If you know of Blackberry Farm, you've likely been eagerly awaiting the opening of its sister resort, Blackberry Mountain. If not, we suggest you familiarize yourself. The original 4,200-acre property in Walland, Tennessee, is known for its culinary program and spa and is consistently rated among the best small luxury hotels in America. Its new sister property promises more of the same - with a twist.
The long-awaited opening of Blackberry Mountain is set for Feb. 15. Located on 5,200 acres in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the new resort has more of an adventure and wellness focus than its sister property, which is about 7 miles away. There is still the emphasis on all-around hospitality in a peaceful, relaxing environment that people have come to expect from the Blackberry experience, but instead of gorging on farm-fresh, down-home delights like biscuits and bacon, you'll be noshing on dishes fit to fuel your adventure-filled days.
The Fire Tower, the resort's "hike-in" casual dining restaurant, is located at the peak of the mountain and boasts 360-degree views. There, breakfast may consist of an egg bowl with sweet potato hash, wilted greens and crispy grains. At Three Sisters, the mountain's signature fine dining restaurant, dinner could be pan-seared fingerling trout with marinated crawfish, and roasted, raw, pickled and pureed carrots with horseradish and toasted amaranth.
One of the most unique activities at Blackberry Mountain is led by Three Sisters Executive Chef Josh Feathers and his team, who take guests on a foraging excursion and set up trail-side cooking experiences. A typical trail-side menu may consist of foraged and domestic mushrooms cooked over a flame, roasted beets dressed with house-fermented greens, and venison loin with a coffee-chili rub.
The resort's other diverse offerings include immersive outdoor and wellness activities like aerial yoga, progressive fitness classes, mountain biking, hiking, trail running and more utilizing the mountain's top-notch amenities, which include an expansive spa and wellness center, infinity pool, fitness facilities and yoga studio. There's also a demo kitchen, crafts center, indoor sports court and climbing wall, and ample opportunity to explore the resort's 3,000 acres of wilderness with trail rides on horseback or mountain bike, or fishing, canoeing, kayaking or tubing.
The Fire Tower is the resort's "hike-in" casual dining restaurant, located at the peak of the mountain.With Blackberry Mountain's offerings changing with the seasons, from restaurant menus to activities and special events, the resort is a different experience every visit. The calendar of upcoming events includes visiting speakers such as professor Dr. Brené Brown, author of five No. 1 New York Times best-sellers including her latest, "Dare to Lead," focused on courage and leadership. The resort's lineup also includes personal development opportunities through workshops with culinary, wellness and design experts, such as learning about bourbon from Julian Van Winkle, or mixing craft cocktails with folk musicians The Milk Carton Kids and Attaboy.
Don't fret if you're craving a biscuit or three; guests on the mountain can still get their fill of farm favorites. Blackberry Mountain guests can eat at the sister resort's The Barn Restaurant for dinner, attend concerts and special events at the farm, and use its equestrian facility. They can also participate in the farm's adventure and activities programming, like guided shooting, water sports, cycling and mountain biking, paintball, hiking, geocaching, garden tours, culinary schools, and wine and spirit classes and tastings.
Resort guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including 18 luxury one-bedroom cottages, six mountaintop cabins and 13 homes available for overnight rental. If you truly never want to leave, you can also purchase a residence on the mountain and get access to the same amenities as resort guests.
The new resort has been a dream of Blackberry Farm proprietors Sam and Mary Celeste Beall for the past decade. Blackberry Mountain is now a reality thanks to the efforts of Mary Celeste and the Beall family following the late Sam Beall's untimely 2016 death in a tragic skiing accident. Their preservation-driven efforts are a treasure for nature- and wellness-lovers and are sure to become a source of pride for East Tennesseeans.
Blackberry Mountain and sister resort Blackberry Farm are located 25 miles south of Knoxville in Walland. For more information or to make reservations, visit blackberrymountain.com or email reservations@blackberrymountain.com.