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Month: October 2020

Blackberry Farm Vs. Blackberry Mountain

The Difference Between Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain

A Diego Travel agency and Virtuoso client favorite domestic destination has always been Blackberry Farm and more recently, Blackberry Mountain – two luxury resorts in the Great Smoky Mountains of Walland, Tennessee.  If you are undecided between which of these Virtuoso and Relais & Chateaux properties might be right for you, we are here to point you in the right direction.  In addition to helping our clients navigate the differences between these two luxury resorts, as a proud affiliate of McCabe World Travel, we also offer our clients the following benefits:

  • 5% off published rates
  • $50 spa credit
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Priority room upgrade when available
  • Personalized trip planning to make the most out of your vacation
  • Custom Diego Travel welcome box with goodies for new clients

Both Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain are the perfect destinations for a wellness and spa weekend, a girlfriends getaway (see our blog on our moms’ trip to Blackberry Farm), a domestic honeymoon, or even a large family vacation, so how do you make the choice of which one is best for you?  Well, just keep reading…

Getting There

The pastoral Tennessee farm is situated on a 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, just 25 minutes from the Knoxville airport, also known as McGhee Tyson Airport or TYS, or you can drive 2.5 hours from Asheville, 3 hours from Nashville, or 3.5 hours from Atlanta.  The two sister properties are located just 30 minutes apart, with Blackberry Mountain sitting at an elevation of 2,800 feet.

How to Get to Blackberry Farm & Blackberry Mountain

  • 35.6864,-83.8656

    Blackberry Farm

  • 35.7431,-83.7659

    Blackberry Mountain

Why you should plan a trip to:

Blackberry Farm

  • There are 68 accommodations/rooms at Blackberry Farm
  • Rooms range from a queen Historic room in the Main House to multi-bedroom homes
  • Blackberry Farm includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Home to The Wellhouse at Blackberry Farm (spa) for re-centering
  • Activities include cycling, horseback riding, hiking, boating, water and paddle sports, fly-fishing, bird-watching, sporting clays, carriage rides and archery

Blackberry Mountain

  • There are 18 large cabins and 6 traditional cabins and multi-bedroom homes at Blackberry Mountain
  • Rooms range from a watchman queen cabin to a 5-bedroom private home
  • Blackberry Mountain includes breakfast and dinner, but lunch is not included in the rates
  • Home to Nest, the naturopathic spa focused on self-discovery
  • Activities include diverse hiking options, destination picnics, fitness classes, rock climbing, camping, mountain biking, sporting clays, tree climbing, fly-fishing, boating, water and paddle sports

What Is The Highlight at:

Blackberry Farm

The renowned Relais & Chateaux Foothills Cuisine at Blackberry Farm is literally farm to table and every meal is a savory and indulgent feast for the senses. If you are looking to relax with not much more activity than say, an epicurean adventure, then Blackberry Farm is the right place for you. They have James Beard award winning dining at The Barn, in addition to The Dogwood and The Main House. Summer opens up more opportunities for al fresco dining options and tasting the 30 plus varieties of tomatoes on offer from the gardens.

Blackberry Mountain

The elevated property on the mountaintop is the prime spot to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with your loved ones. In fact, the Watchman Cabins don’t even have televisions. The resort offers a peaceful retreat or an epic opportunity for adventure. Its wellness focus translates to its meals, its activities, its service and its spa treatments. You’ll find everything from aerial yoga, rock climbing, Raku pottery classes, and nature retreats (a la forest bathing).

Who Should Visit?

Blackberry Farm

It’s ideal for large, traditional family gatherings, with special events and concerts scattered throughout the calendar each year. Guests of the farm, or as they like to refer to them, friends of the Farm, tend to return year-after-year, with the draw of seeing their favorite performing artist, or taking a special course, or partaking in a special hobby. It’s not just the unparalleled hospitality that is the hallmark of the Blackberry brand, it is the experience that makes the vacation. Finally, you can’t miss the farmstead tour and a visit to see the Lagotto Romagnolo puppies, or better known as truffle puppies. These cuddly and delicious little teddy bears have a 6-year wait list to purchase one. And while I haven’t gotten myself on the list, I’m seriously considering it. The puppy visit makes the visit to the farm completely worth it!

Aside from large families, Blackberry Farm is really ideal for intimate weddings and honeymooners alike. The property is so expansive and the accommodations offer so much privacy, that even at full capacity, the resort never feels crowded. We have planned small and large celebrations, and work collaboratively between you and the Blackberry team to make your event unique to you. If you feel overwhelmed about putting together your destination wedding, don’t hesitate to reach out to see how we can transform your vision into reality.

Blackberry Mountain

While you’ll find everyone from families with small children, to couples celebrating their anniversary, to newlyweds on their honeymoon, what sets the Mountain apart is that you won’t see much of anyone else if you don’t want to. The point is to disconnect from the everyday grind and dive into your health and wellness to truly emerge more centered, more in tune with nature, and hence, more relaxed. All while challenging yourself as much, or as little, as you’d like with the plentitude of mountain adventure activities

Need Help Deciding Which One Is Right For You?

We are always here to walk our clients through questions, itineraries, and custom trip planning. If you really can’t decide which property you’ll enjoy more, then we say why not enjoy both?! You can easily spend a few days at each, but keep in mind that during peak seasons, there may be minimum stays at each. We also recommend booking at least six months in advance to get your preferred date, and more if you are planning a large group vacation or a wedding. You can Contact Us us to start planning your next escape to Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. We can’t wait to make your stay extra special!


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