his cabinet into approving “Project Greek Island,” which was the code for building a mammoth fallout shelter directly under the resort’s newest wing at the time. The project took several years to complete. Beginning in 1962, the bunker was commissioned and “at-the-ready” in case a nuclear war was to occur. If that happened, all the powers-that-had-been needed to do was take the train to the resort (they had that kind of time since warheads in the early ‘60s would have been delivered by airplanes and not by ICMBs. There, they would shelter for however long it took to keep our gov- ernment operational while the radioactiv- ity (hopefully) slowly subsided.
The tour was absolutely fascinating. Walking past the 25-ton blast door at the West Tunnel entrance, I was led into an exhibit hall and the cafeteria area, each done in perfectly-drab Cold War era colors – a veritable time capsule 60- feet below the earth.
The Greenbrier’s director of sales, Gregory Furlong, later told me that these
rooms are rentable, as well: “We’ve had all sort of events in there. The ‘Cold War’ theme is a fun one. They’re like a living episode of Mad Men.”
The Bunker’s own event capabilities are just one small component of this very panoramic picture, with the resort beholding multitudinous meeting spaces, ballrooms and terraces, boardrooms and breakout spaces; a conference center, and even a 300-seat movie theater. There’s also a 150-seat chapel on-site – perfect for weekend weddings.
Outside, one can utilize lawns, gardens, terraces – a never-ending wealth of spaces and places for an event.
That night I dined at The Forum, which is the resort’s Italian restaurant. Its burled wood room is festooned with wine cases and sculpted cutie-pie cherubs, just like you’d find in a piazza.
I enjoyed a nice glass of Chianti, first with some zesty meats and cheeses, and then with a tasty pizza.
That night I took a serene walk around the property, delight- fully noting the front façade awash in soothing violet beams of light. A nicely-illu- minating touch.
The next morning, after a quick workout, I showered and then packed, making my way down to another fulfilling breakfast in the Main Dining Room, and then I checked out.
Good old Frank Mosely stood at attention in his snappy red door- man’s jacket. He grasped the brass handle and pulled.
“You come back now, ya’ hear?” “I will, Frank. Looking forward to seeing you then.”
What I appreciated most about The Greenbrier: a sense of history, heritage, architecture and design that imbues the best this country offers in terms of hos- pitality and lodging.
Too, the commitment toward the guest by many of the staff is so strong as to be palpable.
And I can’t tell you how much I appreci- ated having healthy cell phone service throughout, which often can be a dis- connecting experience (as I’ve learned at other similar, remotely-situated resorts).
My room and the entirety of the spaces I saw were very clean and well-main- tained. Overall, the distance it took driv- ing from and to my home was worth making, and I’d definitely return again.
My only constructive feedback: The fit- ness center is next to the indoor pool and spa, so it made using the cardio equipment a challenge because of the room’s high humidity level. Oh - and I didn’t dig having to call Room Service just to get a bucket of ice for my room.
I can’t say I can cross The Greenbrier off my bucket list, because I do plan on returning again - hopefully soon - and the next time with some family members or perhaps with coworkers.
If looking for some of those “forever
memories,” I know I’ll find them at
America’s Resort.
Ken Alan is a corporate concierge with CBRE. He is the founding member of the Philadelphia Area Concierge Association, and the lead restaurant reviewer for Main Line Today.
ken.alan@
cbre.com
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 79
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