Since my buddy Dave has announced that he is giving up most of his blogging, it got me to thinking about mine. I believe my blog is as they were meant to be - my journal - where I can go back and find recipes, pics, our travels and so on, thus I have no intention of quitting right now or I would miss all of that documentation, plus it gives me something to do. I have recently been posting every three days but I don’t have many folks stopping by to read quite a few of them and so I had an epiphany. I can keep writing up my blogs to get the documentation I need but I don’t have to publish all of them but rather just the ones that I think you will find interesting and hopefully about more than just food.
Greenbrier Hotel pic from the web.
Growing up in WV, as far back as I can remember, at least into junior high, I
recall hearing about White Sulfur Springs, WV and The Greenbrier Resort – it
was a favorite of President Eisenhower and Slamin Sammy Snead was the club golf
pro. All of my life I have wanted to go
there for a stay and since we were visiting family in northern WV, we decided
it was now or never for a stay at the Greenbrier on our way home. And since our neighbor Steve had worked in
the area in the past and had also always wanted to stay there, he and Pat
joined us for the three-night visit.
But before we left the Fairmont area (see the last post) I
had to eat Marion County hot dogs one more time and after trying them at three
different places, I decided I preferred Woody’s so
we went there for brunch on our way south.
While the online trip planners recommended driving via the
interstates, we took the scenic back roads from Fairmont, WV to White Sulfur
Springs, WV which gave us the opportunity to see more of the countryside than
whizzing down the interstate and Bev got to see the very hilly and very curvy
roads I learned to drive on. US-250 from Fairmont to Grafton was especially gnarly.
Along the way we stopped at Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort and were
shocked at the lodging growth since we were last there about 30 years ago.
Then we stopped at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and looked thru the store and had an ice cream. The old logging railroad used Shay Steam Engines (gear driven in lieu of piston driven) and the track had switchbacks going up the mountain.
The scenic RR wasn't running this day so not many folks around.
Then it was just up the road to the worlds largest radio telescope at Greenbank, WV so located because it is one of the quietest places on earth. (Interesting short read about it on Wikipedia)
We arrived at the Greenbrier Resort about 5pm and were greeted by these views of the entrance.
We were met at the entrance and our luggage and car were handled while we proceeded to check-in.
I forgot to take a pic of our room but it was similar to this.
The first evening we looked around a little and ate supper at the very nice Forum Italian Restaurant in the resort.
I had octopus which I was a little disappointed with the amount of it (two very small pieces) but the others enjoyed their meals. Octopus is okay but I won't have to get it again.
More about the Greenbrier to come.
Photos can be slightly enlarged
by clicking on them and the blue words are links.
Have a
great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
Larry
7/29/25
event date
My goodness, that resort is amazing. And I've been meaning to compliment Bev. Something about her looks amazing - don't know if it's the hair cut or what, but she looks 10 years younger. Octopus: nope for me. We cooked in it culinary school and I wouldn't even take a bite.
ReplyDeleteThe world of blogging has definitely shrunk. I think those who don't blog or journal, will regret not having the info from years of blogging. I don't blog much but I will continue when I have something to blog about.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at how hilly WV is. Also beautiful. We never made it to the Greenbrier, so I'm thrilled with your pictures. The octopus, not so much. 😅😅
Cindy Lou loves these photos. I’m so happy you were able to visit a place you’ve always wanted visit. Bev & Pat look absolutely beautiful… what a joy and privilege to travel to unique places especially those you’ve wanted to visit for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Always look forward to it.
ReplyDeleteWe love that area. Haven taken the railroad up that mountain about 3-4 times. We love it --since I am a steam train lover.... We've passed by that resort --but never stayed there... I don't blog but once a month now since we don't travel much anymore.... I do love looking back at all of my posts to find when we did something..... BETSY
ReplyDeleteHi Larry, Was there a hot dog under all that sauce. Since I was raised on a similar hot dog version, I do understand this hot dog classic. Back roads...again, y'all are getting out there and seeing the USA up close. I've always wanted to visit the Cass Scenic Railway State Park...loving trains as I do...but have never gotten around to it. Might make it yet... We saw a piece on Sunday Morning a few years back about that radio telescope and the requirements for living in the area. As I think I mentioned before, we've been to White Sulphur Springs before (visiting the Barnwood Builder's store - from the TV show), but we only drove by The Greenbrier...didn't stop. As for your octopus dinner, we both love octopus but we would have had to ask some modified version of "Where's the beef". Take Care, Dave and Laurie
ReplyDeleteWell, I for one hope you never stop blogging. I love stopping by a few times a week to catch up on all of your adventures, restaurant meals, and recipes. The hotel looks AMAZING–what a brightly colored hotel room! It's too bad your dinner wasn't as good as you hoped, but glad you are finally staying at this hotel you've had your eye on for years.
ReplyDelete