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With elegant charm and cozy comfort, bed & breakfasts and inns offer a wondeful getaway.
It was T.S. Elliott who said that April was the cruel-est month, but then again, perhaps he had January off, unlike us. Yes, this month has to be the cruelest of all. Gone are the holidays and the parties, and in come the bills. Not only that, but vacation days are looking lean as well.
However, before you head back to bed refusing to come out, remember this: the weekends are still yours, and there is no better way to get rid of those winter doldrums than a change of scenery. Even if you are pressed for time, you can still get away from it all without getting away too far at a bed and breakfast and inn.
BLACKBERRY FARM
Understated elegance is probably the best phrase used to describe Blackberry Farm, one of Tennessee’s best kept secrets.
This 4,200-acre regal resort-slash-inn situated in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, in Walland, Tenn., was originally used for corporate retreats until the early 1990s. Today the destination is a favorite among foodies and wine aficionados. Even those who are just looking to relax agree with the slogan, “Easy to Get To. Hard to Leave.” Just wait until you see the views from the rocking chairs – you may never leave your seat.
Accommodations include rooms in the Main House and Guest House. In addition, there are a handful of cottages and two smaller, private homes that can accommodate groups.
The setting allows for hiking, fishing and mountain bike riding for those who just have to stay active while on vacation. For those with a particular interest, or who want to try something different, Blackberry Farm offers horseback riding (and lessons), fly fishing (and instruction), guided nature walks and, of course, what they are known for – various cooking and wine events.
If you came here to relax, there is the Aveda Concept Spa located in the converted 1800s farmhouse. The farmhouse is an experience in and of itself, with its restored original floors and refurbished antique furniture from the farmhouse. The décor is tasteful – white and khaki tone – that allows you to loose yourself in bliss as you indulge in signature treatments like the Blackberry Mist or the Farmhouse Elixir.
Meals are a gourmet feast, as chefs prepare dishes with a twist. Dinner is served nightly at the Main House, and is casually elegant – jackets are required for men. (800-648-4252; www.blackberryfarm.com).
INN ON BILTMORE ESTATE
Okay, so you are not a direct or indirect descendant of the Vanderbilts, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t live like one, at least for the weekend. The Inn on Biltmore Estate is exactly that – located on the grounds within viewing distance from the estate.
Completed in 2003, the 8,000-acre inn, with Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, has everything that you would expect from a Four Diamond AAA property. With 204 guestrooms and nine suites, you can forget about your hectic life for a while as you relax in style.
However, the accommodations are only part of what the Inn on Biltmore Estate has to offer. If you are active, there’s fly-fishing, horseback riding and hiking. Enjoy exploring the grounds with a carriage or a wagon ride. Take a shuttle to the Estate, the winery or the farm village. Or you can kick it into high gear with the Land Rover Driving Experience School. The School allows you to test your off road driving skills with an instructor. Ease into the late afternoon with teatime served in the Library.
You can conclude your evening by enjoying a meal in the main dining room. Dinner is a one-of-a-kind experience as well. Chefs prepare gourmet meals with a twist on regional cuisine, using available resources from the farm. (800-624-1575; www.biltmore.com).
EIGHT GABLES INN
What do you think of when you hear the phrase rustic mountain retreat? Does your mind conjure up images of you sipping a drink in front of a warm fire in the fireplace? Perhaps you think about enjoying the cool, crisp mornings, the type you can only experience in the mountains. Whatever the image may be, Eight Gables Inn in Gatlinburg, Tenn., is an ideal place to bring the images to life.
This intimate inn is located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, minutes away from downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Amenities found in the 20 guest rooms include wooded views and sitting areas. A few of the accommodations even have fireplaces. After enjoying a hearty, five-course breakfast, you can relax and soak in the scenery on the wrap around porch, or walk it off by exploring the gardens. With its location, you are never too far from outdoor activities, such as whitewater rafting, hiking, fly-fishing, and golfing.
If you want to indulge a little (and remember that this is your vacation), Eight Gables Inn has an onsite massage therapist. Yo u can surrender your tired shoulders for an hour and come out feeling refreshed.
Lunch is available Tuesday – Friday, and candlelight three-or four-course dinner is served on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. (800-430-3344; www.eightgables.com).
GREYFIELD INN
If you are a Seinfeld fan, you probably remember the chant, “serenity now.” In fact, if you find yourself repeating that phrase, it’s a sure sign that you need some time away. Imagine a place without telephones or televisions. Even laptops, Blackberries, and cell phones are not allowed. It offers complete solitude. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? If so, you must visit the Greyfield Inn.
Located on Cumberland Island, the largest of Georgia’s barrier islands, this 20-room inn is the only accommodation here. The island was designated a National Seashore in the early 1970s to preserve its historic, scenic and natural qualities, and more importantly, protect it from development. There is a restriction on the number of daily visitors allowed, and only 30 residents who live there year around. You come to Cumberland Island for the beauty and solitude.
The only way to get the island is by a ferry. The inn has its own ferry that runs from Fernandina Beach, near Amelia Island, Fla. The 40-minute ride is complimentary for guests.
Greyfield Inn was built as a retreat for the niece of Andrew Carnegie, and it still looks like it did in the early 1900s. The house is filled with period antiques and family collections. Somewhat of a living museum, you can look and touch. Explore the book collection, or take a closer look at the antiques. You never know what gems you might find.
During the day, you can take a picnic on the beach, ride a bike, or enjoy a historic tour of the island. Candlelit dinners are an elegant affair with jackets required for men. It’s a peaceful way to end the evening. (866-401-8581; www.greyfieldinn.com).
