Join regional historian, Chumley Cope, and other adventurers on a fun and fascinating early-fall excursion... Driving the Explorers Route to the Historic Greenbrier Resort (WV) September 13 16 including visits to: Abingdon, Virginia Burke s Garden, Virginia Lewisburg, WV Cass, WV the Greenbrier River Valley and more the stately Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Join a small group of adventurous souls on one of the Southeast s great driving tours. Our route will take us through two very different types of Appalachian Mountains, the valleys that nestle in each, and to the famous and historic mineral springs of Virginia and West Virginia. We ll call the Greenbrier Resort (that s its somewhat posh modern name) our home for two nights. And we ll explore the valleys that lead north to the old timber town of Cass, in West Virginia s highest mountains. There, we ll enjoy an excursion on the authentic Cass Scenic Railroad an excursion train pulled by original Shays steam engines. Gardens, vistas, history, good local dining, and a classic inn... and the fun and friendships that come with small group travel. Trip highlights will include: dinner at the Martha Washington Inn (Abingdon, VA); and a show at the Barter Theatre a driving tour of Burke s Garden Virginia s highest valley the Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia our home for two nights an excursion on the Cass Scenic Railway (steampowered Shays locomotive) the Cold War-era bunker at the Greenbrier other enchanting stops and sights along the way some of the most beautiful landscapes in the eastern United States
Itinerary: Tuesday, September 13: We ll drive up and over the high Appalachians into the valley of the Holston River. Enjoy stories and sites in and around beautiful Abingdon, Virginia. This evening, we ll enjoy dinner at the Martha Washington Inn, and a show at the Barter Theatre. Wednesday, September 14: We ll follow the Clinch River valley north, and enter the splendid seclusion of Burke s Garden a high-altitude valley that holds wonderful stories, historic farms, and scenic beauty. By the afternoon, we ll arrive in White Sulphur Springs home of the historic Greenbrier Resort. Thursday, September 15: This morning we ll drive up the scenic Greenbrier River valley to Cass a turn-of-the-century timber town. We ll board the steam-powered train for a short excursion to the timber camp of Whittaker Station. We ll return to White Sulphur Springs for dinner and our overnight (Greenbrier Resort). Friday, September 16: This morning we ll visit nearby White Sulphur Springs and the Greenbrier Resort. Those who are interested can enjoy a guided tour of the subterranean Cold War-era bunker, constructed during the Eisenhower administration. We ll enjoy a few sites and stories of interest, as we make our way back to the Carolinas. Price: $1199 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $400). Price includes comfortable transportation, 3 nights accommodations (1 night Comfort Suites, Abingdon; 2 nights at the Greenbrier Resort in traditional rooms), breakfast at the Comfort Suites, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, all entrances / guide services, concierge service throughout the trip. Price does not include 2 lunches, 1 dinners, 2 breakfasts at the Greenbrier, alcohol with meals. Sign up for this trip by completing the registration form on the last two pages of this document (print, fill out, and mail). Contact Chumley Cope (864) 431-7567 or chumley@exploreupclose.com with trip questions. Full payment is due by August 12. Refunds can be granted prior to August 12, minus a $75 processing fee. Make checks payable to Explore Up Close and mail to: Explore Up Close, 613 Poplar St., Spartanburg, SC 29302.
Photo Gallery the original spring head at White Sulphur Springs providing healing qualities to visitors since prehistoric times beautiful Burke s Garden, Virginia
scenic byways in the Fall
parlor and spa at the Greenbrier
Trip Registration Explorers Route to the Greenbrier, September 13 16 Please print and mail this registration form, along with your $250 deposit (check, payable to Explore Up Close), to: Explore Up Close, LLC 613 Poplar St. Spartanburg, SC 29302 Your Name: Mailing Address: Telephone: Email: Name of person(s) traveling with you (if applicable): ; Contact information (if different from yours): Telephone: Email: Enclosed is my check, payable to Explore Up Close, in the amount of. Payment in full is due 30 days before the trip start date (i.e. August 12). Refunds can be given, minus a $75 processing fee, up until this date. www.exploreupclose.com (864) 431-7567 chumley@exploreupclose.com