Time Travel: The Great Smoky Mountains’ renowned Blackberry Farm in 2004
A New Year’s Visit to 2004’s #1 Resort in the United States.
By Gray Shealy, Commentary by Erin Washington
TRAVEL JOURNAL: A SHORT PODCAST
Literally on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies one of the most lux getaways in the United States. Created by the founder of the Ruby Tuesday restaurant chain, the 4,200 acre Blackberry Farm is all about detail. In this throwback, I recount my family’s arrival for the first time at the renowned resort, comparing its surrounding juxtaposition to a superb theme park. It was a sensorial delight for my parents, my siblings, and I. From fully-stocked minibars, private golf carts, plush linens, a spa, and Michelin-quality food, the level of consideration for service is astounding. (And there’s a little mishap with stinky cheese too). As a result, Erin and I discuss the ambiguity of luxury, the necessity of service, and what it means to provide a truly lush experience.
Listen to our story here:
Stay: Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee, USA
68 rooms and cottages, from 1,850 usd
Image source: Syllogi, Inviato, Hotel Website, San Antonio Magazine
Leaving a travel legacy: I started writing a journal of my travels when I was a teenager. From my first trip overseas to today (where I have travelled to over 100 countries and territories), listen and watch as I open up these writings for the first time in years and re-live the experiences that helped shape my travel legacy. Travel back in time with us in each edition as we reminisce upon a past adventure.
