Barnsley Resort, GA
Barnsley is an easy drive from anywhere on the East Coast as it is just an hour outside Atlanta. We went for a long weekend in May but there is so much to offer no matter what season you choose to go!
For lodging there are cabins and houses available depending on your party size as well as the Inn at Barnsley where you can stay. All of the accommodations are pet friendly as well! Wellie did not make this trip but there were so many sweet pups all around the grounds and we hope to take Wellie back one day.
Upon entering the property you drive through beautiful landscape then along a row of cabins until you reach check in. The entire property sits on an estate that Godfrey Barnsley built for his bride back in the 1800’s. You can visit the ruins of the original manor during your stay at Barnsley.
There are a number of restaurants on property ranging from nice dining to eating around a campfire, and they all were incredible. Starting with the fanciest, the Rice House, is known for their al la carte menu and optional course tasting menu that can be paired with incredible house cocktails and an extensive wine list. While we were staying at Barnsley there were two weddings on site so unfortunately we did not make it to the Rice House – but, it sits in a large white house with an inviting front porch ready to welcome you in! The seasonal menu always includes ingredients grown at the gardens on the property or from regional farms across Georgia and the larger southeast.
Next up for dining is the Woodlands Grill which looks over the Fazio-designed golf course, which of course Matthew played (more on that later). At Woodlands you can have an incredible dinner but they also are open for breakfast and lunch. If you opt for the breakfast package when staying, this is where you will enjoy that!
The most casual and easy of the dining options is the beer garden where you can find bbq, pizza, and other easy yet delicious options. There, of course, is a large selection of local beers and wines and all of it can be enjoyed anywhere on the property. However, they do have several picnic tables, fire pits, and occasionally live music which makes the beer garden the perfect hang out spot.
The fire pits, as well as corn hole boards, line the whole middle section of the lodging area of the resort, making for great conservation with family and friends after dinner. You also may opt to bring your own night cap or happy hour beverage of choice and sit on the many porches that are available at all the cottages and the Inn. Our favorite wine, Scribe pinot noir, paired beautifully with the later afternoon sunshine and sound of chirping birds before we headed out for dinner!
During the day at Barnsley there are countless activities to fit any interest. Of course, there is the championship golf course which Matthew reviews in his post, here, but there also is a spa, hiking trails, biking trails, a shooting club, a pool if you are there during the summer, a farm to see animals at, horses to ride the trails on, the ruins and gardens to explore, and canoes to rent!
While visiting, we walked around the ruins and gardens which were breathtakingly beautiful. The gardens are kept in impeccable shape and the ruins capture the rich history of the property and allow you to see how the resort originated. We also went on a hike which began on the backside of the property and looped around to an overlook. Barnsley sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains which makes for incredible views and wildlife on these hikes. If you choose to ride horses on the property you will also be met with goats, donkeys, and other animals on that side of the farm.
Barnsley has both bikes and canoes for you to rent on site and they are incredibly helpful pointing you in the right direction for trails or helping you lug the canoes to the water. We went on a canoe ride and it was such a unique way to see areas of the property. We were able to check out the golf course by water before Matthew played the next day.
Last but certainly not least, the spa will make you feel relaxed from the second you walk up to their front door. There are ten treatment rooms where you can have a massage, facial, and other body treatments as well as relaxation rooms to wait for your treatment in and begin the experience right away!
While we did not experience the shooting grounds, I am sure they are just as well thought-out and full of rich history and beauty, just like the rest of the property. You cannot go wrong with any of the amenities or activities whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family friendly vacation, girls trip, boys trip, wedding, or so much more! From the fresh food to the countless activities, you will leave refreshed and already planning your next trip back. I know we sure are!!
