Corie Lynch, The Greenbrier Sporting Club’s winter intern, presents the second installment of her series of “Reasons I Love The Greenbrier…And So Should You.”

A popular question I hear among guests is: who were some famous people who have stayed at the Greenbrier? Since I have asked it myself, I consider it a good question. If you have ever had an interest in The Greenbrier’s distinguished history, there are many opportunities available to appreciate its legacy. Upon some research, I found that a total of twenty-six U.S. Presidents have visited The Greenbrier since 1815, including Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, as well foreign dignitaries such as the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor. I also acquired a list of celebrities who have stayed here; and possibly the coolest I’ve seen was Cass Gilbert of The Mamas and The Papas, who became my prestigious band of the month that I am obsessed with. The Greenbrier seemed to be somewhat of a mini-Hollywood type setting in the mid-20th century, with stars such as Bob Hope, Judy Garland, Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Bing Crosby, Liza Minnelli, and Grace Kelly roaming the halls. These, and many more significant historical figures who have visited The Greenbrier, is in itself reason enough to come and absorb the famous aura yourself. But try to save some for me.

Left: The Duke and Dutchess of Windsor; Right: Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher.

Left: Sam Snead (left) walks the fairway with President Dwight D. Eisenhower (right); Right: President John F. Kennedy visits the hotel during a Tobacco Association meeting.