Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northwest Georgia lies Barnsley Resort, a 3,000-acre getaway where nature, history and hospitality come together as one. Just over a three-hour drive from Williamson county, this resort-meets-village playground offers cozy accommodations, elevated Southern cuisine – (with hospitality to match) – and on-site adventure for days.
Once checked in, it’s time to roll your sleeves up and let the adventures begin. Practice your golf swing at the 18-hole Jim Fazio golf course and Golf Performance Center with state-of-the-art Trackman technology or saddle up for a horseback ride through the mountains with guided trail rides. Corral rides and animal canvas finger-painting sessions are available for the youngsters.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous escape, a getaway to Barnsley Resort serves as the ultimate retreat to unplug and reconnect.
Beretta Shooting Grounds
A trip to Barnsley Resort isn’t complete without some time at the Beretta Shooting Grounds. This experience specializes in both wingshooting and sporting clays, with guided lessons available for guests at all levels from novices to pros. Start on the covered five-stand to get familiar with the sport, then show off your skills at either the two 14-station clays shooting courses, all with state-of-the-art Promatic machines and wireless card counting systems. If quail hunting piques your interest, head over to the wingshooting grounds for the thrill of a lifetime from October through March.
Rest & Relaxation
Time spent on the village green is to be savored, with oversized lawn games and fire pits spaced throughout. To take it all in, rent a colorful cruiser bicycle to explore the resort on two wheels. For additional R&R, be sure to set aside some time for The Spa at Barnsley Resort. The Spa features ten treatment rooms and separate relaxation areas for men and women, each complete with lockers, a steam room and a sauna. Signature treatments include the Fire & Ice Facial, Barnsley Bamboo Massage, Blueberry Bliss treatment and Garden of Youth body treatment which incorporates loofah harvested on-site.
Garden to Table
The resort’s culinary program is under the helm of Executive Chef Nicolas Lebas, who merges his French background, global knowledge, and passion for working with local ingredients to showcase elevated Southern dishes at Barnsley’s dining establishments. Stop into Woodlands Grill for breakfast and coffee, lunch on the veranda with views of the golf course, or dinner by the fire in the spacious dining room. Insider’s tip - don’t skip out on the pimento cheese beignets or steak au poivre. Head to Dugan’s for a pre-dinner or post-dinner craft cocktail or opt for a private dining experience in the cozy Wine Library. On the opposite end of the village green is the Rice House, a nineteenth-century farmhouse restaurant open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Rice House menu pays homage to the resort’s Southern heritage, primarily using ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, as well as vegetables grown under the supervision of Rice House Sous Chef Hugo Cifuentes in the on-site garden. The result is a mouth-watering ‘garden-to-table’ menu that changes monthly to showcase in-season ingredients from within 150 miles of the resort. The outdoor Beer Garden is worth a stop to enjoy a cold one on the weekends with more than thirty craft beers paired with casual dining options, all served under picture-perfect strings of twinkle lights.
Cooking School
For an exclusive culinary experience, partake in the new, monthly Fire Kettle Cooking School program. During this intimate, outdoor cooking class, Chef Lebas prepares a favorites recipe over the open flame of a Sea Island Forge kettle while you enjoy a fresh salad, the featured dish and a bite of dessert, all perfectly paired with a glass of wine. The ongoing Supper Club series is another not-to-be-missed dining experience. The next experience will be
an all-American BBQ cookout over the Fourth of July weekend, and in the fall, the Swine & Wine weekend will welcome back Nashville’s Peg Leg Porker for a full pig roast, along with a wine tasting
of Heathen Wine Tours led by Heath Porter.
an all-American BBQ cookout over the Fourth of July weekend, and in the fall, the Swine & Wine weekend will welcome back Nashville’s Peg Leg Porker for a full pig roast, along with a wine tasting
of Heathen Wine Tours led by Heath Porter.
Manor House Ruins & Garden
When it’s time to unwind, the Manor House Ruins and Gardens are a must-see. Godfrey Barnsley began construction on the ruins for his wife, Julia, who sadly became ill and passed away before completion. It was his undying love for her that pushed him to complete the home. Over the years the estate was witness to war battles, victim to a tornado, and fatal family rivalry.
Cozy Accommodations
Dotting the village green are thirty-nine cozy cottages. The Manor and Estate Cottages offer multi-rooms with a shared living space, making them perfect for large groups of friends or family vacation. The Suite and Arbor Cottages are ideal for a couple’s retreat with private porches and indoor fireplaces. The fifty-five room Inn boasts a turn of the twentieth-century design to complement the historic and charming ambiance of the resort.
For more information, visit barnsleyresort.com.
