Luxury and Fun!

One of the reasons I came back to Virginia was so that I could be near my sisters after over 30 years of being far apart.  Last fall we determined that we need to schedule time together or it just doesn't happen in our busy lives.  We had heard of a great deal at the Greenbrier Hotel Resort for what they called the "Tribute to the Virginias".  They had a special deal where you could stay for two nights and have your dinner and breakfast included each day for an amazing price.  We decided to go for it and scheduled a time right before Christmas. Keep in mind that these were non refundable, non transferrable reservations. Several weeks before we were to leave my sister Kathy ended up in the hospital.  The original diagnosis looked like she would be out and ready for a good vacation in time but then things went wrong and she had complications with her breathing and they couldn't get her off the respirator.  Things continued to worsen and then our major concern was for her life.  Connie, my oldest sister, sprang into action and called the Greenbrier, explained our situationl,shed a few tears and the Greenbrier graciously changed our reservations to late February.  There were a few complications along the way but by last weekend we found ourselves at the Greenbrier!  We had an amazing time and enjoyed each others company.  It was such fun seeing how the really truly rich live.  Kathy (almost all well!) said her friend described the Greenbrier as like being on a Cruise Ship without having to go anywhere.  I think that is an accurate picture.  There is so much to do there and it was all included.  If you would like to read more and see more pictures here is the link to the Greenbrier web site.resort.http://www.greenbrier.com/the-greenbrier.aspx.

The casino is under those flowers!

Grand Staircase

As you can see by it's main page they have a Casino.  They put it underground and it is only available to guests of the resort.  Here we are in front of the fountain at the Casino.  We weren't allowed to take any pictures of the casino itself (I tried).

They have such amazing service and although the resort was at full capacity that weekend they treat you like you are the only one that is there.
Here we are as we began our trip.  The wind was beginning to pick up as we left my house so we look a tad wind blown!

It was snowing lightly when we arrived but the bellhops helped us get all settled in to our rooms.  Aren't these great looking rooms?  The beds were wonderful!

We took a tour of the underground bunker that was secretly there since the 1960's for the evacuation of the house and senate.  A truly fascinating story full of intrique.  Go here if you would like to read more about it.
http://www.greenbrier.com/staying-here/the-bunker/bunker-history.aspx It would still be operational today if it had not been compromised in 1996.

Dorothy Draper http://www.dorothydraper.com/History.html did all of the interior and her company continues to do so today.  It is very eclectic and you would never think so many diverse things would look good together but they do!  Here are some interior pictures. I should have taken pictures of the bathrooms, they were amazing..marble, granite and real towels for each person! Everything in this place is perfect!

this is the cameo room..see why?

Cameo Ballroom

this amazing fireplace is the only operating one in the hotel.  It is lit with the first chill and it is kept burning round the clock until the warm weather arrives. Above the fireplace is a painting of George Washington just like the one in the capitol in DC but this one was painted by Stewarts daughter.http://www.georgewashington.si.edu/portrait/non-flash.html

There is a picture of President Kennedy in front of this hallway. 

We ate very well!  Breakfast was in the Main Dining Hall and there was an all you could eat Buffet or we could have anything on the menu. I had eggs benedict one day and the buffet the next.

Every day there was coffee in the morning, tea and cookies at 4 and hot chocolate and cookies at 9.  So much fun!

I didn't get pictures of the ice skating rink, the bowling alley, the infinity pool, the spa, the bocci ball courts,tennis courts and on and on..so much to see and do.We went to the presidential cottage museum and had a wonderful slide tour one morning led by the Greenbrier Historian. I did get a few pictures of the amazing pool.  It is still the original tile pool!

People originally came to this part of West Virginia for the mineral springs that abound.  This is the Spring house on the property.

 They even have a Falconer that is a local member of the Mormon church. Many of the employees at the resort are from families that have worked there for generations  I am so glad that we were able to experience all of this with sucha nice package deal!  We hope to return next year!
 Here we are on our final night on the steps together.  I love being with my sisters! What a wonderful trip we had (and it's only an hour from my house!)