My husband and I spent a weekend at Blackberry Farm this past November - we were past the prime leaf changing weeks but the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee were still spectacular and did not disappoint! We were craving a quiet weekend of rest and relaxation without our kids. It was the first weekend we were away together without our kids since the pandemic had began - so some adult time was long overdue! If you aren't familiar with Blackberry, it's rating the #1 hotel in Tennessee and #3 Best All Inclusive Resort in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. We agreed that "nothing" was what we really wanted to do all weekend - so though Blackberry boasts plenty of activities we spent the majority of our time there sitting in chairs and taking in the views and fresh air, going for long walks past fields of sheep and livestock, horseback riding through hills and streams and delighting in the incredible food. The food is spectacular and that alone merits a trip to experience Blackberry. One of my husband's best friends, Tyler Congleton, is one of the developers of Blackberry Farm and we were thrilled to see him and his wife Vee while there. Tyler gave us a tour of their newer property, Blackberry Mountain, which boasts the most incredible mountain views. It was truly gorgeous and a perfect Fall getaway. Here are some photos of the resort - I was attracted to it's elegant simplicity and I loved the zen feeling you get while there:
Me relaxing in a rocking chair outside of The Dogwood, overlooking the pond:
We took long walks by the Dairy barn and saw sheep and horses. We also went by to see the kennel with the Truffle dogs on the property as they had some puppies for viewing.
I really feel that the body and mind needs a good dose of simple once in a while. As Laura Ingalls Wilder said in the much adored Little House books, "It's the sweet simple things of life which are the real ones after all." We all need time to detach and reboot.
Some of the room suites are in individual cabins. Ours was the Maupin cabin #316 which was delightful. I loved the privacy and we were set back in the woods which added in the feeling of "being away from it all". The smell of the woods should be bottled to take home! Our room was spacious yet cozy - here are some photos:
There was a neat wall panel of botanical prints created to hide the TV when not in use. I loved that!
A little bar area for drinks, coffee and some snacks:
We had our own front porch which looked out over the forest behind us:
I kept the gas fireplace going at night, perfect for the crisp November evenings!
I absolutely loved The Dogwood restaurant, which is where we had a number of meals. It's so warm and inviting and makes you think of the English countryside. It really is lovely. All of the meals are stand outs (they are a Relais & Chateaux and has won a James Beard award) and it's fun to stay late into the evening to enjoy a drink by the fire. There was a cute group of twenty-somethings one night seated next to us that had brought their own cards and were enjoying some poker and cocktails before bed. It's got a very cozy and preppy-chic ambiance.
Cocktails by the fire at the Dogwood restaurant:
There is a clubhouse area where you can go watch a sports game on TV, relax or play pool:
There is a small pond with a charming gazebo where you can sit and read a book or take a canoe out to explore:
I had a massage at the Wellhouse spa on the property, which resides in an understated barn and is the perfect spot for calm reflection.
We did the Field and Stream ride on horses one afternoon and had the most lovely tour guide!
Dinner at The Barn - which is set in a large turn-of-the-century barn with high ceilings and romantic lighting. It's fun to watch the cooking staff in action preparing their five star meals.
We ventured over to Blackberry Mountain to see our friends Tyler and Vee. It's another venture by the developers of Blackberry Farm and is about a 20 minute drive.
We had cocktails at the Firetower which has the most amazing 360 degree views of the valley. It's stunning, especially in the fall months! Then we ventured back down the mountain a bit for dinner at Three Sisters.
Fun with old friends:
Cocktails after at the bar at Three Sisters. They had fabulous lighting, too!
Overall it was a great weekend and just what the doctor ordered! I would highly recommend Blackberry Farm. I look forward to returning in the summer at some point to enjoy archery, clay shooting, carriage rides, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking and other outdoor activities that were out of season when we went. If you have been or plan to go, please post your comments below!
