White Sulfur Springs, WV

[Saddleshoes]

OK Guys! It's time to pick the collective Amtrak Unlimited brain again.

Wife and I are taking the Cardinal from CHI to West Virgina in the fall. I am hoping to catch the trees changing color. We will spend two nights in the Greenbrier.

I'm hoping some of my Amtrak Unlimited friends can help me plan my time there. You guys have always been a great source of information in the past. So what ideas do you have for me?

 

[Palmland]

You’re in for a treat at the Greenbrier. I haven’t been there since the 90’s when it was still owned by CSX but all reports indicate it’s as good as ever if a bit more flashy with a casino but still very upscale. Just check out their website for activities- you won’t need to leave the property. Our favorite was a carriage ride in the fall and the very wonderful bar with outstanding drinks! Be aware this is not a beach resort. Thankfully there is a dress code so you won’t see guests wandering about in pj’s and tank tops. Pack accordingly. The food and service were outstanding.

 

[railiner]

I stayed there one night, just for the experience in the mid seventies. They took me from and to the WSS Amtrak station in their dark green Cadillac Fleetwood 75 limo, even though the station sits practically in their front yard.

One thing I didn't get to see was this...still a 'secret' at that time...

https://www.greenbrier.com/Activities-Events/Bunker-Tours-0130-(4).aspx
Be sure to click on the link to the 1992 Washington Post article...

 

[Bob Dylan]

Still a First Class Resort, and as others said, a visit to "the Bunker" is a look back to the Cold War Times.

I couldn't afford to stay there ,then or now,but my lone visit was on Uncle Sam's Dime when I was on TDY in Washington while in the Navy!

 

[trainman74]

The most recent episode of the HBO series "How To with John Wilson" included a look at the bunker. (The title of the episode is "How to Find a Public Restroom." It's a, let's say, unconventional documentary series.)

 

[Saddleshoes]

REPORTING BACK....
Well I am 2 months late in reporting back, as we took this trip 10-14 Oct. But here is are the bullet points.

• We elected not to leave from Chicago as Lafayette IN and Chicago are equidistant drives for us. AND the parking is free in a Lafayette County owned lot 2 blocks from the station . (Call ahead to work out details because you need a printed parking pass to put in you window)
• The Lafayette Station is unmanned with no information about the fact that one must cross over the tracks to board the train. Fortuitously for us, a regular passenger was also waiting there and helped us find our way.
• The Cardinal train has different equipment and procedures than what we are accustom to on the western long distant trains. Our roomette was different but fine. We were not trilled with the dinning arrangements. (It felt like going to a low rent, drive-in type, eatery from my childhood.)
• I had hoped to see the trees changing color but we were a week or two to early. However the route though the New River Gorge was spectacular none the less.
• The Greenbriar was indeed a treat. I had no idea what it was before I got there. It turned out to be an old spa/resort for "old money' from the South. The highlight for us was "lesson" in falconry. We got to feed and handle two hawks and an owl. The food there was outstanding!
• The return trip was nominal. Arrival at WSS was 2-3 hours late but our arrival at Lafayette IN was right on time. Our attendant seemed tired and uninterested. (But so was I!)

For any of you train fans out there, I can recommend a train trip to the Greenbriar as a grand and fun get-away. (However it is NOT cheap.)

THANK YOU to my Amtrak Forum friends for the helpful input!!!!