Gallivanting Around North Georgia

Fresh air, lush greens, magnolias, sweet tea, grits and outdoor activities … we have the most romantic, adventurous and relaxing vacation for you. It’s hard to imagine that all of the above can be found in one place, but located in North Georgia is Barnsley Resort – the ultimate weekend escape.

Barnsley Resort is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just 60 miles north of Atlanta. From the moment you step off the plane and hear “yes ma’am” or “yes sir,” you enter a fairytale dreamland; it’s quite refreshing and further proof that you are no longer in SoCal.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with southern hospitality. While most hotels offer to bring your bags to the room, the staff at Barnsley does it no questions asked. Barnsley Resort has 55 guest rooms at the Inn and 37 cottages ranging from one to seven rooms, totaling 150 guest rooms. For every room in a cottage, there is a private full bathroom to match … meaning no fighting over space. Each cottage has its own personality and unique design – all English-inspired. Guests are able to pick their ideal stay with each cottage including different amenities, from kitchen to dining area to fireplaces. Each cottage has a living room, private front and back porch with swing and garden. Don’t leave your pup at home – the cottages are fido-friendly. The Inn is the newest addition to the Barnsley Resort, opening just last year. The spacious rooms provide southern charm and scenic views.

The whole resort is pedestrian friendly, from the moment you arrive you can park your car and leave it until you depart for home. The staff at Barnsley can arrange rides for anything you may not want to walk to or any activities away from the main village.

Barnsley Resort has over 3,000 acres to enjoy activities. With temperatures ranging from 40s to 70s, Barnsley offers outdoor experiences year-round. From clay shooting to horseback riding to relaxing spa time, all activities can be done on property.

If you’re up for exploring, utilize the properties 1.8-mile fit trail or hike to the overlook – the picturesque views are worth the climb. The resort boasts over 10 miles of hiking trails. Walk, hike, bike or horseback ride to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain peaks. What better way to sightsee the stunning (but large) property than on horse? Grab your saddle and boots and get ready for a guided wilderness trail ride.

Golfers unite; the property features an 18-hole Jim Fazio-designed course. Not a pro? The new Gold School provides drop-in clinics, private lessons and utilizes Trackman Technology. The instructors will keep you from yelling “fore.” This is a course non-golfers can appreciate; the incredible views make you want to be the caddy.

Barnsley Resort also offers guests a nine-hole Disc Golf course, corn hole, kayaking, canoeing, catch-and-release fishing and fly-fishing lessons in the 10-acre lake. Guests are also able to stop by the Barnsley Barnyard to play with some furry friends – miniature horses, goats, chickens, donkeys, a pig and more.

The incredible property also boasts the brand new Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company at Barnsley Resort. The 28-station clay course provides the perfect setting to practice your aim while having a blast. Guests are able to give it their best shot with some of the best shotguns in the business, Beretta. There are certified instructors to teach both left and right-handers all the tips and tricks behind hittin’ clays … and quail if you’re brave. Once you get the hang of it you wont want to stop shouting “pull.”

Grab your camo, jump on an ATV and head over to the hunting preserve to check out the nine quail hunting zones. With over 1,800 acres of rolling hills you’ll be sure to bring some quail home. The property provides trained pointing, flushing and retrieving pups to make your time out hunting a breeze.

If the outdoor activities weren’t enough to get your blood pumping, head to the Fitness Center filled with cardio equipment, circuit training and free weights. Adjacent to the gym is the salt-water pool. Relax on one of the many lounges or lay back in a floatie admiring the golf course views.

If the pool isn’t relaxing enough the Spa at Barnsley Resort is sure to do the trick. The spa incorporates the resort’s natural philosophy by harvesting their own loofa gourds and using garden-fresh product lines. The spa offers guests exfoliating scrubs, massages, facials and waxing services. Leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to explore the rest of Barnsley’s gorgeous grounds.

Barnsley has a history that will make any romantic swoon. The Historic Manor House Ruins, Woodlands, is the original manor that Godfrey Barnsley built for his wife, Julia in the 19th century. Sadly, she ended up passing away before the manor could be completed. There is a long history involving Civil War, Julia(s) and murder that can all be read in Barnsley Gardens at Woodlands by Clent Coker – resident historian and official Barnsley storyteller. The whole resort is centered around the iconic 1840s southern estate. The incredible history makes the resort even more interesting, especially knowing how far it has come from those fateful times.

The property has over 16,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The Barnsley team can help customize your event with themed activities like Rodeo Roundup, Geocaching, Group Cooking Demonstrations and more – making it a great environment for team building. Dedicated conference coordinators and catering options are available.

Barnsley Resort has three on-site dining options: Woodlands Grill, Rice House and the Beer Garden. We know farm-to-table is overused, but the food at the Barnsley is true to the term – taking produce from the on-site garden and local purveyors within 15 miles of the resort. The chefs take pride in only providing the freshest faire in season to their guests.

Woodlands Grill offers southern comfort food while overlooking the golf course, lake and pool. They serve food all day and have a vast wine, beer and spirit list. Be sure to try the bourbon … you are pretty close to Kentucky. For private parties, check out the Wine Library.

Rice House is a 19th-century farmhouse-turned-restaurant. If the walls could talk, this place would tell a lot of stories. Originally located in Rome, Georgia, the home was relocated to Barnsley. The menu changes weekly to keep things fresh … both literally and figuratively.

The Beer Garden offers fast casual faire with over 30 craft beers to choose from. Guests are able to grab-n-go or sit back and relax at one of the many picnic tables overlooking the outdoor games and fire pits. Once the sun sets, grab a complimentary s’mores kit and get roasting.

While Barnsley is the ideal place for a girls getaway, mancations or family vacations, the resorts romantic history make for the perfect wedding venue. The Manor House Ruins offer breathtaking views both inside and out, from the fireplace to the exposed brick. Decorated with string lights and tea lights, the glowing remains are quite charmer for guests. The newest addition to the Manor House Ruins is the Manor House Pavilion, providing covered accommodations for up to 230 guests. The Georgian Hall, The Meadow, Town Hall, Tenth Tee and Meditation Garden are additional venue options.

Have you heard of burying the Bourbon? If you aren’t married, you’ll want to add this to your plans. Burying the Bourbon is a fun southern tradition that involves burying a bottle of bourbon upside down near your wedding venue. This tradition is supposed to ensure good weather on your wedding day. The bottle is dug up and enjoyed by the bridal party during the rehearsal dinner. Get diggin’ girls!

Barnsley Resort offers a number of packages for guests – from Stay & Play (a golf-inspired stay) to Pampered Pets For Paws (providing special accommodations for your pups). Pampered Pets For Paws provides pups with luxury canine accommodations, and the usual pet fee is donated to PAWS Atlanta, a Georgian pet rescue. It’s sweet summertime and what better way to spend it tsippin’ sweet tea with your closest gal pals? Barnsley’s newest package is Aim High. Bring your toughest chicks and get down and dirty in the shooting grounds. This package offers additional credits to be used towards other outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fly-fishing and golf. Credit can also be used towards the spa … because you deserved to be pampered after hitting the clay. The Aim High Package includes cottage accommodations and breakfast.

Barnsley Resort is a dreamland designed to get guests outside and immersed in nature. The resort is basically an adult summer camp where you trade in hot dogs, tents and wilderness for amazing restaurants, gardens, spa, golf course, shooting grounds and horse back riding – s’mores included. Book your stay at Barnsley Resort for the ultimate southern retreat.