Back on the Road!

MASKS, LLAMAS, AND A SECRET BUNKER – IT’S A WEST VIRGINIA THING


Hi, my name is Tony. I am one of Croswell’s many awesome tour escorts. When I was asked by the
office if I wanted to visit a pioneer settlement then tour a secret bunker, I was like, “Why would I not
want to do those things?!” The next thing I knew, I was on board a motorcoach with twenty-five new
friends and headed off across southern Ohio.

In order to start hitting the open road again, I knew there would need to be some new cleaning
precautions to help protect everyone while out on tour. Sanitizing railings and other commonly touched
surfaces at the end of the day and wearing a face mask was a small price to pay for the amazing West
Virginia experience we all had! Besides, the seats were spaced out so much on the motorcoach that it
felt like I was sitting in my “man-cave” recliner while cruising down the road.

Our first stop was a place nestled in the hills outside of Huntington, West Virginia. It’s a place that feels
like a page from history – and certainly makes our motorcoach look out of place.

As we pulled in past the front gates of Heritage Farm, we were greeted by the staff with welcoming
waves. They directed us along the short walk to the Pioneer Dining Hall, where we partook in a
delicious, and quite filling, lunch. I would say the meatloaf was just like momma used to make, but,
sorry ma, yours is good, but this was a little better. (Ma, your spaghetti sauce is still tops.)
After a brilliant, home-style lunch, we were split into smaller groups for social distancing and taken on a
walking tour of the Appalachian pioneer settlement. Among other things, we visited three museums
based on the history and culture of Appalachia.

As we headed to the first museum, the Transportation Museum, we strolled along the main street of a
pioneer settlement that could have been home to Davy Crockett. There was a blacksmith, a one-room
church, a general store, and a livery being used as a petting zoo – including llamas, turkeys, and ducks.
Once inside our first museum, we were amazed to see the variety of antique cars, trucks, tractors, and
even planes. Oh, and a vintage, running model train display. The kid inside me smiled with delight!
The next two museums were also something to see. The Progress Museum walked us through how life
has changed over the years, from the first settlers through modern day. The General Store Museum was
quite the treat. I felt like I would run into the cast of “Little House on the Prairie.”

After getting a fantastic taste of Appalachian culture – and cooking - we climbed aboard our trusty
steed, and our driver, Jason, navigated the country roads like a boss. Soon, we were back on the
highway and on our way to our hotel and a good night’s sleep.

The next morning brought the highlight of our trip…a secret government bunker! Deep under the West
Virginia wing of the Greenbrier lies a nuclear fallout shelter planned by President Eisenhower and built
between 1958-1961. The Greenbrier itself is a gorgeous property, complete with posh furnishings and
some unusual amenities, such as off-road Jeep adventures and falconry. Yes, falconry – I saw the sign
with my own eyes. Those types of things were not on our itinerary, which was fine because I was there
to explore the Cold War Era secret bunker.

First thing upon arriving at the Greenbrier we had our temperatures taken by the hotel security
personnel. From there, we were again split into smaller groups for social distancing and proceeded
down to the bunker’s 18-ton front door. Once inside, we got to see the huge area that would be used as
office space for the congressional aides and congressmen. We then ventured into what would be the
chamber for US House of Representatives, the medical facilities, power stations, and the cafeteria.
Everything was stark and utilitarian with pale walls and tile floors. But it seemed very functional for
what would be a shelter to ensure the continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic attack on
our homeland. Sorry, there is no photography permitted in the bunker – you will certainly have to go
see it for yourself!

After the fascinating tour of what was code named “Project Greek Isles,” we were treated to a delicious
three-course lunch. Yes, we were stuffed again! We had a little time to walk off all that lunch…thank
goodness. We were able to explore the legendary Greenbrier on our own – you know, sit in the chairs
and sofas and admire the art, fresh-cut flowers, and sparkling chandeliers. With my head full of secret
government disaster plans and a belly full of delicious chicken salad on a croissant and fries, I was ready
to have Jason point the bus toward home.

What a great trip! You know, I was a skeptical about heading out during such uncertain times. Not
because of the steps Croswell has taken to help ensure my, and everyone else’s, safety, but by the
precautions that would be taken by the destinations we would visit. I will have to admit, I was overall
pleased by the efforts taken by the places Croswell chose to send us. It was a bit uncomfortable to wear
my face mask at the start, but after a few hours or so, I forgot the thing was there. By the way, don’t try
to use a drinking straw with your mask on, you’ll poke yourself in eye. Just sayin’.
Thanks for reading about our trip to the Secret Bunker in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Hope to
see you real soon on one of Croswell’s tours!