The Greenbrier (aka America’s Resort) is my favorite place on the planet to visit – always has been, and I’m guessing always will be. It’s always the same – and the updates are always in line with the traditional decor. The service is always superb. People are polite, friendly, and welcoming. The details at this resort are unmatched: the glossy white painted furniture, the bright floral designs, the crystal chandeliers, and every design element are vibrant, glam and gorgeous. (I have mad love for Dorothy Draper and Carlton Varney.) The dining is unbelievable. And the shopping? There are lots of options, and I always find something special. Finally, the newest edition, the casino…. best decision ever. The casino is gorgeous, fun, and the perfect way to end an evening after a fabulous meal in the main dining room.
For such an elegant resort, you may think you want to leave your kids at home. But, in true Greenbrier Resort fashion, they make it easy to mix family time with adult time. Here are the top 10 things to do at the Greenbrier with kids, and still have plenty of time to enjoy dinner and visit the casino.
1. Dress to impress at the Greenbrier.
Make sure you’re wearing cute shoes & your child is dressed adorably. People will be looking at your shoes and nothing else when you’re cute baby is by your feet!
2. Hang out in the Toy Store.
This store provides hours of entertainment. They have a collection of really cute toys and the store is designed to be very interactive. The train table was a huge hit.
3. Play on the Playground.
This playground is surrounded by a gorgeous green lawn. This makes a beautiful spot for photos!
4. Hire Barb the Babysitter & Go Out.
The Greenbrier resort offers a babysitting service, which allowed all of us to go out to dinner. Those of you with young kids can understand our slight trepidation about the prospect of leaving our child with someone new. I imagined a separation anxiety induced tear fest. Instead, Barb came prepared with toys and a fruit roll up. Within 5 minutes, he was hugging her (what!?) and said “peace out” when we left for dinner. She brought crafts, had a “party” and he sat still for 30 minutes straight playing with play dough and decorating a butterfly. (This is not a lie. I witnessed it while getting ready. 30 MINUTES.) She was amazing. And she texted with updates about his night, and properly praised his cuteness, brilliance, and behavior when we returned!!
5. Send the Kids to Camp.
We didn’t try this but definitely will the next time we visit. You can sign your child up for camp, and they offer different sessions throughout the day and night. They have lots of fun craft activities and a room with lots of toys. No doubt your child will have a blast while you take the time to get a facial in the spa!
6. Yell Buenos Dias into the White Sulphur Spring.
I didn’t witness this, but apparently, it’s great fun to yell “buenos dias!” over and over again in the well. Seriously, for some reason, this spot is not only picturesque but fascinating for kids.
7. Visit the pool.
This gorgeous outdoor pool features mountains as a backdrop. There is a cafe restaurant which is great for lunch or a snack, too. If the weather is cooler, the Greenbrier also has a beautiful indoor swimming pool!
8.Brunch in the main dining room.
This over-the-top delicious spread will wow everyone that attends. The towers of muffins, artisan sausages, quiches, eggs, pastries, fruit, and salmon bagel section top my list as the “best brunch ever” and may* be my favorite meal at the Greenbrier. (*this is not my final answer. Dinners are amazing. Also, I love lunch at Draper’s Cafe…)
9. Order Room Service
Order room service and prepare to have your jaw drop. We had just arrived, were starved, and the last thing we wanted to attempt was to try to get Thomas to sit still at Draper’s Cafe. He needed to roam free and play. So we ordered room service, expecting it to be dropped off like every other hotel. Instead, we were surprised with a white table cloth and table set as elegantly as the main dining room. #9 – Order Room Service
10. Attend Tea Time
Tea, cookies and live music. This event is a tradition at The Greenbrier and is just as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids. Be prepared: it’s every preppy man and woman for themselves at the cookie table. Having a 3 year old at eye level with the cookies is a helpful asset to ensure proper cookie procurement.
VISIT the Greenbrier Resort
Let me tell you, this list is very limited. There are a million other things to do including ice skating during the winter, horseback riding, bowling, movies, croquet, golf… these are just our favorites from the past few trips with our 3 year old!!
The Greenbrier is located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The closest town is Lewisburg, which is a pretty little historic town that has great shopping. The Greenbrier is amazing throughout the year, but they host some pretty amazing events, too – like the tennis expo match featuring Pete Sampras and John McEnroe this past weekend. Check out Greenbrier.com for details about visiting! (and if you go… and you love social media like me, tweet me at @hattongravely so I can see your pictures and be envious!)
Enjoy your visit to the gorgeous Greenbrier resort!!
More Greenbrier posts: Christmas at the Greenbrier + Greenbrier Weekend Getaway for Couples
Another fun resort to visit: our family’s visit to Primland Resort in Virginia and stay in a TIPI in Virginia!
I second tea at The Greenbrier! My daughter and I had so much fun getting dressed up for such an occasion. And she made a point to drink her tea with her pinkie out! Love that place!
Such a lovely place.