A grand resort nestled in the mountains of West Virgina with tales of elite visitors, such as Lou Gehrig, Eleanor Roosevelt, and countless presidents, can only mean one thing - class, luxury, and grandeur.
The Greenbrier possesses a unique history all it's own. What initially began as a place of healing through the area's mineral springs led to a retreat for countless prominent members of society, including presidents, politicians, and the list continues. In the 1950's, an underground bunker was created at The Greenbrier to house U.S. Congress in an emergency - a story and effort that I find incredibly fascinating.
Photographs demonstrating fashion shows, fancy balls, and none other than Jacqueline Kennedy and Grace Kelly line the walls outside the hotel lobby. Every square inch of the resort pays tribute to the renowned interior designer, Dorothy Draper, with it's bold patterns and bright colors characteristic of the maximalist design approach. The architecture speaks to an attention to detail that is often lacking in this day and age, and speaks to a level of class that I simply adore.
You may wonder, why am I raving about a resort in West Virginia for a blog post dedicated to a women's fashion line? Let me explain...
Gracing the Greenbrier at Christmas was a luxury to behold. The staff at the resort clearly leave no attention to detail discarded, as perfectly arranged wrapped presents line the doorways, an active train travels it's tracks in the resort lobby, professionally decorated Christmas trees put the one in your home to shame, and green wreaths with red bows give the classic all-white resort the final touch of the holiday season. The snow that laid across the resort during our visit provided the final touch of sophistication only nature can provide. A lighting of the large Christmas tree at the front entrance with hot chocolate and cookies provided, as well as joyful caroling, put the experience in the realm of a classic Hallmark Christmas movie. If simply the decor, activities, and atmosphere were not enough, one could shop for holiday decor at Christmas at the Depot, a quaint shop filled to the ceiling in what previously was the railway depot. Let's simply say, Christmas at the Greenbrier truly is magical.
If you are an individual such as myself that deeply enjoys all the eateries the first meal of the day has to offer, I highly recommend eating at the Main Dining Room. The buffet holds an extensive selection of sweet luxuries that will begin one's day the way it should start - satisfied. The taste? Well, let's simply say I was not actually aware I enjoyed bread pudding. (Note - it was AMAZING!) Draper's Cafe offers delicious ice cream if in need of a sweet treat. The resort offers a long list of dining accommodations, we simply had a short stay and were only able to experience these two.
I must say I hope to have the privilege to travel to the Greenbrier again during the summer so as to experience all the resort has to offer when the temperatures are higher and the pools are open. This sun-loving woman is thankful for the opportunity to experience the Christmas magic, but I lean on the side of warm weather most every day of the year.
Medora, I can see why you loved this place...its' very walls held your same demeanor and class. I wish I could sit across from you and discuss it with you. The conversation with you would be even more magical than the resort.