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Greenbrier
Written by: Janet Pope
Photography by: Donald
Janet and Donald are introduced to 'The Greenbrier' a hotel with a 300 year old reputation for quality and elegance that 'meet or exceeds' the best of Europe. In fact it's, a hotel that could have you asking the questioning, 'what is in your basement?'
The Greenbrier is a story and a destination unto itself. Once you hand your keys over to the valet and the porter takes your bags, you are transported to a world of elegance, style and comfort. As the name suggests, Greenbrier is lush with greenery and seems to be separated from the outside world by garden briers, leaving you into a total fantasy vacation retreat.
Similar to the Grand Canyon or Niagara falls, words about the Greenbrier truly fall short of an accurate description. Though on the expensive side, the Greenbrier is an experience in service and style, with a ratio of one employee to one guest.
Visually the Greenbrier decor is a garden in bloom, with the motif carried throughout every curtain, pillow, dish and bar of soap. There are grand pianos in almost every large public room and in the evening, candles are displayed as a twinkling mood light, and music is softly played in a background to this beyond upscale getaway.
The amenities are many, though several carry an additional fee. This is not a place for the budget conscious. Ranging from golf to Falconry, from tennis to bowling, there is a lot to do. After seeing the grandeur of the lobby, our suite was as beautiful as you would expect. With a king-sized bed, walk-in closet, a living room, two baths, two televisions and two plush robes. This room eliminates the squabble over who gets the remote control, or who uses the bathroom first.
Wanting to get a feel for the Greenbrier’s vastness, we went on expedition to check out the boutique and specialty stores on the lower levels. Though definitely on the pricey side, each one was fun to browse through. The shops led us past the fully tiled swimming pool, reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s era, to the bowling alley, where I talked Donald into a quick game.
The weather, warm and sunny, was a perfect West Virginia day to explore the grounds. Out back is the original white sulphur springs, where many visitors came, until only recently, to drink the cool mountain waters known for its purity. Artist cottages dot the back lawn, displaying their handmade glass, metal and pottery.
We headed back to our room to change for dinner, since dinner there is a formal affair. Strains of violins and piano music could be heard as we approached the dining room. The food and the service were five-star and epitomized southern elegance and how unhurried dining used to be.
Though there was evening music entertainment we opted to relax and see a movie in the theater.
Day 1 - Morgantown
Day 2 - Morgantown
Day 3 - Lewisburg
Day 3- Part 2 Greenbrier
Day 4 - Lewisburg
Day 5 - Pocahontas County
Day 6 - Part 2 - Pocahontas County
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