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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The Greenbrier (www.thegreenbrier.com ), in White Sulphur Springs, is a top luxury destination. Everyone from Robert E. Lee to Jessica Simpson has indulged in its amenities, but more importantly, they make you feel like a star. It’s a one-of-a-kind environment priding itself in centuries of Southern hospitality.

 

Renowned for two kinds of healthful springs that flow underground, The Greenbrier uses its waters at its modern spa. As part of the healthy lifestyle experience, it has many sports on the grounds and host The Greenbrier Classic PGA golf tournament. This year’s attendees were treated to concerts from Reba McIntyre, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, and homegrown favorite, Brad Paisley.

 

The grand white Greek revival resort nestled in 6,500 acres of lush forest was redesigned by society decorator Dorothy Draper and recently “freshened” by her famed protégé, Carleton Varney. Draper used bright colors and patterns precisely to make each section in the vast premises an eye-catching gem, rather than a boring Habitrail of subdued sameness.

 

Today’s designers like Lilly Pulitzer and Martha Stewart merely follow in her footsteps. The Greenbrier has had chefs who went on to cook for the White House; culinary flair is in everything from classic Southern cuisine to modern gourmet favorites. Starting this summer, The Greenbrier has a bona fide nightlife. The new glamorous casino is open 7 days a week, until 4 am weekends. The Greenbrier is less than 3 hours from Huntington.

 

Where to stay: The Greenbrier has several types of accommodations. The main building has different sizes of rooms with luxuriously appointed beds, spa robes, and complimentary WiFi. There are guest houses, some of which allow your dog or cat. They also have estate houses with one to seven bedrooms, each with private bath. Some have parlors that accommodate 200 guests.

 

What to do: You’ll have a hard time picking from the many activities. Generations have renewed themselves at the incredible spa. Their “seasonal treatment” has several steps, currently the “Drift Away Body Voyage.” It starts with a lavender -larkspur tub soak that changes colors, followed by a vanilla body polish, a vanilla body mask and ends with vanilla lotion. The Greenbrier has three 18-hole championship golf courses.

 

There’s shooting and horseback riding. Kayak locally, or in drier weather, they’ll take you to the Jackson River in Virginia. The Adventure Zone, for kids ages 3-12, combines artistic and sporting activities for half or full days. The spotlight of attention on The Greenbrier’s brand new casino is well-deserved. It’s fun with a sophisticated VIP feeling. Along with slots and table games, you’ll find stage shows, restaurants and exclusive boutiques open late.

 

Where to eat: There are several dining options, with some signature venues. The elegant “grande dame” is the main dining room, serving classic West Virginia specialties like brook trout and American fare like veal and lobster. It has a good combo band and dance floor for that extra-special ambiance. Jacket and tie are required for men at night.

 

Ties are optional at Prime 44 West: It has a slightly more relaxed vibe. A restaurant honoring West Virginia’s NBA star Jerry West, it serves the finest steaks and seafood along with down-home sides. Diners enjoy the West Virginia State Fair blue ribbon winning cornbread, created by Cathy Justice. It’s buttery with true corn flavor. Another home-style, but decadent, item is Karen West’s Italian Cream Cake with coconut-cream cheese icing.

 

If you crave something more casual, there are tasty coal fired pizzas at The Forum, a sports lounge, a sushi bar, and several cafés.
 

Courtesy of Tamar Alexia Fleishman

The Greenbrier, in White Sulphur Springs, is a top luxury destination. It's a one-of-a-kind environment priding itself in centuries of Southern hospitality.

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