Greenbrier Lower Lobby & Casino Club

The Reception Lobby of The Greenbrier was filled with eclectic decor.

It was quirky meets classic and all manage to come together quite nicely.

I loved the panoramic murals which were created in France by Zuber et Cie. Jacqueline Kennedy even decorated the Diplomatic Reception Room in the White House with similar wallpaper.

The who's who hallway lead to the movie theater. There were many photographs like the current owner Jim Justice, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and my personal fav, Ben Affleck...looking rather dapper if I do say so.

Below the lower lobby was the casino lobby that was filled with bright blues and reds. This fabric sure gave me my blue & white fix.

After dinner at In-Fusion we headed to the Casino Club which was an equestrian themed bar inside of the casino.

I thought this framed silk scarf was a clever idea...you can see the refection of the slot machines in the glass.

After having a few drinks it was time to hit the roulette table. My mom and I knew nothing but SAS taught us the ropes like tipping the dealer and using gambling lingo..."I want to buy in". Roulette turned out to be a lot of fun and we even made some friends at the table.

BLS and I called it a night while my gambling sister was just not ready to quit.

Between the fluffy down comforters and the turndown chocolate bedtime was pure bliss.

Greenbrier Grounds & Café Carleton

We couldn't wait to tour the grounds and burn off our breakfasts of coffee and croissants.

The President's Cottage and Museum can be easily spotted due to the American flag. The Greenbrier has hosted 26 of the 44 Presidents.  

 The Springhouse logo is used throughout the resort.

 Magnificent mountain views.

 EAS & BLS

The Greenbrier Clubhouse

 The workout facility and indoor tennis courts.

 Where the horses are brought for trial rides.

I fell in love with Café Carleton because it reminded me of the Carlyle Hotel in New York, another one of Carleton Varney's design projects. Dorothy Draper had an apartment at the Carlye and was was asked to re-do the hotel in 1930.

I really liked the ambiance, red velvet chairs and photographs that lined the walls.

Café Carleton was a great place for salads, snacks and coffee.

Greenbrier High Tea

The Greenbrier is nestled in West Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and has been referred to as "America's most historic resort". The resort opened in the late eighteenth century and is known for it's sulfur spring, stunning decor, spa, health clinic and esteemed golf course...just to name a few things. The Greenbrier also played a role in the Civil War and WWII in addition to housing a bunker/bomb-shelter for the U.S. government.

After WWII The Greenbrier was redecorated by the late great Dorothy Draper. Dorthy Draper had a love of color and was responsible for starting the very first interior design company in 1923.  

The upper Lobby is one of my favorite spaces because of the blue & white lamps. I love the contrast of the black & white floor and the floral prints. Draper's design philosophy was that a room doesn't have to match in order to work.

Dorothy Draper's protege Carlton Varney took over the interior design of The Greenbrier. Varney is an acclaimed designer and the president of Dorothy Draper & Co. Inc.

 Tea is served daily at 4:15pm in the upper lobby.

4:15pm for my mother meant cocktail time so I joined her in the bar area. We had a relaxing time chatting and listening to the piano player.

One of my two favorite prints is Dorothy Draper's Rhododendron which was redone with a mint background by Carlton Varney.

Greenbrier Pit Stops

On our way to the Greenbrier last month, we stopped at the Leesburg Outlets. Visiting the Vineyard Vines Outlet was a must.

There were racks of color coordinated ties...

and they also had a lot of pieces from the Kentucky Derby Collection. My favorite print was the patchwork pattern that lined the blazers.

I found the Derby scarf that sold out online last year...boy did those shopping gods really step it up with the scarf that got away!

After the outlets we stopped at Lightfoot for lunch. Lightfoot isn't your typical space for a restaurant because it use to be a bank and the bar actually surrounds a safe. We thoroughly enjoyed the Zucchini Fries & Feta Dipping Sauce as well as the French Onion Soup that was topped with Gruyere, Goat Cheese and Truffle Oil.

The winner of the Silk Knot Earrings is Short Blonde...Happy early Valentine's Day!

Dark Star Orchestra

We saw a Grateful Dead cover band called Dark Star Orchestra. I am a huge fan of having date night in the middle of the week, especially when it's something out of the norm. 

JCW & EAS

The lead singer sounded and looked like Bob Weir.

 "The Music Never Stopped" 

There was even a little shopping but it was no match for Neiman Marcus. Who knows I might be begging Amanda Bee for a pink & green Steal Your Face next! 

Amanda C. Bee

Amanda C. Bee is an extremely talented, local artist that I was fortunate to have met in the blogosphere. She created these fabulous images...if this pink & green piece isn't motivation to keep shooting I don't know what is!

 EAS & JCW

 My mom and I rocking some Stubbs.

Sailing with SAS

JCW's photo that has been showing up everywhere.

Amanda certainly has an eye for color and is currently in the process of creating cards and prints to order. I can't wait until her shop is up and running. Do you have a favorite image?  

Silk Knot Earring Giveaway

In honor of Valentine's Day, I am hosting a Silk Knot Earring giveaway from Fitz and Frannie. The winner will receive a red/white pair and can choose a second pair in either solid pink or navy/pink. These would certainly make a sweet Valentines gift.

The giveaway ends Thursday, February 2nd, at 5pm EST and is only open to U.S. residents. The winner will be drawn using Random.org.

The Giveaway:

1. One entry...leave a comment, you must be a follower.
2. For an additional entry = 2 entries...become a fan on Facebook.
3. For an additional entry = 3 entries...become a fan of Fitz and Frannie on Facebook.
4. For an additional entry = 4 entries...post about this giveaway on your blog.

Each entry must be in a separate comment. If you don't have a blog make sure to leave your email address in your comment. I would love to hear what you are planning for your honey on Valentine's Day.

*Fitz and Frannie is currently running a special...2 pairs of earrings for $30+ free shipping. Email cfd@fitzandfrannie.com if you would like to take advantage of this special.