Barnsley Resort: Where Adventure meets Zen
By: Jennifer Rodriguez
Need a break from the South Florida traffic and crowds? Yeah, we all do sometimes! That’s why you’ll love escaping to the Barnsley Resort, a hidden retreat nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains in North Georgia. Just a 2-hour flight from MIA and a short drive from ATL, Barnsley is the perfect quick getaway for a breathtaking change of scenery.
Pause the busy city life, leave the sand behind, and connect with a different side of nature at this unique property the entire family can enjoy. Picture yourself surrounded by stunning woodlands, breathtaking flower gardens, and lush fields. Whether lodging in a cottage or the Inn, you’re just steps away from everything this nature-focused resort offers.
In addition to the 55 luxurious Inn rooms, 39 stunning and spacious cottages are available in various sizes, some accommodating up to 18 guests. Dogs are welcome, too, and they love roaming the many open fields throughout Barnsley. You’ll undoubtedly create lifelong memories that’ll keep you returning for years.
CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Gourmet garden-to-table dining is at the center of the Barnsley culinary experience. Southern-inspired dishes showcase the flavors and cuisines that Georgia is best known for. Only the freshest local ingredients are used at each restaurant on the property, and it shows. There’s also an abundance of exquisite wines to enjoy throughout your stay. Barnsley features its incredible private label of wines and a spectacular variety from other top-tier wineries. During our stay, we had the privilege of sampling the entire line from Blue Rock Vineyards, and we’re officially obsessed with their Baby Blue wine (you’re welcome).
For breakfast, you must try the Eggs Benedict from Woodlands Grill. I highly recommend their heavenly candied pecan-topped French toast; you’ll thank me later. Pro-tip: sit outside for a gorgeous view overlooking the golf course. The soon-to-be-expanded Beer Garden is the perfect lunch spot. Choose from a wide selection of over 30 beers, and try the pulled pork nachos, which are to die for. Head back to Woodlands Grill for an elevated dinner of perfected Southern classics. Dinner at Rice House is also a must-do during your stay. In this elegant setting, you’ll savor items from a constantly evolving menu that rotates every few weeks based on what’s growing in the garden and what ingredients are in season within a 150-mile radius of the property.
And there’s so much more to look forward to! Please take one of their dearly loved horses for a guided stroll through the woodlands and around the expansive property. Don’t worry if it’s your first time riding, as these gentle beauties know the trails like the back of their hands. You can also grab some bikes and explore other parts of the property where the horses won’t take you.
BERETTA SHOOTING GROUNDS
Kick the adventure up another notch, hop in a UTV, and hit the newly expanded Beretta Shooting Grounds. Show off your firing skills at one of the Southeast’s top sporting clay facilities. With 1800 acres of land and 28 sporting clay stations, you’ll have plenty of chances to walk away with bragging rights. If you’re not already a pro shooter, highly skilled instructors are available to help you learn how to properly hold, aim, and fire Beretta shotguns. They’re such excellent teachers that everyone in our group hit a clay disk for the first time! The fun doesn’t end there, so add golfing at the 18-hole Jim Fazio-designed golf course, catch-and-release fishing, canoeing, hiking, axe throwing, and archery to your itinerary.
WINE TOUR
Wine fans will want to book the Wine History tour. Not only will you enjoy some of the most delicious wines and cheeses, but you’ll also get all the Barnsley “tea.”
Spoiler alert: There’s so much history behind every piece of the property, and some of the storytellers are actually part of that history.
Do you love quality bourbon? Then, you won’t want to skip Barnsley’s signature bourbon-tasting ritual.
SPA
After all this adventure, you’ll want to book a relaxing treatment at their world-class spa. With so many massages, facials, and body treatments, you’ll want to check out their spa menu before you book your services. I love their Tea-LC treatment because, after an invigorating body scrub, a firming mask made of locally sourced tea from The Chai Box, coconut milk, and honey is applied to leave your skin toned and nourished. While the mask works its magic, your therapist works theirs with a hot “tea-towel” foot massage that will likely have you drifting in and out of sleep. A rich tea-infused body butter seals the deal, and you’ll walk out with a fresh glow. Spa amenities like the sauna and steam room will help you further melt any tension away. During the warm months, you can enjoy the saltwater pool next to the spa and fitness center.
If you have the chance to visit Barnsley during the Holidays, you simply must. They take festive lights, feasts, and family activities to another level. There’s even a row of fire pits in the center of the property where you can roast s’mores and warm up during the cooler months before calling it a night. Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve also boasts spectacular fireworks displays. Are you planning a unique, unforgettable, nature-centered wedding? How about a life-changing work retreat or a large group meeting that makes a statement? With over 16,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, Barnsley offers the perfect setting for memorable occasions.
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