Plan a Family Vacation at The Greenbrier
If you are searching for the best places to vacation in the South during winter, let me introduce you to a true hidden gem! We just returned from the most magical family vacation at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, and it completely exceeded every expectation. From snowy mountain views to festive holiday traditions, it is the perfect Southern winter getaway for families who want to spend the holidays somewhere extra special!
Even better, if you book your stay now through March 31, you can use my code CARMEN20 to receive 20% off your accommodations, so you can start planning right away!!
If you’re looking for the perfect place to plan a vacation in the southern US, come along with me and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know!
Don’t forget to Enter My Greenbrier Giveaway Before January 22, 2026!!
Before you even start planning your own trip, make sure you enter my Greenbrier giveaway. I am so excited to be giving one lucky winner the chance to experience the magic of this incredible resort with up to five other people!
Your group will enjoy time with me as we experience:
a hands-on floral design class
a Tips and Sips Cocktail (or mocktail) demonstration
a delicious cooking class with a private chef
a relaxing day at the spa for everyone
a happy swag bag filled with all of my favorite things
The giveaway closes on January 22, so do not wait to get your entries in!!
Be sure to enter and share it with your friends, family, and anyone you know who loves travel, winter getaways, or a really good excuse to plan a trip. The more people you share it with, the more fun it is, and you might just end up planning a trip together!
Note: All photography credit goes to Kelly Carrico Photography. She captured so many special moments during our trip! I highly recommend her if you’re planning an event at The Greenbrier!
The Best Winter Vacation Spot in the South!
We took a big family trip for New Year’s Eve and it was one for the books. My sister and her family joined us, along with my parents, Tommy’s parents, and all of our nieces. Traveling with three generations can feel overwhelming, but The Greenbrier makes it effortless. From the moment we arrived, every detail was handled and all we had to do was enjoy being together.
Why The Greenbrier Is One of the Best Places to Vacation in the South
The resort in winter is pure magic. Fresh snow on the mountains, holiday decor everywhere you turn, and that classic Greenbrier charm that somehow feels both grand and cozy at the same time. Each morning we woke up excited to see what the day would bring because there was always something special planned. We don’t get to see a lot of snow here in South Georgia, so looking outside and seeing snow drifting down onto the surrounding trees was so much fun for all of us!
Things to Do at The Greenbrier in Winter for Families
We filled our days with experiences that truly felt once in a lifetime. The kids loved ice skating, especially gliding across the rink surrounded by all that winter beauty. We booked a private chef experience in the Main Kitchen, which was such a treat. Watching the chefs at work and enjoying an incredible meal together felt so intimate and memorable. We also toured the historic bunker, which was fascinating for the adults and surprisingly interesting for the older kids too.
Family Friendly Activities at The Greenbrier for Kids of All Ages
One of my favorite parts of the trip was how thoughtful the activities were for children. The girls attended fairy garden classes and a princess experience that made them feel like they were living in a storybook. Seeing their excitement and confidence light up the room was worth every second. While they were busy having the time of their lives, the adults were able to enjoy spa treatments, beautiful dinners, and even sporting clays at the Gun Club. If you have children or grandchildren, this is the perfect family-friendly resort where you can spend a week and never even need to leave the property!
Dining at The Greenbrier, Where to Eat with a Large Family
Dining at The Greenbrier deserves its own moment because every single meal was outstanding. From elegant dinners in the Main Dining Room and Prime to more relaxed meals at Forum, everything felt special. Even coordinating meals for a large group was seamless, which is no small thing when you are traveling with this many people. If you go, you MUST try the homemade Caesar salad and the Bananas Foster! Those are two of our favorite dishes that we must experience every time we go.
New Year’s Eve at The Greenbrier, A Festive Southern Family Celebration
New Year’s Eve was unforgettable. Some of us attended the NYE Gala and danced the night away, while the kids had their own party filled with fun and laughter. It was the perfect balance of celebration for the adults and excitement for the children. We rang in the New Year feeling grateful, invigorated, and already talking about when we could come back.
What I love most about The Greenbrier is that it truly works for everyone. Grandparents, parents, and kids all had full days doing what they loved, yet we still came together for meals and special moments. That is rare, and it is what makes this resort so special.
The Greenbrier has my heart
If you are dreaming of a winter vacation that feels festive, luxurious, and full of heart, I cannot recommend The Greenbrier enough!!
And do not forget, you can book your room using my code CARMEN20 to receive 20 percent off your accommodations when you book now through March 31.
Trust me, this is the kind of trip your family will talk about for years to come.
Answering your questions about The Greenbrier Resort
Where is The Greenbrier located & How do you get there?
The Greenbrier is located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in the Allegheny Mountains.
It sits in southeastern West Virginia and is easily accessible from many Southern cities, which is one of the reasons it works so well as a family vacation destination. The resort is about
• 3.5 hour drive from Charlotte
• 4 hour drive from Raleigh
• 5 hour drive from Atlanta
• 2.5 hour drive from Roanoke
There is also a small airport in White Sulphur Springs with limited commercial flights, and many guests choose to fly into nearby regional airports and drive the rest of the way.
Does The Greenbrier offer childcare or kids programs during the holidays?
Yes, The Greenbrier offers childcare options and kids programs during the holiday season, making it easy for families to enjoy both family time and adult experiences. The resort provides a variety of supervised activities and age-appropriate programming that keeps children engaged and entertained while adults enjoy spa services, fine dining, holiday events, or leisure time.
During winter and holiday weeks, you will typically find:
• Kids activity programs including themed crafts, games, and seasonal experiences.
• Special classes such as fairy garden building and princess activities that our nieces adored.
• Supervised play where children can join age-specific groups for fun while parents take a break or explore other experiences.
The Greenbrier staff is great at organizing activities that feel festive, safe, and fun for children, giving parents peace of mind and the chance to relax or explore the resort on their own. We brought these walkie-talkies for my nieces to be able to talk to us around the resort. They LOVED that!
Why is The Greenbrier famous?
The Greenbrier is famous for its rich history, classic Southern elegance, and unmatched hospitality. It has hosted U.S. presidents, royalty, celebrities, and generations of families for more than 200 years. One of its most well known features is the historic Cold War bunker hidden beneath the resort, originally built to house Congress. Today, The Greenbrier is also known for its luxury accommodations, world class dining, outdoor recreation, and seasonal family programming, making it one of the most iconic resorts in the South.
How much does it cost to stay at The Greenbrier?
The cost to stay at The Greenbrier varies depending on the season, room type, and availability. Nightly rates typically start in the mid hundreds and can increase during peak holiday periods or for specialty suites. Winter is a wonderful time to visit, especially with seasonal offers. Guests can also take advantage of promotions, including my code CARMEN20, which gives 20 percent off accommodations when booked through March 31, making this luxury Southern resort much more attainable.
What Hallmark movie was filmed at The Greenbrier?
The Hallmark movie “A Royal Christmas” was filmed at The Greenbrier. The resort’s grand interiors, elegant ballrooms, and classic holiday decor made it the perfect backdrop for a festive, storybook style film. Walking through the property in winter truly feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie, especially during the holidays when the resort is decorated from top to bottom.
Want to see more? Come take a tour of the Greenbrier with me!
What to pack for a trip to the Greenbrier? Think cozy comfort with a bit of dressing up!
Looking for European family vacation ideas?
Want to see more family vacation ideas? Don’t miss our summer trip to Austria last year!
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