Hotels to Love: Blackberry Farm

Blackberry farm

There’s a reason that Blackberry Farm is ranked #1 in Travel + Leisure’s 15 Favorite Resorts in the South. And if you’re lucky enough to snag a coveted reservation, when you arrive at the 4,200 acre property, it will be exactly what you imagined. The picturesque setting in the Great Smoky Mountains, the farm to table Relais & Chateaux quality meals, the five star service with a touch of southern hospitality, it’s all there for you to enjoy.

I’d been dreaming of this trip since 2021, when I started having clients reach out for stays at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, so my expectations were extremely high, and this trip did not disappoint. Read on for everything you need to know about your first trip to Blackberry Farm.

everything you need to know about your first trip to Blackberry Farm:

when to book

I booked my reservation one year in advance. If your preferred dates are in the fall, over holidays, or during school breaks, the earlier you can book the better options you will have for accommodations.

what to pack

This will be season dependent, for my late September visits, I brought athleisure wear for the day, causal outfits for mid-day, and dresses for dinner. The weather can change quickly, so a rain jacket and waterproof shoes are also good to have. Don’t worry about bringing flashlights, umbrellas, a steamer, or snacks.

Getting there

Fly into Knoxville, take a quick walk to the rental car counters, and within 30 minutes you’ll arrive to Blackberry Farm.

where to stay

There are several types of accommodations to choose from. I selected a room in the Guest House because I wanted to be walking distance to everything and not have to use a golf cart or wait to be picked up. It worked out well, and the only time I needed a ride was for dinner at The Barn. If you need larger accommodations, there are stand alone cottages, if you’re traveling with family or friends there are a great option. What I also liked about the Guest House is that there is a communal living space, which gives you the opportunity to chat with other guests.

what to do

Everything! Or nothing! That’s the beauty of a vacation like this. I opted for a Sommelier class, a farmstead tour, and a massage. I didn’t want to be over scheduled, and during my free time I hiked, did puzzles, read, walked the property, and browsed the three gift shops.

where to eat

I wanted to experience both The Barn and the Dogwood, so I alternated each night starting with the Dogwood. Because the menus change every other day, I got new menus each night and I liked that they keep some of the most popular items on the menus. Don’t forget that your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day, and you are not going to want to skip meals. I can confidently say that this was some of the best food that I’ve ever eatern.

what i wish i’d known

Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need! I learned that from some repeat guests who requested tours, menu items, and more. It’s a small property in terms of the number of guests, and the staff does a great job of trying to accommodate whatever you may need.

Reach out to Perspectives Travel when you’re ready to book your next Blackberry getaway, and I’ll share all the tips and tricks I learned from experiencing it firsthand.