Electrical Engineer turned Outdoor Professional! Hampton grew up in the outfitting world and when push came to shove, she adopted her favorite motto #Forget Engineering and returned to the industry she loves. She is a mother of two wonderful boys, and if you need a little nerdy humor, she can throw it your way.
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Top Outdoor Activities to Enjoy at The Greenbrier

Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, The Greenbrier offers an array of outdoor activities that promise relaxation, adventure, and connection with nature. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who prefers leisurely strolls, The Greenbrier has something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the top outdoor activities available at this iconic resort.

Golfing on Championship Courses

The Greenbrier’s tradition of excellence is vividly displayed through its meticulously maintained championship golf courses, where the intertwining of nature’s beauty and strategic design creates a golfer’s paradise. The Old White Course, having hosted the PGA Tour’s Greenbrier Classic, offers holes that challenge even the most seasoned pga professionals, underscoring the presence of history and prestigious play. Redesigned by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, the course features rolling fairways punctuated by challenging bunkers and water hazards that demand precision and strategic play. As you stroll the lush greens, each swing unfolds against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views.

Golf enthusiasts are often drawn to The Meadows course, a favorite for its dynamic green complexes and stunning vistas. Undergoing a dramatic remodeling in recent years, it now boasts features like stacked sod bunkers, which elevate the experience to a new level of sophistication and challenge. The Sport of Kings is alive and well here, inviting players of all calibers to indulge in the supreme pleasure of a day spent perfecting their game among the storied landscapes that have seen legendary players grace its greens.

Experience Thrills with White-Water Rafting

Imagine the rush of adrenaline as you navigate the swirling rapids of the Gauley River on white-water rafting expeditions. Known as one of the world’s premier white-water locations, it offers a variety of challenges from exhilarating class III to V rapids. The thrill of conquering these waters, framed by the picturesque wilderness of West Virginia, is an adventure like no other.

But the adventure doesn’t end with the rapids. The guides ensure a truly immersive experience by sharing fascinating insights about the local ecology and history, bringing the river to life as an integral character in your adventure. The Gauley Season, spanning from September to October, offers rafters optimal conditions as the dam releases ensure high water levels and an exhilarating ride. This season is beloved by thrill-seekers, promising a high-energy adventure that etches lasting memories.

Peaceful Nature Walks and Hiking Trails

Beyond the thrill of the rapids and fairways, The Greenbrier offers serene escapes through its extensive nature trails and hiking paths. Step into a world where the soft crunch of leaves underfoot harmonizes with the calls of native birds. Whether you choose a gentle walk through the resort’s manicured paths or opt for a more challenging trek up nearby mountain trails, each path promises a retreat into the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains.

Venture into Greenbrier County, WV, for wonderful hiking opportunities right at your doorstep. One popular choice is the Greenbrier River Trail, a scenic path that stretches for over 75 miles along the beautiful Greenbrier River. This gentle trail is perfect for families, offering a flat route that’s great for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of the river and surrounding hills, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers.

Each of these trails provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty that defines Greenbrier County. So lace up your hiking boots, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the wonders waiting just beyond The Greenbrier.

Tennis and More at the Sports Complex

The Greenbrier’s commitment to sports goes beyond golf; it extends into its comprehensive tennis complex, which hosts a rich array of facilities catering to players of all levels. Boasting ten courts, five indoor and five outdoor, along with a dedicated tennis stadium, the resort offers guests a stellar venue to hone their skills or simply enjoy a friendly match in a world-class setting. Daily clinics and professional coaching are available, making it an ideal space for both novices and experienced players to extend their game.

The sporting spirit doesn’t end with tennis. The complex also features pickleball courts, offering one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports that is accessible and exciting for all ages. For those driven by fitness, an array of workout classes and wellness facilities, including yoga and strength training sessions, are designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. The sports complex is a hub of high-energy activity and camaraderie, ensuring days filled with health-focused fun and fitness.

Fishing Adventures at Howard’s Creek

For those who find solace in the quietude of angling, Howard’s Creek offers an ideal backdrop for a day spent fishing. The creek, celebrated for its serene environment and abundant fish population, invites anglers to enjoy a restful yet rewarding experience. As you cast your line into the gentle waters, you are enveloped in the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding nature.

The Greenbrier provides all necessary equipment and guidance for those new to fishing, making it an inclusive experience for families and groups seeking to try something new. Whether you are patiently waiting for trout to bite or simply soaking in the peaceful vibes of Howard’s Creek, the adventure promises a deep connection with nature and an opportunity to unwind. It’s a perfect way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and embrace the gentle rhythm of the creek’s flowing waters.

Embrace the Outdoors at The Greenbrier

Greenbrier Outfitters offers a rich tapestry of outdoor experiences that cater to all interests and adventure levels. From the thrill of kayaking to the serene beauty of a guided nature hike, every visit promises to be memorable. So pack your bags, embrace the fresh air, and dive into the myriad of outdoor activities waiting for you at The Greenbrier. Experience the legacy and history of this iconic resort today by visiting our homepage.

The Greenbrier Hotel at Sunset
CategoriesFamilies, individuals, Lifestyle by

SIX AWESOME REASONS TO STAY AT THE GREENBRIER

Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, the pops of color, well-manicured lawns, and outstanding all-around beauty, is a stunning white classic iconic fixture that one can retreat to and escape the everyday worries of life. The Greenbrier, a fabulous resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, has been hosting families and guests for over 240 years.

Words are far and few to showcase how grand and unique The Greenbrier is. Superb décor, outstanding activities, and spectacular amenities are just a few of the six awesome reasons to stay at The Greenbrier.

1. The Spa

Healing sulphur springs await your arrival at The Greenbrier Spa. Let the healing waters wash away your troubles as you relax with a cup of warm tea or juice freshly made.

2. Golf

As the ladies or gentlemen, relax in the spa, grab the clubs and head out to one of the three superb resort courses, an exclusive private course, and a walking par 3 nine-hole course. Soak in the mountain views at either The Old White, The Greenbrier, The Ashford Short Course, or The Meadows.

The Old White has hosted numerous rounds of 18-holes since 1914. The Greenbrier course has been around since 1924 but received a complete makeover by Jack Nicklaus in 1977 so that the Ryder Cup could be hosted. Today, The Greenbrier course is 9-hole, wooded with forced carries to the green.

The Ashford Short Course takes you on a walking adventure for 9-holes, a great way to work on your short game, or get in some golf when 18 holes are not possible. This course is a perk for members of Greenbrier Golf and Tennis Club, The Greenbrier Sporting Club, and for those that are Greenbrier guests.

The Meadows has received several upgrades and facelifts since its opening in 1911 as Lakeside/Meadows. Some of those incredible modern features include stacked sod bunkers and reconstructed greens.

3. Pools

Take the family and relax by the outdoor pool as you soak up some rays and incredible West Virginia mountain views. Should the weather not cooperate, hit the indoor Olympic size pool designed in the 1940s.

4. Prime 44 West

Put on your best dress coat, press the white shirt, and head down to where the most exquisite aged beef, fine wines from all over the world, and fresh seafood is abundant. Take in the upscale atmosphere as it blends in with dark and natural woods. This upscale and inviting steakhouse is named in honor of West Virginia native and NBA legend Jerry West. Should you be feeling up for an adventure, order the Jerry West 44 Ounce Porterhouse.

5. Tennis

Ten incredible courts, five inside and five outside, along with a 2,500-seat professional tennis stadium, provide guests of The Greenbrier a delightful way to showcase their skills and form. It is ok if you have never picked up a racket, there are daily clinics, along with lessons for folks of all ages. Prices vary based upon if you wish a private, semi-private, clinic or group lesson.

Court and rental fees also apply if you do not have your own racket. There is also a dress code of sports shirts with collars, tennis shirts, knickers, tennis shorts, and walking shorts. Should you decide on an indoor court, you will need to have shoes with soles of light color.

6. Carriage Ride

Whether it is a romantic evening or quality family time, touring the property of The Greenbrier via a horse-drawn carriage is a beautiful way to make memories. Enjoy an incredible 50-minute ride as you envision how guests traversed the grounds a century ago.

Should you wish to spend an intimate evening together, private carriage rentals are offered during regular hours.

Bonus: #7. Greenbrier Outfitters

We will admit we are just a little biased, but for all things outdoors, trust Greenbrier Outfitters. Whether you want to experience birds in flight at the falconry program, climb the 55 foot tower, glide across the cables of the Aerial Adventure Course or throw tomahawks, Greenbrier Outfitters has you covered.

CategoriesFamilies, individuals, Lifestyle, Team Building by

3 REASONS TO CONSIDER WHITEWATER RAFTING THE GAULEY RIVER

West Virginia comes alive every fall with whitewater rafting adventurers seeking out the Gauley River. Load up your gear and head to Randolph, Webster, Nicholas, or Fayette County for some of the most rugged terrains in the country.

Starting Labor Day weekend and continuing for six weeks is Gauley Season. When you are seeking some whitewater adventure, consider whitewater rafting The Gauley River because it offers up over 100 steep gradient rapids to fulfill every thrill seekers dream. Two sections of this fabulous river will have you speeding down and across the rapids in no time.

This one-time year event happens around when the dam is scheduled for release, giving all adrenaline gurus a rush in a setting of wilderness for some 25 miles.

THE UPPER GAULEY

When your adrenaline has you pumped up and rearing to go, head to the upper Gauley. Pillow Rock and Iron Ring are just two of the outstanding class lll to V+ chutes and drops you will encounter. For even more high pumping action, maneuver along the rocky routes of Shipwreck or Lost Paddle.

The upper Gauley is hands down the most challenging trip when whitewater rafting. The upper Gauley expects you to pump out some extreme paddling power and bring it full speed. You earn your badge of honor when tackling this part of the river.  

These high rolling rapids will have you gliding along smoothly, and then before you know it, you are sideways, water pouring in, facing the mighty white-capped loud rapids and bam out of the raft. If the 12 miles of secluded remoteness along over 50 class ll through V whitewater rapids do not give you a thrill, the 14’ cascading waterfall surely will!

THE LOWER GAULEY

Should you not be a master at whitewater rafting just yet or are experienced looking for some milder class lll-V run, the Lower Gauley is calling your name. Fifty rapids await you along with some big water guaranteed to have you craving more as you traverse over ten miles.

Most of your excursion will have you sailing through coaster waves to class lll and IV rapids, then to a superb class V to top off your fun.

SAFETY

Now that you have considered whitewater rafting the Gauley River, are you going to venture out on your own privately, or book with a local guide/outfitter? Whitewater rafting is intense and risky, therefore before you jump right in and let it all hang out, take into consideration that someone could potentially lose their life.

Ensure that everyone who climbs on board with you knows the risks and agrees to take responsibility for their safety freely. Being able to swim before running whitewater rivers is strongly advised.

Almost all guides/outfitters have minimum age requirements. For instance, the minimum age could be 16 for the upper Gauley and 12 years of age for the Lower Gauley. Before booking your excursion, read all FAQs and information so that no one is disappointed because they are too young.

CONCLUSION

Whitewater rafting on the Gauley River is a great way to challenge yourself, bring your family closer together, or have fun with a group of friends. In West Virginia, with the whitewater season being noticeably short, do not forget to book in advance so that you do not miss out on an incredible memory-making moment on the Gauley River.

Colorado Springs Team Building
CategoriesLifestyle by

Take Your Corporate Tour to the Next Level with Greenbrier Outfitters

Take Your Corporate Tour to the Next Level with Greenbrier Outfitters

With companies across the world affected by COVID-19, now may be the perfect time to wrangle your team together in order to refocus and regroup. White Sulphur Springs and the sprawling natural beauty that surrounds it make for the ultimate backdrop for corporate tours, outings, and team trainings. Greenbrier Outfitters offers a variety of specially-designed tours to help businesses get the most out of their time in White Sulphur Springs. Our corporate tours are expertly crafted to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience your team will never forget. Here are a few ways Greenbrier Outfitters can assist teams hoping to enjoy some outdoor adventure. 

Greenbrier Resort Corporate Tours

With over 27 years of experience dealing with high-level clients and guests across all industries, we know a thing or two about engaging a group. First, our team works closely with yours to determine your goals. Whether your it’s improving trust among your team, boosting morale, or strengthening your team dynamic, we’ll use your goals to craft a 5-star event that sees your team embark on a day of adventure. Activities are designed to drive cooperation and teamwork each step of the way, and with activities suitable for all fitness levels, no member of your team is ever left behind. 

Carefully Crafted Experiences

Trust in your tour guide is important. Our White Sulphur Springs outdoor tours are guided by a team of professional facilitators with years of experience in planning adventures for groups of all sizes. Whether you are set on an action-packed day that challenges your team, or a calming, serene escape that focuses on improving mental health, our team at Greenbrier Outfitters is dedicated to delivering an experience that captures the essence of Greenbrier County and the great outdoors. 

Lewisburg WV Outdoor Team Building Activities

There’s no shortage of adventure when you’re visiting The Greenbrier. At Greenbrier Outfitters, we specialize in crafting thrilling experiences, and we do this with careful consideration for our guests’ comfort and safety. Groups that book with Greenbrier Outfitters can select from exciting outdoor activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, or even falconry. Each of these encourages cooperation, trust, and teamwork to help you make the most of your team-building trip. 

The Famous Greenbrier Hunt 

Scavenger hunts are a great way to bring your entire team together for a common goal. Our version, the Greenbrier Hunt, is a modern twist on the classic. Gather your team for a heart-pumping day of scouring around Greenbrier County in search of adventure. This app-based activity is both challenging and fun for participants, with a great sense of accomplishment after completion. Other team activities, such as The Amazing Race, FireQuest, and Battle of the Bridges, are a sure way to keep guests engaged for hours.

Are you ready to take your next corporate event or team-building day to the next level? Call us to start planning your next day in Lewisburg or White Sulphur Springs. 

Geocaching with Broadmoor Outfitters in Colorado Springs
CategoriesFamilies, Lifestyle by

Geocaching: A Family Adventure or Solo Fun in Greenbrier County

Are you looking for an outdoor recreational activity in the Colorado Springs area that could be a family adventure or solo fun? Then look no further than geocaching. Getting started is simple; all you need is your mobile device, GPS receiver, or some other navigational tool to look up the coordinates.

What is a Geocache

For the normal geocache, first, a geocacher places a logbook (including pen or pencil), items to trade in a container, and records the coordinates of that cache. Next, the coordinates and location become shared on a listing site. Those that geocache then finds the coordinates on the site take their GPS devices and go hunting. Once they find the location and item, enter the entries into the logbook and online.

 

In the world of geocaching, treasures, or swag, are items that do not have a substantial monetary value. They may, though, be personal to those who hide the loot. Typical swag includes books, little toys, coins, hat pins, and different types of buttons.

 

Do not forget to return the cache to where you found it so that others may find it. The item, except the logbook, pen, or pencil, may be taken if you have something to leave in its place.

 

Some caches that move from one place to another. Hitchhikers, as referred to, usually have detailed goals assigned to their items. Some examples include placing the cache xx amount of distance from home.

 

Travel Bugs and Geocoins are specific caches that have websites for people to log and follow where they have been online.

 

Almost anything is as a cache except for food, drugs, andanything illegal. Refer to the rules of the listing site.

 

Some great places to geocache in and around Colorado Springs include the Fallen Firefighter Memorial or the Nature Center at Garden of the Gods.

 

Types of Geocache

 

Challenge Cache

This type of geocache requires the geocacher to complete individual geocaching goals before they can record that they found the cache. Possible tasks would include finding five caches in a particular category or locating a cache every day for 30 days.

 

Geocaching.com classifies this type of cache part of the Mystery cache. Other listing sites may consider the challenge cache a standalone class.

 

Mystery Cache

Solve a puzzle or locate specific information, and you will be participating in a mystery cache to find precisely where your cache is.

 

Night Cache

You guessed it! Break out the flashlights, see where the reflectors take you and find that prize location! Some listing sites may classify this as a type of mystery cache.

 

Multi-Cache

The Multi-cache occurs in one or more steps. Locate one, gather the coordinates, move to the next, again recording coordinates, and finally finding the container with the logbook.

 

Traveling Cache

After you have obtained the coordinates from the listing site, head out, find the cache, and then take it somewhere else. You would record the coordinates of where you placed the item so that the next geocacher can continue the cycle.

 

Location Cache

Location caches are close to a scavenger hunt. The geocacher has a description of what to locate. The item you are searching for could be a yellow fire hydrant, brown door, red and black boat, or pink flamingo. After finding the article, use your GPS device and record the location. A picture of both the object and device occurs as well. No one else can use this location as a find.

 

Traditional Cache

Traditional caches are widespread and common. A container with a logbook is standard, as are exact coordinates for locating the cache.

 

Conclusion

Geocaching is an excellent outdoor recreational activity to do with family or solo in the Colorado Springs area. Broadmoor Outfitters  can help you get going. Whatever site listing you decide on utilizing your observation and detective skills will be put to the test looking for those containers.

Geocaching is a great way to social distance exercise at the same time. So, gather up the family or lace up your tennis shoes and have some fun. Contact Broadmoor Outfitters  for more information and how to get going.