Your Connection to Mountain Splendor

If you have eaten at The Greenbrier, you know just how great the food is at ALL of the restaurants.  Well, if you thought it couldn't  get any better.....think again......

The Greenbrier has named Jeremy Critchfield, a leader in luxury resort culinary operations, as vice presidient of food and beverage and corporate chef.  “Jeremy’s passion and commitment for creating the very best culinary experience will add a new level to our food and beverage operations.

 "His experience in the luxury resort market, as well as his successes in attaining the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards, will complement our ongoing initiatives to be the leader of luxury resorts around the world,” said Jeff Kmiec, vice president and managing director of  The Greenbrier.  His responsibilities includes overseeing all dining venues, room service and culinary events, in addition to improving the resort's renowned culniary offerings.

For the past seven years, Critchfield served as executive chef and director of food and beverage operations for Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. While there, he was responsible for five full-service restaurants, a 50,000 sq. ft. entertainment center and twelve seasonal food and beverage outlets as well as all banquet and catering operations. Under his leadership, the Lautrec Restaurant at Nemacolin received the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes (Mobil) Five Star award for 2009 and 2010. Critchfield also brings a wealth of knowledge from his culinary leadership for four PGA TOUR events, the 84 Lumber Classic.  His responsibilities included full food service catering, concessions and logistics for an average of 200,000 spectators, corporate sponsors, media and players.

Critchfield brings to The Greenbrier his passion for sustainable agriculture.  During his tenure at Nemacolin, he transformed underveloped portions of the property into vegetable gardens which provided products for use in the resort's restaurants, as well as enhancing the appearance of the grounds.  Prior to joining Nemacolin, Critchfield was the executive chef for The Lodge at Sea Island, a facility that earned the AAA Five Diamond award in 18 months and Mobil Five Star designation in 22 months.

Each of The Greenbrier's  restaurants features a signature menu and its own unique dining experience. 

Prime 44 West, is a premier steakhouse and The Greenbrier’s newest restaurant.

The iconic Main Dining Room is the epitome of Greenbrier cuisine in an elegant setting. 

Sam Snead’s at the Golf Club, which offers spectacular views of our three championship courses, specializes in West Virginia favorites and regional favorites. 

For luncheon and dessert specialties, Draper’s Café provides a casual and convenient settting.

Evenings also offer entertaining options, like the fun-filled sports bar Slammin' Sammy's and the conveniently located Lobby Bar, in addition to the resort's newest addition, The Tavern Casino.

Despite a challenging economy, The Greenbrier Sporting Club experienced a record-breaking weekend in real estate sales for January, a month typically slow in land transactions.

The private residential community, located on the grounds of The Greenbrier, contracted $4.1 million in real estate over the course of a single weekend, January 22-24.  The sale of a total of 11 properties, with an overall value of $7,685,000, are pending or have closed since January 1, 2010. The Greenbrier Sporting Club also saw a strong finish at the end of 2009 with 20 homes and/or home sites closed within a six-month time frame.

“The biggest buying factors continue to be the unparalleled value found here and the incredible excitement that continues to build at the resort,” said John Klemish, principal and broker in charge at The Greenbrier Sporting Club. “We believe lowering our membership initiation from $140,000 to $100,000 was also instrumental in achieving this level of success.”

The Greenbrier has also seen its own jump in activity for the first month in 2010 with daily calls and reservations for social visits up over 400% compared to the same time in 2009 while group room sales are on pace to more than double group reservations from last year.

“We are setting new standards for both private residential communities and luxury resorts,” said Jim Justice, chairman and owner of The Greenbrier and Greenbrier Sporting Club. “With the addition of Prime 44 West, The Greenbrier Classic and the new 80,000-square-foot underground entertainment venue, featuring an elegant Monte Carlo-style casino, restaurants and upscale designer boutiques, we have created even more reasons to visit the resort. The excitement about everything happening here is simply phenomenal.”

“The Greenbrier Sporting Club is one of the few developments in the United States being infused with millions of dollars,” said Klemish. “While other residential developments are faltering, we have financial stability and this is a huge contributor to our success. Many families are rediscovering that the place to be is The Greenbrier and if someone wants to own a part of The Greenbrier legacy, the time is now.”

The Greenbrier Sporting Club is a private residential sporting community on the 6,500-acre estate of The Greenbrier, an award-winning resort in the heart of the scenic Allegheny Mountains.

For more information about real estate at The Greenbrier, contact The Greenbrier Sporting Club at 888-741-8989 or visit www.thegreenbriersportingclub.com.  

** Photos courtesy of the Greenbrier Sporting Club **

Other Links on the Greenbrier:

Be a Volunteer for the Greenbrier Classic

The Greenbrier Classic, a PGA Tour Event to be held at The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

The Greenbrier's Tavern Casino Opens Today, White Sulphur Springs, WV

The Greenbrier's Prime 44 West Steakhouse honoring NBA Legend Jerry West opens on schedule. White Sulphur Springs, WV

Construction Underway for a New Casino at the Greenbrier Resort White Sulphur Springs WV

Greenbrier Resort has a New Owner

In honor of National Nutrition Month which promotes healthy eating choices and physical activities, The Greenbrier is offering a March Spa and Fitness package.

Check out the March Spa and Fitness package .....isn't it time to pamper yourself.  Enjoy a Sulphur Soak in The Greenbrier's legendary native Sulphur water, unlimited fitness classes, such as Cardio Craze, Power Walk and Yogalates.   This midweek package also includes unlimited tennis, access to The Greenbrier Spa’s steam and sauna facilities and special welcome amenity.

Fitness evaluations, which include flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and body composition and one-on-one-training sessions tailored to each guest’s needs, are also available at an additional cost. Other recreational activities include sporting clays, hiking, swimming, falconry, off-road driving and the Tavern Casino.

For a complete health evaluation, The Greenbrier Clinic, a year-round facility offers diagnostic and preventive medical care. Board-certified internists, radiologists and other professional medical staff provide comprehensive health examinations, analyses and fitness guidelines. For additional information, visit www.greenbrierclinic.com or call 304-536-4870.

Visit the The Greenbrier for some fun and relaxation during the  National Nutrition Month ... and stay healthy.  For information on The Greenbrier or for reservations, visit www.greenbrier.com or call 800-453-4858.

Some tips on how to practice good nutrition this month and every month:

• Eat smaller meals, with smaller meat and starch servings. Include at least one serving of fruit and vegetable with every meal.
  
• Drink more water between meals; try veggies or a handful of nuts for a snack and fresh fruit for something sweet.
  
• Reduce your intake of deep fried foods and cancer-causing trans fats found in processed foods and baked goods.
  
• Read food labels and reduce the amount of added sugar, corn syrup and salt in the diet. Use fresh herbs and spices to season food instead.

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Rebecca Gaujot, REALTOR® | 304-520-2133
Coldwell Banker | Stuart & Watts Real Estate
Thinking of buying or selling a house, call me...Your WV Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV/Greenbrier County. 

LewisburgWV and GreenbrierCounty RealEstate
Your Connection to West Virginia Mountain Splendor Blog

By now you have heard about the  The Greenbrier Classic, a PGA Tour Event to be held at The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV.

If you are interested in being a volunteer for the  Greenbrier Classic the applications are now available online at www.greenbrierclassic.com.

The event, scheduled for July 26 through August 1, 2010, on The Old White Course, will bring the world’s greatest players and tens of thousands of fans to the resort.

              (Photo courtesy of The Greenbrier)

“The Greenbrier Classic will be the best event on the PGA TOUR. The entire world will be watching and we need 2,000 volunteers to make sure the event is flawless,” said Tim McNeely, tournament director. “There are two dozen volunteer committees, everything from admissions, merchandise, standard bearers and marshals to laser operators, supply distribution and TV needs.”

Volunteer Requirements

• Attend a Greenbrier Volunteer Training Session
• Work at least 2 full days (4 half-day shifts)
• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Purchase The Greenbrier Classic Volunteer Package ($85.00)

The Greenbrier Classic Volunteer Package:

Each volunteer is required to purchase his/her own Grrenbrier Volunteer uniform includes

• a golf shirt by Polo Ralph Lauren
• Wind jacket by Polo Ralph Lauren
• Choice of a cap or visor (included in package), or a straw hat (for an additional fee)

Other benefits are:

• $12.00 meal voucher for each shift worked
• Weekly badge allowing grounds access each day
• Vehicle parking credentials allowing complimentary weekly parking
• Opportunity to purchase a Grounds Badge for (1) guest at half price ($73.50)

Volunteer Rewards

• Volunteers that work three full days (or 6 half-day shifts) will receive a voucher for complimentary golf on The Old White, Meadows, or Greenbrier Course.  Volunteers must work at least 4 of the 6 shifts on the Thursday-Sunday of tournament play.*
• Volunteers that work four full days (or 8 half-day shifts) will receive a voucher for a $79 One Night Stay Package including complimentary golf for two.  Volunteers must have worked at least 6 of the 8 shifts Thursday – Sunday.

Complete details, including committee descriptions and a printable volunteer application, are available online at www.greenbrierclassic.com. Any other questions may be directed to Jim Sweetwood, volunteer coordinator, at 304-536-7832 or jim_sweetwood@greenbrier.com.

Volunteer now for the Greenbrier Classic and help make this inaugural event even more spectacular.

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Take your Valentine to The Greenbrier Resort during the month of February for a romantic getaway weekend. During February,  the Greenbrier is offering a Creative Romance midweek package (available Sunday through Thursday).

Believe it or not.....if you stay longer the rates are lower.....

For a one night stay, the cost is $199 double occupancy. 

The second night will be an additional $99, and get this.....

Stay a third night and receive complimentary accommodations.

This midweek package includes:

• a sleigh ride for two
• rose petal turn down
• a special welcome amenity
  
• *Complimentary access to the resort's steam and sauna facilities
• *A 20% discount on all spa treatments, including the skin softening Drift Away Body Voyage treatment.
• *Daily resort fee is waived for guests of this Creative Romance Package, which includes all taxes.

NOTE:  * Only for guests staying two and three nights

The Greenbrier offers the finest dining, numerous activities, and if you like to play blackjack, roulette, three card poker, or the slots visit the newly opened Tavern Casino.   My dining suggestions would be the Prime 44 West steakhouse or the elegant Main Dining Room .... both are superb.

For reservations, call 800-624-6070. 

If you can't getaway in February, check out other special packages and events and begin your own memorable getaway.

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If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV, Greenbrier County, or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email me at or visit my website

Lets connect ............

Are you starting to think about where to go this year for a vacation?  Then you might want to check out ABC's Hot Vacation Destinations for 2010.   ABC selected 30 places to visit in 2010.........and I was so excited to see that the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs made the list (#8 below).  The Greenbrier in the Spring will debut a new underground, Monte Carlo-style casino.  Also this year the Greenbrier Classic, a PGA Tour, FedExCup event (July 26-August 1, 2010) will be held on the resort's historic Old White Course.  Come visit, wild and wonderful West Virginia.

Below is ABC's list of the 30 Hot Vacation Destinations for 2010:

1. Le Meridien Bora Bora, a paradise island
   
2. Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort 2 miles off the coast of Antigua
3. New Brunswick's Acadian Islands, Canada, for some winter kiteboarding
4. Le Meurice hotel in Paris
5. Antarctica....set sail for Antarctica aboard MV 'Le Boreal'
6. Botswana, Africa. "Star Bed" at Sanctuary Retreats' Baines Camp
7. Las Vegas, MGM Mirage's City Center project visit the new Mandarin Oriental Hotel
8. The Greenbrier resort in White Sulfur Springs, W.Va
9. Visit the Piets Pier at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino
10. Ocean House, a Victorian-era, luxury resort on the shores of Watch Hill, R.I.
11. Saint Lucia tropical islands, Carribean
    
12. Utah, visit the national parks, monuments, historic site and recreation areas.
13. Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands.
14. Portland, Oregon, the Nines Hotel
    
15. Paris, France...the Plaza Athenee
16. Tuscany, Italy, Castel Monastero
17. Milan, Italy, Hotel Principe di Savoia
18. Capri, Hotel Caesar Augustus
19. South Africa..take a safari
20. Vietnam's Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
21. Caribbean, the new Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas
22. Nassau, Paradise Island
    
23. Windham Hill Inn in West Townshend, Vermont
24. Also in Vermont is the Topnotch Resort and Spa
25. Take a cruise on the Seabourn Odyssey
26. Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone in Wyoming.
27. Bahrain, Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit
28. Mexico City
29. Vail Mountain, Colorado...at Vail's
30. Red Mountain Resort & Spa in Utah.

A great list of places to visit...wish I could visit each and every one of the hot destinations.  Well, I have been to one...The Greenbrier Resort.

___________________________________________________

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV, Greenbrier County, or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email me at or visit my website

Lets connect ............

What does the Chefs from The Greenbrier Sporting Club and Jamie Oliver Have in Common?  Why food, of course!

A team of chefs from The Greenbrier Sporting Club were honored with an invitation to attend this past fall’s Food Revolution street fair and concert in Huntington , W.Va. , hosted by British chef Jamie Oliver.  Oliver and his producers, who are filming an ABC television series in Huntington that focuses on healthy eating habits, hand-picked the vendors based on their efforts to bring healthy foods into their kitchens. The food fair was part of a day-long event that also featured a free performance from country music stars Rascal Flatts.

Photo caption:  Jamie Oliver poses with The Greenbrier Sporting Club team at Huntington ’s Food Revolution Street Fair. From left to right: Susie Callison, Wayne Bostic, Summit Dining Manager Clay Elkins, Jamie Oliver, Executive Chef Stephen Gustard, Executive Pastry Chef Amy Mills, Summit Lead Chef Drew Robinson, and Olivia Meyers.

Oliver spent about fifteen minutes at The Sporting Club booth.  Surrounded by a throng of producers, news outlets, and fans, Oliver spoke with Executive Chef Stephen Gustard about The Sporting Club’s use of wholesome, local food products and praised the chefs for doing their part in bringing people back to the kitchen table.

"It is such a blessing to have a celebrity chef promoting a healthier and organic culinary mind set” Gustard says.  “I strongly believe in what he is doing and glad that The Greenbrier Sporting Club has allowed me to have those same virtues by using local produce, meats, and cheeses. I do hope that this show will open people’s eyes to eating a well balanced diet that includes local and organic products."

Towards the end of the filmed segment on The Sporting Club, Oliver directed his producers to plate a dish of the chef’s creation for a photograph. Executive Chef Gustard also submitted some of his recipes the producers, and spoke at length about his own philosophy of food. Oliver’s food magazine, Jamie, plans to do a spread on the event in one of their upcoming issues, which will feature The Sporting Club menu items presented during Jamie’s "Food Revolution".

The Greenbrier's Toys for Tots drive was a big success.  Over 1,000 toys were accepted beginning with the Greenbrier's first annual tree lighting on Saturday, December 5^th through Friday, December 17^th.   The donated toys will be distributed to children in Greenbrier County.  

"The generosity of our neighbors, guests and employees is phenomenal and I know that next year will be even bigger,” said Jim Justice, owner and chairman of the Greenbrier.

Corie Lynch of White Sulphur Springs, donates to Toys for Tots during the Greenbrier's tree lighting event on Saturday, December 5

The Greenbrier's first annual tree lighting event was a great success.  It was cold waiting for Santa to appear for the tree lighting, but we were entertained with Christmas carols by Frank Cappelli and Company, and served hot chocolate and apple cider.

When Santa appeared at 8:30 p.m., he thanked everyone for coming out to help celebrate this event and for bringing a "Toys for Tot" gift.  Santa and the crowd counted down and the lights of a 90 foot tree came on, as well as the lights for all the animated holiday displays.  To my surprise, The Greenbrier's entrance was all lit up as well.  It was indeed a holiday extravaganza.

The 90 ft Christmas Tree is in the background

The Greenbrier Lights Up

Afterwards, my husband and I go inside The Greenbrier, not only to get warm, but to see all the Christmas decorations. Plus, all the retail stores stayed opened til 9:00 p.m.  With the Christmas music inside, and hot chocolate and cookies being served, and seeing our friends and neighbors, it truly was a fun time and a great evening for all.

As a reminder, don't forget the public is invited to attend The Greenbrier’s holiday concert series featuring performances by the American Boychoir, Kanawha Kordsmen Chorus, harpist Leah Trent, Mt. Laurel Women’s Choir, James Monroe High School and Frank Cappelli & Company. The concerts will be held at 8:30 p.m. in the Chesapeake Room on December 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16.

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Rebecca Gaujot, REALTOR® | 304-520-2133
Coldwell Banker | Stuart & Watts Real Estate
Thinking of buying or selling a house, call me...Your WV Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV/Greenbrier County.

LewisburgWV and GreenbrierCounty RealEstate
Your Connection to West Virginia Mountain Splendor

On Saturday, December 5, Jim Justice will host The Greenbrier’s first annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the North Lawn. The festivities will begin at 7:30 with musical entertainment by Emmy Award-winning Frank Cappelli & Company along with hot chocolate and apple cider.  At 8:00 p.m., Santa will turn on a 90 ft. tree, decorated with over 28,000 lights. The holiday extravaganza will feature numerous animated holiday displays created with LED lights.

“We want this to be an annual holiday tradition.   After the parades, we hope our friends and neighbors will bring their families and enjoy this special ceremony, and also give back to the community,” said Justice.   “Christmas is a magical time, especially for children, and we hope everyone will bring a donation for Toys for Tots for the children of Greenbrier County .”

Highlights of The Greenbrier’s winter wonderland include an 87 ft. long display of Santa’s sleigh and reindeer and dozens of colorful, dancing trees, choreographed to music.   A Santa playing basketball and a polar bear golfer are just two of the more whimsical displays.  The Springhouse will be decked out in lights as well, including a sparkling fountain and Victorian-themed displays.  The Greenbrier’s guest houses will be adorned in white icicle lights, creating a beautiful perimeter around the lawn.

The spirit of the season continues inside with over 40 trees, thousands of poinsettias, wreaths and garland.  From the Upper Lobby to the Cameo Ballroom to the Indoor Pool, the resort is filled with breathtaking holiday décor.  In addition, Executive Pastry Chef Thierry Delourneaux has created a spectacular display featuring a gingerbread Greenbrier.

The public is also invited to attend The Greenbrier’s holiday concert series featuring performances by the American Boychoir, Kanawha Kordsmen Chorus, harpist Leah Trent, Mt. Laurel Women’s Choir, James Monroe High School and Frank Cappelli & Company. The concerts will be held at 8:30 p.m. in the Chesapeake Room on December 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16.

Visitors wishing to view the lights should park in the Train Station lot and walk to the North Lawn.  The light displays will be on nightly between 5:00 -- 10:00 p.m.  While there is no fee to attend the ceremony or see the displays, all guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation for Toys for Tots from December 5-17.

The White Sulphur Springs Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. and will end at The Greenbrier’s lower lot.  So, after the parade, walk over to the Greenbrier and join in the first annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 

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Rebecca Gaujot, REALTOR® | 304-520-2133
Coldwell Banker | Stuart & Watts Real Estate
Thinking of buying or selling a house, call me...Your WV Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV/Greenbrier County.

LewisburgWV and GreenbrierCounty RealEstate
Your Connection to West Virginia Mountain Splendor