Hotel at a Glance: The Greenbrier

If one fact says all you need to know about The Greenbier, it’s this: 26 U.S. presidents have stayed at this resort in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains. Situated on 10,000 acres of manicured estate grounds, the award-winning resort features five championship golf courses, a mineral spa, a Monte-Carlo-inspired casino, and enough restaurants, bars, and lounges to satisfy any craving at nearly any hour.

• Founded in: 1778—the hotel is officially designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
• The press says: The hotel was an easy choice for the Travel + Leisure “500 Best Hotels in the World” list, while Fodor’s calls it “one of the leading resorts in the country” and says it “exudes historic charm and old-fashioned elegance.”
• Treat yourself: The mineral spa incorporates native sulphur spring waters into its treatments
• Secret history: The resort has a bunker that once served as an emergency government fallout shelter; it’s now open for tours
• Other notable guests: The Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
• Onsite dining: There are more than a dozen restaurants, bars, lounges, and cafes to choose from
• Win big: The 100,000 square-foot onsite casino has high-stakes thrills and an upscale Southern style. For all new casino members, slot credits, $20 for the first night, and an additional $10 every night after, are included. Existing members receive $10 slot credit each night. If gambling isn’t your style, spend the night dancing at the onsite club, 42 Below.
• Things to do: The resort has an unparalleled variety of activities, from enjoying an afternoon tea, to bowling at the onsite alley, to a carriage sleigh ride and ice skating.
• Themed weekends: Beginning in January, The Greenbrier will be presenting their 2015 Discovery Series. This series features themed weekends, such as a culinary weekend, a wellness weekend, and an arts and culture weekend, with events, classes, and tours taking place Friday through Sunday. Additional charges may apply.

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia: Mineral Springs and Outdoor Playground

The small town of White Sulphur Springs is essentially centered on The Greenbrier resort. The resort itself, meanwhile, is centered on a spring of sulphur water, which flows from inside its iconic springhouse. The lush estate expands outwards from there, and guests can take advantage of some 55 organized activities. You can spend your days exploring the mountains on an off-road driving adventure, experience the unique Alpine Climbing Tower, or get up-close and personal with majestic birds of prey during falconry lessons.

If you somehow manage to master all of the resort’s on-site activities, consider heading to the nearby Greenbrier State Forest for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.