romantic evening or quality family time, touring the property of The Greenbrier via a horse-drawn carriage is a beautiful way to make memories. Enjoy an incredible 50-minute ride as you envision how guests traversed the grounds a century ago.

Should you wish to spend an intimate evening together, private carriage rentals are offered during regular hours.

Bonus: #7. Greenbrier Outfitters

We will admit we are just a little biased, but for all things outdoors, trust Greenbrier Outfitters. Whether you want to experience birds in flight at the falconry program, climb the 55 foot tower, glide across the cables of the Aerial Adventure Course or throw tomahawks, Greenbrier Outfitters has you covered.

3 REASONS TO CONSIDER WHITEWATER RAFTING THE GAULEY RIVER

West Virginia comes alive every fall with whitewater rafting adventurers seeking out the Gauley River. Load up your gear and head to Randolph, Webster, Nicholas, or Fayette County for some of the most rugged terrains in the country.

Starting Labor Day weekend and continuing for six weeks is Gauley Season. When you are seeking some whitewater adventure, consider whitewater rafting The Gauley River because it offers up over 100 steep gradient rapids to fulfill every thrill seekers dream. Two sections of this fabulous river will have you speeding down and across the rapids in no time.

This one-time year event happens around when the dam is scheduled for release, giving all adrenaline gurus a rush in a setting of wilderness for some 25 miles.

THE UPPER GAULEY

When your adrenaline has you pumped up and rearing to go, head to the upper Gauley. Pillow Rock and Iron Ring are just two of the outstanding class lll to V+ chutes and drops you will encounter. For even more high pumping action, maneuver along the rocky routes of Shipwreck or Lost Paddle.

The upper Gauley is hands down the most challenging trip when whitewater rafting. The upper Gauley expects you to pump out some extreme paddling power and bring it full speed. You earn your badge of honor when tackling this part of the river.  

These high rolling rapids will have you gliding along smoothly, and then before you know it, you are sideways, water pouring in, facing the mighty white-capped loud rapids and bam out of the raft. If the 12 miles of secluded remoteness along over 50 class ll through V whitewater rapids do not give you a thrill, the 14’ cascading waterfall surely will!

THE LOWER GAULEY

Should you not be a master at whitewater rafting just yet or are experienced looking for some milder class lll-V run, the Lower Gauley is calling your name. Fifty rapids await you along with some big water guaranteed to have you craving more as you traverse over ten miles.

Most of your excursion will have you sailing through coaster waves to class lll and IV rapids, then to a superb class V to top off your fun.

SAFETY

Now that you have considered whitewater rafting the Gauley River, are you going to venture out on your own privately, or book with a local guide/outfitter? Whitewater rafting is intense and risky, therefore before you jump right in and let it all hang out, take into consideration that someone could potentially lose their life.

Ensure that everyone who climbs on board with you knows the risks and agrees to take responsibility for their safety freely. Being able to swim before running whitewater rivers is strongly advised.

Almost all guides/outfitters have minimum age requirements. For instance, the minimum age could be 16 for the upper Gauley and 12 years of age for the Lower Gauley. Before booking your excursion, read all FAQs and information so that no one is disappointed because they are too young.

CONCLUSION

Whitewater rafting on the Gauley River is a great way to challenge yourself, bring your family closer together, or have fun with a group of friends. In West Virginia, with the whitewater season being noticeably short, do not forget to book in advance so that you do not miss out on an incredible memory-making moment on the Gauley River.