A Historic Fourth: Greenbrier and Homestead
When summer beckons and patriotism fills the air, two historic mountain retreats offer an experience that's uniquely American. The Greenbrier and The Omni Homestead, nestled just 40 miles apart in the Allegheny Mountains, have been celebrating Independence Day since America's earliest days. While fireworks paint the mountain skies and activities from craft classes to lawn games fill sun-drenched days, it's the championship fairways that make these destinations truly special. Both properties transform into patriotic playgrounds during the July 4th weekend, mixing time-honored traditions like grand parades with modern touches like mixology classes and scavenger hunts. But for golf enthusiasts, the real celebration happens on their historic courses.
The Greenbrier: A Grand American Institution that’s almost heaven
Tucked away in Sulphur Springs, The Greenbrier stands as a testament to American grandeur, sprawling across 11,000 acres of West Virginia's finest terrain. Since 1913, this white-columned grande dame hasn't just hosted guests – it's welcomed history through its doors. Presidents have walked its corridors, dignitaries have graced its ballrooms, and golf legends have shaped its fairways.
While modern amenities like the casino and world-class spa beckon, it's the golf that serves as the resort's crown jewels. The legendary Old White, C.B. Macdonald's 1914 masterpiece, reads like a love letter to classic golf design. Each hole tells a story from across the Atlantic – the challenging Redan green echoing North Berwick's genius, while the Eden green pays homage to the hallowed grounds of St. Andrews. Despite its mountain setting, the course offers a surprisingly level journey through golfing history.
But Old White is just the beginning of the story. The Greenbrier Course, touched by both Seth Raynor and Jack Nicklaus, has witnessed some of golf's most dramatic moments, from the intensity of the 1979 Ryder Cup to the groundbreaking 1994 Solheim Cup. Nicklaus's 1977 redesign transformed it into a shot-maker's paradise, where towering hardwoods frame each thoughtfully crafted hole. The property's golf portfolio extends further with The Meadows and the delightful Ashford Short Course, while the exclusive Greenbrier Sporting Club offers members yet another pristine golfing experience.
The Omni Homestead: Where Tradition Meets Modern Elegance
Just down Sam Snead Highway in Hot Springs, The Omni Homestead writes its own chapter in American history. Since 1766, this Virginia landmark has served as a mountain retreat where presidents, including Thomas Jefferson himself, sought solace in its healing springs. While The Greenbrier embraces its mid-century grandeur, the Homestead weaves together more than 250 years of hospitality, earning its National Historical Landmark status in 1991. Under Omni's stewardship since 2013, thoughtful renovations have enhanced the resort's timeless appeal while preserving its historic soul.
The golf here tells an equally compelling story. The Old Course, dating to 1891, holds a distinction that golf purists revere – America's longest continuously operating first tee. Donald Ross's early 1900s design presents a mathematical masterpiece: six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s, creating a rhythm as unique as the mountain air. But it's The Cascades, William Flynn's 1923 masterwork, that draws golf architect lovers and USGA championship alike. Having hosted seven national championships, these fairways have tested the mettle of America's finest players, all while showcasing the raw beauty of the Allegheny Mountains.
Beyond the fairways, the resort offers a tapestry of quintessential mountain pursuits. Modern adventurers can test their aim at the shooting club, experience the ancient art of falconry, or explore miles of mountain trails on horseback. Here, beneath the watchful gaze of the Alleghenies, guests find themselves walking a path through American history while enjoying the refined comforts of modern luxury.
A Perfect Blend of History, Celebration, and Golf
These mountains hold something magical, especially around July 4th. Whether you're watching sparks dance across The Greenbrier's evening sky or teeing off as morning mist rises from The Cascades, you're participating in a uniquely American tradition. These resorts aren't just stops on a map – they're living monuments to golf, hospitality, and summer celebrations in the mountains. Make the journey once, and like so many before you, you'll find yourself planning your return before you've even reached home.