Blackberry Farm: Southern Hospitality


Scenic Accommodations.  Exquisite Cuisine.  World-class Service.  Southern Hospitality.  Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee



Great Smoky Mountains, Walland, Tennessee

Thanks to Travel + Leisure Magazine and Foodspotting, my family and I were given an opportunity to stay at the idyllic resort of Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. 

Located on 4,200 acres in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm has garnered renowned acclaim: they were Travel + Leisure's #1 Resort in the Continental United States for 2011 and just named Bon Apetit Magazine's #1 Hotel for Food Lovers in America for 2013. 

Old Walland Pond

With luxurious accommodations, world-class cuisine, and a serene setting, it actually is the impeccable service and hospitality that make Blackberry Farm so special.  Guests are invited to explore whatever aspect of the property they would like and there are a myriad of activities available; from Orvis-endorsed fly fishing to horseback riding to culinary classes with the Chef.

Dinner served nightly at The Barn, Home of James Beard award-winning Chef Joseph Lenn
The scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the adjacent National Park were stunning, but I'd be remiss by not admitting that the exquisite cuisine was one of the main reasons I was excited for the trip.

Farm Fresh Eggs, House Made Sausage, and Locally Sourced Ingredients Highlight every meal

Classics like Southern Fried Chicken and Farm:Table Cuisine Epitomize the Cuisine

All Meals are Included with the Standard Stay Package, including those by James Beard Chef Joseph Lenn
The food and meals exceeded every expectation I had and I was continually impressed whether it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Dinners are served nightly in the Barn and, besides the gorgeous venue, its the home of James Beard Best Chef Southeast Joseph Lenn.  

Inside the Barn, complete with Full Open Kitchen View
James Beard Best Chef Southeast Joseph Lenn
All meals are included as part of the standard stay package and if you've ever had any concern regarding all-inclusive meal plans, you can dismiss them here.  The food and cuisine were on par with any top-rated or acclaimed restaurant in the United States.

The "Foothills Cuisine" that Blackberry Farm is noted for features the ultimate farm:table philosophy (an on-site charcuterie, garden, livestock, winery, and brewery see to that) combined with modern cooking techniques often featuring Southern favorites.  

Owner Sam Beall's book highlighting the Foothills Cuisine of Blackberry Farm (signed and autographed by author Beall and Chef Lenn during my stay)
Overall, it was an amazing trip and visit to one of the premier resorts of the continental United States.  While I'll long remember the scenic vista views, the mouth-watering cuisine, and the luxurious accommodations, it is the friendliness, service, and hospitality of everyone at Blackberry Farm that made the visit so special for myself and my family and the reason I hope to someday return.   

Thank you Chef Lenn and Blackberry Farm

Thank you Travel + Leisure Magazine.  Thank you Foodspotting.  Thank you Blackberry Farm.

It was a trip of a lifetime and a cherished chance to escape, to relax, and to enjoy.

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