When planning a visit to White Sulphur Springs, you can organize your stay around a particular focus: local history, art, golf history, or a festival with a set date. The mineral springs are already reflected in the town’s name; the area also has historic connections to The Greenbrier and events with their own calendar dates. So when deciding on your trip, it is not only worth considering what defines the town, but also when a particular activity you want to attend takes place.
Mineral Springs and Historic Sites
White Sulphur Springs is named after its well-known mineral springs. European Americans first mentioned the springs in 1778. This date refers to the first mention of the springs. Another historic connection is The Greenbrier: the resort is designated a National Historic Landmark and is one of the oldest resorts in the United States. The James Wylie House is also part of the area’s architectural history. It is located at 208 E. Main Street in White Sulphur Springs and is one of the oldest buildings in eastern Greenbrier County.
The history of The Greenbrier stretches back to the Cold War. Its underground bunker system, codenamed Project Greek Island, was intended to house the US Congress during a conflict. Together with its Landmark designation, this creates a distinctive historical focus: the resort’s history sits alongside the Cold War-era purpose of the bunker system. Those considering White Sulphur Springs for its history will find more than a single historic landmark.
Tours, Art, and Event Dates
The White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery combines a practical mission with an offering for visitors: it provides informative tours upon request. The hatchery raises fish and other aquatic species to support recreational fishing and to recover and restore threatened species. If you would like to plan a tour, inquire in advance. This ensures that the “upon request” condition is part of your plans.
Events also offer specific guidance when choosing when to travel. The Freshwater Folk Festival takes place on the second Saturday in September. The program includes live music, food, local arts and crafts, and hands-on educational activities. The White Sulphur Springs Annual Fishing Derby takes place on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The two dates are therefore clearly distinct: the Derby is scheduled for the Saturday of that weekend, while the Freshwater Folk Festival is held on the second Saturday in September.
A report from May 2024 described the WV Dandelion Festival as a tradition in White Sulphur Springs that was nearly 40 years old at the time, and gave Memorial Day weekend as its date. This means the calendar includes another connection to Memorial Day weekend, in addition to the Fishing Derby scheduled for Saturday. Check current event dates and programs before your trip so your plans match the respective dates.
Walls Fine Art Gallery hosts exhibitions, lectures, and classes. As the program may change, it is advisable to check the current dates before visiting. In this way, art offerings complement the historic themes and festivals as another possible reason to include White Sulphur Springs in your travel plans.
Golf History and Getting There
Oakhurst Links is also associated with the early chapters of US golf history. In 1884, it was the first golf course designed and built in the United States. Oakhurst Links also hosted the first regularly held golf tournament in the US; the 1888 Challenge Medal served as the trophy. The years relate to different aspects of this history: 1884 to the course, 1888 to the trophy.
For rail travel, Amtrak’s Cardinal line stops in White Sulphur Springs. If you plan to use this service, check the schedule before your trip. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide whether local history, a festival date, art, or a hatchery tour arranged upon request will be your main focus.
Discover more destinations: Lewisburg
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