The Greenbrier’s white exterior looks stately against the Alleghenies. Inside, a series of lobbies decorated with antiques and historic paintings feature splashy colors and brilliant flowers.
Two hundred years ago guests flocked here for the natural springs. Now they come for more than 50 activities. Swim in the new outdoor infinity pool or the restful indoor pool, go fly-fishing, indulge at the spa, play tennis, ride a horse, take part in an off-road driving school.
Choose from three golf courses or hone your skills at the Golf Academy. The Meadows offers mountain views and is the most forgiving of the three. Heavily wooded, the Greenbrier Course features well-bunkered greens that require accurate iron play. The Old White has holes modeled after European courses.
Bottom line: Classic and upscale, with very good food and more activities than you can do in a weekend.
The Greenbrier, 800-453-4858; greenbrier.com. Summer rates range from $389 to $579 a night for two.
This article first appeared in the April 2005 issue of The Washingtonian. For more articles from that issue, click here.