Country roads, take me home…to the Barnsely Resort! Okay, so there’s a little twist on John Denver’s version, but it’s just as true and there’s no song that can explain the one-of-a-kind experience at the Barnsley Resort.

It’s been said that some of the most memorable destinations are hidden gems, and the Barnsley Resort is undeniably one of them. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just an hour north of Atlanta is not just a beautiful resort, but a historic estate and a one-of-a-kind sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. I’ve always been fond of the great outdoors, but I’ve never experienced a destination that encourages both luxurious southern comfort and getting (a lot) of dust and mud on your boots. It’s the perfect duo and truly a unique experience for all who are looking for an adventure.

When I think back of the Barnsley Resort, I can only think that the property was nothing less than something out of a storybook. This 1840s estate is a destination that anyone can appreciate. Visitors have access to 3,000 acres of recreational choices such as a world-class Jim Fazio-designed golf course, Beretta Shooting Grounds that includes a sporting clays course, bird hunting, and horseback riding along picturesque trails. The best part of the resort are the awe-inspiring ruins from the original manor built by Godfrey Barnsley for his wife, Julia, which tower over the resort’s legendary gardens. With authentic, locally sourced cuisine, a boutique spa, and unparalleled Southern charm, Barnsley Resort offers an escape that’s just what you’d expect Georgia to be, and so much more. With the completion of the new Inn at Barnsley Resort, the property now has a total of 150 guest rooms and suites

When it comes to finding the perfect destination to visit, whether it’s a getaway for your family or simply a place to travel to solo, the Barnsley Resort accommodates the needs of any occasion. My experience was a little more on the wild side and I left with not only incredible memories, but with an adequate amount of knowledge in both hunting quail and how to properly aim at a clay disk while clay shooting. The best part is that these resources are available to anyone who is looking for an adventure – no experience required!

Aaaah – the great outdoors. One would argue that the outdoor adventures at the Barnsley Resort could be the main event – I might have to agree. I do enjoy shooting guns, and the this is just the place for a gun enthusiast to pull the trigger. Whether you’re a sharp shooter or a beginner, there’s a place for you here. Take a shot at the 28-station clays course (or covered five-stand) to test your aim. Not only is this is one of the top sporting clay facilities in the Southeast, but it’s also Beretta’s official shooting grounds. It’s simple to spend a few hours out on the course. All you have to do it schedule your shotgun fitting and private instruction. You’ll be yelling, “Pull!” like a pro! A little further out is where you’ll find the 1800 acres of rolling hills and flat lands. Hunters can load up into one of the custom-built Jeeps with a personal guide and world-class hunting pups for a bucket list-worthy dove, quail, pheasant or turkey hunt, in season.

If you’re looking for something a little slower pace but just as exciting and beautiful, then go ahead and strap on your chaps and spurs (if you want to, of course) for a guided horseback ride through the wilderness. Amp up the ride with a romantic picnic for two, or opt for lessons in the corral. An introduction to horsemanship will teach you to groom, tackle, lead, communicate and ride in the ring. Kids love this! In fact, most people who participate do as well. 

There are so many activities that you just won’t know what to do first! Other outdoor adventures includes golf. Set your tee time at the resort’s 18-hole Jim Fazio-designed course, recognized as some of the fastest greens in the Southeast and offering one of the best collections of par 3s in all of golf. The course was recently upgraded to Champion Bermuda greens for a more consistent putting surface year-round. If you’re looking to learn a few techniques, but never had the chance? Head to the new Golf School, offering drop-in clinics, private instruction from PGA Professionals and retired players, utilizing top of the line Trackman Technology. Guests can enjoy custom club-fitting, with brands including TaylorMade, Titleist, Callaway, Ping and PXG – making Barnsley Resort one of the only green grass facilities in North Georgia to offer this.

You can also enjoy the nine-hole Disc Golf course and the Wolf Cave Mountain paintball field that are available for a little friendly competition. Discover the resort on foot or bike with the help of the shooting grounds’ trail map, with options that range from strenuous to easy levels. Active travelers will enjoy the fit trail, offering the opportunity to get in an outdoor workout.

All this adventure makes me hungry, and there are plenty of fabulous restaurants right on the property! The Woodlands Grill is the place to indulge in home-cooked Southern fare. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers Southern regional comfort food that’s delicious any time of the day, plus an extensive wine, craft beer and spirit list.

On the other side of the property, the Rice House, which was originally the home of the Rice Family in nearby Rome, Georgia, was delicately relocated to Barnsley Resort. The culinary team pays respect to its Southern roots and serves modern farmhouse cuisine, with a menu that changes every other week.

For a meal on the go and an ice-cold beer, The Beer Garden is a great spot to gather under the stars. Open throughout the day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Beer Garden offers a casual menu featuring items from Atlanta’s Spotted Trotter Charcuterie that pair perfectly with over 30 craft beer selections.

If the slow paced, soothing country scene is something you’re seeking for your next getaway, this is definitely the place for you. With authentic, locally sourced cuisine, a boutique spa, and Southern charm, Barnsley Resort offers an escape unlike anything else in the southeast. With the completion of the new Inn at Barnsley Resort, the property now has a total of 150 guest rooms and suites, making plenty room for more visitors.

 

For more information and to book your stay, visit www.barnsleyresort.com or give them a call at 770-773-7480.

See you in the country!