Highlights: Blackberry Farm

•Secluded, picturesque location, just a short drive from downtown Knoxville

•Attentive staff provides exceptional service and anticipates every need

•High-style country inn elegance makes this a popular destination for a romantic getaway

•Original distinctive gourmet Southern cooking, dubbed Foothills Cuisine, served onsite

•Scenic beauty of Great Smoky Mountain National Park only moments away

•Rocking chairs on the veranda allow guests to soak in panoramic views and laid-back ambiance

Amenities: Blackberry Farm

• 44 rooms, 2 story. Children over 10 years only, excluding holidays. Check-in 4 pm, check-out Noon. Restaurant. Fitness room. Outdoor pool. Tennis. Airport transportation available.

General Impressions: Blackberry Farm

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee, is the perfect blend of luxury accommodations and rural seclusion. From my first encounter with the reservations agent until checkout, staff was friendly, polite, engaging, and anxious to fulfill my needs. They were well-informed about every aspect of this 44-room country inn.

Upon arrival, I was impressed with the winding drive bordered by white fencing and beautifully landscaped grounds. Though not greeted immediately, my check-in was fast and efficient. My special requests made during the booking were accurately confirmed at check-in. Baggage service was seamless and secure. I was escorted to my guest room with a most helpful and discreet orientation of both my room and the amenities of the inn. Overall, I was impressed with the professional and well-groomed staff.

Comfortable, friendly, and casual elegance describes the rooms, public spaces, and surrounding environs. This is the perfect place for honeymoons, leisurely getaways, and family trips. For the romantic couple, spa treatments, picnics, horseback riding, or a hike on one of six trails on this 4,200-acre estate are available. Families can participate in all the amenities plus enjoy Camp Blackberry during special times of the year and learn about the history of this unique area.

As for business meetings or retreats, the inn is limited to 44 guest rooms, but meeting space is adequate, very nice, and comfortable. Blackberry Farm has four dining areas that can serve up to 125 people at one time.

(+) Gorgeous property with incredible indoor and outdoor areas

Guest Services: Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm has garnered a sterling reputation for providing outstanding and attentive service. The reservations agent was calm, clear, and well-spoken, and she used my name throughout our conversation. However, there didn’t seem to be a genuine interest or concern for my satisfaction. I was given a description of the various room types and rates along with a vivid description of the property. She also effectively provided me with directions and transportation options. My reservations were accurately confirmed. On the property, the operators seemed genuinely concerned with my satisfaction. On some occasions, my name was not used, but staff usually ended conversations with polite remarks.

When encountering housekeeping personnel, they were always polite and acknowledged me with a smile. When I requested a forgotten item, they promptly accommodated my need. A very calming and appropriate atmosphere was created during the evening turndown service. My clothes were neatly folded, newspapers and magazines were straightened, the bed was neatly prepared, and towels and robes were replaced.

Upon departing, there was a short wait for the porter to get to my room, but the baggage service was as seamless leaving as it was upon arrival. The front desk clerk immediately acknowledged me with a smile when I got in line to check out. My final bill was not accurate but was corrected quickly. There was no offer to provide directions for my departure.

(+) Front desk and housekeeping staff were most helpful and engaging

Guest Rooms: Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm offers 44 rooms in five different categories based on size and location within the beautifully manicured and landscaped grounds of this 4,200-acre estate.

My bed was very plush and inviting, with linens that were exceptionally comfortable and of good quality. Fairly typical of an inn of this type, the closets were not very large and difficult to access because of the size of the room. The bathroom and bathtub were also small. However, other larger rooms have more spacious bathroom facilities. The bath amenities were Aveda brand. Both the bedroom and bathroom were very well lit. I was slightly disappointed that my room wasn’t entirely soundproof; I could hear noises from the neighboring room and a refrigerator outside.

(+) Overall, accommodations were clean, comfortable, and very charming

Facilities & Activities: Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities that will satisfy the most discriminating traveler. The inn provides Orvis-endorsed guides and instructors, horseback riding, carriage rides, swimming, tennis, archery, lawn games, hiking, a fitness center, and a spa. There are three miles of paved trails on the 4,200-acre estate. Other activities on the property and/or close by include canoeing, camping, hot air ballooning, biking, touring on a Harley Davidson, or whitewater rafting. Being located on the western edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, near Cades Cove, makes this area a nature-lover’s paradise.

During my visit to the spa, staff was polite and friendly. All staff members I encountered were well groomed, and complimentary refreshments were offered after treatments.

(+) Wide selection of recreational activities is offered for all ages

Dining & Lounge: Blackberry Farm

Four separate dining areas allow guests to enjoy regionally inspired selections. Blackberry Farm prides itself on serving fresh seasonal ingredients with an innovative style and timeless distinction to the acclaimed menu of Executive Chef John Fleer’s “Foothills Cuisine.” The menu boasts of using the best ingredients from Blackberry Farm’s on-premise heirloom garden and of producing its own cheese, eggs, and honey. I noticed guests could choose from three menus – a chef’s tasting menu, a la carte menu, and garden tasting menu – and options were available for nutrition-conscious guests.

My server was very helpful in discussing the details of the menu, and my meal was served in a reasonable amount of time. The overall flavor was exceptional and served at the correct temperature. The dining room was well organized and provided a comfortable environment in which to dine. Overall, breakfast was an outstanding experience; service was handled without any delays, and food was delicious.

Each day, lunch is served as a picnic for guests to explore the estate and area and select a special place on which to enjoy it. Or, staff will package your lunch to take with you, if checking out. On Sundays, a continental breakfast is served in your room, with a brunch being served at 10 am.

(+) Menu features homegrown and produced heirloom vegetables, eggs, cheese and honey

Business Services: Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm will allow all 44 rooms to be booked for business meetings and conferences, retreats, planning sessions, creative think tanks, and incentive programs.

Eight different locations and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment are available for business sessions and events. These include the plush Birch Boardroom, which can handle 14 people with leather chairs, to the White Pine Room, accommodating 75 attendees. Exclusive-use groups of Blackberry Farm have the option of seating as many as 125 guests in the Main House dining rooms. This capacity includes the use of the Rhododendron and Azalea rooms adjacent to the Mountain Dining Room. For an outdoor atmosphere, groups may choose from the Yallarhammer Pavilion, the poolside, the Bonfire Pit, and the Guest House Veranda.

(+) Exclusive use of the entire property is made available to groups