Luxury Getaway The Greenbrier in West Virginia Welcomes 28 U.S. Presidents
A Peek into the Unusual: The Greenbrier Resort
Welcome to The Greenbrier, a resort that stands out from the rest in America. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, this luxury haven has quite the past, sharing a unique bond with Washington D.C.
This sprawling retreat, a favorite among generations of US presidents, lies just outside the picturesque town of White Sulphur Springs. Nature's allure has been irresistible to high-society families, dignitaries, and more since 1778. Today, The Greenbrier remains as iconic as ever and ranks as the only West Virginia resort on our 2025 South's Best Resorts list.
While The Greenbrier offers plenty of golf, elegance, and Dorothy Draper's vibrant colors and daring patterns, it's more than just a playground for the wealthy. This resort offers an insight into a lesser-known chapter of American history.
Over 28 U.S. presidents have graced The Greenbrier's grounds over the years, starting with Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, and Millard Fillmore. The resort became known as the summer White House due to their frequent visits. Afterwards, other presidents like Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Dwight Eisenhower, and George W. Bush made their mark on its history.
Beyond housing dignitaries, The Greenbrier played a crucial role during World War II, transforming into a 2,000-bed hospital named Ashford General Hospital. Between 1942 and 1946, it treated more than 24,000 soldiers before returning to its original purpose. Perhaps the most intriguing story, however, concerns its history during the Cold War era of the 1950s.
In an effort to safeguard Congress, the U.S. government built a covert fallout shelter and relocation facility beneath The Greenbrier. Code-named Project Greek Island, this shelter was kept in a state of readiness until 1992, when it was decommissioned and declassified. Today, it is open to the public for tours.
Now designated as a National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier boasts 710 rooms, six Estate Homes, and 64 Greenbrier Cottages. Its amenities include multiple restaurants and shops, a 40,000-square-foot spa, award-winning golf courses, and various recreational activities like fishing and swimming. Don't forget to visit the Presidents' Cottage Museum for a deeper understanding of this legendary resort's presidential history.
Fun fact: Did you know that, hidden beneath The Greenbrier, lies a secret fallout shelter where the U.S. Congress would retreat in case of a nuclear attack? That's right! This Cold War-era shelter, built in the mid-1950s, provides an intriguing look into the paranoia and strategic planning of the time. Today, these bunkers are open for guided tours, offering visitors a chance to explore this historical curiosity.
The Greenbrier, a lavish retreat in West Virginia, is listed among the South's best resorts in 2025, sitting proudly since 1778. Southern Living magazine, recognizing its grandeur, has highlighted this luxurious establishment with a rich history that dates back to the presidency of Martin Van Buren and John Tyler. Not only does it offer golf, elegance, and vibrant Dorothy Draper designs, but it also showcases an enticing peek into the lesser-known chapters of American history, particularly during the Cold War era. In the 1950s, the resort housed a secret fallout shelter, code-named Project Greek Island, which was designed as a covert relocation facility for the United States Congress in case of a nuclear attack. Today, this historical curiosity is open for guided tours.
