Written by Beth Gill, Director of Marketing at Experience Greenbrier Valley
Nestled in the rolling hills of southern West Virginia, the Greenbrier Valley is perfect for adventurers searching for off-the-beaten-path activities. From underground explorations to hiking with a herd of goats, you will have some entertaining stories to share with all your friends when you return.
See what this unique slice of West Virginia is all about and try these seven surprisingly cool things to do in the Greenbrier Valley.
1. The Greenbrier Goat
Take a four-mile round-trip hike on the Greenbrier River Trail with a team of pack goats to carry the day’s supplies. Yes, you read that correctly! The Greenbrier Goat combines the serenity of West Virginia’s Greenbrier River Trail with the companionship of pack goats. History buffs, nature lovers and animal enthusiasts alike enjoy this hike. Choose from four treks and make this adventure the greatest of all time!
2. Lamp Light Glass Art
Did you know that The Greenbrier Resort has glass-blowing? Create your glass artwork at the Lamp Light Glass Art “hot shop” at The Greenbrier Art Colony Shops. During your 30-minute or one-hour lesson, you’ll enjoy one-on-one instruction from a Lamp Light Glass Art glass-blowing artist, learn the fundamentals of glass blowing and create your piece of glass artwork to take home as a keepsake.
3. Crossfire Archery
How good is your aim? Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day of shooting in the Appalachian Mountains. At Crossfire Archery, try archery on an outdoor course, featuring life-sized 3D targets placed along a scenic wooded trail and pastures of a small farm. Whether you’re a seasoned archer or a newbie, Crossfire Archery offers a thrilling experience in a beautiful outdoor setting. Take a few warm-up shots at the practice archery range before tackling our thrilling full 15-shot 3D archery course.
4. Falconry Lessons at Greenbrier Outfitters
Falconry w/ Greenbrier Outfitters offers guests the rare opportunity to experience the 4,000-year-old sport of falconry, or “the sport of kings.” This is your chance to “meet” owls, falcons and hawks in a close setting and experience the art of flying these birds of prey to retrieve wild quarry. Take lessons to build your falconry skills and learn what it takes to strategically flush the game and reward the majestic bird.
5. Lost World Caverns
Take a closer look at what lies beneath the Earth on a wild cave tour of Lost World Caverns. You’ll descend 120 feet below the Earth’s surface into a vast wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave remains a constant 52 degrees, so pack a light jacket and comfortable footwear for your tour. You’ll see formations such as The Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton compound stalactite, presumed to be one of the nation’s largest. The Bridal Veil is a beautiful column of sparkling white calcite. There is also the War Club, a 28-foot stalagmite made famous when Bob Addis sat on it for nearly 16 days, to get his name in the Guinness Book of World Records. Bring the whole family and enjoy this epic exploration.
6. Greenbrier Off-Road Adventures
Depending on your definition of “going rogue,” Greenbrier Off-Road Adventures has just the
machine for your adventure. Navigate 10,000 acres of rocks, roots and steep hills behind the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler or Polaris RZR side-by-side equipped for four. Want to stay on pavement? Take a half-day or full-day spin through the countryside in a two-person, open-air, roadster Slingshot. If the grounds of The Greenbrier are just your speed, take a guided tour atop your transporter Segway.
7. Pomona Salt Cave & Spa
Tucked away in White Sulphur Springs, Pomona Salt Cave and Spa offers a journey into wellness, restoration and natural beauty. Rejuvenate yourself in this man-made cave lined with thousands of pounds of Himalayan salt. Treatments include halotherapy, massages, facials and foot soaks. You can also explore the Himalayan salt cave, crafted with over 18,000 pounds of pure Himalayan salt. Immerse yourself in a calming microclimate filled with negative ions known to reduce stress, support respiratory health and boost overall well-being.
The luxurious spa offers a full spectrum of therapeutic services from massages, facials and body treatments to rejuvenating foot treatments and halotherapy. Every experience is designed to bring harmony to your mind, body and spirit. Let the benefits of halotherapy continue as you sleep in elegant relaxation in a beautiful salt lodge.
Beth Gill
Director of Marketing – Experience Greenbrier Valley