The highlight of my two trips to Knoxville were two incredible dinners at Blackberry Farm in Walland Tennessee. This is a wonderful resort located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and a 25 minute drive from Knoxville. Located on 4,200 acres, it is one of the most acclaimed luxury, resorts in the United States and makes the top lists annually. Unfortunately, their owner, Sam Beale, was killed in a freak ski accident in 2016, but his wife has taken over with no change in the quality or service.
The dining rooms are elegant as are the rooms. They also recently opened a Spa and Wellness Center on the property.
It is known for its exceptional farm-to-table cuisine with most items grown and produced on the property. It won the James Beard Award for best wine program in 2014. Bon Appetit listed it as the #1 Hotel for Food Lovers in America in 2013.
They make their own sausages and cheese and have their own brewery on site where they make their Pale Ale and other Belgian-style beers. Make sure to tour their wine cellar if you can, which was a highlight of my last visit.
I can’t wait to go back and stay!!!
In February, 2019 they opened the new Blackberry Mountain with an emphasis on wellness. Here you can stay in one of their 36 rooms and enjoy trail biking, hiking, rock climbing, yoga and foraging excursions for ramps and chanterelles. You can stay in homes and cabins on the property.