Blackberry Farm: A Luxury Escape Closeby, Yet a World Away

The familiar red barn is the center for fine dining at Blackberry Farm but is also the focal point of the property's farmstead, which grows much of the produce used in the Blackberry kitchens.

As day breaks and the fog rolls out of the mountains, visitors to Blackberry Farm can take in the breathtaking views of the valley from their own personal rocking chair, just outside the Main House.

The Orvis-endorsed fly fishing class gives anglers of all abilities a fun, challenging opportunity to fish in Hesse Creek. It's a unique way to enjoy nature, and maybe catch a trophy trout as well.

The Boathouse at Old Walland Pond offers opportunities for canoeing, bird watching or just relaxing by the water with a box lunch.

Want to cook like a Blackberry chef? Take a cooking class during your stay and prepare a three-course midday meal, inspired by the Farm's cuisine.

Two guests at Blackberry Farm walk along the path that outlines the Old Walland Pond. Nine miles of trails on property offer up-close views of the Farm and the Smokies.

By: Betsy Ross

Take a deep breath and close your eyes.

Envision calm, serenity, comfort. 

What do you see? Perhaps a lush mountain range, cool flowing water, tranquil pastures.

That vision becomes reality at Blackberry Farm, an oasis of comfort in a chaotic world.

A four-hour drive from Cincinnati, Blackberry Farm is just outside Knoxville but is a world away from the daily travails we’ve all slogged through these last few months. As you drive along the winding country road to the farm’s check in, the white picket fence property welcomes you immediately in comfort as the staff makes sure you leave all your baggage, literally and figuratively, at the door. 

First, a little background: From a six-room country inn operated in the 1970s by owners Kreis and Sandy Beall, Blackberry Farm evolved under their son Sam’s guidance to the Blackberry Farm we know today as the epicenter of fine cuisine, wine and comfort. Sam’s widow, Mary Celeste Beall, has elevated the experience and has expanded Blackberry Farm to a lifestyle brand as well as adding a new property, Blackberry Mountain (more on that later). 

Accommodations at Blackberry Farm range from historical rooms to cottages to houses with three to five bedrooms. But if you play your stay right, you won’t be spending that much time there, no matter how luxurious the surroundings (and they are). Because activities at Blackberry Farm range from the traditional spa day to horseback riding, fly fishing lessons, geocaching, hiking, paddleball, yoga and so much more. Want to do something else? The amazing Blackberry staff is more than accommodating to help you find the perfect activity. 

With 160,000 bottles to choose from, Blackberry Farm's wine selection is sure to satisfy even the most particular wine enthusiast.

Sign up for a wine tasting session and you’ll be able to visit the 160,000-bottle underground wine cellar with one of Blackberry Farm’s sommeliers. Food pairings with the wine are just as important to the Blackberry experience, as you can indulge in cooking demonstrations by in-house or guest chefs then sample the farm-to-table creations at the Main House, or let the staff drive you in one of the Farm’s black Lexus SUVs to The Barn for more upscale dining. 

Blackberry Farm also offers guest lectures and special events in what is billed as “The 2021 Blackberry Year,” they’re calling it, with a series of “more intimate experiences” with personalities and experts on a wide range of topics. At the end of March, for example, Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach will hold an evening of conversation and discussion (sorry, it’s already sold out, I tried!) but throughout the year you can hear from authors, musicians and others. This year’s schedule is on the website at blackberryfarm.com.

Or you don’t have to do a thing. The beauty of Blackberry Farm is that your time is your own, however you want to manage it. Oversize white rocking chairs just outside the Main House offer Southern hospitality and a breathtaking view of the property and the Smoky Mountains. Walk across the road and check out the garden that grows much of the Farm’s fresh produce and chat with the staff that takes care of the “Truffle Dogs” (formal name, Lagotto Romagnolo) whose lineage goes back to Italy. If you’re lucky, you’ll be there at the right time to see the latest litter of fluffy, furry Blackberry Farm puppies. 

If you are a little more adventurous, check out Blackberry Mountain, with all the luxury of its sister property with an added component of wellness and fitness. Activities center on enjoying nature while concentrating on mindfulness and wellness including mountain biking, aerial yoga and pottery classes.

Both properties are very family friendly and offer Camp Blackberry and Blackberry Youth Discovery, kids-only experiences in food, outdoor activities and more. Camp Blackberry is for children 4 and older, while Blackberry Youth Discovery is recommended for kids 10 and up. Camp Blackberry is offered during holidays (including spring break) and during the summer. 

Blackberry Farm is the comfort our bodies, our minds, our souls need right now. It is an exceptional experience that will leave you refreshed, relaxed and recharged to take on the day. And isn’t that what we all need right now? 

Accommodations and events sell out quickly around the holidays, so book several months early if you are looking for a specific room or specific event. Check out the rooms and make reservations at blackberryfarm.com.