Blackberry Farm: A dash of southern charm.

According to the resorts own in-room literature, the 4,200-acre farm’s origins date back to 1939 when “Mrs. Florida Lasier of Chicago snagged her silk stockings on a wild blackberry bramble while exploring the idyllic Smoky Mountain foothills, and the name Blackberry Farm was born.” In 1976, it opened as a six-bedroom inn only to grow in the coming years. The Relais & Châteaux property now boasts 62 estate rooms, suites, and cottages, and is lauded as one of the country’s most celebrated luxury escapes and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Here, every outdoor enthusiast and the like can appreciate the natural beauty of The Great Smokies with activities abound, ranging from canoeing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking, concerts, seasonal festivals, and horseback riding–it's genuinely a place that's good for the soul. The property also boasts the 12,000-square-foot Wellhouse, comprising lounge space, fitness facilities, spa treatment rooms, and even a shop, and getting around the extensive grounds is made easy as each cottage comes with its own golf cart–so you won't need your car after arriving at the farm. Lavish meals are included in the price of the stay, from dinner on the night you check in to lunch on the day you check out. Breakfasts are served in the Main House, while a BBQ lunch spread is available on the lawn, and all dinners are taken in the Culinary Barn.

But wait, I haven’t even told you the best part yet. At any point during your stay, you can phone the trainer and ask to go cuddle some truffle dogs! I know, right? Amazing! Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed of hunting dog from northern Italy now used exclusively for seeking out truffles. Blackberry got its first Lagotto Romagnolo, Tom, back in 2007. The Farm now has nine adults consisting of six females and three males, and every year, three of the ladies give birth to litters. This is by no means retreat for those of us on a tight budget, but if you have a special occasion to celebrate, it’s a splurge worth making, particularly if you've not seen the Smokies and enjoy disconnecting from the hectic world we live in. Have a stay, and you'll leave feeling like a new person ready to take on whatever comes your way.

(Photos courtesy of Blackberry Farms)