Forty-eight hours. That's all it takes to fall hard for the Greenbrier Valley. Tucked into the Allegheny foothills of West Virginia, this place has a way of surprising first-timers when they discover a resort with Cold War secrets, a cave spa carved into the mountainside and a small town with its own Carnegie Hall. Whether you're mapping out your first visit or finally making the trip you've been putting off, this is your shortlist of what not to miss.
The historic resort has been welcoming guests for more than two centuries as a retreat for “taking the waters.” Today, it's the backdrop for the ultimate getaway offering a world-renowned mineral spa, an impressive culinary scene and legendary golf. Even if you’re not planning a stay in the lavishly styled hotel, visitors are welcome to walk the grounds, even take a carriage ride. Spend the day wandering the opulent resort, hotel shops and boutiques along Alabama Row. Make sure to schedule a tour of The Bunker. The declassified fallout shelter was a closely guarded secret during the height of the Cold War.
Named USAToday 10Best Craft Distilleries in 2018, Smooth Ambler has made a splash on the whiskey scene. For anyone who has an appreciation for a well-made product, a tour of Smooth Ambler should be added to your vacation to do list. Dedicated to perfecting its whiskey, the friendly staff walks guests through every step of the process—from grain to glass. With a small fee, you can even sip on samples.
For a tasting room with a view, Hawk Knob is located in the rolling hills outside of downtown Lewisburg. They use traditional hand-crafted methods and WV heirloom apples for a selection of hard ciders and honey mead.
LOCAL GEM: For Sunday brunch at Hawk Knob, dine outside in the rolling hills that make up the Greenbrier Valley. The menu is rooted in Appalachian comfort food done right, the cider is cold and live acoustic music drifts across the farm most Sundays from noon to 3pm. Bring the whole family. Kids and dogs welcome.
For a town with a population sitting just below 4,000, it’s always hopping... festivals, live music, great food and a surprisingly lively cultural scene. Lewisburg is home to Carnegie Hall, one of four remaining in the world and Greenbrier Valley Theatre, the state professional theatre of West Virginia. It also has its own artist enclave, Lee Street Studios, where you can meet local artisans and purchase their work.
INSIDER TIP: Take a self-guided walking tour of the city's historic architecture (stop by the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center in downtown Lewisburg for the guide). Also, the North House Museum is the keeper of the region's story, with daily house tours available. The museum's collection includes Civil War artifacts, an 18th-century Conestoga wagon and the first rural free delivery postal buggy.
Downtown Lewisburg regularly tops must-see lists from around the country.
The Greenbrier Valley is one of those rare places where you can hike or ride two epic rail trails in the same visit. The Greenbrier River Trail stretches 78 miles along the winding Greenbrier River, with highlights that include bridge crossings, the Droop Mountain tunnel and riverside sunbathing. The Meadow River Rail Trail covers 23 miles through noticeably more rugged terrain — massive boulders, steeper ridgelines and two photo-worthy bridge crossings. Both trails share the same packed-gravel surface, gentle grade and side-by-side width, with the southern terminus for each landing right here in the valley.
Need a bike or a shuttle? River City Bikes & River Adventures serves the GRT, and Meadow River Guides & Gear handles the MRRT. If you're looking to take a dip in the Greenbrier River, Greenbrier Outfitters offers stand-up paddleboarding and kayak outings. Or get the family out on tubes with River City Bikes & River Adventures.
LOCAL GEM: Meet Ragnar, Floki and Athelstan, three pack goats that join hikers and bikers for guided treks along the Greenbrier River Trail. Book the Cowboy Breakfast with The Greenbrier Goat for a mid-trail feast made with local ingredients, plus goat time, wildlife spotting and lots of trail charm.
Underneath the Greenbrier Valley, miles of tunnel systems stretch across the land. Visitors can take a closer look at what lies beneath in Lost World Caverns. Venture below the earth’s surface 120 feet to witness an underground marvel of colossal proportions. The self-guided tour covers a well-trod half-mile loop with colorful lights highlighting these actively growing stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. If you're looking to explore the deeper depths of the cave, the four-hour wild cave tour might be for you!
This underground experience will leave you more relaxed and less dirty… unless you schedule a mud mask. Tucked away in the hillside a few miles outside of White Sulphur Springs, Pomona Salt Cave and Spa is a man-made cave lined with thousands of pounds of Himalayan salt. They offer halotherapy, massages, facials, foot soaks, and even fresh smoothies and juices to complement your day of rejuvenation.
INSIDE SCOOP: "It's built into the side of a mountain, making it the only one of its kind. This special environment gave birth to the idea of a holistic spa, so from the moment you pull into the parking lot to the moment you leave, everything is intentionally chosen and geared toward creating your ultimate experience. Our most popular couples' package is the Mountain Memories— three hours' worth of pampering and a healthy snack."
-Adriana & Marius, Proprietors
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