Blackberry Farm

Let me start by saying I have not made the trip to the infamous Blackberry Farm in Eastern Tennessee. It's on the bucket list for sure.  After reading about it, to me, it looks like it's the Inn at Little Washington (here in VA) meets Eastern Tennessee. Set on over 4000 acres, Blackberry oozes sophistication in a very rural setting.  But this remoteness does not come cheap.

 The farm was purchased years ago by the founder of the Ruby Tuesday restaurant chain. It was run by his son, Sam Beall, until February when he was killed in a tragic skiing accident at age 39.  His wife and five children were left behind and are taking over the reins for now.

There is a two-night minimum, dinner and meals are included.  Children are extra. Dogs are allowed (for a fee) and you can fish, foxhunt, take cooking lessons, go to the spa, or enjoy their incredible wine cellar.  This is quite a place, maybe one day.......

I love this intro from their web site:

In 1939, Mrs. Florida Lasier of Chicago snagged her silk stockings on a wild blackberry bramble while exploring the idyllic Smoky Mountain foothills, and the name Blackberry Farm was born. Thirty-nine years later, the Beall family invested their hearts and souls in the same romantic site that has become their family home and lifelong passion. Today, one of America's most celebrated intimate luxury hotels beckons discerning guests who aspire to escape modern-day frenzy and slip into a Blackberry state of mind. Situated on a pastoral 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry will show you the many reasons why it is one of the top rated properties in the world.

This place has won more awards than Meryl Streep has Oscar nominations.  Maybe they are on to something.  Learn more about this idyllic place here.