Tune in on Saturday, August 14 to Peter Greenberg Worldwide broadcasting from the historic Greenbrier Resort in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia.
Although travelers may head to this neck of the woods for the resort (it does, after all, have its own bomb shelter), there is more to do in the Greenbrier Valley than you can believe.
Read on to learn what some of the locals have to say.
Dr. Robert Conte, Greenbrier Historian
No longer are guests just settling down for a weekend at the resort. Guests like to get out and poke around. And, why wouldn’t they? This is extraordinarily beautiful countryside. It’s why I live here.
With a population of about 4,000, Lewisburg, WV is the closest we get to an urban center. There are a variety of neat shops, restaurants and venues to explore here. Hungry in Lewisburg? Go to Food & Friends. The full menu for lunch and dinner is nothing exotic, but that is the charm of the establishment.
Find great local haunts in our Ask the Locals Travel Guides section.
Beartown State Park is located 35-40 miles from Greenbrier. This is a real local spot. The park has boardwalks throughout, taking you on walks and hikes through the woods. On a hot summer’s day there is no better place to stay cool than under the shade of the forests tall trees. You can’t bet the price either. It’s free. www.beartownstatepark.com.
For a tandem day trip, try this: National Radio Astronomy Observatory is 45 miles from the Greenbrier in Green Bank. The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope is the world’s largest fully steerable single aperture antenna. Explore the universe with picture images of galaxies light years away.
Afterwards, drive on over to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Built in 1901, this rail system was used to in the lumber trade. Go back in time and marvel at the massive fleet of original stream locomotives.
Rich Rosendale, Executive Chef of the Greenbrier
Outdoor activities are not hard to come by in this neck of the woods. If you want to hike or bike, just ask around as the trails are everywhere. There are also many opportunities to go fishing, hunting or even try your hand at falconry. After a fast-paced week, it is wonderful to spend weekends surrounded by nature’s beauty.
For those who like to go antiquing, head to Lewisburg and White Sulfur Springs. The main streets are crawling with antique shops. There is so much history here, and it is amazing to find remnants of the Greenbrier. Being a chef, it’s always a joy to find old iron-cast skillets or an old meat grinder.
At the Greenbrier, be sure to take a tour of the underground bunker. Built in the late 1950s, this bunker was to be utilized as a secret nuclear shelter for members of Congress. Basically they constructed an underground city. There is a dentist office, TV broadcast center, decontamination room, bunks to sleep in: the list goes on. It is remarkable down there. Sign up for a tour through the resort.
Touring during the day makes for a hungry belly. Mix it up, get some Mexican food in Lewisburg. Carlito’s is a fun, family oriented restaurant. Not far from the Greenbrier, this restaurant serves up delicious enchiladas and tacos.
In case you are in need a little night life, head to the bars in Lewisburg. With live entertainment and an endless list of imported beers, The Irish Pub on Washington Street is sure to be a good time.
Also on Washington Street is Hamilton’s Wine Bar. The atmosphere is perfect for a late-night glass of wine.
Butch Antolini, Executive Editor for the Register-Herald
White Sulfur is a small town, but within the region there is a plethora of things to do, all within 90 minutes from the resort.
Some activities are seasonal. In the summer, trout fishing is world class. For those who enjoy winter sports, there is amazing downhill and cross-country skiing. Snow shoeing is popular around here as well.
Lansing, West Virginia is where the outdoorsman go to play. See the West Virginia from above at the TreeTops Canopy Tour, which gives you a new perspective of the Appalachians. Spend half a day in the New River Gorge flying down zip lines, traversing bridges and hiking.
Not a fan of heights? How about Class VI Mountain River rafting? Some of the best white-water river rafting is found on the New River. Plan an adventure for the whole family. Prepare to get wet.
Take your adventure off road on ATVs. The Hatfield McCoy trail offers over 100 miles of terrain through the Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park.
By Grace Leigh Kelly for PeterGreenberg.com.
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