Sidebar
or how I might be out of words so here's a bunch of photos
Is that possible? To be out of words? Not really. But I did miss a week here on Substack—first time in over five months—and it’s been bugging me more than I care to admit! The worst part is I still don’t even know what I’m writing about *this* week.
Words hard.
I was hoping I’d have some book news to share but like all good fruit, it takes time to ripen. I’m looking forward to sharing when I’m able, but in the meantime, let me tell you about this historical resort and hotel in West Virginia, that I just spent a few days at for a tourism conference, (I work in the tourism industry when not writing books) which has a war-time bunker underneath it that you can privately tour for $1400. Yes, you read that right. (There’s a $50 option as well, but I’m dying to know what you get to see for $1,400.)
The Greenbrier began in 1778 as a healing retreat because of of it’s natural mineral springs, but in the 1830’s it began to rise to fame as a southern resort for many prominent figures. During the Civil War (and again during WW2) it was a hospital and military command center, and then picked up as a vacation spot again after the turn of the century. The bunker was installed in the 50’s during the Cold War as a place for Congress to operate if need be.
Walking the halls of this majestic, yet now fairly quiet hotel (maybe because it was January, but I suspect in general not many under the age of 65 spend time—aka money—here), I could picture the high society crowds of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s easily.
Well. That would be more true if I could ignore the charming insanity of the interior design that was put into place in the late 1940’s. Here’s a taste of the famous Dorothy Draper design that is both a historical spectacle not to be missed and an assault to the eyes.
A bit of the I’ve-died-and-gone-to-eternal-christmas lobby
A corner of Barbie’s Dreamhouse, perhaps?
I truly fell in love with this grand hallway minus the colors, rug, curtains and benches.
The Shining vibes, am I right? (or maybe that’s just every hotel hallway)
The architecture of the entire hotel is stunning but The Alice in Wonderland effect is not working for me.
Obligatory kitsch selfie in my room
These few pictures I took are only the tip of the iceberg, as the Greenbrier is a massive, amenity filled resort with everything you can imagine—and not imagine—in West Virginia. It was a rather boring conference in a wonderfully distracting setting. I’m really glad I got to see it without having to fork over the base price of $300-400 a night fee or the terrible $45 chicken piccata at one of the ten restaurants on site.
But, hey! There is a free happy hour nightly! And I’m sure at least one or two ghosts, who are long-awaiting a renovation, roam the halls at night. I know I am hoping for the hotel’s sake that’s what eventually happens. Although I appreciate the way this hotel likely lit up lives after dreary years of war (at least for the wealthy), I’d love to see this place returned to its stunning art deco bones with interior to match; I’m sure it would attract many more people than it does now.
I mean, really, who can sleep with that many flowers watching them?