The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier has earned its designation as a National Historic Landmark several times over. Located at White Sulphur Springs, which has been in use as a natural spa since the 1700s, the grand hotel has hosted 26 presidents, foreign dignitaries, and royalty, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. However grand and luxurious it is as a resort, it has played other historic roles, too.

Early in World War II, it was used as a detention center for German and Japanese diplomats who were in the United States when war was declared. Later in the war, it was commandeered by the U.S. Army to use as a hospital, where nearly 25,000 patients were treated. More than 50 different activities are available in the resort and in the 5,100-acre Greenbrier State Forest. Along with horseback riding, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, adventure courses, and a 40,000-square-foot spa, the resort has multiple golf courses (even an indoor one for winter) and a distinguished golf history as the venue for numerous championships.

Greenbrier State Forest offers cabins and campsites, swimming, fishing, bike trails and hiking - the 78-mile-long Greenbrier River Trail is a multi-purpose rail trail that is also used for cross-country skiing in the winter. A getaway in one of the centuries-old Legacy Cottages is one of the most romantic things to do in West Virginia.

Official site: https://www.greenbrier.com/

Address: 300 W. Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Phone: (855) 453-4858

Entrance fee: $3 per person weekdays and $5 per person on weekends. Kids in car seats get in free.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0