Family Weekend Getaway in WV's Greenbrier Valley
When it’s time to hit pause on endless schedules and commitments, gather up the clan for a trip to the Greenbrier Valley.
Family time gets high marks with old-fashioned fun that may even get the kiddos off their phones! Need ideas? We have you covered.
HOME BASE
All the comforts of home are found at The Manse. Located in White Sulphur Springs, the five-bedroom house is equipped with a full kitchen for guest use. Is a pool a must have? Check into the Hampton Inn just outside of historic downtown Lewisburg. The indoor pool allows kids to take a dip year-round. Not to mention, a full breakfast is included.
Rent a two-bedroom cabin at Greenbrier State Forest to have hiking and biking trails, fishing and a heated outdoor pool in your “backyard.” Spend summer evenings by the campfire, making s’mores and taking in the peaceful sounds of Mother Nature. For generations, families have been taking their vacations at The Greenbrier. The resort boasts of more than 55 activities, indoor and out, so it’s easy to find entertainment for a tyke or a teenager.
Need more options? Check out these properties:
READY, SET, GO!
Finding an activity to pull kids away from a screen is always a challenge. No matter what season you’re planning to visit, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. Start with a tour of Lost World Caverns—fans of fossils will be impressed with the collection of prehistoric fragments. Then descend 120 feet below the earth’s surface to walk through the 1,000-foot room. Just remember to bring a jacket, caverns are a constant 52 degrees.
If you’re looking for ways to stay cool, check out the locals’ favorite swimming holes. Or hop on the Greenbrier River Trail in Caldwell, just a couple of miles from either Lewisburg or White Sulphur Springs. Once a railroad bed for the C&O, the trail is virtually level with a wide, gravel path that makes it easy to navigate for kids. And with numerous access points, you choose how far you want to bike or hike.
Greenbrier Valley Kid-Friendly Scavenger Hunt
Earn points to become a GBV Pioneer or Explorer!
If it's time for a picnic break between activities, plan a stop at Brad Paisley Community Park in White Sulphur Springs. It has a grassy, open area and picnic pavilion along with benches for the adults to supervise and playground equipment for the kids to run, play and expel a little of that youthful energy.
If you’re closer to Ronceverte, stop by Ronceverte Island Park for a mid-day break. Located on the banks of the Greenbrier River, there’s plenty of park-style activities—a summer splash pad and playground for the little ones, tennis and basketball courts, picnics areas and a dog park for your furriest family member.
Need more fun? Add these to your itinerary:
THE KIDS' MENU
No need to worry about the picky eater in your family, dining options in the valley will satisfy even the most “discerning” of palates. If you’re looking to indulge first thing in the morning, head to The Wild Bean. With comfortable seating, room to stretch out and free Wi-Fi, this downtown gathering spot serves plenty of nourishing options. Whatever your morning plans include, a to-go cup of fresh, organic coffee, an espresso, latte or tea will give you the boost you need to stay ahead all that youthful energy!
A cool stop for lunch is right along Route 60 at Jim’s Drive-In. Pull in and have your order taken curbside, select from all the drive-in favorites, hamburgers, hot dogs...just don’t forget the milkshake.
No matter what age you are, pizza is always a winning choice for dinner. Hill and Holler’s wood-fired specialty pizzas are a great way to refuel after a day of play. With unique, specialty combinations and build-your-own pie options, everyone can enjoy a personalized pizza complete with their favorite toppings. A minute or two south of Lewisburg, Hog Wild Bar-B-Que is known for its kid-approved, rustic vibe and two-thumbs-up menu. These folks hail from the State Fair, so they dish up fair-food favorites like brisket and chicken sandwiches, mac 'n cheese, cole slaw and baked beans.
Take a bite out of these other choices:
