The Spread:

Find the best rate at the: The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs here.

The Greenbrier, a historic 802-room resort whose accommodations date to the 1800s, sprawls on 6,500 action-filled acres in the scenic Allegheny Mountains. This grande dame estate, decked out in pink and green floral fabrics redolent of the 1940s, demands jackets and ties after 6:30 p.m. Known for its adult-pleasing cuisine, spa, and golf courses, the Greenbrier also has lots of activities to offer families and actively welcomes them to the property, belying some of those more stuffy airs.

In summer guests congregate at the infinity pool. Built on a hill with a splendid view of the distant peaks, the pool gives bathers the illusion of floating toward the mountaintops.

Even though the hotel rooms tend to be oversized, families who want more space should book one of the one- to four-bedroom cottages. Views vary so ask ahead. Room rates on the Modified American Plan include breakfast and dinner.

Why Families Love It:
Pick your pleasure. You can sign up for whitewater rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and falconry. Afterwards, parents and kids 16 and older can soak in the legendary healing waters of the spa, a 38,000-square-foot temple of relaxation.

Younger children, ages three to 12, keep busy in the Adventure Zone, a supervised activity program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in summer and on holidays, and by reservation from September through May. The children’s room features a stage, puppet playhouse, and craft area plus a separate playroom for ages three to five. Kids swim in the indoor pool, visit the falcons and the horses, play tennis, putt on the green, fish for trout in the stocked stream, and create crafts. And if you want to teach your kids golf, the Greenbrier’s family rate for rounds after 3 p.m. is a good deal. The $185 fee entitles two adults and two children under 21 to play nine holes and rent clubs, carts, and balls.

Special Events & Activities:
Join the Off-Road Driving School with your teens. After all, “C-A-R” is the other three-letter word guaranteed to make you cringe when spoken with regards to your darling adolescent.