Southern Luxury: Visiting Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee

Location

Blackberry Farm is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Walland, TN. Together with its neighboring sister property, it boats over 9,000 acres of land. Blackberry Mountain offers a bucolic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The drive in is charming and quaint if you live nearby or just a short 18 miles from the Knoxville airport or 190 miles from the Nashville airport.

The resort has a main house — which contains the main dining room where you can dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner if you choose. Close by is another large building, the Guest House; it houses estate rooms and both Carriage House suites and Holly Glade cottage suites. Along the drive in, close to the location of the Barn is the last type of cottage — Singing Brook cottages, which offer wooded accommodations with ultimate privacy. All cottages have wood-burning fireplaces, which the staff will gladly have roaring after you return from dinner each night.

Resort amenities

There is literally something for everyone. There is a fantastic spa and workout facility offering small classes as well as private training. The spa has the latest equipment and offers elevated services such as hydrafacials and body wraps. The spa building boasts the swimming pool, which overlooks the farm and the tennis courts.

There are over 12 miles of on-property hiking trails with amazing views. There is horseback riding for all levels, sporting clays offsite nearby, geocaching, cycling, paddle sports and fly fishing lessons with a stocked stream. Activities include cooking demonstrations and wine or whiskey tastings. A Farmstead Tour will take you to the Dairy Barn, the Larder, the Creamery, the sheep pasture and the kennel where the famous Lagotto Romagnolo Italian truffle dogs live.

Dining

Let me emphasize that dining isn’t a simple meal here. It is an experience. Breakfast and lunch are served in the Main House. I can not emphasize enough that Blackberry Farm consistently delivers the best culinary experience I have ever experienced. From southern favorites such as daily griddle cakes, farm eggs from local farmers and healthy options such as overnight oats or yogurt. Lunch is also served in the Main House and the menu changes daily with options including delicious, hearty salads with fresh farm ingredients to a daily-rotating burger.

There are two options for dinner. The Main House dining room transforms into the Dogwood Restaurant, with a dedicated chef and curated cocktail program. Menus are seasonal and change daily, focusing on the seasonal farm-to-table food that is the hallmark of Blackberry Farm. They go above and beyond to satisfy all dietary needs and wants. The second option, available for dinner only and restricted to people over the age of 12, is The Barn. Located closer to the entrance of the resort, The Barn stands in a complex with Bramble Hall and The Larder. Underneath this entire area is the second-largest wine cellar in the United States.

Special tip: Ask your server for a cellar tour to be arranged during dinner. It is an amazing experience and you will walk underneath the Barn and all the way across the driveway as this cellar boasts over 150,000 bottles.

What about a family vacation?

The Barn is restricted to children over the age of 12, but children are welcome in the Main House for all meals, including dinner at the Dogwood. There are several times per year that Blackberry Farm specially caters to families and children, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer break. During these periods, there is special programming so adults can escape for some activities or spa time while the kids enjoy the farm and children’s pool area.

• “Camp Blackberry” is available year round in morning or afternoon sessions with notice and offers supervised children-specific activities including cooking, outdoor adventure, art and exploring the farmstead.

• “Youth Discovery” programming is also available year-round on request. It exposes children to additional opportunities such as painting, ceramics and adventure activities on the farmstead. They also offer certified babysitters for children who are too young for programming.

I particularly recommend Blackberry Farm for couples or small friend groups who want to experience Southern hospitality and luxury dining. This resort caters to those who love outdoor activities or spa services. The dining here is absolutely unparalleled compared to any other resort I have experienced, and the culture is to “never say no” to a guest. You will be spoiled beyond your dreams.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Walland, Tennessee. In need of further inspiration? Check out Brooke Yool’s guide, A Fun-Filled Escape to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.