To celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary, we traveled to Blackberry Mountain in Tennessee. I’m sharing more details about our first time visiting this luxury resort and everything we did during our unforgettable 3-night stay.
Our ten-year wedding anniversary snuck up on us. That’s bound to happen when you’re juggling two young kids, two full-time jobs, and all the chaos of busy lives. But we were determined to take some time away to mark this milestone—just the two of us.
Ten years is a “big one”, so we wanted to make it extra special. However, with two little ones at home, an extended international trip wasn’t in the cards. Instead, we opted for a domestic getaway. After doing some research, Blackberry Mountain—a luxury resort nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—felt like the perfect destination.
Finding Blackberry Mountain
My brother and sister-in-law had visited Blackberry Farm, Blackberry Mountain’s well-regarded sister property, a few years back, and they couldn’t stop raving about their experience. From the exceptional food and wine to the breathtaking setting, everything sounded incredible. We looked into booking a stay at Blackberry Farm at the start of the year but were disappointed to find that most dates for 2024 were already booked.
That’s when we discovered Blackberry Mountain, a newly opened resort that launched in 2019. It’s a luxury hotel that emphasizes outdoor adventure, wellness activities, and even a bit of luxury. While Blackberry Farm focuses more on fine dining, Blackberry Mountain is perfect for those who want adventure with complete privacy and modern comforts. It felt like the perfect match for us!
Getting To Walland, Tennessee
We kicked off our trip with an early Sunday morning flight from Chicago to Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport. The flight was super quick—just under an hour and a half—and we were in Tennessee before we knew it. The resort had arranged for a car to pick us up, and after a short 30-minute drive through the mountains, we arrived at Blackberry Mountain. The views along the way were incredible, and we couldn’t stop staring out the window!
As two lifelong Midwesterners, it always blows our minds when we travel outside the flat, open spaces of Illinois. The mountains were absolutely breathtaking, and we loved every minute as we soaked it all in.
By late morning, we were at the resort and ready to explore!
The Weather & What To Pack
We visited in early October, and we totally lucked out with the weather. The days were sunny with highs in the low 80s, and at night, the temps dropped into the 40s and 50s. Mornings started off a little chilly, but by the afternoon, we were lounging by the outdoor swimming pool in our swimsuits! By evening, I’d start the night in a cute dress, but I was always a bit cold on the golf cart ride back to our room.
I didn’t feel like I packed as well as I could’ve, so here’s some advice if you’re planning a trip to Blackberry Mountain. During the day, it’s super casual—think leggings, joggers, and comfy layers. Most people are there for outdoor activities like hiking, so I’d definitely recommend plenty of athletic wear and layers. I really wish I’d packed more athleisure, especially t-shirts and sweatshirts.
For dinner, you’ll want to dress up a bit. There’s a dress code at Three Sister’s restaurant, so I wore a dress most nights, and Finn went with slacks and a sport coat. The vibe at Firetower is more relaxed, so a button-down or polo is totally fine there.
Here’s my ideal packing list…
The one thing you don’t need to pack is a reusable water bottle. You will get your own Yeti (to keep) when you arrive at the resort and there are plenty of places to fill it up. They want to keep their guests hydrated!
Arriving At Blackberry Mountain
Pulling up to Blackberry Mountain felt like stepping into a hidden oasis in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains. The drive through the foothills was stunning, but arriving at the resort itself was next-level. It’s tucked away, so it feels super private and exclusive, like you’ve just stumbled upon this magical place.
When we got to the main lodge, the staff welcomed us with that signature Southern hospitality and a cold glass of champagne. I knew I was gonna like this place!
Check-in was a breeze, which gave us some time to take in the view—floor-to-ceiling windows showing off the mountains, cozy stone archways, and a beautiful outdoor patio with a fireplace that was already calling my name.
The property is spread out, which gives everyone plenty of space and privacy. The property was designed to make you feel like you’re fully immersed in nature. Every room comes with its own personal golf cart (So fun!), so we hopped into ours to get to our room.
Our Room: The Treehouse
We stayed in one of the Treehouses, and it was seriously like something out of a dream. It’s nestled up in the trees, so it felt like our own little hideaway. The room had these amazing floor-to-ceiling windows, so we were surrounded by the forest, no matter where we were. There was also a wood-burning stove that made it super cozy at night.
The space itself wasn’t huge, but it had this great open feel with high ceilings and tons of natural wood and stone. The bathroom had a deep soaking tub, which I used every single day!
But the best part? The private deck. Sitting out there, listening to the sounds of the forest and watching the sunrise over the Great Smoky Mountains—it was pure magic. We felt totally spoiled, like we had the entire mountain to ourselves.
They also have multi-bedroom homes and stone cottages for larger groups.
So Many Activities!
Whenever Finn and I go away, we typically head somewhere warm where we can just lay by the pool or beach and relax. This trip to Blackberry Mountain was going to be totally different! A few months before our stay, the resort sent us a full list of all the activities we could sign up for, and it was seriously hard to choose. There were so many amazing options – like horseback riding, rock climbing, and aerial yoga.
We didn’t want to overbook ourselves, but we also didn’t want to miss out on some of the unique experiences.
In the end, we decided on the following activities…
- Arbor Adventure: This was such a blast! It’s a high-ropes course up in the trees with obstacles and ziplining. Finn and I don’t often get to do adventurous stuff together, so we had the best time testing out our athletic skills (or lack thereof) for two hours. We laughed so much as we nearly wiped out a few times, but we made it through, feeling pretty proud of ourselves.
- Sound bathing: I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but it was definitely an experience. It’s a 75-minute vibrational meditation where you lie in a cozy room with your eyes closed while the instructor plays different musical instruments—everything from a gong to wind chimes. It was super relaxing (Finn even fell asleep!), but I’m not sure it’s something I’d do again.
- Pottery Class: This was hands-down one of my favorites! It’s one of the most popular classes at Blackberry, and I can see why. We had a private class in the art studio where the instructor patiently guided us through the whole process, even though we were total beginners. We ended up making eight pieces (with a lot of help, of course), and they’ll be shipped to us in a few weeks!
- Wine & Cheese Tasting: With Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farm having the second-largest wine cellar in the country, we knew we had to try this one. It was a fun group experience with three other couples, and we learned a lot about wine (and cheese!).
Keep in mind, all of these activities are an additional cost, but they were totally worth it for us.
Other Wellness Activities
In addition to the extra cost activities, Blackberry Mountain offers a full lineup of daily hiking adventures and workout options that are included. From sunrise yoga to kettlebell workouts, there’s something for everyone. You can really pick your poison! Plus, they have a basketball court, tennis courts, fitness center, rock wall and more.
One morning, we signed up for the “hike to breakfast,” and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences. The 1.5-hour hike took us through the woods with a small group, and we passed waterfalls, crossed bridges, and soaked in the sunrise. It was the perfect way to start the day, and breakfast at the end was a nice reward!
I also jumped into a few of the group fitness classes during our stay. Whether it was a strength class or something more relaxing like yoga, it was great to just show up and get a good sweat in without any planning.
Don’t Miss The Nest Spa
Even though the spa is tucked into the Lodge and isn’t super big, it was such a fantastic experience. I got one of the best massages of my life. Seriously, it was amazing! Looking back, I wish I’d booked a few more treatments while we were there.
I tried to convince Finn to join me for a spa day, but he wasn’t having it. I think he really missed out!
The Food & Drinks – OMG!
I saved the best for last. Oh. My. Goodness. The food was incredible! Finn and I proudly became members of the “Clean Plate Club” for every single meal during our stay. No joke—there wasn’t a single bite left behind because it was that good.
Oh, and here’s the best part: breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included in the price of your stay. So, of course, we made sure to get our money’s worth. It’s worth mentioning alcoholic beverages are extra, but that didn’t stop us from ordering our favorite drinks every day.
We already knew Blackberry Mountain had a stellar reputation for its food, and it totally lived up to the hype. Every meal was fresh, seasonal, and beautifully presented. It was like dining in a fancy restaurant at every turn.
There are two main dining spots at the resort: Three Sisters and Firetower.
Three Sisters is the fancier of the two, with a dress code that makes dinner feel extra special. Every night, we had a multi-course meal in their dining room, and the attention to detail was unreal. From the farm-to-table ingredients to the spot-on wine pairings, it was truly a fine dining experience.
The Firetower restaurant is more laid-back, but the food is just as incredible. It’s perched up on the upper mountain, and the views are absolutely insane—especially at sunset. It’s more of an elevated comfort food vibe. Make sure you travel up to the lookout tower at sunset. It offers a fantastic view of the Great Smokies.
All in all, whether we were having an upscale dinner or a casual bite with a view, the food at Blackberry Mountain was on another level.
Oh, and every night you can request a s’mores kit to use at one of their outdoor fireplaces or the fireplace in your room. We took advantage of that!
Who Should Visit?
During our stay, we mostly saw a mix of couples and groups of women—probably enjoying a family vacation or a fun getaway. There were a few kids here and there, but it definitely felt like a more adult-centered resort.
For families, they do offer Camp Blackberry, where kids can enjoy things like art classes and outdoor activities while the adults explore the resort. There are even multi-bedroom homes and private homes available if you’re traveling with larger groups.
That said, I don’t see us bringing the whole family here. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic escape or a girls’ trip. In fact, I’m already trying to convince my mom and sister to plan a trip because I know they would absolutely love it!
Overall Experience
I feel like this might be the most glowing review I’ve ever written. Can you tell we loved our trip?! Honestly, the only downside was the price tag. The room rates are pricey! But because this was such a big milestone for us, we decided to go all out and splurge on this vacation. While I don’t think it’s in the budget for every anniversary, I’m already dreaming about making it back for our 15th!
We only went for three nights and I wish we had one more day to squeeze in a bit more relaxation. I think we were so excited and jam-packed our schedule a bit, so next time around I would have one day without any plans.
Blackberry Mountain truly is a special place, and I’m determined to return one day. If you’re looking for a mix of luxury, adventure, and total relaxation in the Great Smoky Mountains, this resort is hard to beat.