Written by Beth Gill, Greenbrier County CVB
Surrounded by the natural beauty and clean air of the Allegheny Mountains, the Greenbrier Valley is home to endless adventure, entertainment and relaxation opportunities. There’s an Instagrammable moment around every turn, from the grandeur of The Greenbrier to a collection of vibrant small towns filled with music, theatrical productions, artwork and reminders of the region’s place in the nation’s history. And, its proximity to the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve opens up additional vistas.
Lean into Luxury
With a hospitality history that stretches back to 1778, The Greenbrier sets the standard for luxury. Overnight guests can choose among such amenities as the Casino Club, a famed spa, plentiful dining options and outdoor activities including horseback riding, tennis, golf and fishing. Day visitors are also welcome to participate in many activities. Come and experience one of Southern Living’s top picks for southern resorts to visit this fall.
Let Us Entertain You
The valley boasts a vibrant arts scene with downtown entertainment venues in Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs. Reserve a seat for a live drama, comedy or musical performance at Greenbrier Valley Theatre, or a concert at Carnegie Hall. Freed from the cavernous halls and impersonal stadiums of big cities, discover the immediacy of the experience when high-caliber artists perform in these smaller, more intimate spaces.
Feel the Wind in Your Hair
Drink in the lush landscapes along the valley’s curvy backroads, stopping in a small town or pausing at a scenic overlook to appreciate a mountain view or rustic covered bridge. While such leisurely drives can be had in your own automobile, Greenbrier Off-Road Adventures offers a chance to ride on the wild side in the form of a Polaris RZR experience or the edgy Slingshot, a three-wheeled open-air roadster you can rent for a half or full-day trip.
Connect with Mother Nature
There’s no better way to connect with nature than hiking one of the Greenbrier Valley’s forested trails. Best known is the Greenbrier River Trail, a wide 78-mile former railway bed that begins in Caldwell and ends in Cass, with plenty of scenic vistas (and occasional wildlife) along the way. Also intriguing is a pair of shorter “loop” trails — Blue Bend Loop and Lake Sherwood trails will end where you started!
Quench Your Thirst
Hand-crafted, small batch production of beer, spirits, cider and mead is flourishing in the valley, and producers often welcome visitors to their facilities. Smooth Ambler Spirits not only conducts tours of its distillery but also houses a cozy tasting room and gift shop. Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company features a brew pub, and Hawk Knob Hard Cider and Mead is known to host intimate dinners on its waterside deck.
Satisfy Your Taste Buds
The influence of The Greenbrier’s culinary excellence extends across the valley, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and innovative dining experiences around every turn. In Lewisburg’s walkable downtown historic district are more than a dozen locally-owned restaurants specializing in everything from burgers and tacos to fine French and Italian cuisines. The French Goat serves up an authentic fine dining experience, while Hill and Holler is the place to go for delicious Neapolitan pizza. The Stardust Cafe is a wonderful stop for those looking for a fresh take on local (and globally inspired) flavors.
Relax in a Spa
A selection of world-class spas awaits visitors to the Greenbrier Valley. Among the amenities at The Greenbrier is its 40,000-square-foot mineral spa, known for its sulphur waters and luxurious pampering. The unique Pomona Salt Cave and Spa is nestled into a mountainside only a few miles away, where guests may choose between salt and sound sessions or even a Sunday morning yoga class, all while enveloped in the soothing subterranean atmosphere.
Find the Perfect Souvenir
Searching for a unique keepsake of your visit? Take a gander at the treasures found in the valley’s array of antique stores and specialty shops. White Sulphur Springs is home to Sweet Cedar & Company and Barnwood Living (a magnet for fans of the “Barnwood Builders” television show), while Alderson is known for the eclectic Alderson’s Store, the oldest retail shop in West Virginia. In downtown Lewisburg, be sure to check out Brick House Antiques, Harmony Ridge Gallery and Bella the Corner Gourmet.
Head Underground
Some of the Greenbrier Valley’s most intriguing marvels are quite literally underground. Wander through the gigantic ancient stalactites and stalagmites as you take a self-guided tour of Lost World Caverns. Or dip into more recent history with a tour of The Greenbrier Bunker, an expansive Cold War-era Congressional bomb shelter veiled from the public for decades.
All of your Greenbrier County adventures are sure to lead you to a unique and special retreat. Extend your adventures with a special Greenbrier Valley Visitors Guide packed with more top destinations and hidden gems.
Adventure Explorer: Beth Gill
Director of Marketing
Beth Gill is the Marketing Director at the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau. One of her favorite pastimes is getting outdoors to explore West Virginia’s rivers, trails and backcountry.
Shared in Partnership with Greenbrier County CVB
Welcome to the Greenbrier Valley! Long before English settlers claimed the region, it was largely uninhabited by anything but flora and fauna. With nearly three hundred years of progress, today’s visitors will find that many of the landmarks, first families and charm of small-town life are very much intact.
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